Fishing & Gear

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 rodbrands 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 mostpopular rods at Marié are 8 and 9 weight.
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Our recommendations are Thomas & Thomas Rods - Exocett SS250 to 350, these models excel in the jungle in many aspects from big streamers with sinking lines or poppers/wind resistance flies.

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.
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The Nautilus reels are our choice for fishing in Rio Marié.

Most of the fishing is done close to the surface of the water. Weight forward lines designed specifically for the tropics and saltwater are what you want. The short  taper warm water fly lines, hands down, work the best. Do not bring cold water floating lines, as the hot weather makes these lines soft and gummy.Our go- to fly line for peacocks is far and away the Scientific Anglers Jungle Taper clear intermediate tip line. The Full floating SA Jungle Taper are excellent for effortlessly throwing giant wind resistant poppers. You can also consider bringing a fast sinking sink tip for some specific spots and/or higher water situations. For this we recommend a Jungle Custom Cut sink-tip fly line. We strongly suggest you bring at at least one back up fly line (the intermediate sink tip, in particular). In our first season we saw many fly lines either explode, or be destroyed by monster fish wrapping up anglers in the wood. Be prepared.

Peacock Bass are not particularly leader shy, and the huge ones normally can 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 6-foot piece of 50 or 60-pound fluorocarbon. Record-seekers should bring a wider variety of tippet strengths.
Our best choice are the Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon leaders.

‍Fishing is mostly 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, in 4/0 to 6/0 (high-quality hooks) are required. As for patterns, the most typical flies used are synthetic material streamers such as the Peacock Cruiser and the Bad Attitude Baitfish streamer. However, many other baitfish imitations have proven to be very successful, including various Puglisi Streamers in medium to big sizes, Whistlers, Deceivers, Huge Clousers Minnows and Half and Half. Large flies with rattles inside seem to be particularly effective as well. All top water flies, such as the big foam poppers, NYAP poppers (4/0 to 6/0), Pole Dancers (3/0 to 6/0), and divers are fun to fish and should be included.
Flies are available for sale at the yacht for $15 each, but be sure to show up with a good selection, as well. Fully packaged selections are available at Rio Marié. More of any of the patterns listed above is always good!

• Two Pair 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 Gore-Tex® Rain Jacket
• Lightweight Synthetic Fleece Top
• 4 Long Sleeve Fishing Shirts or Hoodies.
• 3 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 (Indian Fee, lodge gratuities, small bills for tip, gift shopping, etc.)
• Credit card (call company, inform of travel plans)
• Notebook and pen
• Emergency Telephone Numbers
• Toiletries (Toothbrush, toothpaste, hand lotion)
• GoldBond Medicated Powder
• Aspirin, other over-the-counter medications like antacids
• Prescription Medications (packed in your carry-on bag), consider bringing an Epipen anti allergic 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.