Trip #GDRC2
Argentina Houseboat Duck Shoot and Golden Dorado, Cast-and-Blast Combo
This is a very unique program where guests will enjoy the luxury houseboat accommodations and this is the only program like it in all of Argentina. The Parana River Delta is the second largest in South America next to the Amazon. It encompasses 4,600 square miles of river channel, back bays, lagoons, river banks, and duck and fish habitat. You will be set in a remote part of the Parana River Delta offering hunting access to less pressured areas that are just a short skiff ride from the Mothership. This area of Northern Argentina offers the finest wing shooting with daily bag limits of 25 ducks! You will have the opportunity to harvest 12 different species of ducks during your stay.
Hunting is done from many different preset blind locations. Guides call ducks in for you and have well trained dogs for retrieval. Fishing can be done with either fly or spin gear and is mostly done from the Carolina skiffs set up for fishing.
Only Mother Ship cast-and-blast program in all of Argentina
- 25 duck limit per day
- Short boat travel to the hunting and fishing areas
- Exclusive off beaten path access
- Unique hunting and fishing combo
- Perfect for small groups with only 6 guests at a time
- Season is May 15 – August 15
- Only 2.5 hours from Buenos Aires!
Read Trip Reports and Outfitter Reviews
Dates and Pricing
Interested in booking this trip? If you have not yet received pricing please request it here, and be sure to reference the trip number at the top of this page. Please note that reservations are not considered finalized until agreed upon deposit is received. This ensures agreed upon dates and current pricing. Quality outfitters are in high demand so let us know right away, as some trips do book years in advance.
Included:
- Airport or hotel pick up.
- Round trip ground transfers from your location in Buenos Aires to the mothership.
- Guided fishing/hunting on the Parana River and its tributaries (2 anglers per guide). All guides are well trained in hunter safety, calling ducks and will also get you into fish!
- Fishing Licenses.
- Lodging (double rooms each with a private bathroom).
- All meals while on the mothership.
- All drinks, such as great Argentinian wine, beer, soft drinks, and cocktails (open bar policy).
- Wireless Internet access.
- Fishing rods and reels if needed.
Not Included:
- Airfare to Buenos Aires.
- Hotel in Buenos Aires.
- Guide and staff gratuities.
- Use of satellite telephone if needed to make a call.
- Shotguns can be provided and they have plenty of quality Benelli , Beretta, and Mossbergs available to rent.
- Gun Rental $60 per day.
- Gun permit entry fee if bringing your own.
- Flies (available for purchase on the mothership).
- Wire tippet and leaders.
- Trip Insurance is highly recommended for any trip overseas.
Duck Species you can hunt in Argentina
- Siriri pampa (white faced whistling duck)
- Picazo (Rosy billed Pochard)
- Capuchino (Silver teal)
- Maicero (Yellow Billed pintail)
- Colorado (Cinnamon teal)
- De Collar (Ringed teal)
- Brasilero (Brazilian teal)
- Creston (Crested duck)
- Plus many more…
The Fishing
The Golden Dorado likes to ambush it prey while hiding in structure or hanging in the currents of river channels.
Their aggressive nature and acrobatic displays mixed with their one of a kind golden color lists it as one of the top freshwater game fish to pursue! Combine the fishing with world class lodging, top notch experienced guides and a remote location and you have a must do angling adventure! If you like targeting aggressive carnivorous fish you better put the golden dorado on your list!
The numbers of dorado in this system are plentiful.
If you are an experienced angler you can expect to catch 10-15 dorado per day with chances at more. Fish are in the 3-7 pound range with fish up to and exceeding 10 pound an everyday occurrence. Remember golden dorado have incredibly hard mouth and a solid hook set is required to keep them pinned.
The mothership allows guests the opportunity to fish the most remote waters with very under-pressured fish.
Well presented flies and casts of 30-50 feet will have you in the fierce action all day. In addition to the Dorado this river system has many other predatory fish that are available. This ecosystem has one of the largest migratory runs of baitfish sábalo, pejerrey and sardines which are the main food source for these predators. Other fish species available to anglers on the Parana River system is Pacu, Pira Pita, Palometa, Tararira (Wolf Fish), Surubi (large catfish), Chafalote (Parana Payara).
Lodging and Accommodations are Top-Notch
The Parana Gipsy mothership is 75 feet long and 25 feet wide with three levels.
Lodging is provided on the ship which features on its first level 4 double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, each provided with A/C for added comfort. The second level has a beautiful living room, dining room, and kitchen. The second level also offers a deck to relax and take in the incredible views and wildlife as you enjoy a cocktail before dinner. The upper most level has a magnificent 360 degree view, provided with comfortable lounge chairs.
- Satellite phone, flat screen TV with films and TV, and Internet are available as well.
- The Parana Gypsy even provides same day laundry service folded neatly and placed on your bed.
- The mother ship accommodates up to eight anglers maximum per week.
Fine Dining
The food on the boat is nothing short of 5-star.
You will be thoroughly impressed by the food on this trip and wonder how they can prepare such intricate delicious meals in such a remote locale and on a boat to boot! Argentine cuisine is known for its phenomenal meats with incredible flavors and high quality. Aside from the delicious meats, Argentina is known for great cheeses that pair marvelously with its fine wines and beers. You will experience some of the finest Argentine cuisine on one of the most unique angling destinations! In some cases lunches or dinners may be served at land with full comfort, at a special sand bar, or lonely small island, it just depends on where the river takes you.
*Please let us know of any food allergies before hand and we will be sure to notify the chef.
Typical Daily Schedule
- Early wake up with coffee and a light breakfast then head out on the skiffs to one of the duck blinds.
- Return to the mothership after the morning shoot for a hearty breakfast and siesta.
- The afternoon is open to fishing a half day or doing a shorter evening shoot for an additional 5 birds.
- Return to the mothership for appetizers, refreshments, and dinner.
Travel Information
This trip is normally operated Saturday to Saturday, but it is possible to do shorter weeks and change in and out days if availability permits.
Travel to the mothership is relatively easy and many major airports in the US fly overnight into Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE). Once you arrive you will be transferred to the boat by the outfitters agent or the agent can pick you up at your desired hotel if you choose to spend time in Buenos Aires before your trip. The travel time to the water is about 2.5 hours and then a 1 hour boat ride to the mothership.
I suggest booking your flight to arrive in Buenos Aires as early as possible on the day of your trip to allow fishing on your arrival day. On your departure day it is recommended to book flights after 5PM to allow plenty of time for the transfer to the airport.
Day of Arrival
- Arrive in Buenos Aires.
- Ground transfer to the marina and then boat transfer to the mothership.
- Upon arrival to the mothership you will be greeted by captain and staff along with an orientation. You will have time to unpack your gear and if time allows go fishing for a few hours.
- Dinner is served around 9:00 pm and appetizers and cocktails are available before lunch and dinner.
Day of Departure
- Guests will usually leave after breakfast between 8:00 – 9:00 am depending on flight times.
- You will have the one hour boat transfer and 2.5-3 hour land transfer back to Buenos Aires airport or your hotel.