Ed Blank's Adventures Main Page

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are your rates amongst the most expensive?

Answer: It is by far the best value program available in the Brazilian Amazon. We fly you in on a float plane to a moveable floating camp that has been positioned so far upstream no land lodge can reach it. Time in the boat to get to the best fishing 0-10 minutes.  How many times has that lagoon been fished this summer? Once.  Dollars per pound of peacock Bass this trip is a bargain.

What fishery has the best chance for a world record Peacock Bass?

Answer: We have selected amongst the best 30 fisheries, which all share one common denominator:
REMOTENESS.
Since Peacock Bass are territorial and take 8 to 10 years to reach over 22 lbs, they survive in greater numbers in fisheries protected from human intrusion by shallow water or other entry barriers. These fisheries are at least 2-3 hours from deep navigable channels.

Why did you discontinue operating your fixed base lodging facilities?

Answer: Although the lodges were in a remote low fishing pressure areas they became quickly over fished 2 to 3 hours upriver or down river. Peacock Bass are territorial and will rapidly shy away if over fished! Moreover, fixed base lodges cannot seek better (low) water levels if the river floods.
However, we do still operate occasionally our private three 3000 foot landing strips at the headwaters of the Araca, Cuiuni and Urubaxi to access our highly mobile Fly-In Floating Cabins.

When are water levels at their best?

Answer: Even within the dry season September through March, it is impossible to predict 3 weeks in advance when and where are the best water levels. Therefore, we optimize every-changing water levels by mobilizing our six independent Fly-In Floating Cabin camps over 30 remote river fisheries protected by natural barriers spread over a 300 mile radius. We almost always keep one Fly-In Floating Cabin on "stand-by" or navigating to the next best water level fishery.
Occasionally, in the middle of the week, we will even wisk our guests by float plane from one Cabin operation to another, as far as, 300 miles in the pursuit of optimum water levels.

What are the differences in chances to land a 20 pounder between the two programs?

Answer: Having you catch as many trophies and numbers of peacocks is our goal for all two programs: (1) in any of our six Fly-In Floating Cabins, or (2) in our Fly-In Black Water Explorer yacht. However, in the Cabins the chances are greater than that of the Blackwater for the following reason:

All 6 days from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. you are in remote low fishing pressure areas. Our competitor must fly-out anglers daily to reach these remote areas. The Black Water Explorer or any other yacht or house boat can only reach the fringe of the really remote fisheries.

What is the difference in comfort level between the Fly-In Black Water Explorer and the Fly-In Floating Cabins?

Answer: The comfort level in both programs is equally excellent. We have found that there is a predisposition among new inquiries toward yacht programs. Inquiring anglers tend to perceive the yacht as more comfortable and glamorous.
However, this is not the case for the following:

The yacht’s glamour is more than offset by having the individual large Floating Cabins parked well-spaced on the beautiful pristine jungle beaches. Although, the yacht staterooms are spacious, the bedroom Floating Cabins are larger. They are 10x15 feet and the lounge/dining floating Cabin is approximately 10 x 20 feet.
Since the
most of the time are moored right "in" the prime fisheries, daily time spent traveling is minimal.

What fishery is better for my type of fishing?

Answer: It’s hard to generalize which of River Plate’s remote fisheries are best suited for your particular angling requirements. Each of our chosen rivers has its distinct characteristics, and we’ll be happy to match you with a location that will fulfill your expectations in issues such as: number of fish vs. size, and bait-casting vs. fly-fishing.

Are timing and water levels important?

