Long days bled into even longer evenings. All that exertion and focus was happily dissipated with tannin rich wines, sumptuous appetizers and lots of carne. As is the custom in Argentina, dinner was late and typically involved generous portions. Vegetarians beware, tofu is a banned substance in this country. Moderation was simply not an option when it came to dining or fishing.
Like Cinderella, the Golden Dorado also has stepsisters. As the days started to warm up and several Dorado had been cradled, we started to target Pira Pita and Pacu. Pira pita are part of the characidae family and can be a great way to diversify the experience. They are omnivorous and hangout near trees and overhanging branches. Lighting fast, they will explode on a streamer, and even dry flies under favourable conditions. Pound for pound they are fantastic fighters and fun to engage.
Strangest of the lot is the Pacu. This forlorn fishy critter gets
“no respect”, but undeservedly so. It is known for its overall wariness and keen senses. Also omnivorous, Pacu eat fruit, vegetation, minnows and insects. Essentially the jungle version of permit, the real fun lies in presentation of the fly - a fruit fly no less - as in simply a round orange or purple ball, roughly 1 cm in diameter with some added weight so that it sinks. With an arcing cast, one tries to land this near to vegetation so as to create a distinct “plopping” sound when it hits the water. The intent is to rouse all Pacu nearby and create a race to the forbidden fruit (they don’t know that). Upon hookup, they put up a game fight.
But in the end, this trip was about the Gold. Vivid moments from each fishing adventure fuse into one’s memories and being. Connection with the natural world in all its wild essence generally does the trick. In the midst of driving rain and wind, with no one but Pablo and me, we spot several beauties surface feeding in a large back eddy. I cast and connect - a solid, core rattling strike. This time there is no jump, just a screaming run and then a plunge into the murky depths. A wild creature in all its fury takes me well into my backing, and we play with each other. There is nothing else. Time and patience reward us with a 25+ pound female, solid and muscular.
The size means nothing. It is the opportunity for intimacy with the natural world. To have and to hold this wild creature, albeit briefly.