Vampire fish
Hydrolycus scomberoides
Best Baits & Lures
Live Baits
- Sardines
Use whole or cut sardines; bloody scent attracts them.
- Small Piranhas
A natural prey item, extremely effective.
- Live Shad
Another good bait fish with lots of scent and movement.
- Tilapia
Hardy bait that stays alive for longer.
- Pacu (juvenile)
Another natural food source for vampire fish.
Artificial Lures
- Rapala Super Shad RapCrankbaitBuy
Mimics fleeing baitfish; great for trolling or casting.
- Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow Deep DiverCrankbaitBuy
Excellent action at depth; good color selection.
- Blue Fox Vibrax SpinnerSpinnerBuy
Flash and vibration trigger strikes.
- River2Sea Dahlberg Diver FrogTopwaterBuy
Great topwater option; use around cover.
- Storm Wildeye Swim ShadSwimbaitBuy
Realistic swimming action; effective for covering water.
Techniques
Use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs, as vampire fish have extremely sharp teeth.
Where to Find Vampire fish
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bait for Vampire fish?+
Popular baits for Vampire fish include Sardines, Small Piranhas, Live Shad, Tilapia, Pacu (juvenile). Tip: Use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs, as vampire fish have extremely sharp teeth.
Where can I catch Vampire fish?+
Vampire fish can be found in many locations worldwide. Top regions include Mato Grosso, Brazil; Pará, Brazil; Rondônia, Brazil. WikiCatch lists 110 fishing spots where this species is found.
How big do Vampire fish get?+
Vampire fish (Hydrolycus scomberoides) can reach up to 116.999996 cm in length and 17.8 kg in weight. Their IUCN conservation status is NE.