Los Padres Lagoon

The pejerrey is a medium-sized fish with a delicate mouth, so the tackle leans to the fine and sensitive side. A recommended setup:

• Rod: light action (light / ultralight), from 1.80 to 3.00 m depending on the method. For float fishing from shore a longer rod helps to cast and to register the bite; for spinning with micro-lures, a short, sensitive fast-action rod. A soft tip is key to cushioning the fragile mouth.
• Reel: small spinning reel (size 1000 to 2500) or a light baitcaster, with a smooth, well-adjusted drag. The smoothness of the drag prevents the mouth from tearing during the fight.
• Main line: fine nylon of 0.20 to 0.25 mm, or light braid (4 to 8 lb) for spinning, which gives maximum sensitivity to detect the subtle bite.
• Leader: nylon or fluorocarbon finer than the main line, 0.18 to 0.22 mm. Fluorocarbon is less visible underwater and helps in clear water.
• Hooks: small and of good quality, matched to the pejerrey's reduced mouth; staggered on the line to gauge depths.
• Accessories: fine, sensitive floats or corks, light sinkers to regulate depth, and a soft mesh net if you are going to release fish, to handle them with the least possible harm.

The philosophy of the tackle is simple: the finer and more sensitive it is, the more bites you will detect and the more you will enjoy the fight of this silver fish.

For the tararira a light-to-medium outfit is best, sturdy but comfortable to cast for hours. The setup depends on the method, but these are the specific recommendations:

Rod:

• For spinning with lures: a 1.80 to 2.10 m rod, fast action and medium power (medium / medium-heavy). Firm enough to set the hook in that bony mouth and to pull the fish out of the vegetation.
• For bottom fishing from the shore: a somewhat longer rod (2.40–3.00 m) that lets you cast the bait far.

Reel:

• Spinning reel size 2500 to 4000, with a good, smooth drag. Alternatively, a baitcasting reel for those who master it, widely used with lures.

Line:

• Braid of 15 to 30 lb: it's the best option because it has little stretch (firmer hooksets), doesn't get cut by the vegetation, and lets you pull the fish out of the structure with authority.
• If you prefer nylon (monofilament), use 0.35 to 0.45 mm.

Leader (essential):

• Flexible steel (steel wire) or thick fluorocarbon (0.60–0.80 mm) about 20–30 cm long. The tararira's teeth cut any thin line; without a leader you'll lose fish and lure for sure. Steel is the safest; thick fluorocarbon is a more discreet alternative in clear water.

Accessories:

• Long pliers for unhooking (don't put your fingers in that mouth), a glove, a boga-grip or landing net for handling, and strong, well-sharpened hooks (single or treble depending on the lure). Bring weedless lures to fish among the vegetation without snagging.

Bottom fishing with boilies, corn or dough and a hair rig. Medium gear with rod pods and a bite alarm; it withstands long fights.