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Your peacock bass trip is getting closer.
You've selected your rods, your reels are spooled with brand new line and
you're eyeballing a kaleidoscopic mix of lethal looking lures. But
once you cram it all into your bags, where will you fit that shiny, new,
9 lb. solar-powered automatic hook reforming and electroplating device
that the manufacturer swears you can't do without? . The best place for
it is probably in your closet at home. Save your precious 44 pound
baggage allotment for the really important stuff. Pack light, but
pack right. Let's take a look at what other gear should go in your
baggage, step by step.
Clothing - Our operations all do laundry daily. This will
enable you to keep your clothing to a minimum. Here are our suggestions;
Bring only 3 changes of clothing. One outfit for traveling (wear
clothing that you can use for fishing also) and 2 more sets of fishing
clothes. One pair of comfortable travel/land shoes and a pair of
flip-flops or crocs or reef walkers for fishing. Bring a bathing
suit and clean underwear. A lightweight rainsuit can also double
as a jacket on cool morning boat rides. That's all of it! Leave
the suit and tie at home.
Sun and Insect Protection - Most peacock bass fishing is done within
a scant few hundred miles of the equator. The sun is more powerful
at these latitudes than anywhere else on earth because the diminished angle
at which its rays arrive reduces the filtering effect of the atmosphere.
It's not like California or Florida, or even central America. It's
far more intense. For this reason anglers should be equipped with
complete sun protection. Select UV resistant tropical fishing clothes
with long sleeves and long pants. Wear a hat with ear and neck protection.
Sun gloves, fishing gloves or stripping gloves can protect your hands from
the powerful sun.
Medicines - Bring all your necessary personal medicines.
You will almost certainly not be able to obtain medicines once you leave
home and there are no pharmacies in the jungle. In addition, bring
the following; Cipro (a broad spectrum antibiotic); An Anti-Malarial
(i.e., Larium or Malarone - see your doctor); Allergy or cold pills;
Cortisone or anti-itch cream (for rashes, allergies); Imodium, Pepto-Bismol
or other anti-diarrheal; Band-Aids, Anti-bacterial cream and Aspirin
or Tylenol. All of our camps have complete first aid kits. |
Documents and money - Your documents are critical when traveling.
Make sure you have a secure, dry place in your carry-on to keep them.
You must have a current passport with visa. Carry a photocopy of
the first two pages of your passport. Make sure you have your Airline
Tickets; cash (for tipping and other incidentals while traveling); Take
a credit card and a book or other reading matter.
Personal Gear - A few small items will greatly increase
your comfort in camp and while fishing. Bring the following;
A small flashlight, headlight or booklight; Extra batteries; Your personal
toiletry kit (toothbrush, razor, etc); Good quality, polarized sunglasses;
Fishing gloves to prevent blisters (golf or baseball gloves also work fine).
Water proof bags (zip locks) or durable containers for delicate items.
Camera and Video Gear - A trip of a lifetime deserves
a good photographic or video record. Some of us can do great work
with a small, high resolution digital and some of us wouldn't be caught
dead without our full SLR system. Either way you choose to go, keep
weight restrictions in mind and select gear that is relatively weatherproof
or can be safely protected. Bring plenty of film or media.
The photo opportunities are endless.
Fishing Tools - If you are traveling with a fishing partner,
you can both save some weight and expense by sharing certain items.
Consider the Boga-grip for example. It's an indispensable tool for
peacock anglers. Not only is it a convenient landing and weighing
device, but it's perfect for keeping big, angry fish calm and under control
while photographing them. Share one between you. Also, keep
in mind that your guide will handle the mundane tasks such as unhooking
fish and maintaining your lures and lines (so you can maximize your fishing
effort). He will generally have a set of fishing tools of his own.
With that being said, we suggest having one of the following available
to share; A Pocket Knife, Needlenose Pliers and strong cutting tool (we
recommend a Leatherman tool); Boga grip or other device to safely
hold fish; Hook Sharpener or file; Braided line scissors;
Fishing Accessories - Keeping your gear organized and readily
accessible can often be critical to fishing success. We recommend
clear plastic fishing boxes (such as Plano 3600 and 3700) that fit into
your fishing or boat bag (such as Plano's Soft Tackle System). In
addition to your lures, add the following to your organizing system;
Replacement Hooks (4x strong #1, #2 and #4) Heavy Duty Split Rings
and a split ring pliers. Many of your lures will come with bass grade
hardware. Peacocks will turn it into mush with the first strike.
