Tailwaters Travel Brochure | Rio Marié - Brazil

RIO MARIÉ BRAZIL

DESTINATION BROCHURE ALL CONTENTS © TAILWATERS FLY FISHING 2014-2015

[ RIO MARIÉ ]

CONTENTS 4 6 14 16 18 22

DESTINATION DESCRIPTION

THE FISHING

ACCOMMODATIONS

TRAVEL & ITINERARY

WHEN TO GO

RATES

OUR TRAVEL SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE! You the client don’t pay a penny for our travel services! Our destination recommendations, organization, and pre-trip planning services are completely free of charge – and oftentimes less expensive than booking direct with a lodge or outfitter. We can assist with every question, concern, or special request related to your adventure at zero cost!

BOOKING INFORMATION TRAVEL DEPARTMENT

2416 MCKINNEY AVE

DAVID@TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM

DALLAS, TX. 75201

WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM

(888) 824-5420

RIO MARIE QUICK HITS +

LOCATION & TRAVEL

ANGLERS TRAVEL TO MANAUS BRAZIL AND MAKE CHARTER CONNECTION TO RIO MARIE. Rio Marié is about 500 miles northwest from Manaus, the operation’s base point and the most important city in the Brazilian Amazon. There are many options to arrive to Manaus, with daily flights from Miami, Panama, Lima, San Paulo and Buenos Aires. +

TYPE OF FISHING & SPECIES

RIO MARIE IS THE FIRST AND EXCLUSIVE FLY FISHING ONLY AND CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY PEACOCK BASS FISHERY IN THE WORLD. The Rio Marié is that the river has more double-digit Peacock Bass, and a higher percentage of trophy Peacock Bass, than any other river in the Amazon. Anglers fish from comfortable flats skiffs with casting decks and poling platforms. +

SEASONALITY & WHEN TO GO

FOR THE 2015 SEASON, RIO MARIE IS OPEN MIS SEPTEMBER - EARLY DECEMBER In this area of the Amazon, the fishing season normally runs from August to late December. This is the dry season for the upper Negro basin, the time when waters are typically at their lowest and most stable levels which allows for fishing throughout the entire river system, including its numerous tributaries and lagoons.

The Negro Basin fisheries have variant conditions according to each year’s hydrological cycles, but since Rio Marié is a headwaters system, combined with its geographical location and the immensity of its drainage, it is much more stable than other regional destinations. +

IS RIO MARIE RIGHT FOR YOU?

IF YOU ARE A FLY ANGLERS AND/OR A PEACOCK BASS ENTHUSIAST, RIO MARIE IS THE PLACE TO GO. No other Amazon fishery remotely compares to the numbers and size of fish here. This is where you want to go to catch trophy peacock bass on the fly. +

COST & EXPENSES

$6,695 PER ANGLER (BASED ON SHARED ROOM/GUIDE) Additional expenses include, but are not limited to, airfare to Manaus, gratuities, $670 Indian Association Fee, Brazilian Visa, meals and beverages in Manaus. (See RATES) for details.

THE

DESTINATION

We are incredibly excited to be a select agent for this brand new fishery, access to which has been limited by the Brazilian government to only a few anglers each year since 2008. What we now know about the Rio Marié (in the opinion of government biologists and the few anglers that explored it its first season) is that the river has more double-digit Peacock Bass, and a higher percentage of trophy Peacock Bass, than any other river in the Amazon (and perhaps the world). It is the most remote river (more than 500 miles by float plane from Manaus) in Brazil, and its spotted monster fish have never been pounded by woodchoppers and lures. In fact, no

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RIO MARIÉ - BRAZIL

more than a few dozen fishermen had ever experienced this incredible, 800 kilometer-long river or its tributaries, until anglers showed up for the inaugural season in 2014, and those who have been there tell fish stories that are hard to swallow. Rio Marié is simply the ultimate Peacock Bass fishery, and the locals call it “Rio de Gigantes”.

