Golden dorado

The gear must measure up to a strong fish that runs, jumps, and lives in current with structure. Specific recommendation:

Spinning (standard setup)

• Rod: spinning rod of 1.80 to 2.10 m, medium to medium-fast action and medium / medium-heavy power, with a good response for setting the hook in a hard mouth.
• Reel: a sturdy spinning reel size 3000 to 4000, with a progressive, reliable drag to hold up to the runs.
• Line: braided line of 20 to 30 lb; it gives sensitivity, low stretch for a solid hookset, and the load capacity for big fish.
• Leader: an anti-cut leader is essential because of the teeth: thin flexible steel (coated steel cable) or heavy fluorocarbon of 40-60 lb. Without it, the dorado cuts the line with a single bite.

For trophy specimens or big rivers: step up to a medium-heavy/heavy rod, a 4000-5000 reel, and 30-40 lb braid, with a steel leader.

Fly fishing

• Rod: #8 to #10, fast, to move large streamers and fight in current.
• Reel: with a good disc drag and backing capacity.
• Line: WF (weight forward) matched to the rod number; in fast water a sinking tip may be advisable.
• Tippet / leader: finish with an anti-cut section of steel or heavy fluorocarbon, just as in spinning.

Key accessories: strong, well-sharpened hooks (ideally barbless if you're going to release), long pliers to unhook without hurting yourself on the teeth, and if you practice catch and release, a knotless/rubber net and gloves to handle the fish carefully.

The Dorado can be targeted several ways; the most used and effective in Argentina are:

Spinning (the most popular)

1. Locate structure with current: a run, the head of an island, a river confluence, or a deep hole at the foot of a cutbank.
2. Cast the lure upstream or across, and retrieve it letting the current bring it to life.
3. Vary the speed and add twitches (jerking) to imitate a wounded fish; many strikes come when you pause or speed up.
4. When it hits, set the hook hard: the dorado's mouth is hard and bony, and a soft hookset won't penetrate.
5. During the fight, keep constant pressure but let it run; it will jump shaking its head —drop the rod on the jump ("bow to the fish") so it doesn't throw the hook.

Trolling: dragging minnows or spoons behind the boat is very effective for combing long stretches of river and locating active fish, especially in broad waters.

Drift fishing: letting the boat drift down with the current while presenting live bait or a lure near the bottom, covering deep holes and runs in a natural way.

Fly fishing: growing fast; it uses powerful gear (#8-#10 lines) and large streamers. You cast to the structure and retrieve in strips. It demands a good cast and adrenaline-charged fights.

Bottom / still fishing: with natural bait laid on the bottom or suspended in deep holes, more passive but valid when the fish isn't aggressive.

Guide's tips: the best hours are usually dawn and dusk, and overcast days or shifting pressure fire up the bite. Pay attention to the "hervideros" where juvenile sábalos scatter at the surface: there's almost always a dorado hunting below. Always use an anti-cut leader. And if you're going to release the fish —highly recommended—, handle it with wet hands, minimize time out of the water, and revive it facing into the current before letting it go.