Pre-trip Information   The Trip Mission Statement Travel Information Sample Itineraries Getting to Camp Camp Accommodations Yacht Accomodations Meals and Camp Life Health, Sun and Insects Amazon Overview Contacts   The Fishing Peacock Bass Characteristics Angling Hints Lure and Fly Guidelines Equipment Recommendations Fly Fishing Checklist Lure Selection Chart     Additional Information Peacock Bass Primer Frequently Asked Questions

The Amazon is a land of superlatives.  Words like "biggest" (world's biggest river), "most" (most water contained) and "greatest" (greatest biodiversity) are what applies here.  The basin contains over 1000 named tributaries with a drainage area of almost 3,000,000 square miles (this incorporates Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Suriname, Guyana, Brazil, and Venezuela), This is nearly twice the area drained by other great rivers worldwide.  At its discharge point in the Atlantic, the river's overall volume is estimated at over seven times that of the Mississippi!  The Amazon basin is an exceedingly diverse combination of specific niches within one giant ecosystem.  Wildlife, insects, birds, fish and vegetation vary greatly depending upon soil type and proximity to fluctuating water levels.       The Amazon's overall watershed encompasses 1/5 of all the world's fresh water.  There are an estimated 3000 separate species of fish in the Amazon basin.  Depending on the area, there can be as many as 15 different species that will take a fly or lure.  Most of the

LANGUAGE -- Brazil is the only Latin American country where Portuguese is spoken as the native language.   Grammatically, Portuguese is similar to Spanish, but the spoken language and word pronunciation is very distinct.  Although individuals fluent in Spanish can generally communicate with a Brazilian native, easy conversation will be difficult.  All camps have a full-time bilingual camp host. 
CURRENCY -- Most Latin American currencies fluctuate significantly, so we won't list approximate exchange rates.  Brazilian hotels and most shops readily accept credit cards, so there's usually no need to exchange money.  If you do wish to exchange money, we recommend you do so in the U.S. -- you'll generally get a better exchange rate.  If you exchange money out of the country, make sure you are getting back the country's equivalent exchange in their currency.  A popular scam involves an incorrect currency exchange.  Hotels are notorious for having a horrible exchange rate.  Should you need to exchange dollars, use the nearest federally operated exchange house. 
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -  Import allowances in each country restrict import of excess amounts of liquor and tobacco, so keep them to a minimum (one carton of cigarettes or 25 cigars, and 2 liters of alcoholic beverages maximum).  Brazilian liquor, beer and soft drinks are provided in all camps. 
GUIDES -- The guides in all our operations are hard working individuals who aim to please. Anglers are usually impressed by the lengths to which they will go to help fishermen enjoy their trip.  Don't be surprised to see your guide slip into the water to untangle a fish hung up in structure.  They do not speak English very well, but will be able to help you select the right lures/flies and also show you how to fish each species in the correct manner.  The single best piece of fishing advice you will ever receive about peacock bass and the Amazon is - Follow your guide's advice.  They are experienced and know the fish and fishery extremely well.  Guides are expected to fish approximately 8 - 10 hours per day. 
GRATUITIES -- Gratuities are discretionary and are not included.  Tipping in the camps is a primary source of the staff's income.  We suggest (as a baseline) a $150 (U.S.) tip (per person, per week) to be given directly to the guide and a tip of  $150 for the camp staff  (to be given in a lump sum to the camp's manager at the end of the week).   Please do not bring traveler's checks for tipping purposes.  Remember that the guide's tip is based upon performance and is by no means obligatory -- knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment, should be rewarded accordingly (at the same time, apathy and laziness should be reflected by a low tip).  Although guides and staff are often enthusiastic about all sorts of North American products such as fishing tackle, t-shirts, socks, candy, and other similar items, they should be only considered over and above the monetary reward.  They won't feed the guide's family.  Elsewhere, the customary tip in restaurants and hotels is 10%, but most of the time this is automatically added to your bill. 
 

WEATHER -- Tropical temperatures prevail in the Amazon with mid-day temperature ranging as high as 85 -100 F.  Generally, there is little wind and an extremely intense sun throughout the day, so please be mindful of dehydration and overexposure to the sun.  At night, the temperature slowly drops to 70-75 F.  Although you will be fishing during the dry season, there are occasional rain storms (you're in the middle of the world's largest rain forest), so please bring along a lightweight, packable rain suit (pants included) to avoid a cold and uncomfortable boat ride. 

A WORD ABOUT LOCAL CULTURE -- Please remember that you are heading into the middle of the Amazon jungle where a slow pace of life and a "laid back" attitude is entrenched in the culture of the native people. Therefore, crisp timing, efficiency as we know it and effective planning are sometimes out of sync.  Don't let this get to you - relax and adjust to where you are.  The staff are timid at first, but if you meet them half way you'll find them to be warm and helpful.  Please be patient, none of them have been trained outside the confines of the jungle.