After 20+ years of fly-fishing and numerous destination trips, we were ready for our next adventure; “Big Yellow Toothy Fish”—Golden Dorado in Argentina!
We booked a trip through an unfamiliar (to us) outfitter called SET Fly Fishing. Soon after, COVID stopped the world, and we were able to witness first-hand their true character. We spent the better part of TWO years locked down from global travel, and I will admit, at first, we thought our trip (and money) were long gone. However, SET kept us updated on a regular basis throughout the entire ordeal. We even found out later they continued to keep their staff on and paid them the entire time as well, even with no customers. That is true character!
Let us get back to the big yellow toothy fly-fishing trip of a lifetime
This trip to Argentina would be our second trip targeting Golden Dorado. We had the pleasure of landing these beauties in Bolivia several years prior. Argentina, however, is a vastly different fishery, consisting of both marsh and river fishing; both of which are extraordinary! SET seamlessly arranges the trip so you get the best opportunities for golden dorado at the best times. It was never fishing the same beat day-after-day.
First and foremost
Argentina and Bolivia are two extremely different estuaries for golden dorado. In our experience both were amazing. With Bolivia being primarily a wading experience, with some areas being a PARTICULARLY difficult wade over and around rocks and boulders. We actually did cross-fit training to prepare us for that trip. (Very glad we did.)
Argentina, on the other hand, provided true all-around comforts of fly-fishing from beautiful boats in both the river and marsh areas (ok, and had larger fish). We were able to get to our fishing locations quickly and comfortably. For mid-day lunch time, when on the river location, we came back to the lodge for a break had a lovely gourmet lunch and some “beverages.” Then maybe a quick nap before heading out for an evening full of more great fishing.
Now to the target species—Golden Dorado!
This apex predator feeds on Sabalo, a baitfish native to the rivers and marshes in the region. When fishing in the area, it was not uncommon to see the water begin to “boil” with Sabalo. Our guides would very quietly whisper, “The Dorado are hunting…”
Amazing is an understatement! Casting into the hordes of Sabalo with a mouse pattern or crease fly and watching a Dorado chase the fly and hammer it on the surface is something you will never forget. Take a moment, close your eyes, and imagine a 20+ pound big yellow toothy fish hammering your fly, jumping 3 feet straight out of the water, shaking its head, as your heart starts pounding harder —The Fight Begins!
Argentina and Bolivia both have very respectable Big Yellow Toothy Fish, but the numbers and size were a win for Argentina. Yes, Size Does Matter!
Last, but certainly not least, the radical hospitality we experienced in Argentina was genuine and truly heartwarming. Both of the outfitters in Bolivia and Argentina were easy to work with to book internal flights, transportation, and transfers. However, the extra mile that SET Fly Fishing provides is amazing. They went well above and beyond what we experienced with other outfitters during our travels. The “extras” they provided before, during, and post trip were truly extraordinary and brought our fly-fishing excursion to the next level.
First-Class Guides and Staff
The professional guides in Argentina were among the best we have ever experienced in our travels. They not only had customer service down to a science, but they also truly knew how to find and get us on spectacular golden dorado. In addition to the extraordinary guide staff, the entire staff at each of the lodges are incredible. They took care of us as if we were guests in a luxury 5-star hotel. Their kindness and attentiveness brought smiles to our faces every day and made us feel as if we were family. (The kind of family you like.) The meals….WOW! Just WOW! We wanted for nothing during our entire stay.
SET Fly Fishing surprised us with many unexpected amenities, included but not limited to:
- a Buenos Aires city tour, with an amazing, knowledgeable guide specializing in the beautiful architecture and rich history of Argentina
- at the main lodge definitely consider taking a tour of the picturesque Basilica of Our Lady of Itati located in the adjacent small town
- the private jet transfer flights comprised of an over the top gourmet boxed lunch
Also, post-fishing trip, we decided to stay an extra week in Buenos Aires on our own. SET, again, went the extra mile, texting us daily to make certain everything was going well. They even made all the arrangements for a private driver to shuttle us back to the airport at the end of our trip. A wonderful carefree ending for a perfect trip.
We must mention that we are PURPOSELY not sharing some of the best and most amazing details of this fishery. Why not, you may ask? Because these are “once-in-a-lifetime-pinch-me-moments” and should definitely be experienced first-hand. That is all we will share because lagniappe with SET Fly Fishing, in our experience, continually goes over the top of our best fly-fishing adventures ever!
Theresa “Drox” Rosik and Chuck Geurts
PS: Full Disclosure
The fishing in Argentina was utterly amazing. So much so, that we went back the following year to enjoy the friendships we have made, meet new friends, be spoiled by the awe-inspiring hospitality, and of course catch some Big Yellow Toothy Fish!
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