Pacu

I've being going on and on in the last few posts about dorado and pintado but the pacu is one of the most beautiful fish in the Pantanal. Most pacu reach a length of about 50 cm (about 20 inches) and can weigh as much as 20lbs (this one was about 12lbs).

Pacu have very large molar like teeth. Though their teeth are quite large (and almost look human) they are not part of the piranha family. They use these large teeth to cut through vegetation and to break open large seeds that fall into the water. (photo is from Claus Qvist Jessen's Fishing and Angling Photos Page - http://www.cqj.dk/fisk-eng.htm )

Pacu are herbivores and although they will hit on live bait, their preference is fruit such as the laranjinha (pictured above). This fruit is native to the prata basin of the Pantanal. Wherever you find a tree by the banks, you can be sure there are plenty of fat pacu waiting to be caught.

The best method for catching them is to tie your boat off to a tree branch and use your heaviest weight to drop your bait right on the bottom. Pacu mainly eat fruit that has fallen into the water so they will look for what's just sitting there.

They are skittish so you have to remain quiet and still but the rewards are great. They are not great fighters like the dorado or pintado but still a great catch.

You'll want to use a medium to heavy action rod, 17 - 20lb line and a 4/0 - 6/0 hook.

This is grilled pacu served with rice, salad and topped with fried bananas. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it. The pacu tastes great and the bones are large so you don't have to worry about swallowing one.

Pacu is just one of the many specialties of the Pantanal and Fish Big Fish fishing adventures. Give us a call to set up your excursion - 1-800-582-2105.