Peacock bass fishing TESTIMONIALS

DATE AND PLACE OF FISHING TRIP

Report ID: 3712 How Trip Was Conducted: Guided Date of Trip: February 9, 2007 to February 18, 2007 Place of Trip: Brazil - Roraima - Water: Rio Tapera

OUTFITTER, GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS

Outfitter (or lodge): RiverPlate Outfitters - www.riverplateoutfitters.com Personal Guide (if any): Booking Agent (if any): Paul Reiss, Acute Angling. P.O. Box 18. Califon, NJ, 07830. Tel. 908-832-2987. Web: www.AcuteAngling.com Trip Arrangements (if self-guided): Local Fly Shop(s): N/A N/A

DESCRIPTION OF FISHING

Species Sought/Availability: Bass, Peacock / Pavon - Availability: Abundant Description of Catch Made: Eight in our party landed and released over 1850 peacocks in six days. Approximately 40 in the 10-15 pound range. Approximately 10 in the 15-20 pound range. A large number of other fish were also caught and released. A few small peacocks and other fish were kept for meals. Type of Fishing: Shallow-draft 18-foot aluminum boats with 40hp motors, trolling motors, seats, casting decks, etcs (essentially "hardened" bass boats). Equipment Used: 10-20 LB 1/4-5/8 OZ 7' MH 3-PC and 12-40 LB 1/4-2 OZ Heavy 3-PC travel rods, and matching spinning reels. 50 lb. braided line. Two in our party also fly-fished, but I did not. Fly-fishing was especially productive, though I did mot fly fish myself. Spinning (myself) and baitcasting gear were also very effective/appropriate. Flies Used: Primarily heavy duty hand-tied 3/4 oz bucktail jigs in various colors, and Yo-Zuri 3/8 oz Floating Crystal Minnows in various colors. Also topwater Woodchoppers/Rip-Rollers. Description of Hatches: Red/yellow colors with flash were particularly effective at most times. This applied to both the crankbaits/jigs, and I believe the flies used by others in our party. Water/Weather Conditions: Weather was mostly sunny and hot throughout the week, with temps in the 90's during the day. Periodically breezy and overcast. The Río Branco tributaries water levels (Taperá, Xeurini, Omero, etc.) between fishing areas were almost too low to navigate, but the fishing areas were excellent. The guides did a tremendous job of navigating and getting us through to these areas. Water was naturally stained/tannic and warm, in the low 80's.

SERVICE RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor)

Condition of Equipment: Excellent Knowledge of Water: Excellent Quality of Accommodation: Excellent General Fishing Knowledge: Excellent Quality of Food: Excellent Ability to Communicate: Good Overall Service: Excellent Overall Personality: Excellent Name of Airline: Tam Brazilian Airline Service (1 to 10): 7 Airline Comments: Continental (Newark, NJ to Miami, FL) TAM Brazilian (Miami, FL to Manaus, Brazil) Rico (float plane) (Manaus to location) A long traveling day, but well coordinated, and punctuated with an exciting and very scenic float-plane trip.

SUMMARY REMARKS

Problems on the Trip: No problems to speak of. At worst, some very minor communication limitation with non-English-speaking staff (which was easily overcome). Staff and guides were very friendly, polite and accommodating. The proprietor (onsite for most of the week) was from the U.S., and our contact in Manaus was fluent in English. Highlights of the Trip: Essentially all facets of the trip were really exceptional. The logistics were clearly very well thought out and optimized to effect maximum convenience and benefit for the clients. The accommodations, though basic (it is a remote fly-in camp) were remarkably comprehensive -- camping with essentially every creature comfort (flush johns, showers, air conditioners!). The food was basic local fare, but rich and delicious, and more than you could possibly eat. The camp staff was very friendly and accomodating. Fishing was excellent, both in quantity and quality. These Amazon peacocks are incredible fish -- more fight per pound than anything I've had the pleasure to fish for. The guides were extremely well-skilled, and consistently put us on fish. In that you spend the majority of the trip with them, their competence is clearly critical, and they exceeded expectations in every respect, bending over backwards to insure our success and enjoyment. They will do as much, or as little, as you wish, and truly "guide" you with skill and tact -- regardless of any language barrier. You do not need to speak a lick of Portuguese to have a great experience. The proprietor of the trip from New Jersey, Paul Reiss, is *extremely* knowlegeable of the flora and fauna -- especially the peacocks -- and provided a very comprehensive presentation and Q&A at our behest. Cost of the Trip: Approximately $4000 Would You Recommend This Trip to a Friend? Yes Why? Though not "tree-huggers", we really came away with a profound appreciation for this exceptional fishery, and its complex natural underpinnings, as the precious sporting resource that it is. Pound for pound these Amazon peacocks are the most beautiful, powerful, and exciting fish I've had the opportunity to duke it out with. The surroundings are truly beautiful and pristine, teeming with wildlife. The proprietor, camp staff, and especially the guides put forth a tremendous effort to make the trip enjoyable in every respect, and they truly succeed. I invite you to check out photos from our trip at http://brazil.foopipebar.com/ Are There Non-Fishing Activities? No If So, What Are They? Not really. The natural surroundings are beautiful (hikes and perhaps other activities can be made available, and we really enjoyed the hike), and the camp is very pleasant to hang out in, but this is primarily hard-core fishing. Manaus is an interesting city, but a day (on the way home) will probably cover it for most people.

SUBSCRIBER INFORMATION

Name: Bill Tieleman Contact Information: Tel. 201-368-3641 - 117 Prospect Avenue, Maywood, NJ 07607 - E-mail: william.j.tieleman@citigroup.com