We target the famous MACHACA all year around. Machaca are one of the most aggressive and hardest fighting freshwater fish in Costa Rica, once hooked they will leap out of the water several times.
The Machaca found in the tropical rivers along the Pacific Ocean, most Machaca are 2-6 lbs, but large ones can reach 10-15 lbs. The world record Machaca was actually caught here in 1991, weighing in at 9 lbs 8 oz.
MACHACAS are not well known due to their limited distribution and the relative difficulty of fishing for them, but if you are ever in a place where they are found they are definitely worth pursuing. Despite possessing menacing looking teeth Machaca are primarily vegetarians, feeding on fruits and seeds that fall into the water. As a result, they are primarily surface oriented making them good candidates for topwater presentations.
Machaca Description
Machaca is a feisty member of the Piranha found in Central America, particularly Costa Rica. They are not well known due to their limited distribution and the relative difficulty of fishing for them, but if you are ever in a place where they are found they are definitely worth pursuing. Despite possessing menacing looking teeth Machaca are primarily vegetarians, feeding on fruits and seeds that fall into the water. As a result, they are primarily surface oriented making them good for our Fly Fishing Trips.The Machaca average is 2-6lbs but can max out around 15lbs.
Machaca are not generally considered good eating although they are sometimes used in soups. They fight well and jump like a mini Tarpon but are fragile and do not survive well if handled.
Machaca Tackle
Machaca can be caught on relatively light tackle. They fight well for their size but do not generally try to bury you in the snags like the Rainbow Bass that are often found in the same areas. Therefore, light tackle is in order. Machaca also readily eats flies.
Machaca Techniques
Machaca are surface oriented feeders so presentations should be targeted to the surface or just below the surface. They jump a lot when hooked and often get unhooked as a result.
Machaca Lures
Machaca are surface oriented feeders so small poppers work. They are curious fish that strike a number of small lures if their interest is piqued. Small gold and silver spinners and spoons are popular. They also eat insects so that makes them a good target for fly fishermen on a variety of flies especially dragonfly imitations.
Machaca Baits
I have never fished for them with bait but I hear fruits found where they live
Machaca River Fishing
My husband and I went fishing all day yesterday. We had an absolute BLAST! We caught lots a fish. The captain was so nice with a great personality. The mate waited on us the entire time...