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Angler's Guide to Amazon Catfish
Pescada—Plagioscion squamosissimus—(Heckel, 1840)
This large, silvery predator is well distributed through-out the Amazon basin and in waters holding peacock bass, making them a good alternative target. They tend to occupy deeper, oxygenated waters, often near lagoon mouths and away from the littoral (shoreline) areas most frequented by peacocks.
ID Key: Silvery body with prominent lateral line, long second dorsal and large, oblique mouth.
| Bars and Markings | Colors | Size | Key Characters | Similar Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body relatively uniform and free of any clearly visible markings except for a large, black blotch at the base of the pectoral fin. | Reflective silver on lateral body, dorsally slightly darker. Abdomen lighter. Fins may have reddish cast | Adults: up to 15 lbs (3/4 meter) |
prominentlateral line Silver scales black mark at base of pectoral |
Several species of Plagioscon are found in the Amazon basin; however none reach the size of P. squamosissimus. |
| Known Range | Behavior Notes | Habitat | Common Names | IGFA records |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Countries: Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Suriname, Guyana, Fr. Guiana River Basins: Amazon, Orinoco, Parana, Sao Francisco and Guianas drainages |
Makes migrations which may combine feeding and spawning purposes. As with other Sciaenids, can be heard making underwater sounds | Found in deeper waters within lowlands river systems and in slower waters and deep pools in high gradient rivers. | English: Silver Croaker Brazil: Pescada Other: Corvina |
11 lbs. 4 oz. - Caught by Russell Jensen on an Acute Angling trip |
Fishing Tactics
Relatively aggressive feeders, pescada will take a wide range of artificial lures, cut bait and live bait. In lowlands rivers, they can be targeted in lagoon mouths widely open to the river channel. Anglers usually access them with deeper running swimming plugs or lipless baits, such as rapalas, rattletraps, shad raps, jigs, etc.
In high gradient rivers, pescada will take CD 11 and CD 14 rapalas, spoons and even flies when fished deep in quiet pools. They are often caught on cut bait when fishing for catfish. A good fighter, they tend to run deep, rarely jumping. Pescada make delicious table fare.
Amazon Exotics
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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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