With the Atlantic and the Pacific, two huge oceans surround this continent and simultaneously create a coastline of over 60,000 km. In South America, however, it is not just the coastline that offers interesting fishing, as the huge primeval forests with their river systems in the Amazon region and, of course, the Essequibo in Guyana, promise exciting fishing for real river monsters.
Along the coastlines in the tropical area, swordtails are mainly fished with trolling lures. All types of marlin (blue, black, striped and white) are possible – as well as sailfish and swordfish. But of course other fish species such as tuna, dorado, wahoo and many others are also caught using this technique. In the rivers of the South American jungle, however, fishing is somewhat different: Here, artificial and natural baits are used to catch the river monsters.
Fish species
There are endless species of fish in the rivers and, of course, in the oceans. So here are just 3 examples that are particularly popular with anglers:
Blue marlin
The largest of all swordtails – and also a relentless fighter. Blue marlin are found both in the Altaltic and in the Pacific in the tropical zone and are among the classic “big game” fish. They are caught exclusively when trolling. The best areas in South America are the Royal Charlotte Bank off the coast of Brazil and the La Guaira Bank off the coast of Venezuela. Most fish weigh 80-120 kg – but in South America much larger specimens are always possible. It is no coincidence that the official IGFA world record with a fish of 1402 American pounds (almost 636 kg), caught in Vitoria, Brazil, also comes from here. Incidentally, the world record black marlin also comes from the South American continent: 1560 pounds, caught in Cabo Blanco, Peru.
Arapaima
The undisputed king of the jungle rivers. The name comes from the indigenous language and means “red fish”, as the predator’s scales are sometimes more and sometimes less red in color. Once you have caught an arapaima, you will never forget it for the rest of your life. The fish spiral out of the water with impetuous force and make the angler’s blood run cold – even anglers have gone overboard. One of the best places to catch large arapaima is the Essequibo river system in Guyana. Large fish can weigh well over 100 kg and measure well over 2 meters in length.
Piraiba
Also known as “Lau-Lau”, this long antenna catfish species lurks in the deep pools of rivers for its prey. Small eyes and extremely long antennae – it is already clear what the fish mainly uses to orient itself in the murky water. Once hooked, the piraiba leaves little doubt as to who it considers to be the boss in the ring: It pulls the angler’s line reserves from the reel with brutal force, so that it is not uncommon to have to take up the chase with the boat when the spool core is already showing. It can grow to over 3 meters in length and is without doubt one of the most notorious river monsters of the South American jungle. One of the best areas is the Essequibo River in Guyana.
