PIRANHA

The Piranha, like the tambaqui and pirapatinga, is also a member of the Characidae family. At least a dozen species of these fish have been recognized. Many sport anglers have taken piranha up to the four to six pound range and they are a worthy adversary on light tackle. They take an assortment of small jigs and jerkbaits, but the locals catch them by using a piece of cut-bait on a small hook. Despite the tales of late night movies, piranhas are not the feared, man-eating creatures that they are often portrayed. Just a few of the species are dangerous to man and livestock and this primarily occurs when a large school is trapped within a drying lagoon with a dwindling or absent food source. It is advise, however, not to place your fingers anywhere near their mouths when unhooking a lure or hook. They will take a snap at you in an instant. Piranha can be taken up to 6 pounds in Brazil. They are usually an incidental catch to most sport anglers fishing for other species. The first time angler to South America enjoys targeting this species just so they can tell their fishing buddies back home they've tangled with piranha.