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A very special charm
Welcome to Brazil! After a long journey of 10,000 km, including several flights to Manaus, I finally arrived at the lodge by boat. Destination? An island on Lake Juma. For my first night in the Amazon, I can say, without exaggeration, that the flora and fauna make themselves felt with particular charm. It's a sight and sound spectacle that leaves no one indifferent.
At dawn, we explore the meanders of the Parana River with a group of fishermen. Our objective: the mythical giant tucunare (Cichla temensis). An immediate challenge, as the water level is very high! The fish have a natural tendency to scatter in the submerged forest. Throughout your stay, fishing will require technique and stamina to overcome the mistrust of this versatile carnivore.
Fish with phenomenal power
It was in the days that followed that the tension was at its height, we arrived near a small beach lined with submerged trees, and we started to cast our lures in front of the dead wood, it was only a short time later that I saw my first fish come out of its shelter to attack my jerkbait only a few meters away from me ! The adrenalin starting to pump, I made a second cast and saw my line suddenly shift and unwind at breakneck speed. After a few candles, I would have the pleasure of photographing this magnificent tucunaré with its slightly golden hues. It won't be long before the next active fish deign to show themselves! Phenomenally powerful fish with resplendent colors. During these days, you'll have to use your wits and tactics to flush out the most wary fish.
An unexplored area
As the last few moments of fishing approached, Antonio and I set off in the direction of an unexplored area, which stood out for its abundant foliage and very enclosed space. After a brief analysis of the spot, we decided to prospect with surface lures, and the first moments of activity were immediately felt! A few hours later, Antonio and I saw a familiar silhouette emerge from the water. As we gradually approached, we soon realized that it was a caiman, so I cast a few meters away from it, and only after 3.4 cranking strokes did it seize the stick bait and quickly gain the depths of the river... After a powerful fight, we managed to hoist the animal onto the boat, and it was a magnificent caiman, around 1m20 long, who came to pose for a pretty picture.
Fishing for tucunare requires a great deal of patience and observation, but also the right equipment and the right lures. During our trip, we were amazed by their versatility in changing lure and color from one hour to the next... The lures that worked best and with which we had the most success were jerk minnows and surface lures such as stick baits and prop baits.
This trip was a great discovery, thanks to the beauty of the landscapes, the diversity of the flora and fauna, but also the complexity of the fishing. The waters of the Amazon contain some simply incredible fish that will challenge your mind, but it's a destination to make at least once in a lifetime, because what's beautiful deserves to be seen, but also protected.
