Peacock Bass Fishing in Brazil
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The Fishing » Amazon Fish Species · Peacock Bass FAQ

The questions and answers below are helpful to your Amazon peacock bass adventure.

Will I have a chance at a new Brazil peacock bass world record?

The possibility exists that one of our anglers might catch a new world record peacock. The all-tackle world record of 27 pounds came from this region just a few years ago and many line class records have yet to be set.

What about insects—do I need shots?

The rivers fished have a high tannin concentration due to the forest's leaf decay, thus do not encourage the growth of insect eggs and larvae. Some bugs are occasionally encountered (mainly no-see-ums or gnats which can be irritating) along with the occasional bee, mosquito, or wasp. We suggest that you either contact your doctor regarding inoculations recommended for travelers to the Amazon, or log on to the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov/travel. Antibiotics and antiseptic medicines such as Neosporin are always good to have along to avoid infections from cuts and scrapes.

Is the peacock bass related to American largemouth or smallmouth bass?

Peacock Bass is a generalized name for the large bass-like gamefish native to tropical South America. 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. There are countless color variations throughout their range, but only three recognized species of peacock bass, two of which are found in Brazil. Tucunare is the common name for all species in Brazil and Peru, while other Spanish speaking countries use the term pavon. The largest of the three species is the peacock tucunare (Cichla temensis), better known as azul or paca, with an average weight of six or seven pounds. Ten to fifteen pound peacock bass are common, and twenty-plus pounders are hooked weekly. This fish has a mottled black patch directly behind its eye, and body colors and markings vary. Usually, three vertical black bars are visible. Horizontal white spots are often present. The smallest peacock bass is the butterfly tucunare (Chichla ocellaris) and is also the species with the greatest population in Brazil and the Amazon basin. The butterfly has three different color phases, but the butterfly most often seen has three black, oscillated spots an inch or so in diameter running along its lateral line. Peacock bass are the main attraction in Brazil and in the Amazon, but many other jungle species exist there that are no less impressive in beauty as well as fighting ability.

What technique do I use to catch peacock bass?

Peacock bass often prefer some sort of "structure" as do largemouth bass. Good hiding places for baitfish are rocks, fallen logs, points and sand bars, therefore this is where the peacocks will usually be lurking. However, always heed the guide's recommendations on where to cast.

Peacock bass often burst into a feeding frenzy when roaming about in small schools searching for baitfish. If you encounter this situation, get your lure or fly in front of the feeding fish as soon as possible. Your best chance of hooking one is to cast to them immediately after they've been spotted. These are greedy and highly competitive schooling fish. You should consistently cast a free lure or fly right next to any hooked fish because another peacock bass will almost always be attracted by the commotion. Fish the surrounding area thoroughly.

Novice anglers will be tempted to set the hook too fast when fishing topwater lures or flies. Many times, peacock bass will just slap at the lure to stun it, but then come back for a second pass and firmly grab it. It is difficult to remember at first, but do not 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. Peacock bass of this big size have very tough skin around their mouths and tend to grip the plug or fly firmly.

Do not try to "horse" a big peacock bass. Do not underestimate his power. When a big fish is headed for structure, apply side pressure to the rod in an attempt to steer the fish in another direction. Cranking your drag down too tight will almost always result in their snapping or pulling off the line. Don't give up if a fish does make it into cover. Slack a bit and wait for the boat to spook the fish out of its hiding place. Often they will untangle themselves. Never assume a fish is ready to give up when it comes to the boat. Keep a high rod tip and a loose drag to absorb last minute runs. Lure shade seems more important than lure or fly color. Use a light-colored lure/fly if it is bright out. Dark shades are more productive in low light conditions.

What is the difference in comfort level between the fly-in Blackwater Explorer and the fly-in Cabin Barges?

Either program is equally excellent in comfort level. Anglers assume that fully air conditioned yachts with single private cabins as more comfortable and glamorous than cabin barges. However, the cabin barges are very spacious and are also air-conditioned. To provide privacy, they are perfectly spaced at night along pristine white-sand beaches. The yacht staterooms in most Amazonian yacht/river boats are very small but our staterooms are 6 x 9 feet. The bedroom in each cabin barge is approximately 10 x 15 feet. The lounge/dining Cabin Barge is approximately 10 x 20 feet.

Are timing and water levels important?

Absolutely! The prime time to fish for peacock bass is September through April. The Brazilian Amazon includes a huge expanse of territory with literally thousands of separate watersheds. The area is divided into two separate regions by the equator. We refer to these regions as the "northern" and "southern" Amazon (north and west of Manaus vs. south and east of Manaus). The fluctuation of water varies in each watershed (and its tributaries) depending upon its proximity to the equator. The convection activity of the equator changes in a dependably cyclical pattern that creates a wet and dry season in both regions.

The rivers overflow their banks and spread out into a tree-filled flood plain during the wet season. Angling is completely unproductive at this time. The water levels slowly recede back into a central lagoon-filled river channel when the rains subside. Prime peacock bass fishing occurs when the receding water forces baitfish out of the vegetation and into open water. Experience and careful monitoring of these water fluctuations is an essential part of angling success. Angling results suffer in areas with marginal high water periods when the fish are completely inaccessible. The south of Manaus region is productive from September through November, while the north fishes best from November to the end of April. During the 'fringe' periods when water levels and angling conditions are questionable, we do not operate.

Note: The rivers to be fished may change at the option of the outfitter in order to maximize fishing potential throughout the season. These decisions are made in accordance with varying water conditions.

What is Manaus like?

Manaus began as a small fishing village and was founded in 1669 by the Portuguese. The name of the city is of Indian origin and its literal translation is "Mother of God." Manaus sits just three degrees below the equator and over 1000 miles inland, and is one of the busiest ports where cargo ships distribute their goods throughout the Amazon basin. The discovery of rubber trees in the area in the 1850's enabled Manaus to flourish for a period of about twenty years, from 1890-1910, during which it was known as the "Paris of the Jungle." Also during this time, wealthy plantation owners flocked to Manaus and a "belle epoque" splendor prevailed. Due to the influx of such wealth, the ornate Opera House 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.