Here are some helpful questions and answers to assist you with your Amazon peacock bass adventure.
- Will I have a chance at a new Brazil peacock bass world record?
- What about insects—do I need shots?
- Is the peacock bass related to American largemouth or smallmouth bass?
- What technique do I use to catch peacock bass?
- What is the difference in comfort level between the fly-in Amazon Angel and the fly-in Cabin Barges?
- Are timing and water levels important?
- What is Manaus like?
Will I have a chance at a new Brazil peacock bass world record?
There is always the possibility that one of our anglers might catch a new world record peacock. Many line class records have yet to be set, and the all-tackle world record of 27 lbs. came from this region just a few years ago.
What about insects-do I need shots?
The rivers we fish have a high tannin concentration due to the forest's leaf decay, and do not encourage the growth of insect eggs and larvae, but some bugs are occasionally encountered, mainly no-see-ums (gnats) which can be irritating, along with the occasional bee, mosquito or wasp. We suggest you contact your doctor regarding innoculations recommended for travelers to the Amazon, or log on to the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov/travel. Also, antibiotics and antiseptic medicines such as Neosporin are always a good idea to avoid infections from cuts and scrapes.
Is the peacock bass related to American largemouth or smallmouth bass?
Peacock Bass (Chichla sp.) is a generalized name for the large bass-like gamefish native to tropical South America. They are actually a subspecies of the family Cichlidae. Cichlids are a diverse family of tropical fishes found throughout Africa and South America, some of which are popular for aquariums. Although there are countless color variations throughout their range, there are only three recognized species of peacock bass-two in Brazil. All peacock bass species are commonly called tucunare in Brazil and Peru, while other Spanish speaking countries use the term pavon. The peacock tucanare (Cichla temensis), better known as azul or paca is the largest of the three species, with an average weight of six or seven pounds. Ten to fifteen pound peacock bass are very common, and twenty+ pounders are hooked each week. This fish has a unmistakable mottled black patch directly behind its eye. Body coloration and markings vary greatly. Three vertical black bars are usually visible. Often, horizontal white spots are present. The butterfly tucanare (Chichla ocellaris) is the smallest and most numerous species in the Amazon basin. This peacock has three different color phases, but the butterfly primarily seen has three black, oscillated spots (about the size of a half dollar) running along its lateral line. Although peacock bass are the main attraction in the Amazon, there are many other jungle species that are no less impressive-both in beauty and fighting ability.
What technique do I use to catch peacock bass?
Like largemouth bass, peacock bass often prefer "structure" of some sort. Rocks, fallen logs, points and sand bars are hiding places for baitfish, so this is where the peacocks will usually be lurking. Of course, you should always heed the guide's recommendations on where to cast. Peacock bass usually roam about in small schools searching for baitfish, often bursting into a feeding frenzy. When this situation is encountered, get your lure or fly in front of the feeding fish as soon as possible. The sooner you can cast to them after they've been spotted, the better your chance of a hookup. Peacock bass are greedy and highly competitive schooling fish. Always cast a free lure or fly right next to any hooked fish. Another peacock will almost always be close by (attracted by the commotion). If no strikes result, fish the surrounding area thoroughly. Novice peacock bass anglers tend to set the hook too fast when fishing topwater lures or flies. Often peacocks will just slap at the lure to stun it, then come back around and firmly grab it on the second pass. It's hard to remember at first, but don't set the hook on the strike. If you can't see the plug or fly after about three seconds, drop your rod tip and set the hook as hard as you can. Big peacock bass have very tough skin around their mouths and tend to grip the plug or fly firmly.
If the fish doesn't take the lure on the first strike, keep it moving. If you are patient, the fish will usually come up and hit the lure a second or third time. If he loses interest, quickly cast a diving (subsurface) lure or fly. This often elicits another strike. Never try and "horse" a big peacock bass, and don't underestimate his power. If a big fish is headed for structure, apply side pressure to the rod trying to 'steer' the fish in another direction. If you crank your drag down too tight, they'll almost always snap the line, or pull off. If a fish does make it into cover, don't give up. Give a little slack and wait for the boat to spook the fish out of its hiding place-they'll often untangle themselves. When a fish comes to the boat, never assume it's ready to give up. Always keep a high rod tip and a loose drag to absorb last minute runs. Lure or fly color doesn't seem as important as lure shade. If it is bright out, use a light-colored lure/fly. Dark shades are more productive in low light conditions.
What is the difference in comfort level between the fly-in Amazon Angel and the fly-in Cabin Barges?
The comfort level in each program is equally excellent. We have found that there is a predisposition among new inquiries towards yacht programs. Inquiring anglers tend to perceive fully air conditioned yachts with single private cabins as more comfortable and glamorous than cabin barges. However, these factors must be offset by the following: The cabin barges are very spacious. They are also air-conditioned. They are well-spaced at night along pristine white-sand beaches to provide for privacy. The yacht staterooms, as in most Amazonian yacht/river boats, are small. Ours are 6 x 9 feet. Each cabin barge bedroom is approximately 10 x 15 feet and the lounge/dining Cabin Barge is approximately 10 x 20 feet.
Are timing and water levels important?
Yes, absolutely, the prime time to fish for peacock bass is September through April. The Brazilian Amazon encompasses a huge expanse of territory with literally thousands of separate watersheds. The equator bisects the area into two separate regions that we refer to as the "northern" and "southern" Amazon (north and west of Manaus vs. south and east of Manaus). Water fluctuation varies in each watershed (and its tributaries) depending upon its proximity to the equator. The equator's convection activity changes in a dependably cyclical pattern that creates a wet and dry season in both regions.
During the wet season, the rivers overflow their banks and spread out into a tree-filled flood plain. Angling is completely unproductive at this time. When the rains subside the water levels slowly recede back into a central lagoon-filled river channel. Prime peacock bass fishing occurs when the receding water forces baitfish out of the vegetation and into open water. Knowledge and careful monitoring of these water fluctuations is an essential part of angling success. Many outfitters are running operations in areas with marginal high water periods when the fish are completely inaccessible - angling results suffer tremendously. The south of Manaus region is productive from September through November, while the north fishes best from November to the end of April. We do not operate during 'fringe' periods when water levels and angling conditions are questionable.
Note: In order to maximize fishing potential throughout the season, and in accordance with varying water conditions, the rivers to be fished may change at the option of the outfitter.
What is Manaus like?
Manaus was founded in 1669 by the Portuguese as a small fishing village. Its name is of Indian origin and its literal translation is "Mother of God." Situated just 3 degrees below the equator and over 1000 miles inland, it is one of the busiest ports where cargo ships distribute their goods throughout the Amazon basin. With the discovery of rubber trees in the area in the 1850's, Manaus flourished for a period of about 20 years, from 1890-1910, and was known as the "Paris of the Jungle." During this time, wealthy plantation owners flocked to Manaus and a "belle epoque" splendor prevailed as evidenced by their ornate Opera House, which was built in 1892 with distinct European influence, both in style and materials.
Feel free to call, e-mail or write our office any time to discuss the trips with someone from our staff who has intimate knowledge of the program. We will be happy to go over details, provide references, and offer available dates.