FISHING IN THE CURIMATAÚ RIVER
Located in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, more precisely in Barra do Cunhaú, the Curimataú River is also home to adult tarpons ready to put your equipment to the test, testing all your limits and patience.
It is the scene of many lost battles by fishermen who ventured out in search of large silver fish. This river also offers fishing opportunities for baby tarpons and snook in the branches, in addition to the fearless jacks.
Where the Curimataú River is Located
The mouth of the Curimataú River, which is the stretch where we set off and fished, is located in Barra do Cunhaú-RN.
This river is approximately 2 hours from João Pessoa-PB and 1 hour from Natal, in addition to a distance of 210km from the city of Recife-PE, and can be a fishing option for those staying in Recife, João Pessoa or even Natal and Praia de Pipa.
Location Link:
A fishing trip in an estuary and mangrove setting
The Curimataú River is located in a well-preserved estuary and mangrove swamp, and the region is home to sport fishing and is rarely visited by sports and recreational boats such as speedboats and jet skis, making it a calm and pleasant environment for searching for large tarpon and other predatory species.
There are some restaurants near the mouth of the river, with excellent fish and various types of fresh and delicious seafood. You can even disembark on the beach for a lunch break or a dip to cool off.
River arms, tributaries and mouth
The Curimataú River has several river arms and tributaries that supply its waters and become potential fishing spots for snook, tarpon and jacks.
In several of these river arms and narrower tributaries, snook, and arrow snook can be found, as well as baby tarpon.
Some of the large and deep tributaries concentrate adult tarpon at their mouths. It is not difficult to spot large tarpon weighing more than 50 kg rolling at the mouths of these tributaries.
The mouth of the Curimataú River is in Barra do Cunhaú-RN.
Fish Species and Sizes
The Curimataú River has long been known for harboring large numbers of adult tarpon weighing over 70 kg.
In addition to adult tarpon, large numbers of baby tarpon can also be caught, weighing an average of 2 to 6 kg, and several specimens weighing 10 to 15 kg can also be seen.
It is also possible to catch small snook weighing up to 1.5 kg in the branches on the river banks, in addition to the possibility of catching larger individuals in deeper structures and channels, using jig heads, shrimp and pindocas.
It is not uncommon to find yellow mackerel passing through the river channels, or attacking the “wheels” of sardines and manjubas. Therefore, it is necessary to always be prepared for a clash with these true war tanks.
Fishing in the Curimataú River
Fishing is done from a boat, without the possibility of wading. The fishing trip and access to the river are made through an access point on the beach, near the mouth of the river, in Barra do Cunhaú-RN.
It is one of the best destinations for those looking for a tireless fight with adult tarpon specimens weighing over 60 and 70 kg.
In most cases, tarpons, including giant ones, are sighted when they come up to the surface to breathe (rolling). At this moment, the casts should follow the direction of their surface movement. Adult tarpons prefer to work with slower lures.
In the absence of this upward movement to breathe, the casts can be directed at structures, such as mangrove branches, also targeting baby tarpons. Using this technique, snook and pevas can be caught.
Another fishing option focused on catching snook is through the use of jig heads and pindocas in deeper channels with submerged structures and drops, targeting larger specimens.
The dynamics of the Curimataú River
As with other rivers and destinations, the dynamics of the tides and phases of the moon also influence the activity of the fish in this river.
The period of greatest activity for adult tarpon in this location generally occurs early in the morning, especially at the end of the low tide.
For snook, it doesn't matter whether the tide is ebbing or flowing, and the ideal phase of the moon is in the first or last quarter, since the tide doesn't move as quickly.
We recommend that you consult your guide in advance to plan your fishing trip in this river according to the best times of tide and fish activity.
The seasonality of the river
It is recommended that this fishing be done mainly during the summer and periods with less rainfall, such as September, October, November, December, January and February.
Fishing Equipment Used
Fly Fishing:
Baby tarpons and snook:
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Rods with a size between #8 and 10, 8’ to 10’ long and preferably with medium-fast action;
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Floating or intermediate lines;
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50 to 60-pound fluorocarbon leaders, which can be solid (without knots);
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Small flies such as streamers and clousers, as well as poppers and divers.
Adult tarpons:
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Rods with a size of 12, 9’ to 10’ long and with fast action;
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Sinking lines with 450 to 550 grains, preferably;
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90-pound fluorocarbon leaders, solid (without knots);
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Medium flies such as streamers and with well-reinforced hooks
Baitcasting or Spinning equipment (reel or spinning reels):
Baby tarpons and snook:
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Rods between 5’ and 6’ long, preferably 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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Multifilament lines between 25 and 30 pounds;
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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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Midwater lures (brava, inna, curisco), poppers (vulcan, dojo) and sticks;
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Small jigs, shads and even shrimp jig heads weighing between 5, 8 and 10 grams and reinforced hooks for tarpon and weights between 20 and 40 grams for snook in the canals.
Adult tarpon:
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Rods measuring between 6'5" and 7'5", fast action;
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Reels weighing between 5000 and 6000, with good multifilament line capacity;
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Multifilament lines weighing between 35 and 40 pounds;
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Fluorocarbon leader weighing 90 pounds;
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Midwater lures (Yo-zuri, Inna, curisco), measuring between 110 and 140 cm;
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Jigs and shads with highly resistant hooks weighing between 20 and 40 grams.