RIO MARIÉ - THE ULTIMATE PEACOCK BASS EXPERIENCE Rio Marié is the first river in the Amazon Basin in which the Brazilian Government has collaborated with the local Native Communities to develop an

ambitious project designed to protect the 800 km

destinations, and now Untamed Angling is proud

wildlife preserve while promoting catch-and-re-

to introduce the new Rio Marié waters, home of the

lease fly fishing only for Rio Marié.

largest peacock bass in the Amazon basin, and to improve upon the techniques to target these re-

Through the cooperation of the Native Commu-

markable fish on the fly. Untamed Angling’s proven

nities, the Brazilian Government, and Untamed

experience developing fly fishing operations deep

Angling (the same South American outfitters who

inside virgin jungle areas, complete with high end

introduced the world to La Zona in Argentina and

services and refined fishing techniques, will not only

Tsimane in Bolivia), Rio Marié is now the very first

be refreshingly new to the current Amazon scene, it

-and only -truly and legally exclusive fishing area

will revolutionize the way refined traveling anglers

of the entire Amazon Negro Basin. This protect-

look at an Amazonian angling experience.

ed area encompasses more than 400 miles of virgin waters, boasting a healthy population of giant

As with all of Untamed Angling’s past projects, Rio

peacock bass. The Brazilian Institute of Environ-

Marié presents high standard packages with pro-

ment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA)

fessional fly-fishing guides, state-of-the-art shallow

has conducted numerous biological studies in the

draft fly fishing skiffs, experienced managers, and

region. This research has demonstrated impressive

international chefs who create the perfect mix of

results: Rio Marié holds at least twice the quantity

local and fine international dishes. Beverages, fine

of trophy-sized peacock bass compared with any

wines and the best services are offered to meet the

other sport fishing destination in the Rio Negro

excellent standards set by the other projects, no

basin. For anglers, this translates into very real op-

matter how remote they are, or how deep into the

portunities to consistently hook and release larg-

untouched jungle wilderness areas. Rio Marié pres-

er-than-average peacocks on the fly.

ents a new standard: superior fishing, experienced professional fly fishing guides, great accommoda-

THE PROJECT

tion and services, virgin waters which hold the last

Untamed Angling designed the Rio Marié project as

bastion of giant peacock bass, and improved tech-

a new approach to targeting trophy peacock bass

niques to pursue them on a fly rod. These features

on the fly. Specifically, we are changing the concept

ensure an outstanding level of service, deep inside

of peacock bass fishing that has been adopted by

the headwaters of Brazilian Amazon basin.

the majority of the outfitters operating in the Amazon basin. Rio Marié is now the largest area in the world specifically dedicated to fly fishing only, and the conservation-minded catch-and-release philosophy which will guarantee extraordinary fishing for many years.

As they did with Dorado in La Zona (Argentina) and Tsimane (Bolivia), Untamed Angling spent years researching where the biggest fish live. Both La Zona and Tsimane have since become world-renowned

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THE

FISHING

Rio Marié is born in the northwest side of the Brazilian Amazon, near the Colombian border. It is a tributary of the upper Negro River. The Negro River Basin is the largest basin of “black” water in the world, with approximately 710,000 km², currently one of the most conserved regions in the Amazon, with less than 0.5 % of deforestation. The Rio Negro is its main river, the second largest tributary of the Amazon River, which has the headwaters in the Serra do Junai Hills in Colombia and runs approximately 1700 km to its confluence with the Solimoes River near the jungle town of Manaus.

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RIO MARIÉ - BRAZIL

The waters of Rio Marié and its tributaries are scientifically proven - after several exploratory biological studies by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) and Untamed Angling - to be the home of the largest peacock bass in the entire Amazon basin. During each fishing week, a serious angler is bound to hook into a good number of peacock bass whose average size is astounding at over 10 lbs, not to mention a significant amount of 20-plus pounders.

This is a fishery where fly anglers really can pursue and conquer the dream of reaching a world record on the fly.

