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Characins - Characidae
Part of the order Characiformes (which contains over 1200 species), most characins
that are known as gamefish have distinctive teeth. Characidae comprise a large
family within Characiformes, restricted to the tropics and subtropics of
Africa, South and Central America. Recently, taxonomists have redivided
the Order from 16 to 13 families.
Characins include a wide range
of species such as piranhas, tetras, copeinas, tigerfish, trairas
and payara. Many of the most popular aquarium fishes are characins.
They are mostly egg-scatterers. Many species breed in group spawnings,
leaving the eggs and young behind to fend for themselves.
Dorado display brilliant golden coloration.
Their sharp teeth and powerful jaws make
wire leaders a must
Flyfishing for big, golden dorado in crystal clear
waters is a fishing experience not be missed
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Freshwater dorado (Salminus
brasilensis and S. hilarii) are a distinct migratory gamefish not to
be confused with the saltwater dolphin fish or mahi mahi (which is also
called 'el dorado' in many Spanish-speaking countries). Physically,
the freshwater dorado is best described as a prehistoric golden trout or
salmon with the jaws of a pit bull terrier. Although currently
renamed, ichthyologists had appropriately given the southern species of
dorado the Latin name, Salminus maxillosus. Salminus, meaning trout-like,
and maxillosus referring to the fish's immensely-powerful jaws. Dorado
are hard-hitting, incredibly-strong, acrobatic fighters that attain weights
in excess of 30-pounds. They are, in short, South America's hyped-up
version of a 'tropical trout.' Dorado are commonly found throughout a massive
watershed between southern Brazil/Bolivia and Northern Argentina.
Incredibly, freshwater dorado remain a relatively little-known gamefish
outside of South America.
Conventional gear for big dorado is virtually
the same as that described in the trophy peacock bass section, although
a wire leader is essential. Dorado are usually not surface oriented
fish, so medium jerk baits, Rattle Trap-type lures, spoons and jigs are
most productive. Dorado are fished with an 8-9-weight fly rod and
either a 200-grain, 24-foot sink tip line or a full floating line depending
upon water conditions. A heavy steel leader is a must, as these fish
will chew through mono like it is sewing thread! Dorado take a variety
of streamers, sliders and even Atlantic salmon-style Bombers during ideal
conditions (all on 4/0 heavy, long shank hooks). Northern Argentina,
Paraguay, Southern Brazil and Bolivia have the strongest populations of
dorado.
The bocón or yatorana (Holobrycon
pesu) is a close relative of the dorado. They are a migratory,
fast water fish found throughout the Amazon basin. Bocón live and
behave almost exactly like the dorado, but do not reach the latter's size,
so they can be fished on slightly lighter tackle. Bolivia has large
populations of these fish.
Matrincha - Typically between 1 and 3 pounds in weight,
some populations can reach 5 to 10 pounds. These are generally called
Mamori by the locals and may be a different species altogether.
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Dorado are acrobatic fighters .
and will fight powerfully
on fly or conventional tackle.
Yatorana, called bocón in Colombia
and Venezuela, jump and fight like dorado and run in schools, so once you're
into them the action is fast and furious. Yatorana can grow
upwards of 15-pounds. This is all the fish you'd want to tangle with
on light tackle.
Matrinchá (Brycon falcatus) are a very close
cousin to the bocón (they look very similar). This fish has
an affinity for small baitfish and terrestrial insects and can be taken
on small spoons, jigs, and jerk baits or small streamers and ant and beetle
imitations in fast water (just like trout fishing). The matrinchã's
range seems to be concentrated in the Brazilian Amazon.
Matrinchá are fierce
fighters on light tackle. They strike baits at high speed and continue
moving right through the drag. Within seconds they're out of the
water and flying through the air. Younger specimens of matrinchá
seem to have more brightly marked tail and dorsal fins. These
highlights fade and ultimately disappear in older specimens. |
