For many travelers, fishing is a natural part of exploring this vast world of water — not as a competition, but as an experience that brings you closer to nature and to local culture.
Whether it’s casting a line for the strong and colorful peacock bass, joining a local guide to catch piranhas, or learning traditional fishing techniques used for generations, the rainforest offers countless ways to experience life by the water.
The Thrill of Peacock Bass
Among sport fishers, the peacock bass — known locally as tucunaré — is the star of the Amazon. This striking fish is famous for its strength and quick strikes. The best season for fishing is from August to November, when the waters are lower and fish are easier to find.
Peacock bass can be caught from the riverbank or from a boat, using wobblers, spoons, or other fast-moving lures. It’s a powerful and exciting catch, ideal for guests who enjoy some active fishing during their stay. Those interested should bring their own gear, though local lodges may have some basic equipment available.
Piranha Fishing for Everyone
Piranha fishing is included in almost every eco-tourism package in the Amazon, and it’s a simple and safe way to get close to the region’s rich fish life while enjoying a relaxed moment on the water. It’s done with the most basic gear – a stick, a line and a hook – and the guide prepares small pieces of raw meat or fish as bait. Once you feel that quick vibration on the line, a sharp pull is all you need to secure the catch.
Several species can appear, but the most common is the red-bellied piranha, which in many areas is also called caju. They move in schools and are usually the ones visitors hook within a few minutes. The larger black piranha behaves differently, living alone rather than in schools. When this one bites, you notice immediately – it hits harder and gives a much stronger fight.
Because piranhas have extremely sharp teeth, it’s best to let the guide remove the hook once the fish is in the boat.
After the trip, guests can taste their own catch. Sometimes this becomes a small barbecue, but more often it ends as a traditional piranha soup, prepared either at the lodge or on the boat and served for lunch or dinner in a simple and authentic way.
Traditional Fishing Techniques
For the people of the Amazon, fishing is not a sport but a way of life. Indigenous and caboclo communities have developed unique techniques that show deep knowledge of the rivers.
At Paroá Amazon Lodge, guests can learn about these traditional methods — from fishing with bows and arrows in shallow water to learn about how the locals used timbó, a natural plant used to stun fish during community harvests.
These practices demonstrate how humans have lived in harmony with the rainforest for centuries, taking only what is needed and respecting the natural balance of the ecosystem.
The rivers of the Amazon invite every visitor to slow down and listen — to the splash of a fish, the hum of insects, and the quiet strength of nature itself. Fishing here is more than catching a meal or a trophy; it’s about understanding how deeply the rainforest depends on its endless flow of water and life.