Paraná Guazú

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.

Light bottom fishing with live or cut bait (worm, baitfish) and medium hooks. From shore or boat; good night fishing.

Light-to-medium gear, small hooks and plant-based bait (dough, corn) or worm. On the bottom or floating in the rapids; a favorite in shore competitions.

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

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.