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Catfishing in Brazil - ALL CATFISHING TACKLE IS PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE.
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However, it could be convincingly argued that Amazon Catfish are the true symbols of the Amazon. In a land where bio-diversity is the keyword, Amazon Catfish exemplify biodiversity. From the gargantuan piraíba, which approaches 10 feet in length and 650 pounds in weight, Amazon catfish include both the smallest and largest catfish in the world. But their diversity isn't limited to size; from bottom dwellers to fast water lovers, from parasite to predator, from whiskered to whiskerless, from scale less to armor plated, Amazon cats occupy a wide range of ecological niches. Numbering fully one-third (about 1000 species) of the estimated 2500+ species of Amazon fish, the Siluriformes order (catfish) is easily one of the most diverse of Amazon life forms. What could be more symbolic of the most diverse land on the planet?
Barbate Behemoth Brawlers - Amazon Catfish
Besides being such a diverse group, what makes Amazon cats so interesting to the fisherman is the challenge of landing one of the hard fighting giants; or the prospect of catching a catfish on a top water lure, and even a fly; or the fact that IGFA records for many of these species is ridiculously low, some even entirely open. Until now, the infrastructure for international fishermen to seek out these amazing amazon cats has been almost nonexistent. Although Brazilian sport and commercial fishermen and subsistence fishing "ribeirinhos" have long sought these fish for food and sport, little was known about them outside Brazil and no one was catering to fishermen who might like to try their skills against these challenging critters. Now, aboard the Santana I at no extra cost you can fish for these monsters while experiencing the luxury and comfort of the finest fishing hotel-boat on the Amazon.
Wet-A-Line Tours was fortunate enough to have among its Peacock Bass fishing guests in the inaugural season, Keith "Catfish" Sutton, a renowned outdoor writer. Now Sutton, as his nickname implies, loves to catfish. One evening after hearing tales from local fishermen of the giant Amazon cats, he and some of his fellow fishermen couldn't resist a shot at bagging one of these brutes. Fishing with regular Peacock Bass fishing gear (far from ultra-light tackle), these adventurous cat fishermen were spooled, had line, rods and reels broken, and got their appetites for Amazon cats whetted. Based on this initial encounter with the barbate behemoth brawlers of the Amazon, Amazon Castaway Tours put together a special catfishing weeklong trip in their second season. With "Catfish" Sutton as the group leader, a full house (boat) of catfishermen descended on the Amazon in search of record giant Amazon cats. Keith returns this year to do battle again for his third trip!
Now, these Amazon catfish didn't get the number one spot in In-Fishermen magazine's list of the ten toughest game fish in the world by being easy prey. Despite being bettered equipped (some fishermen even brought Penn International 80 reels on tuna rods with 150 lb braided line this time), this group didn't land that world record Piraíba they hoped for. Several nice Pirararas (red tailed catfish) and Suribim species were caught, as well as a filhote (or piraíba fry, of course it is called a fry until it passes 110 lbs!!!). In addition, a world record 118.8 lb. freshwater stingray was landed by "Catfish" Sutton. Hook-ups were plenty, as well as long hard fights (45 minutes and covering about 5 miles for example), but the world record piraíba is still awaiting capture. The Santana I know keeps on board heavy duty salt water rods and large Penn Senator reels for use by fishermen who wish to try their hand at Amazon catfish and more trips dedicated to catfishing are in the offering for coming seasons. In any group you are welcome to use at no cost one of these "rigs" to try your luck". Our on-board manager and several of the guides are carrying out an on-going research project on optimal cat fishing locals and methods and will gladly share their knowledge with prospective catfishermen. Who knows? Maybe you will be the lucky one to land that world record catfish. Regardless, we guarantee that if you like catfishing, the Amazon catfish will be an experience you won't forget.
Selected Amazon Catfish Species
Of the almost 1000 species of Amazon catfish, there are at least twenty (20) that are regularly targeted by the local fishermen for sport and/or food. Our research has been concentrated among this relatively small percentage of the Amazon Siluriformes, but that doesn't mean you can't, or won't, catch something not listed here. The Amazon is full of surprises. It is possible to catch a fish that hasn't even been cataloged yet. Then other fishermen will follow trying to catch that world record Pseudoplatysoma "yourname"-us !!! The following are some selected species of Amazon catfish that international fishermen might care to pursue.
Piraíba (Brachyplatystoma filamentosum)
The piraíba, also known as "lau lau" or "valentón", has a dark grayish back and sides with a white underbelly. It can reach a length of almost 10 feet and surpass 650 lbs in weight. The current record is 256 lbs on rod and reel, but larger specimens have been caught commercially. The name, piraíba, translates from the Tupi-Guarani language to mean, "mother fish" and this giant could very well be the "mother of all fish." The fry of the piraíba carries a separate name in Amazonia, filhote, and it is considered a fry until it surpasses 110 lbs!!! Heavy-duty gear and a prolonged, brutal fight are required to land one of these monsters. The local manner of fishing for these brutes is to put a beef heart on a large hook tied with nylon rope to a jug float and follow it with a flotilla of canoes, sometimes chumming with fresh blood. Once a big one is hooked the nylon rope is secured to one of the canoes until the piraíba can be worn down enough to beach the behemoth.
