This trip is definitely not for everyone – and that's exactly what made it twice as appealing to me. In November 2019, along with my friend Yngve Ask and Jako Lucas, I embarked on a journey to Guyana to encounter the Arapaima.
This trip is definitely not for everyone – and that's exactly what made it twice as appealing to me. In November 2019, along with my friend Yngve Ask and Jako Lucas, I embarked on a journey to Guyana to encounter the Arapaima.
The jungle of Guyana is home to one of the largest, most exotic, and unique wild fish: the prehistoric and massive Arapaima.
The small South American country of Guyana is located to the east of Venezuela, west of Suriname, and north of Brazil. Dense tropical rainforest covers more than 80% of the land.
The village of Rewa is situated in the heart of Guyana at the confluence of the Rupununi and Rewa rivers. The lodge has been constructed and is operated by the village residents. It offers spacious cabanas with bathrooms, a dining area, a pier, and a terrace. Additionally, there is an upstream camp with hammocks where one can stay to avoid long boat rides.
Arapaima are found only in a few places around the world. Torpedo-shaped with large black-green scales and red and orange markings, the Arapaima is streamlined, sleek, and incredibly powerful.
The Arapaima is the largest freshwater fish ever recorded and can weigh over 350 kg and reach a length of more than ten feet. It is the apex predator of its freshwater ecosystem and dominates the rivers and ponds of the region, sharing its habitat with piranhas, payara, crocodiles, and many other species.
Fishing is done from aluminum boats or wooden canoes. In some cases, anglers also walk along the Rupununi to reach remote jungle ponds.
It requires patience, precision, and skill, but when the line tightens and a 200-pound fish explodes from the water just a few meters away from the boat, you truly grasp the allure of jungle Arapaima fishing! If an angler can land a handful of Arapaima over the course of a week, that's considered a successful week.
