Destination Shopping: Brazil Peacock Bass

Anglers traveling to the Brazilian jungle in search of Peacock Bass are tasked with a large packing list, as well as a daunting recommended fly assortment. Peacock bass are extremely aggressive and talented at destroying new flies! Tailwaters has selected a wide variety of subsurface flies, as well as top water flies, that all have hooks to withstand a fight with a 20+lb Peacock.

9 and 10 weight single handed rods are the norm.  An 8 weight in the hands of a capable angler can handle the fight of most peacock bass, but it is very difficult to cast the huge streamers and poppers used for peacocks on an 8 weight.  Doing so all day long on an 8 weight will take its toll on your casting arm.  Due to the huge, wind resistant flies, 9 and 10 weights work much better.

It is best to have two rods rigged with different lines and flies in the boat.  Please plan on bringing an extra backup rod (an 8 weight is OK as a backup).  Powerful rods with a strong butt section are recommended.  All of the saltwater series of the top rod brands are considered good choices.  Your favorite permit or baby tarpon rods will do great.

As with rods, reels that have been designed for saltwater fly fishing are the best choice.  Peacocks will test your stripping fingers more than your reel, but in the event you can get them on the reel before they get into the wood, reels with strong, smooth drags are recommended.  Bring a trusted reel that you feel comfortable with.  Lighter weight reels are highly recommended since you will be casting alot.  30 lb backing is required.

Most of the fishing is done close to or on the surface of the water with large flies.  Lines must be designed specifically for the tropics and saltwater, and should have ultra-aggressive weight forward tapers to turn over large flies.  Do not bring cold water floating lines, as the hot weather makes these lines soft and gummy.  Full floating Tropical Titan Tapers are excellent for effortlessly throwing giant, wind-resistant poppers.  For sub-surface flies, intermediate-sink lines work best.

For example, the Scientific Anglers Mastery Titan Jungle Floating (or comparable, ultra-aggressive, warm water fly line) is a great choice for fishing the surface.  Our go-to fly line for sub-surface peacock bass fishing is far and away the Scientific Anglers Sonar Titan Jungle Clear Tip Intermediate tip line, 15 ft clear model.

Also bring a fast sinking sink tip for some specific spots, and higher water situations.  For this, we recommend a 24 to 30 ft 200 to 300 grain sink-tip fly line, such as the Scientific Anglers Sonar Jungle Custom Tip.  We strongly suggest you bring at least one backup fly line.  Many fly lines exploded and were destroyed the first couple of seasons by monster fish wrapping up anglers in the wood or trolling motors.  Be prepared.

Peacock Bass are not particularly leader shy, and the huge ones can explode a 40 lb shock tippet as if it were 5x tippet.  Leaders should be heavy enough to turn over big wind resistant flies, so heavy-strong butt leaders are important.  Spools of fluorocarbon should include 40, 50, and 60.  Mono in 20 and 30 lb breaking strengths can also be used in certain situations, such as for the smaller butterfly peacocks (Maxima, Mason or Fluorocarbon are good choices).  Our go-to leader is simply a 6 foot stretch of 50 lbs fluorocarbon.  Record seekers should bring a wider variety of tippet strengths.

Depending on which lodge you are visiting, you may be exclusively fishing from the boat or walk-and-wading.  If you are fishing from the boat (Rio Marie), many anglers wear boat sandals, flip flops, or go barefoot.   If you may be wading (Kendjam), we recommend lightweight, sturdy wading boots with good ankle support (felt is highly recommended).  

We highly recommend a waterproof backpack for carrying extra flies and tackle, sunscreen, bug spray, camera, water, rain jacket, extra food, etc.  Waterproof models are critical.  We recommend models from YETI, Fishpond, Patagonia, and Simms.

If you are a minimalist or insist on not carrying a backpack, a boat bag is important for carrying your tackle and gear with you on the boat each day.  Your boat bag should also be 100% waterproof.  Patagonia, Simms, and Fishpond make wonderful waterproof boat bags.  We often use these as our carry-on bag.  Everything stays dry and out of the humidity.

We recommend roller style, soft-sided duffel bags for nearly all our travels.  Ideally you have a bag that adheres to airline size restrictions but it is still large enough to fit a couple of rod tubes, tackle, boots and other gear.  Remember, bags must be soft-sided with dimensions 30x22x11 inches or less in order to fit into the floatplane, and a 40 lb combined weight limit for all your luggage applies.  

