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How to catch Pati

Luciopimelodus pati (Valenciennes, 1835)

About Pati fishing

The pati is a large elongated freshwater catfish belonging to the Pimelodidae family, originating from major South American river basins including the Río de la Plata. It features a streamlined body with long whiskers and typically inhabits deep, turbid waters characterized by moderate currents. As a carnivorous species, it feeds primarily on small fish and aquatic organisms. It is a powerful migratory swimmer known for reaching substantial proportions, making it a notable target for specialized anglers seeking strong river fighters.

  • Difficulty

    Medium

  • Average size

    60 cm

  • Habitat

    Freshwater

  • Season

    Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

  • Also known as

    Catfish

Pati

Long Barbels

Long maxillary barbels extending below the head are typical of large pimelodid catfishes.

Spotted Body

Numerous small dark spots scattered across the upper body and fins help identify this catfish.

Adipose Fin

Long fleshy adipose fin located on the back before the tail.

Pati fishing facts

Characteristics

  • Typical size

    60 cm (max 103 cm TL )

  • Typical weight

    2.5 kg (max 10.2 kg )

  • Longevity

    25 years

  • Body shape

    Elongated

  • Vulnerability score

    55.5

Best hours

  • Dawn

    First light

    Active

  • Morning

    After sunrise

    Low

  • Midday

    High sun

    Low

  • Afternoon

    Late day

    Low

  • Dusk

    Last light

    Active

  • Night

    After dark

    Peak

When to fish for Pati

01
January
02
February
03
March
04
April
05
May
06
June
07
July
08
August
09
September
10 Now
October
11
November
12
December

How to catch Pati

Tips for catching Pati

To target large specimens successfully, anglers should focus on deep river channels, main basin drops, and turbulent stretches where moderate currents push food items near the bottom. Heavy bottom-fishing setups equipped with robust lines and sliding sinkers are essential to hold position against strong flows. Presentation relies heavily on offering natural baits such as small live fish or large chunks of fish flesh presented directly on the substrate. Fishing during low-light periods, particularly through dusk and into the night, significantly increases the chances of encountering active hunting individuals.

Other names for Pati

Local and alternate names anglers use for Pati.

  • Pati
  • Catfish

Best equipment to catch Pati

Compare fishing methods for Pati — sized kit for each technique.

Note: Typical fish is 2.5 kg Our algorithm will suggest the best equipment for you based on this weight.

Best lures and baits for Pati

Ranked lures and natural baits from every method, best first.

How Pati migrates — Potamodromous

Migrates within rivers and lakes only. Fish upstream runs and seasonal lake movements, not saltwater.

How Pati migrates — Potamodromous 1. Eggs: Laid on gravel or weed upstream or in flooded shallows. 2. Larvae: Fry drift or swim down to slower water. 3. Adults: Feed in the main river or lake. 4. Spawners: Move upstream or into the shallows to spawn.
Upstream Main river or lake

1 Eggs

Upstream

Laid on gravel or weed upstream or in flooded shallows.

2 Larvae

→ Main river or lake

Fry drift or swim down to slower water.

3 Adults

Main river or lake

Feed in the main river or lake.

4 Spawners

→ Upstream

Move upstream or into the shallows to spawn.

The whole cycle stays in fresh water.

Hover or tap a number to read each stage.

Diet and behavior of Pati

  • Diet

    Carnivore

  • Hunts

    Night

  • Main prey

    Baitfish

Prey and predators of Pati

Prey is what Pati eats. Predators are the animals that eat it.

That is how it feeds, and how it is hunted.

Prey

What it eats

Where Pati lives

Lives on or just above the bottom. Work jigs, bait, and lures along the seabed.

Habitats
Freshwater
Depth zone
Depth not recorded
Water column
Demersal
On or near the bed

Where this species lives