all kits
ready-made kit · intermediate
pantanal drifting and bank fishing (catfish)
Fishing for surubim catfish, cachara and jau catfish in the Pantanal and rivers of the Paraguay basin, with natural bait, drifting downriver by boat or staying still at the bank and in the pool.
| item | specification | why |
|---|---|---|
| rod Medium bottom rod | 1.8 to 2.1 m, moderate action, 20–50 lb | Feel the sinker on the bottom and hold surubim and cachara. |
| rod Heavy rod for jau | 1.8 to 2.1 m, 40–80 lb | Large jau exceed 50 kg and pull toward their hideout. |
| baitcasting reel Round-profile baitcaster | size 4000–6000, audible clicker, drag of 7 kg or more | Carries heavy line, handles long fights and signals the bite while you wait. |
| line Braid or heavy monofilament | PE 4–6 (60–90 lb) or 0.50–0.60 mm mono | Snags, rocks and heavy fish on the bottom. |
| leader Steel leaders | 60–90 lb with 5/0–7/0 hook (surubim, cachara); 120–150 lb with 9/0–12/0 circle hook (jau) | Surubim teeth abrade nylon; jau swallow deep. |
| terminal tackle Sinkers, swivels and beads | olive or pear sinker, 30 to 150 g, depending on the current | The bait has to reach the bottom and stay there. |
| bait/lure Live tuvira | 15–25 cm, from a licensed source | Main bait for surubim and cachara in the Pantanal. |
| bait/lure Bait for jau | whole fish or in pieces, depending on the local guide | Jau prefer a large, smelly bait in the pool. |
| accessory Headlamp | red light, IPX4 or higher | The best time for surubim is late afternoon into early night. |
| accessory Large pliers, gloves and repellent | pliers 20 cm or longer | Big hook, fin spines and mosquitoes. |
| safety Life jacket | approved, one per person | Current, tall banks and night navigation. |
budget
- basic
- R$1,200–2,200
- intermediate
- R$2,800–5,000
- advanced
- R$8,000+
Reference prices in reais (2026), no brand recommended.
tips
- When drifting, let out line until you feel the sinker touch bottom and keep contact; if you snag, reel in a hand's width.
- Surubim often pull and let go: give line, wait for a firm run and set. With a circle hook, just keep the line tight.
- Check MS and MT rules: bag limits, minimum and maximum sizes and transport restrictions have changed in recent years.
- Keep a heavy rod rigged just for jau.
