Pursue peacock bass
and payara on Venezuela's Lake Guri - Acute Angling's exclusive, super-economical,
guided fishing adventure.
Peacock Bass on a Budget
by Paul Reiss
A good looking Guri peacock
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One of a kind - When I'm not fishing, I find
myself spending a lot of time dreaming about fishing. As the years
have gone by, I've been lucky enough to do less and less dreaming and more
and more fishing. Let's face it, international trips pursuing exotic
species cost money, usually a lot of it. Peacock bass fishing trips
are often out of the financial reach of some of the most avid fishermen.
This spring, when my Venezuelan friend, Humberto Malaspina, invited me
join him for a trip to beautiful Peacock Bay Lodge on Lake Guri, I jumped
at the chance. No one ever invites me to go fishing and gets away
with it. I show up. Our plan was simple; sample the fishing
and accommodations at his family's well-known fishing operation and then
see if we could fashion an exclusive economy package for Acute Angling's
clients. (see accompanying article.)
After a great trip, some great fishing and a great time hanging around
with my friend, I've brought home a one-of-a-kind, super-economy fishing
package that sacrifices none of the comforts and none of the quality of
this famous fishing destination. This package will help put peacock
bass fishing within the financial reach of every angler who has even contemplated
taking a long weekend trip with a local guide in his own home state.
Acute Angling and Peacock Bay Lodge have cooperated
to assemble what we believe to be the least expensive package available
anywhere to access Cichla temensis, the giant peacock bass.
We've worked hard to eliminate costs without in any
Peacock Bay Lodge on Lake Guri, Venezuela
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way diminishing the quality of the service or the fishing at Peacock Bay
Lodge. We've done it by getting rid of excessively complicated travel
logistics and unnecessary frills. Not only are we offering a complete,
top quality, four-day guided package for only $1295, but we've made it
possible to do the whole thing (airtravel, transfers, tips and all) for
well under $2000.
Except for the Lake Guri system, Cichla Temensis
is found nowhere in the world outside of the Amazon Basin. Unlike
trips to some peripheral locations, such as Mexico, Panama and Florida,
where only the smaller Cichla ocellaris or Cichla monoculus can
be found, this one is the real deal. Lake Guri contains giant peacock
bass (Cichla Temensis), commonly reaching the high teens and occasionally,
even the 20 pound class. As an added 'lagniappe', fishermen enjoy
catching payara as an incidental species. These toothy monsters strike
a bait viciously and run like crazed, fanged salmon. Payara in the
20-pound class are possible at Peacock Bay Lodge. What a great by-catch
they make!
Accommodations - Peacock Bay Lodge is one of the most comfortable
and attractive fishing lodges in South America. Located at the southern
end of Estado Bolivar's rolling savannah, the lodge sits nestled aginst
the lakeshore, surrounded by tropical jungle. Shaped like a big "T",
the lodge has four spacious, double occupancy rooms, complete with private
bath and
One of the spacious, comfortable rooms at Peacock
Bay Lodge.
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hot showers. The dining room boasts a high, thatched palm frond ceiling
and airy, screened windows all around. The polished wood bar and
jungle log seating adds to the air of tropical decadence. And the
food confirms it. The meals are delicious. Excessive amounts
of beef or chicken or fish or the night's speciality are served family
style, along with numerous side dishes and unequivocally fattening desserts.
You definitely don't leave here hungry. Or thirsty! Drinks
are on the house. The bar provides local beer and liquors.
A favorite at the lodge is "Cuba Libre", a particularly sneaky drink, as
I can attest.
Anglers fish in very stable, albeit somewhat dowdy,
flat-bottom, molded boats equipped with new 25 hp Evinrudes and electric
trolling motors. The roomy boats enable two anglers to cast, fish
and ride in comfort and they are well suited to prowl the vast tree-studded
coves. Because the lodge is located at the southern end of the lake,
where the fish are, you'll spend your time fishing, not running the length
of the lake. Peacock Bay Lodge's guides are expert fishermen.
They know the lake and where to find the fish. They'll help you select
the right lures for each situation and they'll make your day on the water
easier and more productive.
FYI
Acute Angling is pleased to be organizing several of our special
"Super-Economy" trips to Peacock Bay Lodge this fall. We'll
take a maximum of eight anglers per group
Read about catching Guri peacocks or,
For more information about this fishing adventure, to speak with
us, or to book a trip, contact:
Paul
Reiss at (908) 832-2987
E-Mail Paul Reiss, or:
Garry Reiss at (908 431-1668
E-Mail Garry Reiss
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Travel and Logistics - Anglers will take an early morning flight
to Caracas, Venezuela, arriving early enough to connect to an evening flight
to Puerto Ordaz. Upon arrival in Puerto Ordaz, you'll be met by the
lodge's staff. The group will travel together by van to the lodge.
After arriving and settling in, you'll get a good night's rest in your
comfortable room. The lodge manager will wake you early the next
morning and the staff will stuff you full of a delicious breakfast.
After breakfast, it's time to get your gear ready
and go fishing. Take a boxed lunch with you or return to the lodge
for a hot lunch at noon. The boats are equipped with coolers well
stocked with water, juices, soda and beer. Fish all afternoon
and head back to arrive in camp before dusk. Hors D'oevres
and drinks are served in the dining room before dinner. After eating,
relax with your fishing buddies or turn in early as you prefer. There
are four full fishing days. After your last fishing day, leave early
by van for Puerto Ordaz and then depart for Caracas. Connect to your
flight back home.
This is truly a one-of-a-kind trip.
The combination of world class fishing, top-notch accommodations, neotropical
environment and extremely affordable cost is unmatched anywhere.
What could be a better introduction to the adventure and excitement of
fishing for exotic species?
Copyright © 1999 Paul Reiss
All Rights Reserved