La sardinata
The sardinata belongs to the order Clupeiformes, which also includes herring, sardines, shad and anchovy. The standard weight of this freshwater species is around six to eight pounds. However, in certain large environments, it can reach up to fifteen pounds.
The shape of its head, with its large round eye, resembles a shad. It has a hard, upward-facing mouth, reminiscent of a tarpon. Its back shows blue reflections depending on the light, a yellow line runs down the middle of its flank and the rest of its body is silvery. Finally, its body ends in a black tail.
Where to catch sardinata
It can be found in Amazonian rivers, such as those in Venezuela, Brazil and Colombia. I often compare it to the asp for its behavior, as it frequents the same areas of the river, such as riffles and areas where the current is strongest. What's more, the sardinata is capable of moving at high speed to attack its prey, and analyses the lure well before attacking.
They move in schools, which can number large numbers of individuals. Their hunts for small fish, on which they feed, are visible at the surface, making them easy to locate. When dispersed and in smaller numbers, they can be very difficult to find and target.
With its bony mouth and excellent eyesight, tricking and hooking a sardinata is no easy task! But once they're on the end of the line, they put up an excellent fight, with many acrobatics that are a real pleasure to watch for a sport fisherman!
