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Amazon Peacock Bass Fishing Trips with the World's Leading Authority

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Angler's Guide to Amazon Catfish

 

BicudaBoulengerella cuvieri —(Agassiz, 1829)

BicudaSeveral species of Boulengerella and Cytenolucius (a similar genus) are found in the Amazon basin. Most are small and not pursued by sportfishermen, but B. cuvieri is an altogether different beast. Attaining weights in excess of 15 pounds, these aggressive fast-start predators are a prized Amazon adversary. Taking to the air instantly, they keep the fight right where the angler can see it, above the water. Their repeated jumps and bony mouths make landing a big specimen an exceptional angling accomplishment.

ID Key: Elongate, pike-like body. Bony beak-like mouth with sharp, fine, comb-like teeth. Red and black tail.

 

Identification Keys
Bars and Markings Colors Size Key Characters Similar Species
None, body relatively uniform and free of any clearly visible markings. Red tail with black center stands out None, body relatively uniform and free of any clearly visible markings. Red tail with black center stands out Adults: None, body relatively uniform and free of any clearly visible markings. Red tail with black center stands out comb-like teeth
beak-like mouth
elongate shape
red tail
Several similar, but smaller species of Boulengerella are found throughout the Amazon basin  

 

Angler's Summary
Known Range Behavior Notes Habitat Common Names IGFA records
Countries: Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Colombia, French Guiana.

River Basins: Amazon, Orinoco, Tocantins, Oyapock and Essequibo drainages
Often found in small groups in shallow water against beaches at midday. Actively feed in fast water, especially around rocks. In high gradient rivers, they appear to occupy all habitats, from rapids to quiet pools. English: pike-characin
Brazil: bicuda,
Other: Boulengerella
15 pounds
Teles Pires River,
Brazil, 2002

 

Fishing Tactics

One of the Amazon's most spectacular and challenging game fish, bicuda are a difficult species to target. Nonetheless anglers can improve their chances at encountering bicuda by focusing on several techniques and habitats. Since they are dwellers in high gradient rivers and distributed throughout those river's habitats at different times, anglers can encounter them in several manners;

When feeding, bicuda will actively pursue lures in fast-water tailraces below waterfalls and in rocky areas or banks at the edges of pools. In these habitats they are most easily caught with small to medium subsurface swimming plugs, such as Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnows, Rapala CD 11 and bright streamer flies on a sinking line. Work close to rocks and retrieve baits fairly slowly, swimming them around and through submerged rock structure. Hookups in these conditions and with these types of bait are often surer than in other circumstances, however, it is recommended that you try to set very forcefully before they start jumping. Once airborne, they are experts at sending your lure right back to you via airmail.

During sunny midday and afternoon hours, small groups of bicuda can be encountered laid up on beaches, literally at the shallowest edges. A walking stick bait such as a Heddon Super Spook cast right next to the shoreline will often elicit an immediate and violent surface strike. Who knows why? Perhaps they're annoyed at being disturbed while sun bathing! Regardless of what elicits this reaction, things happen fast now. The hookset must occur immediately under difficult conditions since lines are rarely tight and rods rarely well-positioned when an angler is taken by surprise (believe me you're never ready for this even if you're planning it). The bicuda will immediately begin tailwalking across the surface. If you survive the aerial reaction, you have a good chance of landing the fish once he begins his series of short fast runs. If not, and your lure came flying out, well, you just got one heck of a good show.

 

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!

Acute Angling is a member of the Peacock Bass Association

For more information about fishing trips for peacock bass and other exotic species, contact us;
by E-mail; Paul Reiss, Gary Reiss or, join our Mailing List

Telephone—Toll-free: Paul Reiss (866) 832-2987 or Gary Reiss: 866 431-1668

Mail: Acute Angling, PO Box 18, Califon, NJ 07830

References are available upon request.

 

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