The results of these studies and or experience in

angler to cover the water. Lunch is usually taken on

the first season are remarkable: the average size

the fly, then back to fishing, until light starts to fade,

of peacock bass here is over 10 pounds and the

the jungle comes alive and retreat back to the yacht

amount of fish recorded at over 15 pounds is shock-

is in order. Comfortable accommodations, an open

ing. And if that’s not good enough, there are more

bar, delicious meals, and wonderful service await at

fish measuring over 20 pounds than anywhere else

the end of every day. Then it’s up in the morning, to

in the entire Amazon Negro Basin, or the world.

a different beat and full day of battling peacocks.

Studies have shown that Rio Marié literally has double the population of big fish when compared to other, previously studied rivers such as Itapara, Agua Boa, Marmelos, and others.

Rio Marié is entirely located inside an extensive Indian Territory, an area of more than 2 million hectares. This untouched environment has more than 800 kms of rivers, 180 known creeks, 60 lakes, and three major tributaries inside the new operation area. It is the first exclusive fly-fishing only project allowed and supported by the Brazilian Government. Official Environmental and Indian Institutes worked together with the Indian Association to create the very first official sport fishing operation in Brazil inside an Indian Territory. This brings a new level of commitment inside the current peacock bass fishing scene in the Amazon region.

The Rio Marié offers a unique opportunity to fly fish for giant peacock bass, in a hyper-remote jungle wilderness, that haven’t been hammered by gear fisherman throwing giant crank baits and woodchoppers. These are happy and rested fish and a well-orchestrated beat rotation system on over 100 kilometers of water insures a quality angling experience. Each two anglers with their English speaking, fly fishing savvy guide along with native boat driver will fish a river beat, which would be impossible to entirely cover in a single day. The boats feature double casting platforms fore and aft allowing each

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THE

ACCOMMODATIONS

The accommodations for the 2015 season will be in a large, mobile and shallow draft yacht. The live aboard will comfortably accommodate 10 anglers in small double occupancy accommodations, with en suite private bathrooms and air conditioning. There is a comfortable inside dining room for the whole group and a social outside area on the top deck which is the perfect place to take your evening drinks and appetizers. Satellite phone service is available.

NEW YACHT BEING DELIVERED PRIOR TO 2015 SEASON.

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RIO MARIÉ - BRAZIL

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TRAVEL & ITINERARY Rio

Marié is about 500 miles

northwest from Manaus, the operation’s base point and the most important city in the Brazilian Amazon. There are many options to arrive to Manaus, with daily flights from Miami, Panama, Lima, San Paulo and Buenos Aires.

Following an overnight at the Tropical Hotel in Manaus, anglers are flown via charter approximately three hours northwest

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to

newly

constructed

RIO MARIÉ - BRAZIL

landing strip located close to

Adolpho Lisboa, the Forest of

the mouth of the Turi River, the

Science, the Museum of Natu-

Marie’s main tributary.

ral Science, as well as the Aboriginal Fair, where you can buy

NOTE ABOUT MANAUS, BRAZIL:

items made by the Indians. You

Manaus is a modern, rapid-

should absolutely visit the Fish

ly-growing city (1.4 million in-

Market, an experience no one

habitants). It is one of the busiest

regrets. To take advantage of

ports in the Amazon, where car-

all Manaus has to offer we again

go ships distribute their goods

strongly suggest you arrive one

throughout the basin. There are

day early on Monday night and

many interesting places to vis-

give yourself all day Tuesday.

it: The Amazonas Theater, The

There is really not enough time

Palace “Río Negro”, the Float-

on the back end to see what

ing Port, the Municipal Market

Manaus has to offer.

the middle of our fishery allowing for three differ-

SAMPLE ITINERARY Anglers will enjoy an all-inclusive package (excluding international flights, with 7 nights and 6 and a half days of fishing. And no groups will ever fish the same water on the same day. The concept is to move every day and every week upstream or downstream, following the good fishing conditions, so everyone is constantly casting at fresh fish, in untouched waters.

ent angling options: the Turi, the upper Marié, and the lower Marié. A fast transportation boat with a roof and enough room for 14 anglers will make the transfer between the landing strip and the mother ship (no more than an hour).

