About the Dourado (Golden fish)
The Dourado (Salminus maxillosus) is considered a magnificent fish for its shape and its yellow-orange-golden color. Voraciously carnivorous, it is known as the "Tiger of Parana" because of the way it fights to avoid being taken out of the water after it has been hooked. It can reach speeds of up to 115 km/h or 70 mph. It is one of the tastiest fish in the world. At the age of twenty-five, it can measure up to 1.20 meters in length and weigh 30 kilos. It is most commonly found in the Guaira area. Alvar Nunes Cabeza de Vaca, the first European explorer of the Iguassu Falls region, registered the first European reference to the Dourado in 1542.
See also: Fishing in Iguassu Falls for Dourado

About the Piapara
Scientific Name/Family: Leporinus obtusidens. Anostomidae.

Habits: An average piapara can reach the length of 1,3 ft and weigh 3 lb, although the larger specimens can be as long as 31 in and weigh 13 lb. In Brazil, the fish has different names: aracu (Amazonia), piau, piavucu, piava, etc. It lives in the rivers, in deep wells and by the banks. It is omnivorous, feeding on plants, insects, and larva. Some species only feed on filamentous algae, grassroots or berries and seeds. It bites gently, requiring much attention by fishermen.

Tackle: Bamboo rods for riverbanks and medium action rod and baitcasting reels for boat fishing. Line: 12 to 14 lb, prepared with ling and lose small lead weight on the line and small hooks.

Baits: Only natural bait is used, such as corn, fresh or sour, small dough balls and snails.

Curiosity: It requires some experience for the piapara fishing to be successful. The fish usually gets the baits gently and then places it in its mouth before swimming off. If the fisherman hooks before the proper time, the fish will escape for sure. A good tip: make a corn or dough bait lure in order to gather the fish in a certain point of the river - then start to fish. No noise ever!