Peacock Bass at its Best
Rio Negro, Brazil

As many international anglers already know, Brazil’s Peacock Bass are considered to be the pound-for-pound hardest hitting freshwater game fish on the planet! Their top-water lure-shredding strikes are legendary in the fishing world, and each year anglers from all over travel to Brazil to experience the thrill of Peacock Bass fishing first hand. Outfitter Luis Brown, often considered the “godfather” of Amazon Peacock Bass fishing, has run this operation since 1992. Brown has seen his guests break Peacock Bass fishing records several times. Though Brown is a native of the jungles of South America, his worldly travels, international education and unparalleled experience makes him the most revered outfitter in the Amazon.

The Fishing
Here, anglers have unique access to exclusive virgin rivers and lagoons. In many of the places that are fished, the Peacocks have never even seen an artificial fly or lure. Anglers can expect an average travel time of about 10-20 minutes each day to reach the fishing honey holes. Most other outfitters in the region have to travel one or even two hours from stationary lodges or huge houseboats to reach the fishing areas. With Brown, groups are typically limited to eight anglers to ensure comfort, great fishing and personable service for all. Some “competitors” take up to 36 anglers a week which can completely compromise the quality of the fishing, lodging and service. Furthermore, Brown’s mobile luxury caravan of floating barges allows for movement through fresh water whenever is necessary. The fishing boats used here have been custom-constructed for the extreme environment so that anglers get the most out of every outing. The 21 ft stable boats have tunneled shallow-draft designs, which allow them to effortlessly traverse through nearly every level of water - even almost landlocked lagoons. Luis Brown employs nothing but the area’s most experienced peacock bass fishing guides. These guides are well versed in all the spin casting, bait casting and fly fishing techniques that work best for the Peacocks. Typically, anglers go two to a boat with their personal guides.

The Lodging
Anglers have their choice of accommodations. Hardcore fishermen generally choose the mobile, air conditioned floating caravan camps. These floating cabins offer great flexibility when it comes to the fishing because they easy can move across shallow-water barriers that knock out much of the competition. At the end of each fishing day, the barges typically settle for the night on white beaches or grassy shores. Each spacious 12’x15’ cabin houses two anglers, and provides surprising comfort. The interiors have been tastefully decorated and offer linen sheets, air conditioning, writing tables, hot water, storage, reading lights and full private baths. Evening dinners and cocktail hours take place in a roomy central barge and open patio. For those seeking the ultimate in Amazon comfort, Brown’s 76-foot Amazon Angel yacht serves as a great alternative. This tri-level river yacht has been built and designed to accommodate discerning international anglers. Eight climate-controlled staterooms offer all the comforts of home. There are three large bathrooms with full-flowing showers, a grand dining area and a separate salon. An open-aired top-floor deck also has a grill and its own bar. On the fishing yacht, anglers stay in single rooms.

Other Activities
Though this is a fishing trip for hardcore anglers, there are some things for non-anglers and resting fishermen to enjoy as well. This special area is one of the world’s premier botanical gardens. Guests will see 200-foot tall hardwood trees, striking orchids, fluorescent butterflies, exotic caiman gators, tree-dwelling sloths, porpoises, a variety of monkeys, river manatees, countless rare bird species and much more. Professionally guided jungle tours include animal and rare plant studies as well as a visit to an old Amazon Indian village.

Location
Guests begin their journey in Manaus, Brazil. Manaus is a bustling port city in the Amazon and serves as the center point for most of the Amazon’s eco tourism industry. From Manaus, anglers take a private float plane deep into the jungles of the Amazon. Specifically, the Peacock Bass fishing is done in the Rio Negro and in the tributaries of the Amazon.