FISHING TUCUNARÉS AT BARRAGEM DE PIRAPAMA
Despite its strong connection with mangroves and saltwater fishing, the metropolitan region of Recife also has fishing options and freshwater destinations such as dams and reservoirs.
Few people know that sport fishing for yellow tucunarés is also an activity that can be done through our fishing operation during your trip and stay near Recife.
The truth is that our region is also home to some of these dams that allow the capture of yellow tucunarés (Cichla ocellaris). The good news is that some of these dams are less than 50 minutes from the city of Recife.
The Pirapama dam is the largest reservoir in Cabo de Santo Agostinho, in addition to being the main dam that supplies the metropolitan region of Recife.
Where Barragem de Pirapama is Located
The Pirapama Dam is located in the city of Cabo de Santo Agostinho, towards the southern coast of Pernambuco.
The distance from Boa Viagem, a neighborhood in Recife, to the Pirapama Dam is approximately 38 km, and the journey takes around 50 minutes to reach the fishing spot.
For those staying in Porto de Galinhas, the journey should not exceed 1 hour, since the dam is located approximately 48 km away from Vila de Porto.
Therefore, fishing for yellow peacock bass at the Pirapama Dam can be a perfectly viable and easily accessible option for both those staying in Recife and those enjoying the trip in Porto de Galinhas and the surrounding area.
Location link: https://goo.gl/maps/tao66uX1osMexGbi7
A peaceful fishing experience surrounded by natural beauty
Although this dam is close to the metropolitan region of Recife, the Pirapama Reservoir has a rural setting, with some farms and ranches along its banks.
It is a very pleasant environment that transmits tranquility during fishing, with tall and well-preserved forest, very clean water, fruit trees and the presence of animals all around it.
In some points of the dam, the feeling of being in a remote area is real and it is impressive that there are still places with such vivid natural beauty close to the big cities.
Its scenery is full of submerged structures and branches that can be seen by all those who are looking for the best spots to catch the yellow “bocudos”.
The dam also offers infrastructure to cater to those looking to venture into its waters, with some restaurants near its banks that offer delicious home-cooked food. We recommend trying the boneless trahira for lunch during a break from fishing.
Fish Species and Sizes
Yellow tucunarés (Cichla ocellaris) are our main focus at this destination.
The average size of these fish varies between 800 grams and 1.8 kilos, with the possibility of catching specimens weighing more than 2 kilos and measuring approximately 45 cm in length.
It is also possible to catch tucunarés, small jacundás and some traíras during fishing. The dam also has other species of fish such as tilapia, tambaqui and freshwater croaker.
Fishing at Barragem de Pirapama
In most cases, to carry out this fishing, we take the boat and trailer hitched to the car, accessing the dam through private property with prior authorization from the owners. Therefore, the fishing is done 100% on board, without the possibility of wading.
The tucunarés are located with the guidance of the guide and the positioning of the boat in strategic places, so that the casts are directed to structures such as branches, vegetation, grass, drop-offs and other types of structures.
This is a very persistent fishing, with several consecutive casts along various points of the dam with the help of a remote-controlled electric motor to position the boat in strategic points.
Fishing Seasonality at the Dam
The Pirapama Dam, like other dams, is influenced by rivers and freshwater tributaries that supply the reservoir. This water, which is usually very clear and clean, is subject to becoming muddy in winter and after heavy rainfall.
That is why we recommend that this fishing be done in the summer and warmer months, when there is less rainfall. The best months for good results in these destinations are September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April and May.
Equipment Used to Fish Yellow Tucanarés
In general, the equipment used in this destination is the same as that used in fishing for yellow peacock bass in inland waters in other regions.
Fly Fishing:
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Rods numbered between #7 and 8#, 8' to 9' long;
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Floating or intermediate lines;
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Fluorocarbon leaders of 40 and 50 pounds, which can be one-piece (without knots);
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Small flies such as streamers and clousers, as well as poppers and divers.
Baitcasting or spinning equipment (reel or spinning reels):
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Rods between 5' and 6' long of 17 to 20 lbs;
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Low profile reels with multifilament line;
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Reels between 2000 and 3000 with multifilament line;
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Multifilament lines between 20 and 25 lbs;
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40-pound fluorocarbon leader;
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Artificial lures no longer than 12 cm;
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Mid-water lures (brava, inna, curisco), poppers (vulcan, dojô) and sticks;
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Rubber frogs, shads, salamanders and other types of soft bait for rays.