Hooked on Adventures – Fishing Info

PEACOCKS FROM THE AMAZON SANTANA

Any true angler that has never fished for “Giant Peacock Bass” in the Amazon must absolutely put it on their bucket list!  Those that have had the experience are, no doubt, looking forward to their next opportunity to return.    My trip on the Amazon Santana was not my first time fishing in the Amazon, and I was pleasantly surprised at the comfortable accommodations on the yacht. It “far” exceeded my expectations and was considerably better than previous houseboats from which I had fished on the Rio Negro.

Our group met the Amazon Santana at Barcelos on the Rio Negro, and the crew handled our luggage and rod cases from the time we got off the plane until it was delivered to our cabins. Those that chose not to bring their own rods and reels were provided with good tackle, unlike some of the other trips I had been on.   After a hot buffet lunch, pairs of anglers joined their guides and were able to get in several hours of fishing on arrival day.

The experienced guides, most of whom spoke English, constantly amazed me. Although the Amazon Santana moved each day in order to fish new water,they seemed to know each area like the back of their hands. With no charts, no GPS and no channel markers on the river they navigated the thousands of islands, rivers, lagoons, creeks and hidden lakes in order to seek out the best hot spots.   In addition to catching Speckled, Orinoco and Butterfly Peacocks, we caught numerous other species unique to the Amazon basin which was always fun. Our guide led us to several big Peacocks including a 23, 21, 20 and 19 lb bass. The 20 lb Peacock was caught on fly tackle.

Our week long experience included, on different days, a shore lunch, barbecue dinner on a sand bar, dining under the stars on the top deck, and even an optional visit to a local native village. Except for an occasional fly, mosquitoes and other pesky critters were almost non existent.   Returning to the yacht each day after 10 or 11 hours of fishing, we were met with a cold drink and a welcome cold damp towel.    The food was plentiful and the bar was open all week.

All in all, it was a  great experience which I am looking forward to experiencing again some day.

Mike Leech, Former IGFA President

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FISHING REPORT

Location:      Rio Negro/Amazon River/Manaus Brazil

Trip Date:     December 10 - December 18, 2010

Group Size:   17 Anglers

# of Days:      6  – (4 late-arrival anglers fished 5 days only)

Numbers:   779

Size:             10 lb.’ers – 6,    11 lb.’ers – 1,     12 lb.’ers – 2,    13 lb.’ers – 2,

14 lb.’ers – 1, 15 lb.’ers – 4, 16 lb.’ers – 2,     17 lb.’ers – 1,

18 lb.’ers – 2,      19 lb.’ers – 2,       20 lb.’ers – 1, 21 lb.’ers – 2,

22 lb.’ers – 2, 23 lb.’ers – 1,        and  24 lb.’ers – 1

(non-published were under 10#)

Water Level:  Although the water levels were by no means “too” high, the jungle was unusually quiet during our trip.  This might have been one of the reasons that the fishing was a bit slow for this week.

Baits Used:     Lures of choice for this trip were Jumping Minnows, Zara Spooks, and Jigs.

Notes:  All in all, everyone had a good trip and appreciated the efforts of the Guides and Staff.  We received quite a few compliments on the accomodations being great as well as the food, and service, being exceptional.

IN CLOSING……….”HAPPY NEW YEAR’S TO YOU ALL, AND HAVE A SAFE AND JOYOUS HOLIDAY.

TO ALL OF YOU ON YOUR WAY TO OUR YACHT FOR THE NEW YEAR’S FISHING TRIP AND FESTIVITIES……….TIGHT LINES TO YOU THIS WEEK, AND ENJOY YOUR “TRIP OF A LIFETIME”!

David McCarthy & Pamelah Howard/Hooked On Adventures, LLC

“A wonderful and amazing fishing excursion to the Amazon was provided to me by the staff and guides aboard the Belle Amazon and Hooked On Adventures!  We experienced a few mechanical problems aboard the Belle Amazon, but the staff came through for us and got us to the hot fishing by hook or by crook!  I had a teener (or above) landed each day, so I am looking forward to the next trip to do a repeat.  I would definitely book with Hooked On Adventures again.  They really out did themselves in service and knowledge of the best fishing locations!    Thanks, Hooked On Adventures and Belle Amazon staff,  for an experience of a lifetime!” - Jay Hastings , Union City, California

Jay’s 24 lb.’er!

