Amazon Catfish, Arapaima's, Payara Vampire Fish, Peacock Bass, Piranhas Etc

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PIRAIBA (LAU LAU): with a dorsal fin and body shape similar to a shark, hence the local name freshwater shark of the Amazon, this is undoubtably the largest of the Amazonian Catfish with reports exceeding 400lbs. Once hooked these fish strip line like a freight train, and usually head downstream / upstream in the middle of the river. Keep an eye on your reel spool and be ready to chase them down in the boat. Contact us for more amazon catfish information

 The cave dweller of cats, these powerhouses of the Amazon are strong and cunning, spending the majority of there time in and around rocky oxygenated waters in fast water rapids and below waterfalls. They occasionally roam into the shallow turbulent waters and take refuge under rocky banks. Once hooked they head for the nearest cave and lock themselves in by wedging their pectoral fins into the rocks. 

 This Jau caught FEB 2,2024 is the current IGFA All-Tackle World Record caught on one or our Arapaima Lodge trips

REDTAIL CATS: also known as the Banana fish due to its underbelly coloring. Once hooked these fish fight like no other and head for the nearest snags, rocks, log underlays or wherever they can throw your hook. They tare line from the spool faster than an athlete on steroids and will do several long runs during the battle. They also make a distinctive grunting noise when nearing the boat, I sometimes wonder who makes the loudest grunts….. The angler or the Redtail? as fighting this monster fish can and will leave you gasping for air……… contact us for more amazon catfish information

PAYARA / VAMPIRE FISH: Payara are a fun fish to catch, often throwing the hook when leaping due to their jawbone structure. We have two species of Payara, the larger more common silver payara can reach up to 25lb and the smaller red tail payara up to 10lbs. Payara’s will eat anything, from cut bait strips to shallow divers or glide baits to top water spooks. During the dawn and dusk hour’s, the Payara hunt in the top water column, once the heat picks up they go deeper and can be caught with deep divers and jigs.

AROWANA OR MONKEY FISH: With a snake like body, these fish can swim backwards. Often hiding under trees and hugging the river-bank searching for prey, they can leap to grasp insects / frogs from over hanging branches. They can be caught on top water walk the dog style baits and poppers, and will also take small pieces of cut bait. Amazing athleticism leaping several times during the battle. Growing up to 14lbs. The Amerindian’s hunt them with tradition hand carved bow and arrow.  

PEACOCK BASS: We have two species of Peacock Bass throughout the Essequibo, the ‘Yellow’ Peacock Bass can reach 15lbs and the smaller Butterfly peacock reaching up to 10lb. Its not uncommon to find them in huge schools residing under fallen trees / structure close to the bank. During the midday hours throw a medium to deep diver or jig along the rocky shelves and drop offs. Great fighting sport fish.

BLACK PIRANHAS: The Red eyed demon of the Amazon, a very aggressive fish and abundant throughout the Essequibo, these fish will devour anything in their sight, often biting chunks out of any passing fish. They can grow to approx. 9lb and an awesome scrap on medium / heavy rods. Be prepared to change out lures and or hooks often due to their bite pressure which is approx. 72 psi per pound of fish.

SHOVEL–NOSED TIGER SURUBIM CATFISH: The markings on these fish are beautiful, but don’t be fooled by their looks, they are one of the fastest species of cats in the river, they patrol shallow water sandbanks and points searching for prey, they will hit shallow diving lures, jigs and spoons and will also take small cut baits. Similar to the Leopard catfish they can also be caught in deeper pools and at creek mouths.