DAY 2 TO DAY 7: Each day teams fish one of the beats in the Marié River and its tributaries and lagoons, with one pro fly fishing guide and a local Indian

TUESDAY - DAY 0: Arrive to Manaus. Our representative will be waiting for you in Manaus International Airport. Transfer from airport to hotel. Overnight in Tropical Hotel (included in package). The group will receive all information regarding the next day’s hotel departure time and charter flight plans. It’s worth noting that some guests will arrive Manaus a day early (Monday night), as the AA flight arrives late at night, leaving very little buffer for AA flight delays before the early morning floatplane flight to the lodge the next morning. If an AA flight delay causes you to miss the floatplane flight, your trip is over, as there is only one flight a week. Coming in on Monday will cost you an additional hotel night, but for some the peace of mind is worth it. We highly suggest the 1 day buffer.

guide in boats with two casting platforms. Every day the main boat accommodations will be anchored in a different place. Cocktails and appetizers are severed around 6:30 pm and dinner served around 8:00 pm.

WEDNESDAY - DAY 8: In the morning, the aircraft will arrive to pick guests up on their way back to Manaus. There will be a brief stop at a small town landing strip for refueling, and then the flight back will ensue. Anglers will arrive back in Manaus in the afternoon, about 2 to 5 pm. Just enough time to have a wonderful dinner at one of Manaus’s fine Brazilian BBQ’s and perhaps time to catch a shower at a day room at the Tropical. Do not book this room in advance as you may not have the time to utilize it. Most anglers will choose to depart from

WEDNESDAY - DAY 1: After breakfast at the hotel, the transfer driver will pick the group up around 7:00 am, and head to a local airport, where the 12 passenger twin engine turbo-prop Embraer Banderiante 110 charter flight will be waiting. The charter flight duration is around 3.5 hours. You will land on a newly constructed landing strip located close to the mouth of the Turi River, the Marie’s main tribu-

Manaus that evening on the 12:05 am flight, Thurs morning, back to Miami. If you choose not to catch this red eye flight, we can arrange one more night in Manaus (not included in the package).

DAY 9 (IF NECESSARY): After breakfast and according to your flight departure time, our host will pick you up and transfer you to the International Airport.

tary. This location is strategically located, virtually in

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WHEN TO GO

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RIO MARIÉ - BRAZIL

FOR THE 2015 SEASON, RIO MARIE IS OPEN MID SEPTEMBER - EARLY DECEMBER In this area of the Amazon, the fishing season normally runs from August to late December.

This is the dry season for the upper Negro basin, the time when waters are typically at their lowest and most stable levels which allows for fishing throughout the entire river system, including its numerous tributaries and lagoons. The Negro Basin fisheries have variant conditions according to each year’s hydrological cycles, but since Rio Marié is a headwaters system, combined with its geographical location and the immensity of its drainage, it is much more stable than other regional destinations.

The key to successful fishing in Amazonia is water levels. In general, the lower the water level, the better the fishing. When the water level is too high, the fish tend to scatter outinto the jungle to feed, where they render themselves totally inaccessible. When water levels are low, the fish are more concentrated and aggressive due to competition.

It’s when the floodwaters have retreated from the jungle interior’ after the rainy season, when huge populations of peacocks concentrate on shallow sandbars, and the entrances to creeks and tributaries. It’s at this time when the peacocks are most aggressive, slamming brightly colored streamers and savagely striking top water flies and poppers.

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RATES TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

»» $6,695 per angler (based on shared room/guide)

Tailwaters Travel must adhere to the cancellation policies of the guides, outfitters and lodges which it represents. Rio Marie’s policy follows: A

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

non-refundable 50% deposit is required to secure

»» All charter flights and boat transfers, and all

all reservations. Final balance is due 90 days pri-

necessary ground transfers

»» One overnight at Tropical Hotel in Manaus on arrival

»» Guide-operated 21-foot, fully equipped shallow draft skiffs per two anglers

»» Fishing licenses »» All meals at floating lodge, including wine, beer and spirits

»» Daily laundry and maid service at floating lodge

or to departure. All deposits are non-refundable unless clients can be replaced. Full payment may be transferred to another guest for original dates.

