La Zona/ Dorado/ March 25 to 28, 2022

 Friends Greg Thompson, Ron Elbers, and two of their friends had the opportunity to fish on the Uruguay River for monster dorado out of  La Zona Lodge during March 25 to 28.  The water levels in La Zona have been exceeding low for a long period of time.  When the group arrived the levels were about 1 meter, but fishing was good casting poppers, local JAG lures, and Papa Doctor spoons.The levels stayed low for the first few days but numerous huge dorado exceeding 40 lbs were landed.  The third day, The Salto Grande Dam started putting their turbines in high gear and the water rose to about 6 meters.  This is perfect conditions for deep diving lures and Kermett Adams spinnerbaits.  Dorado often go on a feeding frenzy when the water is rising with lots of current.  Numerous lures were destroyed and rods broken. 

The water decreased at night and went back up to around 6 meters the last day making for a fabulous trip.  In total the group landed 23 trophy dorado between 40 to 50 lbs!!!  What a trip!!!  So on your next trip to La Zona be prepared for various water levels. 

Bring a few spoons, poppers, Super Shad Raps, Rapala cd18 and Rapala cd22,  Yo-Zuri hydro Magnums, and a few Kermett Admas Spinnerbaits with lots of extra skirts which is cover all depths.  Hopefully the levels continue to drop at night and rise during the day.  Have friends arriving tomorrow at La Zona and following 2 weeks then I make a return appearance.  Cannot wait to go back to great Freshwater Dorado Fishery on Earth, La Zona Lodge!!!

NEW TACKLE STORE IN BUENOS AIRES/ FLY SHOP

 

During my last trip to Argentina, I spent a few nights in Buenos Aires.  During any International Fishing Trip, I try my best to visit local tackle shops to see what local tackle is not available in the United States.  Long time friend, Adrian De Brito, recently opened the Pesca del Plata Tackle Store, www. pescadelplata.empretienda.com.ar.   The store is located on Ex Combatients Juan Sanchez 420 San Fernando-Pcia.de Bs.As.   Adrian has a wide variety of Rapala lures which are not available in the USA such as the metal bill Super Shad Rap, and different colors of Super Shad Raps not available here. Pesca del Plata also has a wide selection of quality Shimano reels and rods, outboard motors and boats, and top of the line camping equipment.  Adrian guides on the Rio La Plata in his free time so can give good advice on local fishing.  He saved the day for me while fishing La Zona for dorado as I was running out of spoons after the first session.  Adrian contacted his supplier and was able to get me numerous No. 6 Wemp spoons in gold coloration which were perfect at La Zona.  

Also during my stay I was able to meet up with long time friend, Nicholas Rosas who operates the Aventura Fly Shop, www.aventuraflyshop.com.ar. 

The Fly Shop is located at Av. Fondo de la Legua 425 Local 13 Boulogne.  Nico has a wide variety of flies, rods, reels, and line.  Plus, Nico is a avid angler often fishing at Rio Lodge on the Parana so can give priceless advice on fly tackle and conventional tackle.  

So, during your next visit to Buenos Aires, make sure to stop by the Pesca del Plata Tackle Store and the Aventura Fly Shop.  You can talk fishing and even make new longtime friends.  Make sure you tell Adrian and Nico that Bob Daly says "hi".  

LA ZONA LOW WATER/ NO PROBLEM!

 

Southern Brazil and Upper Argentina have been in drought conditions for the past few years.  Farmers, ranchers, and others who depend on water are having much issues growing crops and with their livestock.  Many of the famous rivers such as the Uruguay and Parana are extremely low such as many boats cannot even get out due to lack of water.  The past few weeks while fishing for dorado in La Zona on the Uruguay River the water was the lowest locals have experienced.  In the "Zone", one could say it reminded one of a rock field as numerous boulders were either exposed or sitting a few inches below the surface. 

Motoring through this rock field maze was extremely difficult, but our guides Elbio and Alejandro did a great job.  With the water being so low only a few lures would be an option as others would dive too deep and constantly snag in the rocks.  Shallow cup poppers made by Kermett Adams were outstanding when the dorado could be seen attacking bogas in a few inches of water.  When using the popper, keep your rod as high as possible and reel in with super human speed, do not pop!!!  We had our best luck using 2 oz Papa Doctor Spoons in gold coloration. 

These spoons are 5 1/2 inches long and quite thin.  One can cast them a country mile trying to reach the exposed rocks where the dorado sit.  A medium to fast retrieve was required to prevent snagging.  We put a barrel swivel on the rear split ring then another split ring to the barrel swivel then a 8/0 strong single hook.  This configuration allowed the hook the rotate when the giant dorado would make numerous leaps to try and toss the hook. 

Another lure we had success with was a local glider, JAG, which would zig zag a few inches below the surface.  I actually landed a 44 lbs dorado on my second cast with this lure.  We lost numerous lures due to dorado leaping while our braid would cut on the rocks, so long mono or fluor leaders are necessary.  In my opinion, the water levels in La Zona will remain low in the near future, so be prepared for low water conditions where you can catch "mucho grandes" like we did!!!  Best of luck!!!

LA ZONA/ ARGENTINA DORADO JANUARY 2022

 

After a 2 year absence, I am able to travel to one of my favorite fishing destinations on earth, La Zona for monster freshwater dorado.  As some are aware, I have fished this outstanding destination since it opened to fishermen except for the covid lockdown years and the dorado keep getting larger and larger.  2022 was no exception.

