Brazil

Dates available throughout 2008

Your chance of landing a world record peacock bass on an Amazon fishing adventure is more than a daydream. In 1994 a guest did just that with his 27 pound fish. Each season produces hundreds of near-record 'peacocks' - maybe your chance will come?

I.G.F.A World Records
Dec. 4, 1994 - 27lb - All Tackle - 'Doc' Lawson
Nov. 4, 1999 - 18.3lb - 4lb Line Class - Dr. James Wise
Oct.17, 2000 - 13.1lb - 6lb Fly Tippet - Walt Jennings
Nov. 25, 2001 - 20.6lb - Small Fly - Colby Smith
Dec. 10, 2002 - 26lb - Junior - Greg Gutierrez Jr.

Since 1992 anglers from all over the world have enjoyed the excitement of tracking huge, hard-hitting peacock bass which teem in the vast maze of rivers draining the Upper Amazon rainforest,

From September to April we offer three formats of peacock bass fishing:
(1) cruising and living aboard the 85-foot Amazon Queen river boat, (2) the Rio Negro Lodge and (3) the remote Rio Araca Lodge. Also available are 'fly-out' trips by float planes to otherwise inaccessible waters and if the fabulous fishing weren't enough, our adventures place you in the heart of the unspoiled Amazon, where macaws swoop overhead, monkeys swing through the majestic trees, wild tapirs wander across the lodge's front lawns and the howl of the jaguar puts a haunting edge on the night.

There are in fact at least five different species of tropical catfish inhabiting the mighty River Negro that can top 100lb. This, in John Wilson's opinion, is what makes it such a prime, near-virgin location for European catfish enthusiasts. Frankly, this has got to be the most exciting, untapped river cat fishing on the planet. On a recent trip we have three potential 100lb plus species - the red-tail, the surubin and the stripped catfish. Then we have the jau, which tops out somewhere between 200lb and 300lb, and the massive piraiba, that attains weights of up to 400lb. What a fantastic location the River Negro is - offering unlimited potential for rod-and-line sport in search of “cats”!

ITINERARY: Rio Negro Lodge - Amazon - Brazil

Day 1: Heathrow/Miami and then Miami/Manaus

Day 2: You will be met at the airport and transferred to a restaurant for breakfast (included). Transfer back to the airport for the onward flight from Manaus to the Rio Negro Lodge - approx. 0630/0730
Overnight twin cabana accommodation. Each air conditioned cabana features two private suites, each with two queen size beds, private bath, a shared large living room and a full length covered porch. All meals, drinks, guided fishing (2 per boat), and 3 sets of tackle per person is included. If you want to do a "f;y-out" trip to remote fishing regions this will cost an additional US$500.00 per person - this can be arranged when staying at the lodge.

Days 3-8: Full day guided fishing. All-inclusive accommodation at Rio Negro Lodge
Day 9: Approx. mid-day fly from the lodge back to Manaus - 1 hour flight.
Overnight in Manaus - Tropical Resort Hotel - B/B
Day 10: Manaus/Miami and then Miami/Heathrow
(Call for specific departure dates and prices). Flight details may vary.

Cost - subject to availability
2006-2007 fishing season

Rio Negro Lodge
Up to 42 anglers/week $4,500/person
29/09/06 to 23/03/07

Amazon Queen
Up to 20 anglers/week $4,500/person
25/08/06 to 23/03/07

Rio Araca Lodge
Up to 12 anglers/week $4,500/person
03/11/06 to 23/02/07

Cost includes:
All necessary ground transportation and air charters within Brazil lodging (double occupancy).
Guide service (2 anglers with a Brazilian guide in 17' Nitro Bass Boat/*Bass Tracker 165 at Rio Araca Lodge).
Complimentary quality fishing tackle (Falcon Rods and Shimano Reels) and all necessary lures for your use while in Brazil.
6 days fishing
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Open bar (Brazilian beer, wine and liquor)
Daily laundry service
Brazilian Fishing License

Cost excludes:
All flights, airport taxes, insurance and personal sundries.
Tips - Gratuities for guides and staff are at the client's discretion. If you receive excellent service, a total tip of $180-200 per angler/per week would be appropriate but certainly not required.

Medical Considerations - Please consult your GP.
Passport/Visa costs - All tourists need a valid passport and Brazilian visa.

Fishing tackle:
Fishing equipment is provided at no additional cost Each angler will have three quality Falcon rods with bait casting reels (Shimano and Curado), 80lb. Spectra line and all the lures that are needed for the week's fishing. Anglers may bring their favourite gear and fly fishing tackle.

Fly fishing tackle:
This aggressive jungle species is well suited to fly fishing, leaving many world records to be set. 9# or 9/10# fly rod is recommended. Reels should have a good drag, hold at least 150 yards of backing and be spooled with weight-forward bass taper floating and intermediate sinking lines. For leader: 6-8 feet of 17-25lb. is recommended.

Flies:
Edge Water Pencil Poppers: 2/0 & 3/0 white, yellow, chartreuse.
Edge Water Boiler Maker: 2/0 & 3/0 white, yellow, chartreuse.
Deceivers: 2/0-6/0, minnow colours blue/white, olive/white, charter, chartreuse/white, red/white.
Double Bunney: 2/0-6/0 olive/white, pink/white, charteuse/white.
Mylar Minnow: 2/0-6/O chartreuse, green, red, yellow. white.

Spinning or bait casting:
Medium to medium-heavy largemouth bass tackle. For rods we suggest six to seven foot bait casting rods rated for 25-30lb. line. Due to the strength of the fish and the abundance of structure, we strongly suggest spectra 80lb. test braided Kevlar lines (really, these fish snap Spectra 50lb. with ease); for monofilament, the "Magnum" 14-40lb. line (14 lb. diameter), with standard reels of at least 100 yard capacity. While fishing for peacock bass, there is no need for steel leaders, in fact, they can be a disadvantage since they take some action out of the lure. Always inspect your line after a strike and after fighting a fish.

Lures:
Luhr Jensen "Woodchopper' big game black/orange, green fire scale, clown.
Luhr Jensen "Ripper" 3/4 oz. black/orange, green fire scale, clown.
High Roller "Rip Roller" 6 inch perch, clown, black/orange.
Mann's "Bass Agitator" 3/4 oz. white metal flake. chartreuse.
Bill Lewis "Mag Trap" 3/4 oz. chrome/blue, chrcme/black.
Bomber "Long A" heavy duty 8oz. silver flash, fire tiger minnow.
Rebel "Jointed Minnow" silver/black, silver/blue, fire tiger.

Popular lures:
1) Big game "Rippers" or "Word Choppers".
2) "Peacock Bass Specials".
3) "Jointed Minnows" or "Long A's".
4) "Rattle Trap" type lures.
The rest in the above list are optional. For piranha bring several 1/2 oz. "Rattle Trap" lures in silver or gold.