FISHING IN THE MAMANGUAPE RIVER
The Mamanguape River is our best destination for fishing for adult tarpons and also the most preserved location of all the destinations offered by our operation.
It is located in an environmental preservation area (APA), in addition to having boundaries of indigenous territories around it.
Approximately 180km from the capital of Pernambuco (Recife), located in the interior of Paraíba, this river is home to large tarpons. It is the destination for those who want to catch adult tarpons weighing more than 70 kilos and know how much patience and persistence this can require from a fisherman.
In addition to large tarpons, baby tarpons, jacks and snook can be caught on the branches or using jig heads and shrimp.
Where the Mamanguape River is Located
The mouth of the Mamanguape River, which is the stretch where we set off and fished, is located near the Traição Bay-PB.
This river is approximately 1h30 from João Pessoa-PB and 1h30 from Natal, in addition to a distance of 180km from the city of Recife-PE, and can be a fishing option for those staying in Recife, João Pessoa or even Natal.
Location Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/S2Y7SG8BVgza63uz7
Fishing in a remote setting
In reality, a more preserved landscape than this one in our northeast region is impossible. The Mamanguape River is located in an area protected by Ibama and ICMbio, whose main objective is the preservation of the manatee.
It is a very remote landscape, with rustic characteristics of beach regions and mangroves.
It is rare to see any other sports or recreational boats, apart from the rustic wooden canoes used by riverside dwellers and indigenous populations for subsistence fishing.
Near the mouth of the river, there are some restaurants on the riverbank, such as the Cacique Elias restaurant, which offers excellent fish options and various types of fresh and delicious seafood.
River arms, tributaries and mouth
The Mamanguape River has several river arms and small tributaries that supply its waters and become potential fishing spots.
In several of these river arms and narrow tributaries, snook, and darts 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 Mamanguape River is in Baía da Traição and Barra de Mamanguape-PB, and also passes by the beaches of Campina and Oitero.
Fish Species and Sizes
The Mamanguape River is known for harboring large numbers of adult tarpons weighing over 70 kg.
In addition to adult tarpons, large numbers of baby tarpons 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 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 specimens of yellow jack passing through the river channels, so you must always be prepared for a clash with these beasts.
Once the bait is in the water, you may still be surprised by some unexpected catches, including large catfish on the fly, as has happened in the past.
Fishing in Barra de Recife
Fishing in the Mamanguape River
Fishing is done by boat, without the possibility of wading. The fishing trip and access to the river are made through a sandy access, close to the mouth of the river.
It is the perfect destination for those looking for an unforgettable fight with adult tarpon specimens weighing over 60 and 70 kg. In addition to adult tarpons, this river contains a large number of baby tarpons ranging from an average of 2 to 5 kg to specimens weighing over 10 kg.
In most cases, tarpons, including giants, are spotted when they come up to the surface to breathe (rolling). At this time, 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, casts can be directed at structures, such as mangrove branches, also targeting baby tarpons. Using this technique, snook and snook 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 tides
As with other rivers and destinations, the tide dynamics and moon phases also influence the activity of the fish in this river.
The period of greatest activity for adult tarpon in this location generally occurs in the morning, especially at the end of 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.
Seasonality of fishing in the Mamanguape River
It is recommended that this fishing be done mainly during the summer and periods with less rainfall, such as September, October, November, December and January.
Fishing Equipment
Baby tarpons and snook:
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Rods with a size between #8 and 10#, 8’ to 10’ long and preferably 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 12#, 9’ to 10’ long and fast action;
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Sinking lines preferably with 450 to 550 grains;
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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