Tailwaters Travel reserves the right to charge a handling fee of $150 per person for date changes after initial reservation has been made. No credits or refunds are given for fishing time lost due to inclement weather. Refunds of deposits/ payments made on credit cards will be charged a 3.5% service charge to fully compensate Tailwaters Travel for all bank charges incurred. Receipt

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledge-

»» International airfare to Manaus, Brazil »» Brazilian visa »» Indian Association Fee ($670 cash paid on-

ment that registrant has read and accepts the

site)

»» Tips and gratuities for camp staff and guides »» Food and beverages in Manaus and any pri»» »» »» »»

cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses.

RIO MARIE’ HIGH WATER POLICY: Fishing for peacock bass in the Amazon jungle represents one of the last frontiers in the fly fish-

vate city tours

ing world. As with any such hyper-remote desti-

Airport departure tax.

nations, there can be challenges associated with

Satellite phone calls ($5/minute)

offering a first-class experience in the ‘back of

Extra hotel overnights

beyond’. In the Amazon, water level conditions

Hotel accommodation on way back, if need-

will, on occasion, present such challenges. The

ed

Amazon River annual water level cycles are not a

»» Flies (the floating lodge has an extensive selection of the best flies, at $9/apiece)

simple equation, even for the most experienced local experts. Normally, high and low water levels here follow a fairly predictable monthly cycle, but climate changes and the effects of stronger or weaker El Nino and La Nina cycles can directly and immediately affect those levels.

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RIO MARIÉ - BRAZIL

Specifically, these EL Nino and La Nina events tend to impact the amount of rain in the headwaters of Amazon rivers, which in turn effects the entire Amazon basin. Water levels are important when fishing for peacock bass, and understanding how to work around them is a key component to success. Low water does not always result in the best fishing, just as high water is not always the worst thing. More important is to understand where and how to fish as the water fluctuates.

The Rio Marie system has more than 650 kilometers of rivers, tributaries and lagoons from its headwaters down to its merging with the Rio Negro. This unique and extensive water system allows for incomparable flexibility; the yacht and anglers can move up or downstream throughout the season - every week or even daily - to reach the best water levels in which to find trophy fish. This is useful when mitigating less than ideal water conditions. Though the Rio Marie season has been chosen to coincide with the best water conditions annually, it’s difficult to predict water levels, and this is one of the risks associated with fishing the Amazon. If you are not comfortable with the risk of the river levels being too high or low during your trip, then it is probably not the trip for you. You will not be refunded for water conditions that may not meet your expectations.

In the event the water is too high to fish on any given week, Rio Marie will re-schedule your week to a later time, but will not refund your trip payment.

TRAVEL INSURANCE! Given the inherent strict refund policies associated with nearly all fishing packages, we cannot stress

We will provide you with more detailed information

the importance of obtaining travel insurance to

about travel insurance from our sponsored provider,

protect your investment.

Travel Guard, when you book a trip with Tailwaters Travel.

Travellers can obtain coverage for pre-existing

We can conveniently process a very comprehensive

health problems (related to yourself, your family,

insurance policy for you in-house after asking a few

business partners, or your travelling partners),

simple questions.

emergency evacuation, lost baggage, delay, life insurance packages; even “no questions asked” or

CALL TODAY TO PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT:

“for work reasons” coverage.

(214) 219-2500 OR (888) 824-5420

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TAILWATERS FLY FISHING CO.

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TRAVEL DEPARTMENT

2416 MCKINNEY AVE

DAVID@TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM

DALLAS, TX. 75201

WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM

(888) 824-5420

Palometa Club - Ascension Bay, Mexico RIO MARIÉ - BRAZIL

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