You'll need to upgrade quite a few hooks and split rings; Extra line
- In case you need to respool (for spinning gear just bring a spare spool
already prepared); Oil to lubricate your reels, they'll be working
hard.
Luggage Selection - The right type of bags can help make
both travel and weight considerations simpler. We recommend a good-sized
rolling duffel bag and a small carry-on. Select lightweight bags.
Selecting a high-quality rolling duffel bag that weighs less than ten pounds
when empty will help give you greater flexibility in your gear selection.
It's also much easier to handle while traveling. When you've checked
in your duffel, a carry-on bag with a comfortable shoulder strap or a backpack
will be easy to handle in the airport and on the plane. Make sure
it fits airline size restrictions.
Baggage Organization - Today's air travel security regulations
define the best way to organize your baggage. You will have a checked in
bag(s) and a carry on bag(s).
Your checked-in baggage (a duffel and a rod tube,
if necessary) will constitute your 44 pound baggage limit. All tools,
knives, hooks and other sharp items must be checked in with this bag.
Use this bag for your clothing and bulky gear. To eliminate big rod
tubes, we highly recommend pack rods. They will simplify your
packing and probably outperform most one-piece rods. Pack rods will
fit inside your duffel, simplify packing and significantly help reduce
weight. For those who must carry conventional rods, a plastic, lockable
rod tube, available from any tackle dealer will be able to safely contain
all of your rods. Pack it carefully and pad it inside with some of your
clothing. To help keep weight down, you can share a tube with your
partner.
Your carry-on bag should contain your camera
equipment, reading material, medicines, other small, heavy items and your
basic travel needs. You might add a change of underwear and your
most important personal necessities. Anglers with pack rods can also
carry a small tube with two rods as part of their carry-on baggage. Add
two reels to your carry-on and you will ensure that you have the basic
gear at all times, even if your checked-in bags are delayed.
Where to Buy - The items recommended here can be found at most sporting
goods outlets. All specialized items are available at www.Tackle-box.net
or call 866 832-2987 or 866 431-1668 for help.
Assistance - That's what we do best. Call us, toll-free, anytime
with any questions. We've taken thousands of anglers to Brazil over the
last decade and we've learned how to do it right. Let our experience
and our proven expertise ensure that you have the trip of a lifetime.
Peacock Bass Trip Checklist
Clothing
for the sun loving
for the sun sensitive
| Need |
Packed |
Item |
Need |
Packed |
Item |
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Tank Tops |
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Sun Hats |
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T-shirts |
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Slacks/Shorts -- 2 or 3 lightweight cotton. |
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Shorts |
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Long-Sleeved Shirts -- for sun protection
-- light color and light fabric. |
for everybody
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Packable Lightweight Rain Gear -- Two piece/coat and pant. Doubles
as a jacket for cool mornings and evenings. |
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Long Tropical Pants: |
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Long-Sleeved Tropical Shirts - On some rivers, there may be no-see-ums
during overcast days. You should bring at least one long sleeved, long
pants outfit for that possibility (and keep it in your tackle bag or box). |
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Shoes -- 1 pair rubber-soled, non-slip canvas boat shoes or in-water
shoes (Tevas, Crocs, reefwalkers) |
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Fishing hat -- with a black under-bill to aid in sighting fish
(enhances polarizing qualities of sunglasses). |
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Swimsuit -- it's a great way to cool off at the end of the day (the
piranhas are not dangerous) |
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Socks and Underwear |
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Travel Clothes |
Don't overpack - they wash laundry daily
Sun and Insect Protection
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Sunscreen - bring lots of it, waterproof and with an adequate SPF!!! |
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Sun-Gloves -- Many people burn their hands, so we recommend 'Mangrove'
UV Protector SunGloves. |
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Insect Repellent -- One that is perspiration resistant and contains
D.E.E.T |
Medicines
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Personal Prescription Drugs - You cannot obtain these medications here |
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10 days worth of broad spectrum antibiotics (i.e., Cipro) (Quickly
corrects travelers diarrhea and is a good idea in case of other infection. |
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Anti-Malarial (i.e., Larium or Malarone) - with your doctor's prescription |
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Allergy or cold pills |
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Cortisone or anti-itch cream (for rashes, allergies or no-see-ums) |
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Immodium, Pepto-Bismol or other anti-diarrheal |
