Spotted sorubim (surubí, pintado)

Big, long catfish with a flat, shovel-shaped head, long whiskers, a gray back with black spots and bars, and a white belly.

Most catches are smaller than the top size of about 6 ft (182 cm).

Up to about 6 ft (182 cm) long and 220 lb (100 kg). Source: FishBase

It feeds mainly on fishes.

It lives near the bottom in fresh water and migrates within river systems.

Found from Paraná & Uruguay Rivers and Amazon & Pantanal.

Deep channels, holes and river bends of the Paraná, Uruguay and Paraguay rivers and the Pantanal; Goya hosts the national surubí festival.

10–60 ft on the bottom.

3–25 ft along banks, rock piles, current seams and lagoon edges.

The dry season, when the water drops and fish concentrate in the channels and lagoons; rivers close during the spawning season (in Brazil, the piracema, about November to February).

Early morning and late afternoon.

No tide — falling water after the rainy season is best.

Stable weather with clear water; sudden rains muddy the rivers.

Live morena, small fish (tuvira, cascarudo) and cut fish.

Rarely; mostly a bait fish.

7 ft medium-heavy baitcasting or spinning rod; 8–9 weight fly rod.

Strong 2/0–6/0 single hooks; many guides replace trebles with single hooks to protect the fish.

40–65 lb braid.

Wire or 60–80 lb fluorocarbon for toothy fish.

Anchor or drift over deep holes at dusk and night with live bait on the bottom; let the fish run before you set the hook.

Surubí feed best at night. Bring heavy gear, a good light and patience.

Catch and release: wet your hands, keep the fish in the water when you can, and release it quickly. Use circle hooks and a dehooker.

Excellent eating — one of the best-tasting fish in its range.

Bleed and ice it right away. Fillet, then remove the skin and any dark bloodline.

Firm, white, boneless meat, one of the best river fish in South America: grilled, fried or in stews.

Sharp teeth on many river fish (dorado, payara, piranha, tararira) — use pliers and lip grips. Caimans, stingrays and strong currents are real hazards; shuffle your feet when wading.

Strict minimum sizes and closed seasons apply in Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, and Mato Grosso protects pintado; check the local rules. Every country requires a fishing license (in Brazil, the Licença de Pesca Amadora), each Argentine province and Brazilian state adds its own rules, and most rivers close during the spawning season. Indigenous lands and strict reserves are closed to outside anglers without permits.

Keep only what you'll eat, release the rest quickly, and follow size and bag limits.