Fishing & Gear
Fishing Season
In this area of the Amazon, the fishing season typically runs from July to February. This is the dry season for the upper Negro basin, the time when waters are typically at their lowest and most stable levels which allows for fishing throughout the entire river system, including its numerous tributaries and lagoons. The Negro Basin fisheries vary with each year’s hydrological cycle, but since Rio Marié is a headwaters system, combined with its geographical location and the immensity of its drainage, it is much more stable than other regional destinations.
CATCH & RELEASE RULES
All fish caught should be released without exception and please avoid unnecessary handling of the fish. Single hooks are mandatory. Handling these fish requires precaution, not only to avoid hurting them but also to prevent injuries to you. Follow your fishing guide's instructions.
7 to 10-weight single-handed rods are the norm. It is best to have two rods rigged with different lines and/or flies in the boat. Please plan on bringing an extra backup rod. 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 bonefish and baby tarpon rod will do just fine. We recommend rigging one 7 or 8 weight saltwater rod for smaller peacock’s with a floating line, and one 8, 9, or 10 weight with an intermediate (clear) sinking line. The most popular rods at Marié are 8 and 9-weight.
Our recommendations are Thomas & Thomas Rods - Exocett 88 - 300 to 350; these models excel in the jungle in many aspects, from big streamers with sinking lines to poppers/wind-resistant flies.
Check out these incredible rods here: Thomas & Thomas - Exocett 88 Rods
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. Weight of the reel is important also since you will be casting a lot. 30-pound backing is required.
Mako reels are our choice for fishing in Rio Marié.
Most fishing on the Rio Marié takes place in the upper water column, demanding fly lines built to perform under extreme heat, heavy flies, and powerful fish. Weight-forward lines designed specifically for tropical and saltwater conditions are essential. Short-taper, warm-water fly lines perform best, allowing anglers to turn over large, wind-resistant flies with authority and precision. Cold-water floating lines should never be used, as high temperatures quickly make them soft, gummy, and unreliable.
Our primary and most proven line for peacock bass is, without question, the Scientific Anglers Jungle Taper Clear Intermediate Tip. This line offers the ideal balance of control, sink rate, and durability, excelling in both shallow structure and open water. For topwater fishing, the Scientific Anglers Jungle Taper Floating line is outstanding, providing effortless casting of oversized poppers and sliders while maintaining excellent line control in hot conditions. In specific situations—such as higher water levels, deeper structure, or targeted holding areas—a fast-sinking option can be highly effective. For these scenarios, we recommend a Jungle Custom Cut Sink-Tip fly line.
We strongly recommend bringing at least one backup fly line, especially an intermediate sink-tip. Every season on the Rio Marié, multiple fly lines were either severely damaged or destroyed by giant fish burying themselves deep into submerged timber. This is not hypothetical—it happens. Be prepared.
Check these links below, with our highly recommended Fly Lines from Scientific Anglers:
Sonar Titan Tropical/Jungle Clear Tip
Peacock Bass are not particularly leader-shy, and the huge ones can commonly explode a 40-pound shock tippet as if it were a 5x tippet. Leaders should be heavy enough to turn over a big, wind-resistant fly. Spools of fluorocarbon should include 50 and 60-pound breaking strength. Our go-to leader was a 5 to 7-foot piece of 60-pound fluorocarbon. Record-seekers should bring a wider variety of tippet strengths.
Our best choice is the Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon leaders: Check it out here
Fishing is mainly done using baitfish imitations. Rio Marié Pro-guides and the travel staff at The Fly Shop have designed some very effective fly patterns, specifically for the Rio Marié. As well, other patterns in white, yellow, chartreuse, orange, black, and red (or combinations of these colors) are very effective. Flies must be easy to cast but have good action and silhouette in the water. Flies in lengths from 5 to 8 inches, on 4/0 to 6/0 (high-quality) hooks, are required.
As for patterns, the most commonly used flies are synthetic-material streamers, such as the Peacock Cruiser and the Bad Attitude Baitfish. However, many other baitfish imitations have proven very successful, including various Puglisi Streamers in medium to large sizes, Whistlers, Deceivers, Huge Clousers Minnows, and Half and Half. Large flies with rattles inside are particularly effective as well.
Actually, the favorite in Rio Marié is the MARIE SLT, developed by our head guide, Rafa Marques. All topwater flies, such as big foam poppers, NYAP poppers (our favorites) (4/0 to 6/0), Double Barrels, and Pole Dancers (3/0 to 6/0), are fun to fish and should be included.
Flies are available for sale on the yacht for $15 each, but be sure to bring a good selection as well. Fully packaged selections are available at Rio Marié.
Check this Pro tip Video about the Flies for Rio Marié: FLY FISHING PRO TIPS - FLIES FOR GIANT PEACOCK BASS
- Two pairs of Polarized Sunglasses (in case you lose or break a pair).
- Waterproof Sunscreen SPF 30+ (UVA) (UVB) (waterproof and unscented)
- Buff Face Mask (light in color)
- Fishing hats
- Fly Rods 8 to 10 weights
- Reels With Minimum 30-pound Backing
- Fly Lines (extra lines for backup)
- Flies and Fly Box
- Long Sturdy Pliers (debarbing and hook removal)
- Hook Sharpener
- Stripping Fingers or Finger Tape
- Fishing Sun Protection Gloves
- Line clippers
- Lightweight Rain Jacket and Rain Pants
- Lightweight Synthetic Fleece Top
- 3 Long Sleeve Fishing Shirts or Hoodies.
- 2 Pair of Fast-Drying Pants
- 1 Pair of Fast Drying Shorts or swimsuit
- Boat Sandals
- 3 Pair of White Cotton Socks (for wearing on the boat deck while casting)
- Waterproof Camera, Memory Cards, Batteries, and Charger
- Insect repellent and "anti-itch" cream
- Water Bottle & Dry Gatorade Mix or Emergen CPackets
- Lip Balm with sunscreen (highest SPF you can get)
- Dry Bag, Day Pack, boat bag or Fanny Pack (100% Waterproof)
- Smartphone or Tablet with Charger
- Waterproof Bags or Zip-Loc Bags (to carry camera, other gear while in the boat)
- Passport with at least 6 months of validity
- Flashlight/Headlamp
- 2 Copies of passport (***packed separately in zip-lock bag***)
- Airline tickets and itinerary
- Cash (indigenous Fee, lodge gratuities, small bills for tip, gift shopping, etc.)
- Credit card (call the company, inform of travel plans)
- Emergency Telephone Numbers
- Toiletries (Toothbrush, toothpaste, hand lotion)
- Aspirin, other over-the-counter medications like antacids
- Prescription Medications (packed in your carry-on bag), consider bringing an EpiPen anti-allergy medication.
- Prescription Glasses
- Universal Electrical Adaptor
- The vessel has a fly shop with the essential equipment for fishing on the Marié River. Rio Marié caps and shirts are also available for sale.