The giant of the bottom: still-fishing, circle hooks and the best deep pools of the Paraná.
The giant of the Paraná
The surubí is one of the great prizes of the Paraná river: a powerful catfish that lives in deep pools and hunts at night and at dawn. It reaches enormous sizes, so your gear has to match.
Best months
The warm season concentrates the action: spring and summer, with peaks tied to the river rises. Always respect each province's closed season and minimum sizes.
Bottom technique
Still-fishing with a heavy sinker at the head and bottom of the pools, current seams and under cut banks. Patience rules: you fish several lines and wait for a solid take.
Tackle
- Heavy bottom gear, a reel with plenty of line capacity.
- Thick mono or braid, with a heavy mono or hard-nylon leader.
- Circle hooks: they protect the fish (setting in the corner of the mouth) and improve release.
- Baits: live swamp eel, cut sábalo or eel.
Where
The Middle Paraná between Santa Fe and Entre Ríos and the Rosario waterfront are historic surubí zones, with ramps, guides and lots of structure.
Responsible release
For big fish, careful release: hold it horizontal and wet, and revive it in the current before letting go.
