WikiCatch

Redtail catfish

Phractocephalus hemioliopterus

Family
Pimelodidae
Max Length
135 cm
Max Weight
44.2 kg
IUCN Status
NE
Water Type
freshwater
Fishing Spots
331

Best Baits & Lures

Live Baits

  • Live Tilapia

    Effective for larger redtail catfish.

  • Live Eels

    Eels are a favorite, use circle hooks.

  • Live Bullheads

    Hardy and readily available baitfish.

  • Large Shrimp

    Can be very effective, especially freshwater shrimp.

  • Chicken Livers

    Cheap and smelly, attracts catfish quickly.

Artificial Lures

  • Rapala Super Shad Rap 14Crankbait

    Mimics baitfish, great for trolling.

    Buy
  • Zoom Magnum Trick WormSoft Plastic

    Texas-rigged or Carolina-rigged near cover.

    Buy
  • Mepps Aglia Long #5Spinner

    Flashy retrieve attracts attention.

    Buy
  • Berkley PowerBait Hollow Belly SwimbaitSwimbait

    Realistic action, good for open water.

    Buy
  • Johnson Silver MinnowSpoon

    Weedless design for heavy cover fishing.

    Buy

Techniques

Redtail catfish are ambush predators, so focus your efforts near structure such as submerged logs and weedbeds, and fish during low light conditions.

As an Amazon Associate, WikiCatch earns from qualifying purchases.

Where to Find Redtail catfish

São Paulo, Brazil123 spotsGoiás, Brazil32 spotsAmazonas, Brazil21 spotsMinas Gerais, Brazil19 spotsPará, Brazil19 spotsMato Grosso, Brazil13 spotsTocantins, Brazil9 spotsParaná, Brazil8 spotsMato Grosso do Sul, Brazil6 spotsCeará, Brazil4 spots
📍 Find spots near me🗺️ Explore on the full map

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bait for Redtail catfish?+

Popular baits for Redtail catfish include Live Tilapia, Live Eels, Live Bullheads, Large Shrimp, Chicken Livers. Tip: Redtail catfish are ambush predators, so focus your efforts near structure such as submerged logs and weedbeds, and fish during low light conditions.

Where can I catch Redtail catfish?+

Redtail catfish can be found in many locations worldwide. Top regions include São Paulo, Brazil; Goiás, Brazil; Amazonas, Brazil. WikiCatch lists 331 fishing spots where this species is found.

How big do Redtail catfish get?+

Redtail catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) can reach up to 135.0000023841858 cm in length and 44.2 kg in weight. Their IUCN conservation status is NE.

Get WikiCatch on iPhone

360,000+ fishing spots, AI fish ID, weather & solunar — free.

Download on the App Store