{"id":29398,"date":"2022-07-08T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-08T02:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/?p=29398"},"modified":"2023-05-02T09:04:43","modified_gmt":"2023-05-01T23:04:43","slug":"fly-fishing-for-arapaima-in-the-amazon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/fly-fishing-for-arapaima-in-the-amazon\/","title":{"rendered":"The Rise of Fly Fishing For Arapaima in the Amazon"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Arapaima weigh up to 400lb (181.5 kg) and measure up to 15 feet (4.6 m) in length, making them one of the biggest air-breathing freshwater fish in the world. The rise in popularity of these prehistoric fish as a target species for fly fishers comes from not only their aerobatic skills during a fight but as they are air breathers it makes sight casting a possibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why anglers are targeting the Amazon Arapaima<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fishing for Arapaima in the Amazon is like going back in time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The river banks are lined with traditional villages. They are gradually adjusting and improving themselves for tourism. Even though you\u2019ll likely stay in a simple shack, it will be the trip of a lifetime. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides the unique scenery and genuine local people, the fishing is second to none.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many approved fishing destinations have a limited number of anglers they can accept every year. That keeps the Arapaima population largely undisturbed, allowing them to thrive. It also means you can take a personal, local guide to help you track the beasts down.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Arapaima
Courtesy of Pirarucu Lodge<\/a> and Sportsquest Holidays<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

How to Catch Arapaima in the Amazon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How can you catch these mammoth fish? While South America has saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities, Arapaima are a freshwater fish. The Amazon is the perfect place to find them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The traditional “cut bait” method is still effective and widely used to catch these up-to-3-meter creatures. Fly fishing<\/a> though is growing in popularity.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Arapaima\"
Courtesy of Pirarucu Lodge<\/a> Amazon <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Best Fly Fishing Tackle to Use<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Considering the size and strength of Amazon Arapaima, your choice of equipment will make or break your trip, as they are known to jump out of the water during a fight along with the river being lined with snags you need the right gear to stand a chance!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rods & Reels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Recommended set up for tackling these dinosaurs is a 12-weight rod coupled with a large arbor reel. The large arbor reel features a larger centre spool allowing the angler to retrieve more line with every wind. When it comes to backing it is recommended 150yds (137 m) of 30lb (13.5 kg) Dacron connected to the same floating line you would use for marlin fishing. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"amazon-fishing\"
Courtesy of Pirarucu Lodge<\/a> Amazon <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Tippets and Flies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At least 80 to 100 lb (36 – 45 kg) tippets are recommended. And make sure your fly line is tapered to help you handle the casting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just like with all fly fishing, use flies that imitate the target’s prey. Locals guides recommend flies that are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n