We carry many excellent sets of luggage by Patagonia, Simms, and Fishpond.  These bags are the ideal size, bulletproof, and are equipped with efficient roller systems.  Some models also have separate compartments for storing wet boots and/or waders or even rod tubes.  Don’t forget to mark your luggage with appropriate personal identification bag tags.

A high quality, lightweight rain jacket is another essential piece of clothing while in the jungle.  Howler Bros, Patagonia, Sitka, and Simms make great lightweight jackets that will keep you dry during rainstorms.

Brazil is almost always hot and humid regardless of the season or time of year.  When packing, keep in mind that the lodge dress code is extremely casual.  Clean and dry fishing clothing is always acceptable at the dinner table.  Other than your fishing related clothing, a couple of tee-shirts, and a pair of casual shorts or pants, we recommend only one set of street clothes for travel days.  Pack lightly!  The key to staying comfortable is to remain cool while protecting yourself from the sun.  Lightweight clothing with plenty of ventilation is recommended. 

SHIRTS

Fishing shirts should be cool and dry quickly, have breathable flaps that allow air to circulate through, and should be easy to pack and maintenance-free. Howler Brothers, Patagonia, Free-Fly, Sitka, and Simms make several different models and styles both in short and long sleeves. If you are bothered by the sun, we recommend the long sleeved versions (and hoodies) for insect and sun protection. Proper fishing shirts also should be equipped with chest pockets for storing small items like tippet material or a cleaning cloth for sunglasses and camera lenses.

SHORTS & PANTS

Fishing shorts should also be made of a synthetic quick dry material. We suggest shorts with pockets and belt loops for accommodating pliers. Sun protection, rather than warmth, is the primary function of long pants when fishing in the tropics. They will protect you from the sun, are wind resistant, and dry quickly. Some pants have removable pant legs that zip off to become shorts. Howler Brothers, Patagonia, Free Fly, and Simms make excellent models.

The tropical sun is very intense even on cloudy days. Pack some sun block and lip balm with a minimum of 30SPF. We carry a number of great sunscreen products at the shop. Make sure to check out our selection of Tailwaters branded hats.  Head and neck tubes by BUFF or Black Strap are a comfortable, lightweight, and breathable garment that functions similar to a bandanna and will keep UV rays off of your head, neck, and ears. We carry several models and styles. Sun gloves are also a must have for many anglers. 

This is one of your most important pieces of equipment while fishing in the Amazon.  The sun is intense, and sunglasses also protect your eyes from serious injury from a hook or other objects. Copper, brown, and Igniter lenses are the best choice for this type of fishing. Yellow lenses are great for mornings, late afternoons, and cloudy conditions. Always bring two pairs of polarized sunglasses in case you lose or break a pair.  Smith and Costs make a variety of stylish frames to choose from. We can special order bifocal or trifocal lenses for many of these frames with enough advanced notice. A lanyard or “croakie” is also invaluable in order to keep from dropping or losing your glasses.

Items like nippers, hemostats, and hook hones are necessities in every fishing pack. The tools can be kept on a retractor or on a lanyard.  Although your guide should be equipped with pliers, we recommend a quality pair of corrosion resistant pliers as an essential tool... especially for big game. Quality pliers aid in hook removal, cutting heavy monofilament, and tying big game knots. All pliers should be kept in a sheath and have a check-cord to avoid dropping them overboard. Don’t forget to bring a synthetic belt to be worn in order to accommodate your pliers’ sheath.  A leatherman multi-tool is also a nice extra to have in the boat bag, especially if you do not have pliers. 

There are multiple accessories often overlooked when planning any angling adventure.  Items like a headlamp, lens cloth, first aid, packing cubes, stripping guards, insect repellant, water bottles and measuring tapes are just a few.  Always throw in a couple of small trash bags in your bag for packing wet items for the trip home in order to keep mildew from spreading through your clothing.  Having some Ziploc baggies on hand is also a good idea for keeping camera equipment or papers dry in your boat bag.  And a simple first-aid kit with band-aids, alcohol wipes, Immodium, waterproof tape, and Dramamine for motion sickness is always a good thing to have.