Heavy duty tackle suitable for big salt water species is preferred spooled with 130 lb. line and using hooks from 10/0 and larger with a steel leader (a steel leader is a good option for all of the Amazon cats due to piranhas whizzing about the bait. Amazon cats don't have the sensitive mouths of their North American cousins and are not spooked by steel leaders - or much anything else). The bait and sinker combined should weight at least 1 lb. and can go up to 10 or 12 lbs. when going after the real monsters. Whole fish baits from the region in which you are fishing are preferred, and live ones are even better. Other than fish and beef hearts, locals also use chicken heads for bait.
These big cats frequent the deep holes in large rivers, particularly near the confluence of two rivers, or opposite the mouth of smaller rivers, creeks, or lagoons, that empty into a larger river. The best fishing is from dawn until about 9 a.m. hours and from late afternoon until just after nightfall. When you hook into one of these brutes, you will feel a hard and steady pull as the piraíba starts his run. To keep from getting spooled, the guide should immediately start up the outboard and follow the fish as you try to wear him down. Minimum size that can legally be kept is 120 cm (about 48 inches). .
Pirarara (Phractocephalus hemoliopkrus)
The pirarara, also known by the English name of Red Tailed Catfish, is considered by many to be the prettiest catfish in existence. Its chocolate brown back gives way to a yellowish white on the flanks that fades to a white underbelly and is accented by orange red pectoral fins and tail. The translation of the Tupi-Guarani name (pira + arara) is literally "Macaw fish" because of its bright coloration. These colorful cats can reach almost 5 feet in length and 125 lbs in weight. Current IGFA record stands at 97 lbs.
Pirararas frequent the deep holes like the piraíbas, but they are also found near the banks of large rivers just downstream of the mouth of smaller rivers, creeks and lagoons. Again like the piraíba, fishing times are best in early morning and late afternoon, but pirararas can often also be found during the hottest part of the day (noon-2:00 p.m.) along the sandy beaches of the larger rivers. Heavy-duty tackle is also called for when seeking these beauties, which often put up a vigorous and prolonged fight. Small whole fish baits such as piranha, jaraqui, sardinha and other regional fish are preferred, although cut bait can be used in areas where piranha aren't found. Braids of 50 to 80 LB test and monofilament of 30 LB test are recommended lines with hooks from 5/0 to 8/0 and larger being used. A characteristic of this fish that often surprises the first time pirarara angler is the loud grunts it emits when landed.
Suribims - Pseudoplatysoma family
The suribims resemble the North American flatheads with a long flattened head. They have a dark gray back and upper flanks, which fade to a white underbelly. Many of these suribims have a distinctive black marking on their back and upper flanks, which depending on the pattern gives rise to their common names of tiger suribim, spotted suribim, pintado (Portuguese for painted) or bagre rayado. There are at least 8 to 10 of the suribims that are caught by sport fishermen in the Amazon. The largest of these can reach almost 6 feet in length and 180 lbs in weight. For many of the suribims, lGFA line class records are totally open.
Suribims frequent the same habitat as the red tailed catfish, including the beaches in the heat of midday. Tackle should also be equal to that used for the pirararas, however many of the smaller suribims are caught on lures when fishing for Peacock Bass. Suribims are among the most sporting of the catfishes often striking a top water lure, or even a fly!!! However, the most productive artificial baits for suribims are mid-water jerk baits, such as the Bomber Long-A, Cordell Red Fin or Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow, and spoons, anything flashy seems to work. For the natural baits, small whole fish, typical of the region you are fishing, on 7/0 to 14/0 mustad hooks and a steel leader are recommended. Minimum legal size is 80cm (about 30 in). Many of the suribims are favored by locals for their tasty flesh.
When a suribim takes your bait, you will often feel a series of two or three slow but firm pulls on the line followed by a slow but steady run. It is after this run begins that you should set the hook...hard. Many local fishermen believe that the suribim "mouths" the bait before really taking it, but others think the slow firm initial pulls are a result of the suribim moving its head from side to side in search of more food before moving on. Whichever explanation is correct, the sound tactic is to wait until the run starts before setting the hook. After the hook has been set, a suribim will give you a good fight. You must work hard to keep him from getting into structure along the river banks where he can entangle your line and break free. They will also often spin, or roll, wrapping your line around their body as they struggle to free themselves. Suribim are schooling fish and when you catch one you can also often catch several.
