Fishing in the Amazon

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The Amazon, one of the largest and richest ecosystems on the planet, is home to an impressive biodiversity, with an incredible variety of animal and plant species. Among its many natural wonders, the rivers, lakes and streams stand out, forming a vast and complex water network.

These aquatic ecosystems are home to thousands of species of fish, many of which are endemic, that is, exclusive to this region.

Every year, the abundance of fish in the Amazon attracts countless anglers in search of the ideal environment for sport fishing.

Unlike conventional fishing, sport fishing is a leisure activity that involves catching and releasing fish, without the intention of eating them. The pleasure of fishing and the challenge of catching fish are valued, with the fish being returned to the water healthy. This practice helps to conserve species, many of which are endangered, and to maintain ecological balance.

Sport fishing is not just a form of entertainment and adventure; it is vital for tourism and environmental conservation in the Amazon. It generates income and employment for local communities, which provide services such as guides, accommodation, food and transportation, and promotes the protection of fishing resources and aquatic ecosystems, combating predatory fishing and encouraging ecological awareness.

The Amazon, with its humid tropical climate, has high temperatures all year round. However, there are two well-defined climatic seasons in the region: dry and wet.

These seasons have a significant impact on sport fishing, modifying the levels and temperatures of the waters of rivers, lakes and swamps.

Check out how these seasons impact sport fishing in the Amazon:

The Full river period occurs between March and August, with more frequent and heavy rainfall.

During this period, the rivers overflow, flooding the marginal forests and forming igapós.

These habitats are ideal for sport fishing, as they provide an abundance of food and shelter for the fish. In addition, the water temperature drops, benefiting the growth and reproduction of the fish. The flood period is the right time to fish for leather fish with natural bait, such as the pirarucu, surubim, jaú and piraíba.

The Low water period occurs from September to February when rainfall is scarce and less intense in the region.

During this period, river levels drop significantly, creating white sand beaches and isolated lagoons.

These locations are excellent for sport fishing in the Amazon, as they gather a large number of fish in shallower, easily accessible areas. Additionally, the water temperature increases, stimulating metabolism and fishing activity. The dry season is perfect for fishing for scaled fish with artificial baits, such as tucunaré, aruanã, matrinxã and bicuda.

The transition period occurs between February and March and between August and September, marked by the beginning of increased or reduced rainfall.

During this phase, changes in river levels cause changes in fish patterns and behaviour, which may or may not be favourable for sport fishing, depending on the species and type of fishing practised. The transition period is ideal for those who wish to fish with artificial or natural baits in rivers, lakes or flooded forests, offering a wide diversity of fish and environments.

Each season of the year has unique characteristics that affect sport fishing in the Amazon. The essential thing is to select a period that matches your fishing preferences and objectives. 

The Amazon is a region that offers several types of sport fishing, which can be divided into three main types: fishing with artificial bait, fishing with natural bait and fly fishing.

Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the type of fish and the environment in which you want to fish. See below what these types are like:

Fishing with artificial baits:

Fishing with artificial baits is a technique that uses baits made from synthetic or natural materials, designed to imitate the appearance and movement of the fish’s natural prey.

There are a variety of artificial baits available, such as plugs, spinners, jigs, softbaits, poppers and streamers.

This fishing practice requires advanced skill and technique from the angler, including efficient casting, retrieving and hooking methods.

Known for generating excitement and adrenaline, fishing with artificial baits involves the vigorous attack of the fish, their fight and the spectacular jumps during the capture.

It is especially effective for attracting predatory fish, which react with aggression and voracity, such as the peacock bass, the aruanã, the matrinxã and the bicuda.

Fishing with fly:

Fly fishing is a technique that uses artificial baits, made of natural or synthetic materials, to imitate the appearance and behaviour of insects or small fish, natural prey for predatory fish.

These baits, called flies, are classified into types such as dry, wet, nymphs and streamers.

Requiring skill and technique, fly fishing uses a specialized rod, known as a fly rod, and a specific line, the fly line.

In addition to requiring dexterity, this modality allows the fisherman to practice elegant and precise casting of the fly.

It is ideal for those looking to catch more selective and sensitive fish species, such as the aruanã, apapá, bicuda and trairão

Fishing with natural baits:

Fishing using natural bait is a practice that uses bait from live or dead animals, which are attractive to fish. Such baits range from worms, insects, crustaceans, molluscs and fish fragments. This fishing technique requires considerable patience and skill from the fisherman, involving the handling of hooks, floats and sinkers. For those who wish to catch heavier and more resistant fish with leather, such as pirarucu, fishing with natural bait is the best option. Catching large and robust fish using this technique brings great satisfaction and pride to the fisherman.

Remember the following text:

For a successful sport fishing experience in the Amazon, planning, preparing and proceeding carefully is essential.

Following a few crucial tips can maximize this adventure, from selecting the destination, season and type of fishing to respecting environmental laws and local communities.

Here are some guidelines for excellent sport fishing in the Amazon:

  1. Hire a specialized guide or operator:

Due to the vastness and complexity of the Amazon, it is vital to have a specialized sport fishing guide or operator who knows the region well. They can ensure a safe, comfortable and effective fishing experience, indicating the best spots, times and techniques for each species of fish. In addition, they can provide appropriate equipment for each type of fishing, as well as accommodation, food and transportation services.

  1. Use specific equipment for each fish and environment:

The diversity of fish and environments in the Amazon requires specific equipment for each situation. This ensures both the success of the fishing and the safety of the fisherman. Essential equipment includes rods, reels, lines, hooks, bait and fly lines. It is also crucial to use personal protective equipment, such as hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, light and comfortable clothing and closed, non-slip shoes.

  1. Adopt the practice of catch and release to conserve the fishing resources of the Amazon.

Sport fishing is a fishing practice focused on the fisherman’s entertainment and pleasure, without commercial or subsistence objectives. The fisherman uses specialized equipment for different species of fish and environments, aiming to catch the most challenging and attractive ones. The sport values ​​respect for the environment and aquatic life, adopting the practice of catch and release, that is, releasing the fish back into the water after photographing or filming them.

Have you ever considered embarking on this extraordinary experience? Don’t hesitate any longer and start planning your trip to the Amazon with us now.

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