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Benadryl |
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Band-Aids |
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Anti-bacterial creme |
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Aspirin, Tylenol etc. |
Personal Items
Documents and money
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Passport and photocopy of first two pages of passport |
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Airline Tickets |
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Cash - bring at least enough for tipping in camp and incidentals in
airports. |
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Traveler's Checks or Cash and Credit Cards, Checkbook - American money
is not accepted everywhere in Brazil. |
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Books, magazines, reading matter. |
Gear
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Small flashlight, headlight or booklight |
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Batteries |
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Toiletry kit, toothbrush, etc |
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Digital Camera (small, automatic, weatherproof w/zoom) - Start
with fresh batteries and take an extra set. |
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Fishing Gloves; Your hands can blister after several days of cranking
baits (golf or baseball gloves work fine) |
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Fishing Sunglasses - Good quality, comfortable, polarized sunglasses |
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Water proof bags (Ziplocks) for passport, etc. |
Luggage
Main bag
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Large Duffel or Similar Bag - This will contain the
bulk of your gear, most of your rod tubes and your clothes. It will
be checked onto the airplane. |
Rod Containers
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Loomis or similar type pack rods (3 or 4 piece) - These will fit inside
the duffel and can hold two rods each if cleverly packed. This eliminates
the need for huge rod tubes and ensures that you have the basic gear with
you. |
Or, for those without
pack rods, using conventional rods
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Plastic, lockable rod tube - Available at any tackle dealer
and should be able to safely contain all of your rods. Pack it carefully
and pad inside with your clothes. Keep it locked when traveling. |
Carry-on Bag
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Soft Tackle Bag with Plano 3600 or 3700 boxes - This can be packed
with a minimum of necessities and your travel needs. and used as
your carry-on bag. You can put the Plano boxes with lures and accessories
into your duffel and then switch them into your tackle bag after you arrive. |
Fishing Tackle
Fishing Tools
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Pocket Knife/Needlenose Pliers -- we recommend a Leatherman tool |
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Boga grip or other device to safely hold fish |
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Hook Sharpener -- essential! |
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Scissors or line clippers |
Fishing Accessories
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Extra line (30 to 65LB. test suggested - depending on application) |
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Reel Lubricant -- apply to reels routinely |
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Scale -- None of our camps have IGFA certified scales. We've
tried them all and highly recommend the IGFA endorsed, 'Boga Grip' scale
[Eastaboga Tackle, 261 Mudd St., Eastaboga, AL 36260 -- Tel. (205)-831-9682]. |
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Small Tape Measure |
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Small Fishing Towel or hand cloth. |
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Replacement Hooks (4x strong #2) and Split Rings |
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Tackle Bag or Box and Lures -- Remember weight restriction! |
Rods
At least 2 or 3 (as suggestioned below), rods break! The
most important factor in determining rod selection is your ability to cast
large baits with a minimum of fatigue. Use rods similar to those
recommended below. All of these items are available from our
Tackle-box
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Medium Heavy Spinner - recommend Loomis Escape / 7' Med/Hvy -
Mod-Fast Action, use with 50lb. test line and with a medium size spinning
reel (ie. Shimano 4000 series) - for large lures. |
or
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Medium Heavy Bait Caster - recommend Loomis Escape / 7' MHC -
Mod-Fast Action, use with 50lb. test line ? fast retrieve casting reel
(ie. Ambassadeur C4 -5600 or Shimano Curado) for large lures. |
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Medium Light Spinning Rod - recommend similar to Loomis Loomis Escape
/ 7' Med-Light Fast Action, use with 30lb. test line and small, light
reel (ie. Shimano 2500 series), for jigs and light lures. |
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Medium Bait Caster - recommend Loomis LR842 -3C / 7' Medium -
Mod-Fast Action, use with 30lb. test line and medium size casting reel
(ie. Shimano Calcutta 250) for lighter lures (Zara Spook, Yo-Zuri Crystal
Minnow. |
Reels
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Reels - Reels should be good quality with adequate line capacity.
