Fishing Info
Everything you need to know
Complimentary Tackle Package
To make your travel easier and avoid airline fees for extra baggage, we provide all clients with a complimentary tackle package. This includes high-quality baitcasting and spinning rods, plus a full set of proven Peacock Bass lures.
While you’re welcome to bring your own gear, many anglers choose to travel light and rely on our equipment, especially considering the rising cost of overweight bags and the hassle of carrying gear through multiple airports.
We also offer a selection of soft baits and hand-tied jigs available for purchase through our on-board tackle shop.
Conventional Tackle Recommendations
Peacock Bass Fishing: Gear Guide
Peacock Bass are known for their explosive topwater strikes and unmatched aggression. You'll need serious gear to keep up. Here's what we recommend if you're bringing your own tackle:
Rods
Casting Rods:
- • Bring at least 3 Medium-Heavy to Heavy action rods, 6'6" to 6'9" in length
- • Long handles are ideal for leverage when working large topwater baits like prop lures
- • Rod butt should rest comfortably on your hip for power and control during aggressive retrieves
Spinning Rods:
- • Optional, but acceptable if that's your preference
- • Use 7' Medium-Heavy rods with quality light-saltwater spinning reels
- • Spinning gear works, but baitcasting rods offer better precision, balance, and hook-setting power
- • The Amazon is a great place to master casting techniques in a rewarding environment
Reels
Baitcasting Reels:
- • Strong drag system with a fast retrieve (6.0:1 to 6.3:1 recommended)
- • Top-tier options: Abu Garcia Revo SX or STX, Shimano Curado, Chronarch, or Calais
- • Solid value choices: Pflueger Trion low profile or Abu Garcia 6500 C4
Line:
- • Use 65 lb to 80 lb braided line — PowerPro is a trusted choice
Lures
Large Prop Baits:
- • These are essential for drawing big Peacock Bass to the surface
- • Top picks: Highroller Prop Baits in 5.5", 6.5", or 7.5" sizes
- • Best colors: Perch, Fire Tiger, Black/Orange, Clown, Red/White
Small Prop Baits:
- • Known as the Peacock Special — easier to retrieve but still effective
- • Bring at least one each in Black/Orange, Blue, and Fire Tiger
Jerkbaits:
- • 2 to 3 Redfins (7" or 6"), chrome with blue dorsal
- • Bomber Long-A lures, 6", in white/red and silver/blue variations
Rat-L-Traps:
- • 2 baits in Chrome/Blue or Fire Tiger, ¾ oz to 1 oz sizes
Other Lures:
- • 4 Bucktail jigs, ½ oz, white preferred
- • Most items are available for purchase onboard
Fly Fishing for Peacock Bass
Fly anglers are in for a treat. Peacock Bass eagerly strike large streamers and poppers, and in many cases, skilled fly fishermen will catch more fish than those using conventional tackle. While fly-caught bass are often smaller, 10 to 20 lb fish are still possible, and the IGFA fly record stands at 24 lbs.
Fly Rods
- • Ideal weight range: 8wt to 11wt
- • A 9wt or 10wt rod is best if you're only bringing one
- • Heavier rods are better suited for throwing large flies and handling aggressive fish
Reels
- • Choose a quality reel with a strong drag and capacity for plenty of 30 lb backing
- • Reel must be balanced for the rod weight you bring
Fly Line
- • Use a floating, weight-forward line for most applications
- • A shooting head system works well since Peacock Bass are not line shy
- • If bringing a second rod, consider rigging it with a 5 ft sinking-tip (around #6)
Leaders
• A simple straight-leader made of 5–6 ft of 40–60 lb hard mono works perfectly
• For IGFA line-class records, use a structured leader setup:
- ◦ Heavy butt section
- ◦ Line class section with Bimini twists
- ◦ 20–40 lb fluorocarbon tippet
Recommended Flies
Streamers:
- • Wool flies or streamers tied with Bozo hair
- • Rabbit tail sliders
- • Deceivers (3"–8" in length depending on target size)
Topwater:
- • Foam poppers
- • Dahlberg Divers
- • Large topwater patterns in yellow, red, olive, green, and blue
Fly Size Tips:
- • 3"–4" streamers are ideal for consistent action with 2–6 lb bass
- • 5"–8" streamers will tempt larger fish in the 10–20 lb range
How to Get Started
Ready to plan your Amazon fishing adventure? Our team will guide you through every step, from choosing your dates to booking your flights and preparing for the trip of a lifetime.