A smaller cousin of the suribims worth mentioning is the bico-de-pato (literally duck bill), scientific name sorubim lima. This fish is also known by its Tupi-Guarani name of jurupencem (or jurupesen), which means cracked mouth. Growing to about 18 inches in length and rarely exceeding 12 lbs, the bico-de-pato has the typical suribim profile with a peculiar shaped mouth that is aptly described by its common name. They are rather aggressive feeders and can often be seen chasing small baitfish to the surface and even following them into the air in a feeding frenzy. When hooked these smaller suribims make short fast runs but their relatively smaller size makes them a lightweight in the fight class when compared to their larger cousins. But beware if you land one, they have just begun to fight.!! Bico-de-pato can maneuver their barbed poisonous pectoral and dorsal fin spikes into position to strike the hand of unsuspecting anglers much like a scorpion's tail. What follows is a severe, incapacitating burning pain that lasts for several hours.
Another interesting suribim cousin is the Jurupoca (Hemisorubim plathyrhyncos). It resembles the others of the suribim family except that its head is turned to the side. It grows to 3 feet and can attain weight of about 25 lbs. Frequenting the deep water at the confluences of rivers and near the mouths of lagoons, the jurupoca can be caught with deep water jerk baits, crank baits or spoons. If using natural baits, the smaller fish of the region such as sardinha on 2/0 to 6/0 hooks is preferred. Fish filets and cut bait can also be used if piranha are not prevalent in the area. Not a particularly hard fighter, but worth a try just to get a look at this unusual and endangered fish (so please release any you catch).
Dourada (Brachyplathystoma flovicons)
The dourada gets its common name from the golden like color (almost a mica appearance in spots) over a large portion of its body. The remainder is a grayish white color. The dourada can reach 5 feet in length and surpass 90 lbs. in weight. In some areas it is the most common of the catfishes, while in others its tasty flesh have made it a target for commercial fishermen who sadly have depleted its numbers drastically. The dourada prefers stretches of large rivers with light current and can be caught using medium heavy tackle with cut bait or small regional whole fish on 5/0 to 10/0 hooks. Minimum size that can legally be kept is 120 cm (about 48 inches).
Jaú (Paulicea lutkeni)
The giant migratory Jaús frequent deep holes in many rivers of the Amazon basin. They prefer holes formed behind large rocks and can often be found at the rocky bases of rapids and cataracts. Their coloration can vary from a yellow brown to grayish green to black depending on the water they are found in. They have large broad heads and can exceed 5 feet in length and over 225 lbs. In weight. They are a popular sport fish with the locals, because they can be fished for in some gorgeous surroundings while wading near the base of small waterfalls and rapids. Medium heavy tackle should be used with lines of 30 lbs (mono) to 50 lbs+ (braids) and hooks of 8/0 to 10/0 and up. A steel leader is recommended. Whole smaller fish typical of the region are the preferred bait, but cut bait can be used if there are no piranha present. Jaú are known for hard prolonged fights, much like those of the pirararas. The minimum legal size that can be kept is 90 cm (about 32 inches).
Some smaller catfish related to the Jaú that are equally popular sporting fish are the piranambú (Pinarampus pinirampu), piramutaba (Brachyplatystoma vaillantii) and bandeira (Goslina platynema). These species can be found in many of the same areas as the Jaú.
Barbado (Pinirampus pirinampus)
A light gray colored catfish with extremely long barbels that have a tactile function and inspire its common name, the barbado can reach as much as 28 lbs. However, it is most often encountered in the 6 to 12 LB sizes. The barbado likes the calm waters of medium to large rivers. Medium tackle can be fished with small regionally encountered whole fish baits on 4/0 to 8/0 hooks to capture these long whiskered amazon cats. For its diminutive size (relative to some of the giant amazon cats), these amazon cats put up a good fight when hooked.
Abotado
If the pirarara is the most beautiful catfish in the world, there should be an opposite end of the spectrum, shouldn't there? Well, that opposite exists in the Amazon as well. The abotado, known by several local names such as armau, cuiú-cuiú, and bodó, is the ugliest catfish I have ever seen. It ranges from a mud brown to black with a covering of bony armored platelets on its top and sides and menacing long pectoral fins spikes. Its sporting value is minimal though, as it puts up almost no fight when hooked, often causing the angler to think he is reeling in a piece of brush or dead wood. The only fight you will see out of the abotado is when it thrashes about upon seeing the boat.
As this limited and cursory overview of some of the Amazon catfish hopefully illustrates, the angler choosing to make a trip for Amazon catfish will have a diverse and interesting range of species on which he can target his efforts. Aboard Amazon Castaway Tours, we have had Peacock Bass anglers catch as many as four different suribim species in a day on artificial lures while fishing for Peacocks. Our native guides can put you in the best catfishing spots for whichever species you care to target, whether it is a diversion from Peacock Bass fishing, or an entire trip dedicated to seeking out the number one toughest fresh water sport in the world. The Amazon catfish are definitely an exotic sport fish worthy of the attentions of the adventurous international angler. The option to battle with one of these legendary monsters is totally up to you, they are plentiful and anglers do not have to wait long for a bite ... but how big and what will it be?
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