FISHING TUCUNARÉS AT THE ORÁ DAM
In addition to the many coastal and brackish water fishing destinations, the Orá Dam is one of the options for those who also want to have some freshwater fishing experience.
In fact, our region has some freshwater reservoirs that allow mainly the capture of yellow tucunarés (Cichla ocellaris), in addition to traíras.
The good news is that most of these dams are less than 1 hour from the city of Recife, as is the case of the Orá Dam.
Where Barragem do Orá is Located
Located in the rural area of the municipality of Paudalho-PE, the Orá Dam is an average distance of 52km from Recife, approximately an hour's drive towards Zona da Mata.
It is a viable option for fishing for peacock bass for those staying near Recife and Boa Viagem, since the distances do not exceed 60km on paved roads.
Location link: https://goo.gl/maps/cgnRxpNVSUMASvWCA
A peaceful fishing experience surrounded by natural beauty
Although this dam is close to the metropolitan region of Recife, the Orá Dam has a completely rural setting, with some farms and ranches along its banks.
The area around the dam is composed of sparsely spaced trees, shrubs, low-lying vegetation, with fruit trees and water-loving trees.
It is a very pleasant environment that provides tranquility during fishing, has very clean water and the presence of animals all around it.
Its landscape is full of submerged structures and branches that can be seen by all those who are looking for the best spots to catch yellow peacock bass.
The dam also offers infrastructure to serve those who want to venture into its waters, with some restaurants and farm hotels near its banks that offer delicious home-cooked food. We recommend that you try the boneless trahira for lunch during a break from fishing.
Fish Species and Sizes
Yellow tucunarés (Cichla ocellaris) are our main focus here.
The average size of these fish ranges from 800 grams to 1.8 kilos, with the possibility of catching specimens weighing over 2 kilos and measuring approximately 45 cm in length.
The Orá dam also draws attention due to the large quantity of traíras weighing between 800g and 1 kilo.
The dam also has other species of fish such as tilapia, tambaqui and freshwater croaker.
Fishing at the Orá Dam
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 peacock bass 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.
It 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 Orá 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 Fishing 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.