What could be a better fishing spot than an island, in the middle of the river and centrally located in one of the most fertile areas of the Amazon region? Even just by looking at the surface of the river, you’ll see many fish jumping out of the water or swimming right beneath your feet. An elaborate fishing rod is actually not necessary: the Saramaccans catch their entire daily supply of fish using nothing more than a wooden stick with a line attached to it.

In the area around the lodge, you’ll find a variety of fish—from small specimens just a few centimeters long to larger ones like stingrays, eels, and pirengs (piranhas), eventually leading you to creeks where enormous anjumara can be found.

By the way: although piranhas are often portrayed as extremely bloodthirsty predators, there’s no need to fear them. That killer-beast behavior only exists in Hollywood movies. In reality, they are very shy creatures, more afraid of humans than the other way around. However, if you do catch one, it’s wise to ask a guide to help you unhook it.

At first, you might only manage to catch a few small fish. But with some patience, you just might reel in that half-meter-long anjumara!