Dogtooth characin (chafalote)
A long, silver predator known as the "machete" or "dogfish" for the long fangs that protrude from its jaw.
In seasonWhere to fish
Season
- Off
- In season
Recent Dogtooth characin (chafalote) catches
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Open, fast-flowing waters of the Paraná, Paraguay and Río de la Plata; schools that hunt baitfish near the surface.
Baits and lures
Live pejerrey or baitfish; fast silver lures, spoons and quick-retrieve minnows.
Recommended gear
Light-to-medium spinning gear with a steel leader or heavy fluorocarbon (the fangs cut through). Fast silver lures and small poppers; set the hook firmly.
Fishing techniques
El chafalote es un cazador de superficie, veloz y plateado, que ataca cardúmenes de sabalitos y mojarras cerca de la superficie.
Spinning en superficie
- Buscá zonas con actividad de carnada: sabalitos saltando, "hervideros" o cardúmenes nerviosos cerca de la costa o de islas.
- Lanzá señuelos de superficie o subsuperficie —poppers chicos, stickbaits o cucharitas plateadas— que imiten a un pez herido.
- Recuperá rápido y con recuperación irregular, alternando pausas cortas; el chafalote reacciona al movimiento errático.
- El ataque suele ser explosivo, a la vista, con el pez saltando sobre el señuelo.
- Clavá rápido y firme apenas sentís el golpe: tiene la boca dura y llena de dientes filosos.
- Peleá con la caña alta, esperando saltos; suelta con facilidad si aflojás la línea.
También se lo intercepta al pasar con cucharitas o minnows en trolling liviano, peinando la costa donde hay actividad de superficie.
Tips de guía: las horas de más luz y las tardes calmas con cardúmenes activos son las mejores. Usá un tramo de leader de acero o multifilamento grueso: sus dientes cortan el monofilamento con facilidad.
Closed season & regulations
Closed seasons, minimum size and bag limits for dogtooth characin (chafalote) are set by each province and change every year. The current rule is on each spot's page: confirm it before heading out.
Shops & clubs in the area
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Frequently asked questions about dogtooth characin (chafalote)
Can you fish for Dogtooth characin (chafalote) right now, in October?
Yes: October falls within the dogtooth characin (chafalote) season. Its best time of year is dec–feb. Before heading out, check the fishing rule for the spot: closed seasons are set by each province.
What's the best time to fish Dogtooth characin (chafalote)?
The best time for dogtooth characin (chafalote) is dec–feb. Check each place's page for the bite calendar and to respect current closed seasons.
Where can you fish Dogtooth characin (chafalote) in Argentina?
Some of the best places to fish dogtooth characin (chafalote) are Goya (Paraná), Río Paraná (Rosario), Paso de la Patria, Paraná Medio. On PESQA you get the map, access info, seasons and verified guides for each one.
