Dialing In the Rio Marié Essential Fly Gear & Techniques for Giant Peacock Bass

Fishing for giant peacock bass is not about improvisation — it’s about preparation. Giant peacock bass in Rio Marié demand purpose-built gear, clean execution, and zero hesitation.

Everything starts with your fly lines. A proper Marié setup means carrying floating, intermediate, and sinking lines, all built on tropical cores with aggressive, short tapers. These lines are designed to turn over large flies and stay stable in extreme jungle heat. A line wallet isn’t optional here — it’s the fastest way to adapt when the fish slide deeper or the structure changes. My choice are Scientific Anglers Jungle taper Fly Lines. They are by far the best for the jungle environment and giant bass. My go to lines are:

Rod choice is equally straightforward: 8–10 weight rods, paired with 60 lb fluorocarbon leaders. These fish are not leader shy. Strength matters more than subtlety, and thick leaders give you the leverage to control powerful fish before they reach the structure. Powerful rods with a strong butt section are recommended. All of the saltwater series of the top rod brands are considered good choices. 

Most anglers fish a two-rod system:
one rigged for topwater poppers, the other for streamers. When the moment happens — and it happens fast — there’s no time to re-rig.

Technique-wise, nothing matters more than the strip set. Keep the rod tip low, drive the hook home with the line, not the rod. A trout set here will cost you fish. Every time. Discipline in the strip is what separates landed giants from stories that got away.

This is how trophies are earned on the Marié — deliberate gear, clean mechanics, and confidence when it all comes together.

Watch the full video for a complete breakdown from the river.