Acute Angling Amazon Sportfishing
- Peacock Bass Pre-Trip Guide.
Peacock Bass Pre-Trip Guide
Health,
Sun and Insects
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HEALTH -- Our groups often include
anglers ranging in age from their early teens to their eighties.
The camps, the staff and the structure of the operation are all designed
to make life comfortable and easy for all of our anglers, from the fittest
to the more sedentary. All of the work of the camp is ably handled
by our expert Brazilian staff. You are free to fish, eat, relax and
tell tall tales. Happily, the most serious problems we see are the
occasional cases of Montezuma's revenge (traveler's diarrhea) and the rare
self-inflicted hook wound. It is, however, still important that anglers
understand that they are, in fact, deep in the Amazon jungle. For
this reason, and since all of our camps are located in extremely remote
areas, certain basic considerations should be kept in mind.
Acute health problems - Those who have known, serious, potentially
acute, health problems should think twice about going to such a location
with limited medical attention. In the case of an emergency, we will
have a float plane flown in as soon as possible, but this can take up to
half a day (night flights are not possible). All camps have 24-hour
radio contact with Manaus.
Contagious diseases - The areas you'll be fishing are virtually
unpopulated, therefore water-born contagious diseases are uncommon.
There are occassional cases of traveler's diarrhea, but you can eat
and drink with confidence in camp. Do not, however, drink the tap
water in any hotel rooms or public areas!
INSECTS -- The dry season in Brazil is generally almost completely
devoid of mosquitos and most other biting insects. A common daytime
outfit for some can often be nothing more than a bathing suit and lots
and lots of sunblock. The actual river channels and lagoons are generally
too acidic to support mosquito reproduction during the dry season (which
is when we fish all of our rivers). Mosquito larvae require the softer,
more neutral waters collected in bromeliads (a bowl shaped plant) or rainwater
puddles to develop properly. These conditions are almost exclusively
associated with the rainy season. Because the Amazon is such a vast
and complex ecosystem, however, it is always possible for unexpected variations
to occur. Therefore, the following information is designed to enable
you to be prepared for any possibility in the Amazon.
No-see-ums: Depending upon water levels and recent precipitation,
some rivers in the Amazon can have quickly appearing populations of biting
gnats. Certain individuals can have a strong reaction to the bites, with
considerable itching and discomfort. |
Play it safe by bringing at least one set of socks, long pants, long sleeves
and a dependable brand of repellent (Muskol, Cutters or anything else with
DEET). Although Avon "Skin-So-Soft" works for some individuals, we
do not recommend it as a reliable repellent for these critters. Bring
anti-itch (cortisone) cream - just in case.
Mosquitoes can sometimes be present, even in the dry season,
at night when you're outside your bungalow. Repellent and/or long
sleeves will discourage any problems. Malaria does exist, to a small degree,
on some of the rivers we fish. We strongly suggest that you consult
with your doctor regarding any inoculations recommended by the I.A.M.A.T.
(International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers)
[716] 754-4883/417 Center Street, Lewiston, NY 14092 or call the U.S. Public
Health Service in your area. Prophylactic doses of Larium or Malarone
are recommended to prevent malaria in this region.
A Further Note on Dehydration, Sun and Insects -- Almost all
of the time, during the dry season, conditions on the rivers are
absolutely glorious. Anglers are very comfortable in the boats and
camps. However, there can be times when unusual conditions
occur. A little bit of preparation and foreknowledge can assure that
anglers will not experience any discomfort .
During the day's fishing, your body
can lose a great deal of water. Average daytime temperatures can
range up to 95 F depending upon cloud cover. Make sure to constantly
re-hydrate yourself throughout the day and evening to avoid dehydration.
Water and juice drinks are best. Caffeinated soft drinks and beer
can actually exacerbate dehydration, so try to avoid excessive amounts
of each during the day (you can enjoy to your heart's content in the evenings).
Your camp's host can stock your boat's cooler with your preference
of drinks. Please make sure to speak with him about your own personal
needs. Everyone needs to take the sun seriously. Equatorial
sun is much more intense than the watered-down exposure we receive in the
northern latitudes. Amazon sun can burn even those who consider themselves
sun resistant. Most anglers must make sure to use sunscreen, sunglasses,
a hat and long sleeves/pants.
Although most rivers do not have any
invisible pests, anglers should prepare as though Amazonian no-see-ums
can show up anywhere. They are rarely found in sunny conditions,
but it is possible for them to turn up suddenly, under overcast conditions,
on a river that has previously been free of them for weeks.
To avoid discomfort from no-see-ums, if they are around, be prepared to
cover up with long sleeve shirts and pants and use plenty of
repellent (use D.E.E.T and avoid anything less strong). These pesky
creatures are unlike most other biting insects in that their bite often
does not itch or react until several hours or even days after they bite
you.
Mosquitos and malaria can be a concern in
some of the local villages. Though none of our clients have ever
contracted the disease in our camps, make sure to use repellent
and keep covered up while in transit to and from camp. An antimalarial
prophylactic (such as Larium or Malarone) is recommended. Some camps
are plagued by small black or blonde bees that are often mistaken
for flies. Though quite obnoxious, these little bees do not sting
and do not pose any health threat whatsoever. |
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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We are pleased
to be able to arrange trips to the right place at the right time, anywhere
in the world, with the most reputable, professional outfitters. References
are available upon request.
Copyright © 2008 Paul Reiss
All Rights Reserved
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