Acute Angling
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Angler's Guide to Amazon Catfish
Jau—Zungaro zungaro—(Humboldt, 1821)
The Jau is one of the Amazon's largest catfish. More benthic in habit and less agile than the piraiba, its mode of battle is the application of sheer power and its prodigious weight. Although widely distributed, it is not uniformly distributed. Jau may be present in a certain river and may be completely absent in a neighboring one. The 109 pound world record of 2005 was caught on an Acute Angling trip. We know there are larger fish out there.
ID Key: Thicker bodied and less elongate than the piraiba. Jau has a large adipose fin and heavily boned pectorals.
| Bars and Markings | Colors | Size | Key Characters | Similar Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adults are marked with a regular pattern of closely spaced small maroon to black spots, more distinct in smaller specimens. | Body a dark olive on dorsum and sides, shading to off-white on the abdomen Lower fins darker with distinct patterning. | Adults: may reach sizes of 1.4 meters, possibly exceeding 200 pounds. |
| Known Range | Behavior Notes | Habitat | Common Names | IGFA records |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Countries: Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Columbia, Ecuador, Guyana, Venezuela. River Basins: Amazon and Orinoco basins. |
Ventures well upstream in high gradient rivers. Is said to migrate in pursuit of migrating baitfish. | Primarily occupies deep holes and still pools in lotic (fast water) environments in high gradient river systems. | Pacamao Toruno |
109 pounds, caught by Russell Jensen of Bronx, NY on an Acute Angling trip. |
Fishing Tactics
Giant Amazon Catfish
Catfish Game Species
Catfish Trips
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Catfish Articles
Find out about other Amazon fish groups
When you Travel With Acute Angling, It's Much More Than Just Fishing
Imagine casting your line into the mysterious and beautiful black waters of the Brazilian Amazon. Then imagine the explosive strike of one of the biggest Peacock Bass you've ever seen. Then picture yourself fighting and landing the world's greatest freshwater gamefish and the trophy you've been dreaming of. Imagine doing this for days on end, without intrusive interruptions, or hurrying off because you've run out of time.
With Acute Angling, you can experience the ultimate in peacock bass fishing trips. For over fifteen years, Acute Angling has been providing the very best fishing excursions in South America.
We've done all the research so you don't have to. From start to finish, we are there every step of the way to make sure you have the best sportfishing experience of your lifetime. We are there fishing with you and we'll help with techniques, tackle tips, and a full array of extras not found with run-of-the-mill fishing travel agencies or other outfitters.
We've investigated and studied the regions we'll be taking you to, so our knowledge will help you have an unparalleled experience. Acute Angling handles your complete travel program…from air travel, to entry visa, to pre-trip preparation and even travel insurance. Combine that with our specialized tackle packages and you'll have nothing to worry about except catching trophy peacock bass. Let us handle the details.
Now, just imagine it one more time: Holding up that incredible peacock bass that YOU wrestled out of the wild jungle-framed waters. Taking the photo and then releasing the beautiful animal back to the wild. Doesn't that feel good?
Let Acute Angling take you on the fishing trip of a lifetime!
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