The Amazon River in South America is a dream fishing spot for many anglers, simply because of the bevy of unique freshwater fish species that can be caught there. With over 2,000 species of fish, it can be hard to chose which ones should go on a bucket list, but species like the peacock bass, the payara, the piraiba catfish, the arapaima, freshwater dorado, and the piranha regularly top would-be Amazon anglers' lists.
One notable species is the wolf fish, or Hoplias aimara. The wolf fish is found throughout most of northern South America, including Brazil, Columbia, French Guiana, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname. It can grow up to 47 inches long, and weigh 88 pounds, though there are unconfirmed rumors of 100 pound wolf fish swimming the rivers of South America. It also has a ferocious reputation, with a strong bite and sharp teeth, and has been known to attack divers and swimmers.
Like many predatory fish, wolf fish can be incredibly fun to target. They have very aggressive takes, are prone to jumping, and put up a big fight when hooked. Professional angler Jeremy Wade, of River Monsters fame, targeted the wolf fish in 2020 and found it quite the challenge. When he did finally tangle with one, it proved to be an absolute giant.
The wolf fish is often found in shallow water river basins and creeks, where it likes to ambush invertebrates and small fish as its primary prey items. Jeremy Wade used this to his advantage, using cut baitfish to catch his wolf fish. They also have a reputation for being voracious fighters, making them a sought-after fish for many fishermen and women visiting the Amazon.
Awesome catch Jeremy, and now we have added yet another species to our fishing bucket list for a hopeful trip to the Amazon someday.
READ MORE: That Time Jeremy Wade Caught a Massive 6.5-Pound Piranha