  My group of 4 fished for 8 days, Jan 21 to 24 and Jan 28 to 31.  I spent a few nights in my favorite town, Buenos Aires, to see some old friends and enjoy perhaps the best steakhouses on earth.  I again stayed at the Grand King Hotel which is located in the business district near the shopping centers.  The water on the Uruguay River was extremely low around 0.4 meters so numerous boulders were exposed making motoring the boat inside the zone extremely difficult.  The outside temps soared during week 1 reaching 100F. 

The dorado fishing was also redhot as giants  were landed ( I only record dorado over 30 lbs) 2 over 50 lbs, 13 between 40-49 lbs, and 22 between 30-39 lbs, for a total of 37 dorado over 30 lbs including a monster pushing the boga grip to 56 lbs.  We landed 99% of the dorado on gold Papa Doctor spoons reeled in over the tops of boulders.  Guides Elbio and Alejandro did an outstanding job of putting us on trophies throughout the week.  We stayed at the La Zona Hotel which is 5*****.  The bedrooms are very spacious and the dining area is outstanding.  There is a lounge upstairs which includes leather chairs, couches, and even a pool table.  There is a swimming pool on the grounds to relax in and cool off. 

Chef Sanchez was perhaps the best cook I have had at La Zona in all my years.  I went back to Buenos Aires between fishing sessions and visited friend, Adrian, who owns "Pesca del Plata" Tackle Store.  Adrian was able to get me numerous Wemp's spoons which saved the day as I was running out of spoons.  During week 2 at La Zona the outside temps dropped to 59F in the morning shutting down the bite.  For the groups we landed 0 dorado over 50 lbs, 6 between 40-49 lbs, and 9 between 30-39 lbs for a total of 15 over 30 lbs.  So for the 2 sessions we landed 52 dorado over 30 lbs which is fantastic!  On my return I met up with friend, Nico, who owns Ventura FlyShop.  Over all, the trip was outstanding and exceeded my expectations especially with the low water conditions.  Anxious for April to come around as I return to catch more giant dorao in La Zona!!!

BLESSED AGAIN IN 2021

 

2021 was another crazy year.  Covid still has a few of my favorite destinations such as Australia and Papua New Guinea locked down.  God willing, they will open to tourism soon so I can once again wet a line with friend Luke of Rock Expeditions for PNG bass and Giant Trevally.  Luckily, I was able to go on some great fishing adventures in 2021.  In June I went to PanaFishing Lodge which is locate in the town of Pedasi. 

This was my first trip to Panama and won't be my last as already made a booking for June 2023.  Here I battled giant Roosterfish, YellowFin Tuna, Jack Crevalles, and many other saltwater species. 

Panama is very easy to get to and the residents are very friendly.  In August I made by annual trip to Venice, LA to fish with Capt. Keith Kennedy.  The bull redfish are usually in abundance and this trip was no different as Capt Keith put us on loads of big bulls.  This is definately a trip all should consider.  In November I ventured to French Polynesia to battle the king of the seas, The Giant Trevally. Here we caught numerous Giant Trevally and more huge Coral Trout than most land in a lifetime!!

The trip highly exceeded my expectations with the variety of species caught and the size.  Definately a spot I will go back to.  God willing 2022 will again be a very exciting year with trips planned to La Zona Lodge in Argentina for huge golden dorado, Jurassic Lake Lodge in Argentina for monster rainbow trout, Venice, LA to again battle bull reds with Keith Kennedy, The Seychelles to battle giant Dogtooth Tuna and Giant Trevally, Russia to seek the elusive taimen, and hopefully a few trips to Papua New Guinea to seek out PNG bass in the jungles and Giant Trevally out in the seas.  God bless everyone and hope you have an exciting and healthy 2022!!  

TRIP OF A LIFETIME

 

Looking to give that FisherPerson in your life a fishing trip which they will remember forever?  Well, I have been blessed to travel the world seeking the best fishing destinations.  You cannot beat Argentina when it comes to fishing, great food, and friendly people.  Stay a few nights in Buenos Aires and fill yourself on their famous Steakhouses.  Then travel up north to La Zona Lodge seeking the largest freshwater dorado on earth.  If you are a fly fishing person, travel south to the town of El Calafate and take a tour of the Moreno Glaciers before heading out to Jurassic Lake Lodge where some of the largest rainbow trout on earth swim.  If monster saltwater species are on your list wish, venture to the remote islands of Papua New Guinea with Rock Expeditions seeking huge Giant Trevally, monster dogtooth tuna, Napoleon Wrasse and many others.

  Here you will see not others other than a few natives who live on these Islands out of Misima.  If you looking for a great destination a tad closer to home, book to flight to Panama and fish with PanaFishing for some monster Roosterfish and Yellowfin Tuna.  The lodge caters to small groups where no others fish.  Lodge owner Pierre will take very good care of you during your stay. 

Many of the countries are opening as they have been closed down due to covid.  So, the fish are eagerly awaiting as some have not seen a lure in a few years.  Don't let covid scare you, just be smart!  Merry Christmas to all!!

Xmas Gift/ Venice Redfish

 

Looking to give that Fisherperson a last minute Xmas present where they have have a fishing trip of a lifetime?  Capt. Keith Kennedy of Born To Fish Charters out of Venice, LA offers world class bull redfish angling at a mere cost of what you would pay for an International Trip.  Fly into New Orleans and rent a cal and drive about 2 hours to his lodge in Venice.  Keith can provide all housing, world class meals, and guided fishing for some of the largest bull reds which swim.  I have fished with Keith for years and can vouch that he will try his hardest to put you onto bull reds.  Leave all the worries to Keith and just show up

.  He has quality tackle plus worked as a chef so will put a few lbs on you with his cajun meals.  Keith can be reached at 5049083108.  Book now as the best dates fill fast.  Spring, Summer, and Fall can offer fantastic fishing in the Gulf Area where Keith fishes.