TARPON FISHING IN THE CAPIBARIBE RIVER IN RECIFE
Sport fishing for tarpons in the Capibaribe River, in the capital city of Recife, fulfills the main purpose and objective of creating our sport fishing operation, Recife Tarpon, which is to promote and value urban fishing in the major metropolitan centers of Brazil.
It is impossible to talk about tarpon fishing in Brazil and not mention Recife and the Capibaribe River. Mainly because this is the pioneering river that gave rise to a unique and well-established tarpon fly fishing operation in the country.
The Capibaribe River is, above all and without a doubt, the Brazilian river that has received the most fly fishermen from all states and also from other countries to experience the much-coveted tarpon fishing (camurupins).
Although our largest customer base is fly fishermen, the Capibaribe River is also home to sport fishermen practicing a wide range of disciplines, most of whom have caught the first tarpon of their lives in the waters of the Capibaribe River.
Get to Know the Capibaribe River
The Capibaribe River, also known as the capybara river (a term derived from the old Tupi language), is one of the main rivers in the state of Pernambuco. It is 248 kilometers long, passing through approximately 42 municipalities in the state and receiving a total of approximately 74 tributaries along its entire course, until it flows into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
The city of Recife is also affectionately nicknamed “The Brazilian Venice” and while sailing it is easy to understand why. As we move from one fishing spot to another, it is possible to take a trip back in time, passing through several canals, historic buildings and monuments, palaces, parks and countless bridges that connect the neighborhoods to the old city center.
In the center of Recife, there are three islands in the Capibaribe River: Santo Antônio Island, Recife Antigo and Boa Vista. These islands are visible during most guided fishing trips. It is also possible to pass under important bridges such as the Duarte Coelho Bridge (known as the Galo da Madrugada Bridge), Maurício de Nassau Bridge and Princesa Isabel Bridge.
Among the traditions of boats specialized in sailing tourism on the Capibaribe River, one of them is to clap and shout after making a wish every time you pass under a bridge. We would like to point out that there will be plenty of opportunities to pass under one and make your wish during our fishing trips.
It is highly recommended that when you travel to Recife to fish for tarpon, you set aside a day to take a family trip along the waters of the Capibaribe River to see the city from a different perspective. For this, we recommend the company Catamaran Tours.
Where the Rio Capibaribe is Located
The stretch of the Capibaribe River where we fish is located in the capital city of Recife, located in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil.
It is the ideal destination for those staying in or passing through Recife, even for work, as it is a quick and efficient fishing spot, with easy access, since it is located in the middle of the city.
It is worth remembering that Recife is also close to Olinda (10 km), Porto de Galinhas (50 km), Praia de Carneiros (95 km) and João Pessoa (115 km), making it a very accessible destination from the most diverse tourist attractions in the region.
Dpt. Remo Do Sport Club Do Recife
Av. Beira Rio, 200 - Madalena
Recife - PE, 50750-560
Location link: https://goo.gl/maps/hDtsHPnrKYCUDnuTA
Sport Fishing in the Capibaribe River
Any sport fisherman who has sailed other rivers in the Brazilian northeast in search of tarpon will notice the striking difference between this river and other Brazilian rivers. No other river has ever been known to have the same number of tarpon per square meter as the Capibaribe River.
This difference is what sets the waters of the Capibaribe River apart from other rivers, making it the most sought-after destination for those who want to have a real chance of catching a tarpon in Brazil and learning more about this magnificent species. This is why Recife has been known in fishing circles as “The Tarpon Capital” in our country.
It is natural for many to ask why this river is home to such a large number of tarpon, as it is, in fact, the factor that most impresses all fishermen who undertake this sport fishing experience. Strange as it may be, some people associate the large number of fish with the increase in pollution in the river, a subject that should be discussed in more depth in another topic.
In addition to the overpopulation of tarpons, another notable and exclusive characteristic of the Capibaribe River is that the tarpons in this river act much more aggressively when compared to the same species found in other river systems and environments. Most likely due to the shallow depth in most of its fishing areas, in addition to the reduced threat from other predators, including humans, and even due to its location in the middle of a large city, these fish end up becoming much more active in attacking the artificial baits and flies offered to them.
When fishing in several northeastern rivers in Brazil, many of us have come across situations in which the tarpons behave less actively, that is, more cunningly. This condition occurs even at times when it is possible to see a large number of fish in a school. We all know how frustrating and common it is to see a huge number of tarpons rolling and none of them even showing their faces to eat our bait.
