Peacock Bass Fishing in Brazil

You’re in a boat running down the Rio Negro when the guide heads you towards a small waterway entering the jungle.  The next thing you see is the guide taking the trolling motor out of its mount and putting it on the deck of the boat and pulling his machete out of the rod compartment.  If you have spent any time fishing for peacock bass you know this can only mean one thing, you are going to attempt to enter a lagoon.  The effort it takes, on the part of the guide and anglers, can be exhausting and time consuming but the guide knows that the rewards can be well worth the efforts.  Lagoons are without question the one of the best areas to catch peacock bass and in particular, big peacock bass. 

 

This is just one aspect of peacock bass fishing in Brazil. Sandbars are dynamic structures constantly changing due to the river’s current and when it comes to catching peacock bass they are at their best under low water conditions.  Although peacock can be caught in and around sandbars all season long the lower water conditions tend to reposition the fish to sandbars from shoreline structure and the shallower bays.   

 

Work Top to Bottom

When fishing peacock bass it's best to try a topwater approach first. Use bigger lures like topwater plugs and be ready for multiple casts. It sets them off because they think it's an interloper.  For smaller surface baits, try propeller plugs, poppers or walking spook baits. Only after working this method for a while should you switch to subsurface tactics, using jerkbaits (like Peacock Minnow, Crystal Minnow or Red Fin) and buck-tail jig rigs. Remember-work top to bottom. Keep this basic tactic in mind and you'll significantly improve your odds of catching trophy tucunare.  Rio Negro Lodge

 

Keep Moving

Don't spend too much time in water without hits. Peacock aren't shy. If nothing's biting, nothing's there. So try about 50 casts in the same area. If this activity doesn't attract tucunare to you (especially big ones that get sick of all the noise), move on. Experiment with bait. Most of our anglers have trophy level success with big topwater plugs. If these draw strikes but no hookups, move down to a smaller propeller plug, popper or walking spook baits. If the surface approach just isn't working, go under with a jerkbait.  

 

Don't Stop

Peacock bass often hit surface bait hard, causing explosions that can leave you stunned. Don't just stand there, though. Work the bait in a rapid retrieve across the surface. This'll keep the peacock interested. If it's interested enough to give you several surface strikes, but can't seem to get a hold of the bait, grab a jerkbait or bucktail jig-rigged rod and cast to the last place you saw the monster. Work the area for at least five minutes trying different baits. Tucunare are persistent; you should be, too. Amazon Queen

 

We are now accepting reservations for the current peacock bass fishing season as well as the 2008 / 2009 season. Contact Us for available dates. We recommend that you book early to get the dates you want.

 

Rio Negro Lodge

 

Amazon Queen

 

Peacock Bass Pricing