Fabi Anastasio
Fly Fisher, Guide
Born and raised in Argentina, Fabian “Fabi” Anastasio has been immersed in the world of fly fishing for over two decades. His journey began in 1997 crafting handcrafted wooden landing nets for trout anglers—an artisanal pursuit that eventually led him into the guiding profession in 2008. Fabi’s extensive guiding experience spans some of Argentina’s most iconic and challenging fisheries.
From 2009 to 2013, he guided anglers in pursuit of sea-run brown trout on the legendary waters of the Rio Grande and Irigoyen River in Tierra del Fuego. He also spent a decade guiding spring seasons at the renowned Pira Lodge in the lush Ibera Marshlands, targeting golden dorado in a unique wetland environment.
Listen to Fabi Anastasio's Show...
Paraná River Golden Dorado
Join us as we head to the heart of Argentina with expert guide Fabian “Fabi” Anastasio to explore the thrilling world of fly fishing for golden dorado on the Paraná River. With over a decade of experience navigating its shifting sandbars, clear side channels, and explosive currents, Fabi shares his deep insights into the behavior of dorado, the tactics that consistently produce, and what makes the Paraná one of the most dynamic fisheries on the planet. Don’t miss this action-packed episode full of sharp hooks and golden flashes!
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What makes the Paraná River such a unique and productive fishery for Golden Dorado?
- How do the river’s hydrology and seasonal flow changes affect dorado behavior and fly fishing success?
- What role do baitfish migrations play in locating active Golden Dorado?
- What makes the Golden Dorado such a prized target for fly fishers compared to other predatory fish?
- Can you describe the differences in fishing approaches between the upper, middle, and lower sections of the river?
- What are the typical water flow patterns throughout the year, and how do they influence fishing tactics?
- What rod and line setups do you recommend for Golden Dorado?
- How do you rig your leaders for abrasion resistance, especially with dorado’s sharp teeth?
- What flies and in what hook size do you recommend for these fish?
- Can you explain the dorado’s hunting tactics and how they work together to ambush baitfish?
- How do you identify productive water when targeting dorado on sandbars versus banks or structure?
- What clues should anglers look for on the surface or shoreline that indicate dorado activity?
- Why are Golden Dorado so hard to hook and keep hooked?
- What are the most common mistakes anglers make when fighting a dorado?
Fabi guides out of three lodges depending on the season: Karandá Lodge, Suindá Lodge, and Pirá Lodge.
Since 2014, Fabi has focused his expertise on the powerful dorado of the Paraná River, where he guides anglers across expansive sandbars, clear side channels, and dynamic currents. His deep knowledge of dorado behavior, technical casting approaches, and seasonal movements make him one of the most respected guides in the region.
Passionate, patient, and deeply connected to the ecosystems he fishes, Fabi offers not just a fishing trip—but a masterclass in reading water, understanding species, and connecting with the natural rhythm of Argentina’s wildest rivers.
Fabi guides out of three lodges depending on the season: Karandá Lodge, Suindá Lodge, and Pirá Lodge.
