How to catch Redtail catfish
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
About Redtail catfish fishing
The redtail catfish is a striking freshwater predator belonging to the family Pimelodidae, native to major South American river basins including the Amazon and Orinoco. It features a robust, elongated body with a broad head, long sensitive whiskers, a dark brown back, contrasting yellow sides, and brilliant orange-red dorsal and caudal fins. Growing to substantial proportions with a maximum recorded length exceeding one metre and significant weight potential, this demersal inhabitant prefers deep river channels, streams, and lakes. As an opportunistic carnivore, it consumes fish, crustaceans, and organic matter near the bottom. While strictly freshwater and warmth-loving, its impressive size and powerful resistance have established its reputation as a formidable target for specialized anglers.
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Difficulty
Medium
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Average size
60 cm TL
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Habitat
Freshwater
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Season
Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Red caudal fin
Bright reddish-orange caudal fin easily identifies this distinct Amazonian catfish.
Long barbels
Long maxillary and mental barbels around the mouth assist in bottom feeding.
Bicolored body
Dark grey upper body contrasting with a pale belly defines the species.
Redtail catfish fishing facts
Characteristics
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Typical size
60 cm TL (max 134.9 cm TL ) -
Typical weight
5.5 kg (max 44.2 kg ) -
Body shape
Fusiform / Normal -
Vulnerability score
67.2
Best hours
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Active
Dawn
First light
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Low
Morning
After sunrise
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Low
Midday
High sun
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Low
Afternoon
Late day
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Active
Dusk
Last light
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Peak
Night
After dark
When to fish for Redtail catfish
How to catch Redtail catfish
Tips for catching Redtail catfish
Targeting this heavy-bodied South American catfish requires robust heavy-duty tackle capable of withstanding immense power and sudden runs. Bottom fishing with a securely anchored ledger rig or sliding lead is the most reliable approach, presenting large natural baits directly on or near the deep riverbed where these fish patrol. Equip your rig with durable hooks and fresh marine baits such as chunks of mackerel, whole squid, or lively baitfish that release strong scent trails. Because these catfish are predominantly nocturnal feeders that remain inactive during bright daylight, plan your sessions for dusk and throughout the night hours when they actively forage along deep drop-offs and structural depressions.
Other names for Redtail catfish
Local and alternate names anglers use for Redtail catfish.
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Redtail catfish
Best equipment to catch Redtail catfish
Compare fishing methods for Redtail catfish — sized kit for each technique.
Note: Typical fish is 5.5 kg Our algorithm will suggest the best equipment for you based on this weight.
Bottom Fishing
Presenting bait or rigs on or near the lake or sea floor.
100% Effectiveness
Rod
Spinning rod
A spinning rod is a fishing rod built to carry a spinning reel under the blank. You cast lures and light baits with it from shore or a boat.
Sized for a typical fish
heavy · 2.13 m
- Reel seat
- Spinning
- Form factor
- Multi-piece
- Action
- Fast
- Grip
- EVA
Reel
Spinning reel
A spinning reel hangs under the fishing rod and is the default reel for casting lures and light baits. Line peels off an open spool with a bail.
Sized for a typical fish
4000 · 8 kg drag · 275 g
- Spool
- Fixed
- Mount
- Under
- Drag
- Front
- Retrieve
- Manual
Line
Monofilament line
Monofilament fishing line is the everyday main line: easy to knot, cheap to replace, and stretchy enough to forgive a hard strike.
Sized for a typical fish
19 kg · 0.505 mm
- Visibility
- Medium
- Abrasion
- Medium
- Stretch
- High
- Sink rate
- Slow
Leader
Fluorocarbon leader
A fluorocarbon leader is the clear, fast-sinking join between a visible main line and the lure or hook.
Sized for a typical fish
36.3 kg · 0.847 mm · 150 cm
- Visibility
- Very low
- Abrasion
- High
- Stretch
- Low
- Sink rate
- Fast
Hook
Circle hook
A circle hook turns in the mouth and usually finds the corner of the jaw. You do not strike hard — you come tight. It includes freshwater.
Sized for a typical fish
3/0
- Points
- 1
- Offset
- No
- Barbed
- Yes
- Gap
- Standard
Best lures and baits for Redtail catfish
Ranked lures and natural baits from every method, best first.
01
Live baitfish
- Bottom Fishing
Elongated segmented worm body provides natural movement to attract fish.
02
Mackerel
- Bottom Fishing
Distinctive wavy dorsal stripes provide high contrast and flash underwater.
03
Sardine
- Bottom Fishing
Elongated silvery baitfish body releases strong scent trails.
04
Squid
- Bottom Fishing
Elongated muscular body holds internal organs and secretes scent in the water.
05
Fish chunks
- Bottom Fishing
Freshly sliced fish chunk providing rich scent attraction for bottom fishing.
How Redtail catfish migrates — Potamodromous
Migrates within rivers and lakes only. Fish upstream runs and seasonal lake movements, not saltwater.
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 Redtail catfish
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Diet
Top predator -
Feeds by
Hunts animals -
Hunts
Night -
Main prey
Baitfish
Prey and predators of Redtail catfish
Prey is what Redtail catfish eats. Predators are the animals that eat it.
That is how it feeds, and how it is hunted.
Prey
What it eats
Baitfish
Where Redtail catfish lives
Lives on or just above the bottom. Work jigs, bait, and lures along the seabed.
Where this species lives
Redtail catfish photos for identification
Compare these photos with the catalog plate to identify the species.