FAQ
- Why are your rates among the most expensive?
- What fishery has the best chance for a world record Peacock Bass?
- Why did you discontinue operating your fixed base lodging facilities?
- When are water levels at their best?
- In which program am I more likely to land a 20 pounder?
- What is the difference in comfort level between the Fly-In Black Water Explorer Houseboat and the Fly-In Floating Cabins?
- Which fishery is better for my type of fishing?
- What fishery is better for my type of fishing?
- Are timing and water levels important?
- What other species can we fish in the Amazon?
- What is the city of Manaus like?
Manaus harbour
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
6. Question: What is the difference in comfort level between the Fly-In Black Water Explorer Houseboat 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
or houseboat programs. Inquiring anglers tend to
perceive the yacht or houseboats as more comfortable
and glamorous.
However, this is not the case for the following reasons:
- The BWE glamour is more than offset by having the individual large Floating Cabins parked well-spaced on the beautiful pristine jungle beaches. Although the houseboat’s staterooms are spacious, the bedrooms (size 10x15) and the lounge/dining room (size 10x20) in the Floating Cabins are larger.
- Since the Floating Cabins are most of the time moored right "in" the prime fisheries, daily time spent travelling is minimal.
7. Question: Which fishery is better for my type of fishing?
Answer: It’s hard to generalize as to which of River Plate’s remote fisheries are best suited for your particular angling requirements. Each of our chosen rivers has its distinct characteristics. We’ll be happy to match you with a location that will fulfill your expectations with respect to number of fish vs. size, bait-casting vs. fly-fishing, etc.
8. Question: 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 watersheds. The equator bisects the region into two separate areas that we refer to as the "northern" and "southern" Amazon. 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 southern
part of Manaus region is productive from September
through October; the north east of Manaus is productive
from November through mid January, and 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.
9. Question: 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
10. Question: What is the city of Manaus like?
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"; the Floating Port; the Municipal Market Adolpho Lisbon; the Forest of Science; the Museum of Natural Sciences, as well as the Aboriginal fair where you can buy articles made by the Indians. You might even consider the Fish Market.