Casting accuracy is important, so match rods and reels. The most important
consideration is an excellent drag mechanism. Although spinning gear
can be less tiring with heavy lures and fast retrieves, baitcasting generally
provides greater accuracy and level trajectories to get under obstacles. |
Line
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Line - 30 to 50 lb. test, when combined with a good drag
setting and a little luck will catch most fish. Make sure you can
tie a Palomar knot. Load your lighter rigs with 30 lb. test and the
heavier gear with 50 or 65.. |
Lures - This is a general purpose listing
and is designed to provide a wide enough selection to cover a variety of
rivers, water types and conditions (See lure
selection chart). If you know which river you will be fishing,
you can more efficently focus on the type size and color lure known to
be effective on that fishery. Acute Angling provides specially designed
packages for specific rivers. These are available at competitive
prices directly through our Tackle-box
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Propeller type (6 to 10) - Big Game Woodchoppers, Riprollers, Pavon
Props, in various colors and patterns. |
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Walking Sticks (4 to 6) - Super Spook, Jumpin' Minnow (upgrade hooks
and split rings) in various colors and patterns |
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Minnow/Jerkbaits (8) - Yo-Zuris, Redfins, Long - A, Rapalas, in a variety
of sizes, colors and patterns (hooks and split rings must be upgraded for
all smaller size lures), |
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Crank baits (2 - Rat-L-Traps, Mag-traps, in a variety of sizes (hooks
and split rings must be upgraded for all smaller size lures), colors and
patterns. |
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Bucktail Jigs - (12 to 24) - Wide gap hooks, Peacock Rattle Jig, Red/Yellow,
Red/White and other colors and patterns. . |
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Spoons - (2) Johnsons Silver Minnow or others, in a variety of sizes,
colors and patterns. |
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Miscellaneous - Lures that you have extreme confidence in
and that you might want to experiment with. All lures should have
strong, sharp hooks and split rings. Soft baits don't last long.
Bigger baits tend to catch bigger fish. Remember weight limits. |
For Fly Anglers Only . . ..
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Rods and Reels -- A stiff/fast action eight, nine or ten weight rod. |
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Fly Lines -- One or two Rio 300-grain Sink Tip line.' One full-floating,
weight-forward line for poppers and sliders (IE. Scientific Anglers' 'Mastery
Saltwater Tarpon'). |
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Flies -- Bring at least two dozen streamers and ten poppers.
Half should be bright and half dark shades. |
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Leader Material -- 35 to 50LB. Ande 'Tournament |
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Reel Covers -- reels can get banged up in the boat |
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Stripping Glove or Finger Sock (Lycra Sheath that fits over stripping
finger) -- essential to prevent line burn while stripping. |
Miscellaneous
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Immunizations - We recommend a Yellow Fever immunization. Contact
Public Health Service for their current recommendations, then visit your
doctor and decide with him which ones are appropriate for you. Physicians
may also recommend Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Typhoid, Malaria, and Hepatitis. |
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Balanced tackle - Make sure to test the actual tackle you plan to use,
on the water, with all the lures (including the heavy woodchoppers and
rippers), and with the actual line. Sometimes two components just
don't balance or work right together and something has to be changed.
You can't fix or replace it in Brazil. When everything works well,
then try it out some more. The practice won't hurt and you'll get
a feel for the long term effort. |
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Passport - You need a valid passport and a Brazilian Visa. American
credit cards work fine in Brazil. Bring adequate cash for tips and
incidentals. |
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The sun - on the equator is incredibly strong. It will
rapidly burn and dehydrate you if you are not acclimatized or properly
equipped. Bring at least one set of protective clothes, expect to
drink lots of water and use sunscreen lavishly. Sensitive individuals
sometimes forget hands, feet, ears etc.and can get severe burns. |
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Luggage - You should be able to carry it all, by yourself, in one trip,
if necessary. Shoulder straps are good. It will get bumped,
wet, muddy and otherwise abused, so be prepared and don't use fancy silk
or leather. |
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You will undoubtedly have some of your own special needs. |
Where to Buy - The items recommended here can be found at most
sporting goods outlets. All specialized items are available at www.Tackle-box.net
or call 866 832-2987 or 866 431-1668 for help.
Assistance - That's what we do best. Call us, toll-free,
anytime with any questions. We've taken thousands of anglers to Brazil
over the last decade and we've learned how to do it right. Let our
experience and our proven expertise ensure that you have the trip of a
lifetime.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us,
toll-free or E-mail us.
Thanks for fishing with Acute Angling!
Paul Reiss:
- (866) 832-2987 - E-Mail Paul Reiss
Garry Reiss
- (866) 431-1668 - E-Mail Garry Reiss
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