AMAZON SLIDE SHOW Agua Boa Amazon Lodge Hosted Trip: March 7th - 14th, 2009 // Hosted by Rachel Andras
Located in northern Brazil, the Agua Boa river is remarkably clear, with white sand beaches more reminiscent of the Florida Keys than what most expect of the Amazon jungle. Overlooking the river rests Amazon Boa Amazon Lodge, the world’s first and only operation dedicated exclusively to pursuing peacock bass and other jungle species on the fly. In many ways fishing here is like sight fishing for bonefish, except these fish are far larger, stronger, less discriminating, and more numerous. Add to that an additional ten exotic jungle species eager to strike flies, and you will quickly understand why the lodge enjoys an impressive 80 percent re-booking rate. The lodge itself provides anglers with a level of comfort unrivaled in the Amazon. Guests stay in private air-conditioned bungalows with two queen beds, a sitting area, private bathroom, and a porch overlooking the Agua Boa River. Home to world class bird watching and wildlife viewing, the Aqua Boa Amazon also features a private airstrip, swimming pool, entertainment room, dining room, bar, outdoor eating area, and satellite phone, making it a suitable destination for non-anglers as well. With over one hundred miles of private, fishable water, this is truly the world’s premier peacock bass destination for discerning fly fishers.
Agua Boa Amazon Lodge River and Fish:
The Agua Boa Amazon Lodge on the Agua Boa River is the Amazon’s first flyfishing only Peacock Bass lodge. The fishery on the Agua Boa is well suited to flyfishing. The water is clear and in many cases allows fishermen to sightfish for bass, arowana, pacu and a host of other jungle species. Peacock Bass come in a large variety of sizes and species. There are three species on the Agua Boa: the butterfly, spotted and temensis. The Butterfly Peacock is the most numerous in the system. They range from 2lbs to 8lbs and are great fighters that often jump. The Spotted and Temensis Peacock are a totally different beast. These two species are the largest of the peacocks and can attain weights of 25lbs. They are some of the most aggressive gamefish on the planet. They can wander in schools of up to 40 fish and feed together working bait like jacks or bluefish. The Arowana looks and acts a lot like a tarpon. They average 6lbs to 10lbs, have huge scales, and due to their hard mouths are hard to hook and land. Pacu, also known as the silver dollar, are a fun fish. They can reach weights of 10lbs. They are shaped like permit and can be taken on trout patterns. Pirarucu, the giant tarpon of the Amazon, reach weights well in excess of 200lbs. These fish look and act a lot like tarpon, but are so smart that at the lodge they have not landed more than a handful of them. It is tough to describe the excitement of seeing them and trying to manage a cast to one.
Agua Boa Amazon Lodge Guide Staff and Fishing Program:
The Brazilian guide staff takes anglers up and down the 77 miles of private water in 18ft John boats powered by 40 horse Yamaha’s with attached jet units. The boats are equipped casting platforms on the front and middle areas as well as a poling a platform for the guide. Each morning you will depart the lodge for your specified beat of the river. During the lunch break the guides will be happy to hang soft cotton hammocks under trees for you to rest in. It is a nice way to rest in the hottest part of the day. Your fishing will not suffer as the mid-day heat generally makes the fish spooky and unreceptive however if you want to fish through the day without a break, just ask your guide. Typically anglers will fish until 5:00-6:00PM and then return to the lodge for a swim, drinks and dinner. Optional night time activities such as boat based game viewing and spear fishing or conventional fishing for giant red tailed catfish are available at an additional cost.
Agua Boa Amazon Lodge Accommodations:
The Agua Boa Amazon Lodge is located in one of the Amazon Rainforest’s last remaining tracts of uncut and uninhabited rainforest. The lodge provides fishermen with a level of comfort, friendly service, and sense of privacy in the rainforest that will at make anyone feel at home. Of course, one look out the window at Rex, the 18-foot black caiman waiting on the white sand beach in front of camp, and you will know immediately that you are someplace far from home. Guests stay in private air-conditioned bungalows with two queen sized beds, a sitting area, private bathroom with oversized sunflower shower heads and a porch overlooking the Agua Boa River. The lodge itself features a swimming pool, entertainment room, dining room, outdoor eating area, bar, and satellite phone.
Agua Boa Amazon Lodge Climate:
Temperatures range from the mid 80’ to the mid 90’s. Humidity varies and can be high especially after rain showers which can and do occur throughout the season. Insects are not a big issue and repellent is not often needed but white socks can be annoying during the last 45 minutes of light in the evening around the pool.
Agua Boa Amazon Lodge Currency:
US dollars are all that is needed but no checks or credit cards are accepted.
Agua Boa Amazon Lodge Travel:
To get to the Agua Boa Amazon Lodge you will need to make travel arrangements to and from Manaus, Brazil. The lodge week runs from Saturday to Saturday. You should plan on flying to Miami, Fl on Friday and then taking the evening flight to Manaus that will have you arriving very early Saturday morning. Please ensure that you arrive Miami at least three hours before your eveing flight You will be met outside of customs by a member of the lodge team who will help you catch your charter flight to the lodge. The following Saturday you will take a charter flight back to Manaus to meet a mid day flight back to Miami.
Note: We highly recommend that all anglers call Tweedsmuir Travel to make their travel arrangements. Please mention that you will be heading to the Agua Boa with Fly Water Travel.
Agua Boa Amazon Lodge Documentation:
You must have a valid Visa to enter Brazil.
We recommend that you use G3 Visas for this process. To apply simply go to www.g3visas.com and follow the instructions. If you have any questions during this process please call G3 directly at 888-883-8472.
Note: You must enter Brazil within 90 days of the issue date on your visa.
Inoculations:
While there are no mandatory inoculations for the trip it is always a good idea to be current with tetanus and hepatitis. For a conservative opinion please check out www.cdc.gov.
Note: Malaria has not been an issue in this specific region of Brazil.
Agua Boa Amazon Lodge Season:
November – mid-April
Agua Boa Amazon Lodge Fish Species:
Three species of peacock bass plus ten additional jungle species
Agua Boa Amazon Lodge Capacity:
14 anglers
2009 Rates:
$5200 per person per week
Included:
Lodging at the Agua Boa Amazon, optional houseboat, beer, wine, and in-country transfers.
Not Included:
Gratuities, international airfare, Brazilian visa, satellite telephone calls, flies, liquor, airport taxes.
The Amazon