Peacock Bass Association

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Location: Paragua River, Venezuela
Type: Lodge

The sabre-tooth payara ranks among the Amazon's most challenging sportfish. Battered lures, broken lines and shattered rods attest to the sheer strength of these menacing prehistoric predators.  Payara typically hang out in fast-moving waters. Conditioned by constantly battling river current, payara can perform tarpon-like acrobatics and line-stripping runs to rival a big bonefish. But the payara's most unforgettable features are the two long fangs protruding up from its lower jaw. It's no wonder these creatures also referred as the Dracula fish! 

The Shangri-La of payara fishing is Uraima Falls Lodge in eastern Venezuela. The lodge claims the IGFA's all-tackle payara record -- currently 39 pounds -- as well as most line-class marks. After arriving in Caracas, you'll fly commercially to eastern Venezuela, then by charter plane to Uraima Falls Lodge. Overlooking a breathtaking waterfall, thatched-roof cabins accommodate eight anglers in comfort you'd hardly expect from this remote location.  Fishing takes place within minutes of launching your 30-foot-long boat into the river. Local guides understand the ways of this crafty fish, as well as the currents of the river.  You can also fish for aymara, another powerful species inhabiting the Paragua River.