Leaders and Casting for Payara
**Everyone does things a little differently so experiment and have fun! But here’s how I look at it…
Rigging Up a Leader for Payara
If you are familiar with river streamer fishing then think murky, fast, and deep water style streamer fishing! Because of that I use a particularly short leader on extra fast sinking line. Here’s my rigs…
Rio Leviathan in 350-500 grain is recommend— 400 is my all-purpose favorite and works for everything. Casts well with either a 10 or 11wt rod. 350 grain works for a 9/10 wt rod in slower, shallower, or smaller rivers. 500 grain if using weighted flies in extra deep/fast water with a 12 wt rod.
From the fly line, I use 8-12 inches of 60lb fluorocarbon connected to an extra strong swivel. I typically don’t have to change that for an entire trip. From the swivel I use 40 lb Rio Wire Bite. I typically go 12-15 inches but you can go longer if you choose. I choose a shorter wire line because A- its expensive stuff and B- I like to have 5-7 pre-rigged up in my box!
This is important because once you find a school of Payara and catch 1-2 or have 3-4 hits, they often get used to a color or you need to try a weighted fly to go deeper. With the swivel connector and pre-rigged Payara flies, I can switch between colors in a matter of seconds! Using a smaller swivel at the fly is also an option. Each night I inspect the leaders and the flies. I comb out the flies and replace any leaders (or flies) that are trashed. Always have multiple colors and weighted flies prepared and note that most flies are going to last 2-4 Payara. As much as I try, those teeth are gnarly!
Casting and Stripping for Payara
While most apex predators inhale their prey (think bass, pike, tarpon, etc), Payara are often trying to weaken their prey (think Pirana). Those teeth are sharp and powerful but don’t fully allow for inhalation so they slash! You’ll often feel 3, 4, or 5 bumps in a single cast before hooking into a Payara. The trailer hook on the Vampire Slayer is key! For more info on why the Vampire Slayer is so effective, click here.
Payara lay in deep and/or very swift currents waiting to ambush baitfish as they go by. Because of that I often cast up river with a short cast then let ALL my line out letting the fly get as deep as possible before swinging the fly into the zone and retrieving quickly. I typically put the rod under my armpit and hand/overhand retrieve. This makes sure that there is always tension on the fly. It also allows for 3-4 strip sets before raising the rod. Both factors will greatly enhance the chance of landing Payara.
For every 3-5 Payara you hook, you might only land one! Doing all the little things can improve this ratio but due to their unique slashing style, ominous teeth, and inevitable/incredible jump, its very difficult. If you can last that wild and crazy first 30 seconds, then you should be able to land the fish. Their power is incredible but they do lack stamina.
Once landed, grab the Payara by the tail. They will be fairly docile by this point. Note that these are slimy fish and surprisingly fragile. Keep them off the hot rocks, take your pics, and release quickly. Enjoy the experience of catching a true river monster then get your fly in the water for the next one!
