A remarkable catch unfolded on the Araguaia River in northern Goiás, Brazil, as a sports fisherman successfully hooked a giant piraíba catfish measuring an impressive 2.5 meters in length. The event took place during a guided fishing excursion near São José dos Bandeirantes in the municipality of Nova Crixás.
The catch was made by Gabriel Cambrea, who was on the water with his father, Ronaldo Cambreaa, and brother, Igor. Their guide, Ovidio Neto, widely known by his nickname 'Ovídio Piraíba,' was directing the group when the massive fish struck. The battle to land the trophy fish was intense, with the piraíba initially taking about 100 meters of line from the reel.
For approximately 50 minutes, Gabriel engaged in a strenuous fight with the powerful catfish. The guide described the prolonged struggle, noting the fish remained submerged and hooked for nearly an hour before the anglers could maneuver it close to their boat. The entire effort was captured on video, showcasing the significant physical exertion required to subdue such a large specimen.
Once the fish was finally brought alongside the vessel, the guide took the lead in the release process. The video footage shows Ovidio Neto leaping into the river to secure the piraíba in his arms, exclaiming, "Tá no colo do pai" (It's in the father's arms). Gabriel Cambrea then joined him in the water, and together they carefully returned the giant catfish to the river.
This catch-and-release practice is fundamental to the sport fishing ethos in the region. As emphasized by the guide, these large fish are not to be consumed. The piraíba, along with other giant species like the pirarucu, are protected, and their harvest is illegal. The group's successful outing also included catches of two other piraíbas and two pirararas, all exceeding 1.3 meters in length.
Ovidio Neto highlighted the rarity and difficulty of landing such a large piraíba, describing them as "smart" and "cunning" creatures that often evade hooks. He stressed that the sport fishing industry is a vital economic driver for the Vale do Araguaia region, attracting anglers from across Brazil and internationally. The practice, he noted, is strictly recreational and sustainable, with all fish being released back into their habitat.
The event underscores the Araguaia River's status as a premier destination for catching trophy-sized freshwater fish. The successful landing and safe release of the 2.5-meter piraíba serves as a testament to both the angler's skill and the region's commitment to conservation-focused sport fishing tourism.
Based on reporting from g1.