Piraputanga: A Hidden Gem for Fly Anglers
Updated: Sep 29
Descubra a Piraputanga
Trout is undisputedly the most targeted fish family among fly anglers worldwide. They are widely available globally, and they feed on surface insects. Plus, they put on a good fight and inhabit pristine, scenic water bodies. This combination attracts most fly anglers.
Now, if trout are fun for their topwater action, acrobatic jumps, and escape-artist skills, what would you think if they also had sharp teeth? Imagine having to up your game by setting the hook at the most precise moment, only to have your fluorocarbon leader cut in the blink of an eye, resulting in a lost fish.
This is my preamble to the Piraputanga (Brycon Hilarii), one of the most underrated and under-targeted fish species in the fly fishing world. Part of this is due to its limited global availability; they are mostly found in South American countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay. Another reason is that people just don't talk about them at all. It's almost like those who know them want to keep a good secret to themselves. As an angler, I can understand that.
The good news is that Piraputangas (aka Pera in Brazil) can often be found in the same waters fished for Golden Dorados. While the latter is a very challenging target with a growing reputation worldwide, the former remains pretty anonymous.
I personally think that going to a river with Piraputangas and not dedicating time to catch them is a trip being partially wasted. At the same time, I understand that the Golden Dorados can demand lots of your time and attention. It’s all about your time management choices and personality. Think Golden Dorados for competitive fishing and "Peras" for good times and relaxation.
Normally, the Piraputanga will stay away from the Dorados. But there are cases when you can hook a Piraputanga, only to see a Golden Dorado come out of nowhere, break your line, and take your fish in a fraction of a second. In a way, the Piraputanga is to trout what a Golden Dorado is to salmon. They share similar characteristics, and in the waters they share, they are prey and predator, respectively.
Por que a Piraputanga é tão divertida?
Why is Piraputanga so much fun? Let me break it down for you:
Tamanho divertido: This is particularly important for anglers who do not care much about river monsters and long, hard fights. Generally, Piraputangas weigh less than two pounds, but trophy-size 7-pounders are out there as well.
Saltos acrobáticos: They love jumping out of the water to feed. They are known for reaching overhanging branches for little fruits or topwater for terrestrials. Oftentimes, they will take your fly on the drop, but they also enjoy a little dead-drifting. These fish love current seams, especially under the shades of overhanging bushes by the bank. Riffles are also a good feeding area for them. If the wind has blown, leaves will be carried by the current, and Peras will be looking for the food that fell with the wind onto the river's surface. Having said that, these fish can also appreciate chasing a streamer. See the resemblance with trout?
Lutas emocionantes: The jumping goes on and on during most of your fight. Many times, it ends with the fish out of the hook and back in the water. If you get a little slack on your line, the fish will cut your leader and take your precious fly with it.
Equipamento leve: In normal conditions, you will fish them with light tackle (5-7wt fly rods), floating line, and light (but strong) leaders (10 lb fluorocarbon). Light tackle is always fun! If you are dead-drifting a terrestrial, casting it over and over again with nice open loops over the water will have a therapeutic effect on you. Believe me.
On top of that, the Piraputanga is a beautiful fish. It has a silvery-gold body, bright orange pelvic and pectoral fins, a red tail fin with a distinct, prominent black stripe, and an upturned mouth full of sharp teeth.
This is a new species for most fly anglers. Although we can pull some tricks to catch them, there are still lots of techniques yet to be explored. Perhaps dry-droppers or nymphing. Heck! Tenkara; who knows!
Venha pescar conosco!
Come fish for them with us in Brazil, and we promise, you'll get hooked!
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