all kits
ready-made kit · intermediate
golden dorado in rapids
Boat fishing, anchored or drifting, in rivers with rapids and rock in the Paraná, Paraguay, Uruguay and São Francisco basins, with artificial lures and natural bait.
| item | specification | why |
|---|---|---|
| rod Baitcasting rod | 6'0", fast or moderately fast action, 15–30 lb | Power to set the hook in a hard mouth and hold the fish in the current. |
| baitcasting reel Small low-profile or round baitcasting reel | size 200 or similar, drag of 6 kg or more | Golden dorado runs hard downstream and jumps. |
| line 8-braid line | PE 3–4 (50–60 lb) | Rock and current demand strong line. |
| leader Steel bite leader | 40–60 lb, 20 to 30 cm, black or matte | Golden dorado's teeth cut any nylon. |
| bait/lure Minnows and spoons | 10–14 cm barbel minnow; 15 to 25 g spoon | They imitate the small fish golden dorado hunt in eddies. |
| bait/lure Feather jig | 14 to 21 g | Sinks into the pool and works well in the current. |
| bait/lure Natural bait | live tuvira or lambari, where allowed | Works very well when drifting and in murky water. |
| hook Reinforced treble hooks and hooks for natural bait | treble hooks 1/0–3/0; 4/0–6/0 hook on a steel leader | The hard mouth opens thin treble hooks. |
| terminal tackle Strong snaps and swivels | 50–80 lb | The spoon spins and twists the line; a weak snap opens on the jump. |
| accessory Long-nose pliers, lip grip and gloves | with cord | Sharp teeth and loose treble hooks when releasing the fish. |
| safety Life jacket | approved, worn the whole time | Rapids and rock can knock someone off the boat. |
budget
- basic
- R$1,500–2,500
- intermediate
- R$3,500–6,500
- advanced
- R$10,000+
Reference prices in reais (2026), no brand recommended.
tips
- The golden dorado's mouth is hard: set firmly and repeatedly, and keep the line tight on the jumps.
- Fish the eddy behind rocks and the foam line where the current meets.
- In several states, such as Mato Grosso do Sul, golden dorado must be released; check the rule for your destination.
- The piracanjuba is critically endangered and its capture is prohibited: if you hook one, release it right away.
