all kits
ready-made kit · intermediate
casting for peacock bass in the amazon
Trip on a live-aboard boat or at a lodge on the Rio Negro and its tributaries, in the dry season, after speckled peacock bass with surface and mid-water lures.
| item | specification | why |
|---|---|---|
| rod Baitcasting rod for surface lures | 5'6" to 6'0", fast action, 20–40 lb | Works big zara and prop baits and turns speckled peacock bass before they reach the timber. |
| rod Second rod for mid-water | 6'0", fast action, 15–30 lb | For jigs and jerkbaits, and as a spare in case one breaks far from any store. |
| baitcasting reel Low-profile baitcasting reels (two units) | size 200–300, drag of 6 kg or more, gear ratio 7:1 to 8:1 | Capacity for heavy line and fast retrieve for the zara. |
| line 8-braid line | PE 3–4 (50–65 lb), 150 m per reel. If you want PE 5, go up to a 30–50 lb rod. | Pulls the fish out of the timber and cuts thin branches when it wraps around them. |
| leader Mono or fluorocarbon leader | 60–80 lb, 60 to 100 cm | Protects against wood, rocks and the peacock bass's rough mouth. |
| bait/lure Zaras and prop baits | zara 12–15 cm (4 to 6 pieces) and double prop 10–14 cm (3 to 4). | These are the main lures for speckled peacock bass. |
| bait/lure Feather jigs and jerkbaits | jig 10–14 g; jerkbait 10–12 cm | For the high-sun hours, when fish don't come up. |
| hook Reinforced treble hooks and split rings | treble hooks 2/0–4/0 (3X to 4X) and rings of the same strength | Thin original treble hooks open up on the speckled peacock bass. |
| terminal tackle Heavy-duty snaps | 60–100 lb | Quick bait change without losing strength. |
| accessory Long-nose pliers and lip grip | aluminum or stainless, with cord | Release the fish without putting your hand near the treble hooks. |
| accessory Polarized sunglasses | amber or copper lens, UV400 | See the timber and the fish, and protect your eyes from treble hooks. |
| accessory Sun protection | UV gloves, hat, long-sleeve shirt and SPF 50 sunscreen. | Equatorial sun all day, reflected off the water. |
| safety Life jacket | Navy-approved, worn in the voadeira (small boat) | Fast navigation on wide river, with submerged logs. |
budget
- basic
- R$2,500–4,000
- intermediate
- R$5,000–9,000
- advanced
- R$15,000+
Reference prices in reais (2026), no brand recommended.
tips
- The budget covers only gear; live-aboard packages, flights and guides are extra.
- Bring two rods rigged and a spare baitcasting reel: there are no stores nearby in the Amazon.
- Replace the original treble hooks and rings before the trip, not on the boat.
- Many areas and operators require catch and release and barbless hooks: check before buying your baits.