Fortunately, this is a rare and more difficult scenario to occur in the waters of the Capibaribe, where tarpons often fight among themselves to take the baits thrown to them by fishermen. This special and more specific condition of this river also makes it possible to fish for tarpons using surface baits, such as small poppers and sticks, as well as bubbers and divers in the case of fly fishing.
Fishing Method
The techniques for catching tarpon can vary depending on the day, tide, wind action, structures, depth, among others.
In Recife, in the estuary or mangrove swamp, it is possible to catch them in the same day among the branches, on the pillars of bridges, in the middle of the river or shallow near the banks.
Casts can be directed visually (when it is possible to see their path when they come up to breathe) or by casting blindly, as we say here.
Tarpons may also display different behaviors when they come up to breathe. Some may come up very quickly, showing only a little of their tail and throwing a little water upwards. Others will come up more slowly, showing their back, fin and the upper part of their tail. The most expected thing is for them to come up this way, more slowly, because this gives away their position and also gives the fisherman more time to recognize their direction and throw their bait in the correct position (about 1 meter in front). Normally when they come up slowly like this, they are in hunting mode.
Depending on the tide and the tarpons' behavior, the work should be slow, but constant. In other cases, you can work faster, always constant. In shallower places, you can and should use surface baits. Poppers can be worked with invigorating touches and slowly. Tarpons usually strike more than once when they miss the strike, so it is advisable to continue working the bait if the fish misses the strike.
There are points and times when the fish will not be rising as much, so fishing with antlers can be the solution. Precise casts with antlers and slow work can make a difference. In those moments when you do not see many fish breathing on the surface, you can also look for them deeper, letting the bait “jig” slowly closer to the bottom of the channels.
Another fishing option, although very little practiced, is trolling, which can be used with jigs, shads or barb plugs.
Fish Species in the Capibaribe River
Our target species, and by far the most abundant in the Capibaribe River, is the Tarpon (megalops atlanticus), also known by several other local names such as Camurupim, Camurim-pim, Pirapema, Pema and Tarpão.
The average size of tarpon in the waters of the Capibaribe varies on average from 2 to 5 kilos, and specimens weighing over 10 kilos can be caught. The record for tarpon caught on this river by our clients is 18 kilos on Bait and 11 kilos on Fly.
In addition to Tarpon, it is also possible to catch some Snooks (camurins) in the waters of the Capibaribe, usually small. Occasionally, there is also a chance of catching a Xaréu that is passing through the channels.
At the mouth of the Capibaribe River, that is, at Barra do Recife, it is also possible to go coastal fishing, casting along the reefs. Depending on the sea conditions, it is possible to catch tarpons, Xaréus, guaricemas, guaiviras, agulhões and other coastal fish.
Equipment Use in the Capibaribe River
Fly fishing equipment:
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Rods with a size between #8 and 9#, 8’ to 10’ long and preferably with medium-fast action;
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Floating or intermediate lines;
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Fluorocarbon leaders of 50 to 60 pounds, which can be solid (without knots);
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Small flies such as streamers and clousers, as well as poppers and divers.
Baitcasting equipment (reel or spinning reels):
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Rods with a length between 5’ and 6’, preferably with medium-fast action;
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Low profile reels with a capacity of 100m of multifilament line;
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Reels between 2500 and 3500, with a good capacity of multifilament line;
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30-pound multifilament lines;
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Fluorocarbon leader of 40 to 60 pounds;
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Small artificial lures, preferably no longer than 10 cm;
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Mid-water lures, poppers and sticks
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Small jigs, shads and even shrimp with jig heads.
Conviniences of the Capibaribe
The great advantage of fishing in a completely urban river is the facilities it provides. Access to the river is easy and quick because it is located in the city center. In addition, the river has different access points, where fishermen can embark and disembark easily and quickly in case of an emergency or need.
To get to the river and start a guided fishing trip, our clients usually use transportation apps like Uber, meeting our guides at a pre-established location through direct contact with the guide, which are usually piers, access ramps, or squares and parks with access to the river.
It is worth noting that the distances between the main points of the city are not great. From the airport to the fishing spot, for example, it takes on average 20 to 30 minutes. From the hotels, most of which are located in Boa Viagem, it usually takes 15 to 30 minutes to get to the meeting and fishing spots.