Answer: Absolutely, the prime time to fish is July through April. The Brazilian Amazon encompasses a huge expanse of territory with literally thousands of separate water-sheds. The equator bisects the region into two separate areas that we refer to as the "northern" and "southern" Amazon. Although water fluctuation varies in each watershed (and its tributaries) depending upon its proximity to the equator. The equator’s convection activity changes in a dependably-cyclical pattern that creates a wet and dry season in both regions. During the wet season, the rivers overflow their banks and spread out into a tree-filled flood plain. Angling is completely unproductive at this time.
When the rains subside the water levels slowly recede back into a central lagoon-filled river channel. Prime fishing occurs when the receding water forces baitfish out of the vegetation and into open water. Knowledge and careful monitoring of these water fluctuations is an essential part of angling success. Many fixed lodges are running operations in areas with marginal high water periods when the fish are completely inaccessible – angling results suffer tremendously.
With as much as a 6 week variance, the south of Manaus region is productive from September through October the north east of Manaus is productive November through mid January , while the north fishes best from mid January to the end of March. We do not operate during ‘fringe’ periods when water levels and angling conditions are questionable.
Note: In order to maximize fishing potential throughout the season, and in accordance with varying water conditions, the rivers to be fished may change at our option.

What other species can we fish in the Amazon?

Answer: Although peacock bass are the main attraction in the Amazon, there are many other jungle species that are no less impressive – both in beauty and fighting ability. Depending on the location, you will find other species like: pacu, pirapitinga, jacunda, apapa, tambaqui, pirarucu, bicuda, picua, piranha, aruana and pescada.

Question: How is the city of Manaus?

Answer: Manaus is a modern, rapidly growing city (1.4 million inhabitants). It is one of the busiest ports in the Amazon where cargo ships distribute their goods throughout the Amazon basin. Before the rubber boom of the 19th century, Manaus was a small, insignificant town. With rubber came rich and splendid architectural accomplishments like the Amazonas Theater (completed in 1896 and restored in 1929). In Manaus there are many interesting places to visit (apart from the Amazonas Theater): the Palace "Río Negro"; Floating Port; Municipal Market Adolpho Lisbon; Forest of Science; Museum of Natural Sciences, as well as the Aboriginal fair where you can buy many different a

Passport and Visa considerations

A valid U.S. passport is required for entrance into all South American countries. Make sure your passport is valid and does not expire before or while you are out of the United States. It takes up to a month to process a new passport, so please plan accordingly.
To obtain a visa, your valid passport must be sent to the nearest Brazilian Consulate General (your passport cannot expire within three months of entrance into Brazil).

Flight Information

Plan to travel to Miami on Friday, to connect with flight to Manaus around 8:30 p.m. (We suggest you arrive in Miami by 4:00 p.m.). Flights arrive in Miami at approximately 7:20 p.m. Connecting flights home should be planned no sooner than 2 hours after arriving in Miami. Probably, your flights home will not be available until next morning, in which case you should plan to overnight in Miami.
Our US Agents carefully arrange air travel from home cities to Manaus. Working in conjunction with their travel agent partners and directly with senior sales departments of the major international carriers, they block-off plenty of seats before our fishing season starts providing efficient schedules and ticketing, and in many cases with prices significantly below published discount fares.
We strongly suggest you check your luggage from your home city to Miami, claim it there, and re-check it on international carrier to Manaus.

Weather

Mid-day temperatures in the Amazon range from 85º - 95ºF. Generally there is some wind and intense sun during the day, so please be mindful of dehydration and overexposure to the sun. At night the temperature drops to 65º - 75ºF. Although you will be fishing in the dry season, there are occasional rain showers (you are in the rain forest).

Don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids, even if you do not feel thirsty. Water is best. Beer and soda can actually dehydrate you (alcohol and caffeine are diuretics), so drink these liquids in moderation until you become acclimated. For safety reasons; we limit the beer to 8 cans per angler, per day.

Baggage Packing

There is a strictly-enforced 44-pound weight restriction for the 8 passenger Turbo-prop Caravan float-plane flights and we request that all anglers pack in one duffel bag. Please do not bring coolers or hard luggage. The camp has daily laundry service, so lots of clothes are not necessary.

 
Ed Blank's Adventures Main Page

PO BOX 180446  BOSTON  MA 02118
Phone: 888-857-6700  
Fax: 617-427-7890
ed@flyfishingheaven.com