[Patagonic Adventure]

The dorado (salminus maxillosus) is a fish native from Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay.

The dorado is the most beautiful fish that dwells in the waters of the Paraná River and some other rivers of the north side of Argentina such as the Juramento River and the Dulce River.

Baptized as the "tiger of the rivers", its mood and hunting voracity at the time of getting food are the perfect base for its well-deserved nickname.

There is not a more fighting species in sport fishing. Owner of impressive teeth, once hooked, the dorado starts to make big acrobatic jumps that increase the level of excitement in this kind of fishing. The fight against this large fish usually lasts long minutes of tension and adrenaline. The fishing of the dorado is considered as one of the best worldwide.

Dorado are exceptionally strong swimmers. They typically range in size from 5 to 10 pounds. In some fisheries, twenty pounders are common. Although the current IGFA all-tackle record is 51 pounds, giants of up to 70 pounds have been recorded. Their intense, almost radiant, golden color is marked with holographic black horizontal stripes.



Conventional gear for big dorado is virtually the same as that used for trophy peacock bass (although a wire leader is essential).
Fly fishermen are best equipped with an 8-9-weight fly rod and either a 200 to 300 grain, 24-foot sink tip line or a full floating line depending upon water conditions. A heavy steel leader is a must, as these fish will chew through any kind of monofilament as though it were sewing thread! Dorado take a variety of streamers, sliders and even Atlantic salmon-style Bombers during ideal conditions (tied on 3/0 to 6/0, heavy, long shank hooks).



Next Week I will go to the Parana River to fish some of this beutifull fishes. Hope to catch some to post some photos.