Brad's 2019 Trip Report
Brad Staples' recaps his 2019 hosted weeks on the Golden Dorado River Cruiser.
Golden Dorado River Cruiser - Argentina
Paraná River Liveaboard Fishing
Within a few hours of Buenos Aires, you'll find fantastic golden dorado fishing opportunities in the vast upper delta of the Paraná River system. The Paraná River system is the second largest in South America, after the Amazon, and has a total length of over 1,500 miles, with hundreds of tributaries, deltas, marshlands, lagoons, side channels, full of fantastic flora and fauna and yes, the aggressive Golden Dorado.
Paraná River Golden Dorado
The Golden Dorado River Cruiser accesses some of the best dorado fishing on the Paraná River system. Each day, you'll fish new waters. Anglers will often not see another boat on the water during the entire day.
The Golden Dorado River Cruiser allows anglers the mobility to move with the fish, according to seasons, weather, the arrival of baitfish... Follow the migrations for the best fishing year-round.
A liveaboard operation targeting golden dorado program is the only one of its kind in Argentina. Within minutes of the main river, you can be casting to aggressive dorado and enjoying this expansive
wilderness area, while remaining close to civilization.
Golden Dorado are extraordinary hunters and are regarded as one of the best fighting freshwater fish on the planet.
They’re aggressive with a ferocious strike, long, hard runs, high jumps, and fighting stamina. The locals call them River Tigers.
They like moving water, and most often stalk close to river structure. Be prepared for them to viciously strip set your hook, pulling hard on your line, or you’ll end up with nothing.
Catches range from 2 to 15-pounds, with chances at larger fish during every trip.
Other Paraná River species include wolffish, vampire fish, pira pita, boga, and catfish.
Fishing Facts:
Season: The Golden Dorado River Cruiser runs year-round, with peak fishing from October through May.
Boats: Four, 17½-foot North Carolina Skiffs with 90-HP Yamaha four-stroke engines. The boats are specifically
designed for fly fishing and have remote control operated electric trolling motors, and two casting platforms, so anglers can comfortably cast at the same time.
The guides all have radios in their boats for communication with the liveaboard and other guides. Two anglers per boat and guide.
Guides: Local guides were born and raised on these waters. They speak both English and Spanish. You'll fish with a new guide each day.
Fishing Equipment is not included, mainly for fly fishing. Lures are welcome. A gear and tackle list is provided in our confirmation packet.
Fishing License is included in the package.
2022 Hosted Weeks:
The fishing, great meals, vast wildlife, and exceptional birding make this a perfect trip for couples.
2022 Hosted Weeks with Brad Staples:
• March 25 - April 2, 2022
• April 1-9, 2022
7-nights and 6-days guided fishing
$4,950.00 per person
Non-angler companion $2,475.00
Getting to the Liveaboard:
At the Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires, you'll be met by a lodge representative. He'll drive you in a shuttle van to the marina, about a 2.5 to 3.5-hour drive. From the marina, there is a 26-foot boat transfer to the liveaboard that takes 60 to 90-minutes. Onboard the Cruiser, there will be a reception and an introduction to dorado fishing and tackle preparation. If time allows, you'll fish in the afternoon.
2021 and 2022 USD Rates:
Rates valid to June 30, 2022.
7-nights on the Liveaboard
and 6.5-days guided fishing
$4,950.00 per person
6-nights on the Liveaboard
and 5.5-days guided fishing
$4,400.00 per person
5-nights on the Liveaboard
and 4.5-days guided fishing
$3,750.00 per person
4-nights on the Liveaboard
and 3.5-days guided fishing
$3,150.00 per person
Non-angler sharing a room:
7-nights and 6-days
$2,475.00 per person
6-nights and 5-days
$2,200.00 per person
5-nights and 4-days
$1,875.00 per person
4-nights and 3-days
$1,575.00 per person
Packages Include:
Airport reception, roundtrip ground transfers from Buenos Aires to the liveaboard, lodging, meals, alcoholic beverages (open bar policy), guided fishing, and a fishing license for anglers.
Packages Do Not Include:
Airfare, fishing equipment and tackle, laundry service $15.00 per load, gratuities, airport taxes (usually included in the cost of airfare), Global Rescue, Signature Travel Insurance,
and anything not mentioned under inclusions. Flies cost approximately $225.00 for a week’s supply.
Deposit and Cancellation Policy:
A deposit of 50% is due upon receipt of the invoice, and the balance is due 90 days before your arrival date. All deposits and payments arenon-refundable. We strongly advise you to purchase Trip Cancellation Insurance, which is included in the IMG Travel Insurance package.
Click here for Travel Insurance page.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: After your arrival, onboard the Cruiser, there will be a reception and an introduction to dorado fishing and tackle preparation. If time allows, you'll fish in the afternoon.
Appetizers and cocktails are served. Dinner is at 9:00 p.m.
Days 2-7: Breakfast is around 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. You'll meet your guide at 9:00 a.m. and depart for fishing.
At 1:00 p.m., you'll have lunch on the boat while fishing or head back to the Cruiser for lunch.
Fish from 3:00 p.m. until just before dark. Enjoy appetizers and cocktails on the upper deck before dinner at 9:00 p.m.
Day 8: At 7:00 a.m., enjoy breakfast and depart at 8:30 a.m. for the shuttle back to Buenos Aires. Most flights back to the States leave in the evening.
New Cast-and-Blast Option
During duck hunting season—mid-May through mid-August—the operator offers a Cast-and-Blast program. Limit of 25 ducks per day.
You’ll hunt early in the morning, then head back to the Cruiser for lunch and a siesta. You’ll fish in the afternoon after the water warms up.
Cast and Blast option:
4-nights and 3.5-days guided fishing and duck hunting
$3,990.00 per person
The Cast and Blast rate does not include a gun rental ($70.00), shells ($14.00 per box), or a hunting license ($120.00).
YouTube 2:50 video
Duck Hunting Argentina Cruiser