 

FISHING REPORT – Week ending 11/14/10 

First, we would like to wish you all a “Happy Holiday Season” and hope to see some of you on our upcoming DECEMBER  31st NEW YEAR’S BASH at the Tropical Hotel in Manaus, Brazil, the night before we leave for our regularly scheduled fishing trip. ”Come Celebrate With Us for New Year’s Dinner/Dancing/Drinks/Fireworks on the Beach!!  Hope you all can join us.

Next, let me just say this…… ”Wow, as long as I have been in the fishing business (always representing the Santana Yacht Fleet), I have never heard of one of our yachts having a glitch on a fishing trip!”  One minute I am watching the news about the Princess Cruise Line completely breaking down leaving everyone stranded and running out of staples, and the next minute I hear the computer in “our” ship went out.  Needless to say, my head started spinning wondering how David McCarthy (Owner/Operator) was going to maneuver this one (Thank God it was him on the boat and not me having to figure that one out!).   David and his partner immediately summoned a qualified diesel mechanic by way of charter plane at which time he spent the next 4-6 hours trying to remedy the problem.  He quickly went to work only to find out it was a computer problem that could not be fixed in the time frame nor the location in which the yacht was currently positioned.   Having only moved approximately 40-50 miles north of Barcelos, we realized we were going to have to improvise to have a successful trip.   We thought we would hire another boat to try and move the yacht up river, but when all efforts failed due to the weight of the Mothership, we were pulling our hair out trying to figure out any remedy that would work for our clients.    David immediately sent to Barcelos for additional gasoline for the bass boats, as well as instructed all the Guides to fish their clients until 6 o’clock each night. 

Well, as usual, David was making sure everyone had some good food (you “know” you’re going to get a good breakfast with this guy on board because it’s “his” favorite meal of the day i.e. pancakes, waffles, bacon, eggs, and goodness knows what else).  

 Well, there are just things in life sometimes (especially in the Amazon) that make you go “hmmmmmm?”   However, our courteous staff was wonderful as usual doing all they could to keep everyone happy and satisfied, along with Harry being his awesome entertaining self and great host.

 In closing, and “against all odds”, our knowledgeable Guides and experienced Anglers pulled off some very good fishin’! 

TESTIMONIAL:  “A wonderful and amazing fishing excursion to the Amazon was provided to me by the staff and guides aboard the Belle Amazon and Hooked On Adventures!  We experienced a few mechanical problems aboard the Belle Amazon, but the staff came through for us and got us to the hot fishing by hook or by crook!  I had a teener (or above) landed each day, so I am looking forward to the next trip to do a repeat.  I would definitely book with Hooked On Adventures again.  They really out did themselves in service and knowledge of the best fishing locations!    Thanks, Hooked On Adventures and Belle Amazon staff,  for an experience of a lifetime!”    -  Jay Hastings         

                                                                                                                                                      (Check out Jay’s 24 lb.’er)                                                                    

 

Location:      Rio Negro/Amazon River/Manaus Brazil

Trip Date:     November 5 - November 14, 2010 

Group Size:   17 Anglers

# of Days:      6

Numbers:   1745

Size:             10 lb.’ers – 14,    11 lb.’ers – 5,     12 lb.’ers – 8,    13 lb.’ers – 3,    

                     14 lb.’ers – 4,      15 lb.’ers – 4,       16 lb.’ers – 5,     17 lb.’ers – 5,   

                     18 lb.’ers – 6,      19 lb.’ers – 0,       20 lb.’ers – 3,      21 lb.’ers – 1,    

                     22 lb.’ers – 3,     23 lb.’ers – 1,        and  24 lb.’ers – 1! 

                    (non-published were under 10#)

Water Level:  Levels were extremely low this round (even though I’ve heard rumors that we here at Hooked On Adventures have control of water levels and weather and can even perform miracles ::laughing::).  Hey!  They still caught good numbers!

Baits Used:     Lures of choice for this trip were High Rollers and Jigs.

**We’re gearin’ up now for our next trip December 10th where we will be sailing the Mothership, the “Amazon Santana”.  Stay tuned for the next fishin’ report., and again, “Happy Holidays to you and Yours. We value and appreciate our fishin’ family”!

Pamelah Howard, Director of Sales & Marketing