FISHING IN THE IPOJUCA RIVER IN PORTO DE GALINHAS-PE
Talking about the Ipojuca River reminds me of my first expeditions in kayak, exploring its potential and fishing spots. At that time, in 2013, I had no idea how much joy this river could provide.
I always say that fishing on the Ipojuca River is like a box of surprises. Over the course of many fishing trips, it took me a long time to better understand the tidal dynamics and the best times to fish on this river. This is because I often based my fishing on the dynamics and knowledge applied to other rivers, such as the Capibaribe, fishing at times and tides that were not very efficient.
Today, with a large number of successful fishing trips and more knowledge of the place, we have guaranteed unforgettable moments in the memories of many fishermen who ventured to discover yet another option for tarpon fishing.
As it is a river that goes beyond our urban fishing theme, the local scenery provides a feeling of greater integration with nature and the mangrove ecosystem of the Northeast, guaranteeing incredible fishing experiences.
Where the Ipojuca River is Located
The stretch where our fishing activity is concentrated, close to the mouth, is located in Nossa Senhora do Ó, Ipojuca, Pernambuco. The main attraction of this region is Porto de Galinhas beach, less than 10km from the access to the river. That is why fishing in this destination is a good option for those staying near Porto de Galinhas, on the southern coast.
Location link: https://goo.gl/maps/YGFWxXFhgqtjxtVk9
Peculiar and pleasant scenery of the Ipojuca River
The Ipojuca River has a peculiar and pleasant landscape around its banks, somewhat different from other rivers in the region. This is because the difference between the natural landscapes along its contours and distribution is noticeable.
When you reach the access ramp, you will notice a river with freshwater characteristics, with typical vegetation, including a number of fruit trees, precisely because this is an area of greater influence of the freshwater that comes from the headwaters. The river is also quite narrow in this part. Sometimes, it is possible to see some tarpon in this region of greater freshwater influence.
Going down the river, you will notice a transition zone between this type of vegetation and mangrove trees, typical of brackish water. The river becomes wider and there is a greater incidence of tarpon moving on the surface.
Closer to the mouth of the river, the river becomes wider, surrounded by mangroves, sandbanks and structures for fish to gather. It also has some mangrove branches where snook are found.
Located a little further away from the big cities, the Ipojuca River has much better preserved aspects, with no buildings or monuments in sight, giving the impression of fishing in a more remote environment.
It is a river used for subsistence fishing and shellfish extraction by the riverside population, with no traffic from fishing boats or tours, such as speedboats and jet skis, making for a very pleasant and quiet environment.
River arms, tributaries and mouth
The Ipojuca River has several river arms and small interconnected tributaries along its course, the largest of which is the Merepe River. It is also possible to occasionally find tarpon and snook in the Merepe River.
Its mouth is at Muro Alto Beach, known for its natural pools and crystal-clear waters. This beach is the “backyard” of famous resorts in the region, and therefore is a safe, well-preserved area suitable for swimming. It is possible to travel by boat during fishing to Muro Alto Beach, and you can even combine a dip in the sea during a break from fishing for tarpon.
Fish Species and Sizes
The most common species are tarpons (known as pirapema in the region) with an average weight of 2 to 7 kg, with a real chance of catching specimens weighing between 10 and 17 kg.
Sea bass can also be caught in the branches with individuals averaging up to 1 kg and in the deep channels, they can exceed the weight of 5 kg.
Fishing in the Ipojuca River
Fishing is mostly done from a boat, although it is occasionally possible to disembark at some points and try some casting by wading with your feet in the sand during low tide.
The main focus is on tarpons, where it is possible, most of the time, to see them making movements on the surface (rollings).
When they are not demonstrating movements on the surface very often, tarpons can be found close to the branches and strategic points, so fishing methods can change in relation to the behavior of the fish.
It is also possible to catch snook in branches and submerged structures, depending on the turbidity of the water. Another option is to catch them in deeper channels near the bar using bottom baits such as jig heads and pindoca.
Equipment used in Ipojuca
Equipamentos de Fly (pesca com mosca):
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Varas de numeração entre #8 e 9#, com 8’ a 10’ de comprimento e preferencialmente de ações média-rápida;
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Linhas flutuantes (floatings) ou intermediárias (intermediate);
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Líderes de Fluorcarbono de 50 a 60 libras, podendo ser inteiriços (sem nós);
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Moscas Pequenas como streamers e clousers, além de poppers e divers.
Equipamentos de Baitcasting (carretilha ou molinetes):
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Varas de comprimento entre 5’ a 6’, de preferência ação média-rápida;
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Carretilhas de perfil baixo com capacidade de 100m de linha multifilamento;
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Molinetes entre 2500 a 3500, com boa capacidade de linha multifilamento;
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Linhas Multifilamento de 30 libras;
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Líder Fluorcarbono de 40 a 60 libras;
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Pequenas iscas artificiais, de preferência com no máximo 10 cm;
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Iscas de meia água, poppers e sticks
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Pequenos jigs, shads e até mesmo camarões de jig heads.
Dynamics of the Ipojuca River
The dynamics of the tides and the phases of the moon have a strong influence on the activity of the fish in this river. Unlike the Capibaribe River and other rivers in the region, the tarpon are most active at the end of the ebb and the beginning of the flood, with the fish following the movement of the water. The fish often enter the river following the water coming from the sea when the tide starts to rise.
Once the river receives a good amount of water from the sea and the mangrove roots are covered, the fish disperse and it is very rare to see any activity during the high tide period. Therefore, we recommend consulting the guide and planning your fishing trip for the best tide times. It is worth noting that this river has a considerable delay in the tide in relation to the official tide table.
Fishing Seasonality
The Ipojuca River is a river that is sensitive to rainfall. Because it is heavily influenced by fresh water from its headwaters and has a clay bottom, the water can easily become muddy after a rainy season.
For this reason, we recommend fishing during the summer and warmer months, when there is less rainfall. The best months for good results on this river are September, October, November, December, January, February and March.
If you plan to visit this region during other months of the year, there are other fishing spots that are worth exploring.