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Top 10 Freshwater Fish to Catch in South America

FishyAF

Fish to Catch in South America

Big hits, zero mercy. South America’s freshwater gauntlet.

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South America’s freshwater isn’t just hyped—it’s stacked. Peacock bass and pacu headline a lineup that throws real muscle your way. From ambush predators to hard-fighting cichlids, every cast can mean something different. This region doesn’t do boring, and neither do its fish. Bring your A-game or get left behind.

Peacock Bass

World Record 27 lb 0 oz
Gilberto Fernandes / 2010
Rio Negro, Brazil

Signature Fact That fake eyespot on the tail is a piranha decoy, drawing bites away from the brain.

Click to Learn More About Peacock Bass

Pacu

World Record Pending

Signature Fact Their square, humanlike teeth crush hard nuts with scary efficiency, earning pacu viral fame and a wary respect.

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Arapaima

World Record Pending

Signature Fact Arapaima must breathe air and surfaces every 5 to 15 minutes, gulping loudly like a surfacing submarine.

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Payara

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record Pending

Signature Fact Two saber fangs up to 6 inches long lock into skull sockets when the mouth closes.

Redtail catfish

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record Pending

Signature Fact In Asian pay lakes, pellet-fed bruisers regularly top 100 pounds and bulldoze anglers like runaway anchors.

Kelberi Peacock Bass

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 10 lb 9 oz
Carlos H. Hidalgo / 2013
Lake Okeechobee, Florida

Signature Fact Breeding males flip to near-solid gold overnight-like someone dipped a bass in molten brass.

Oscar

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 3 lb 5 oz
William T. Campbell / 1995
Amazon Basin, Brazil

Signature Fact It pressure-washes prey from cover by shooting targeted water jets-an Amazon ambusher with its own squirt gun.

Pearlscale Cichlid

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 1 lb 8 oz
Carlos M. Rodriguez / 2004
Rio Grande, Texas

Signature Fact This eartheater vacuums sand and blasts it out its gills like a glittery underwater snowblower.

Suckermouth Armored Catfish

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 2 lb 14 oz
Michael J. Martin / 2002
Miami Canal, Florida

Signature Fact It breathes with a vascularized stomach, so a beached pleco can stay alive-and even scoot-on land for hours.

Dorado

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record Pending

Signature Fact Golden dorado stage long freshwater migrations, shadowing sábalo runs for hundreds of miles like riverbound wolves.

FAQs

What fish can you catch in South America?

You can target peacock bass, pacu, arapaima, payara, redtail catfish, and more. South America’s freshwater delivers both power and variety.

What is the best time of year to fish in South America?

Prime fishing in South America usually lines up with the dry season, when water levels drop and the action heats up.

Where are the best places to fish in South America?

South America is loaded with legendary rivers and lakes. Focus on major river systems and connected freshwater spots for the best action.

What gear do you need for fishing in South America?

Bring sturdy tackle and strong line to handle heavy hitters like arapaima and redtail catfish. Medium setups work for cichlids and peacock bass.

What are the easiest fish to catch in South America?

Oscar, armored catfish, and pacu are among the more accessible targets in South American freshwater.

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