Even if you have worked with Acute Angling before, please read this guide carefully!
Arapaima Day Trip Preparation Guide
Everything You Need to Know for Your One-Day Amazon Arapaima Adventure
Whether this is your first Amazon fishing trip or you’re returning for another thrilling journey with Acute Angling, this guide will help ensure you’re ready for every step of your adventure. From transportation to day plans, here’s everything you need to know before joining us on the Arapaima Day Trip.
Spend a full day targeting one of the Amazon’s true river monsters just outside Manaus, exclusively for Acute Angling clients. This add-on pairs perfectly before or after your Brazil trip, with round-trip transport and lunch included—and a hook-up guarantee that makes this the most reliable way to experience these giants up close.
Travel Insurance
Acute Angling does not include travel insurance in trip pricing, and many insurers require policies to be purchased soon after making your deposit. We strongly recommend purchasing insurance that covers:
Trip cancellation
Medical evacuation
Emergency rebooking
Lost baggage
We have worked closely with Global Rescue for many years. They understand the needs of our anglers and are highly recommended.
For more details, see our full article: Travel, Trip, and Evacuation Insurance.
Travel Dates
This is a single-day experience you can schedule before or after your main trip while you’re in Manaus. An extra hotel night in Manaus is included when you do the Arapaima Day Trip.
Season: All Year (prime window for these lakes near Manaus).
WeTravel Client Portal
Once you reserve your trip and pay your deposit, Acute Angling will create your registration in the Acute Angling WeTravel Portal or you can login and add it to your existing trip. Once completed, simply select the date (at the front or back end of your trip) that works best for you!
The WeTravel portal is the only official system we use for gathering your information. Please make sure you keep your login details and complete the process as soon as you receive your registration email.
If you need assistance with your portal, please contact us at 866-832-2987.
The Arapaima Day Trip Experience
You’ll fish a chain of isolated lakes outside Manaus that are independent of the flooded forest—which keeps fish active and willing to eat. These waters are managed by Pastor Odali at the O.K. Arapaima Resort and are known for consistent action.
Pastor Odali is a seasoned guide and steward of this unique arapaima fishery. With deep local knowledge and a commitment to conservation, he works to ensure the fish are present, hungry, and catchable during your visit. Expect a warm, family‑driven experience—they don’t just guide; they host, cook, and care for their guests from pickup to release providing an authentic, local experience.
In addition, Pastor Odali and his family utilize the Arapaima Day Trip to support their local ministry efforts including support for the less fortunate, well digging, and providing food and supplies to local communities.
Key Features:
One-day, guided experience with transportation + lunch included
Hook-up guarantee: at least one hook-up or full refund
Prime, lightly pressured lakes with hungry, active fish
Operated by Pastor Odali – O.K. Arapaima Resort
Price: $1,250 per angler (ask about current availability)
Conservation & Handling: Arapaima are kept in the water for landing and unhooking. You’re welcome to join your guide in the water for photos and release to ensure fish health and a sustainable fishery.
Itinerary Overview
Morning: Hotel pickup in Manaus around 8:00 am → drive to the O.K. Resort → safety/handling briefing → begin fishing.
Midday: Lunch included at the resort with the Odali family.
Afternoon: Continue fishing for Arapaima!
Evening: Return transfer to your Manaus hotel around 5:00 pm
What’s Included / Not Included
Included: Round-trip transfers, lunch, guided fishing
Not Included: Gratuities, fly gear (if you choose to fly fish)
(Tambaqui are occasionally caught as well!)
What to Pack
We provide all conventional tackle (rods, reels, and lures). You only need to bring fly gear if you plan to fly fish.
Just bring personal essentials, appropriate clothing, and any medications or health items you may need. Watch our video, Clothing for Your Amazon Fishing Adventure, for more helpful information!
We included links to some of our favorite products that we’ve tested out ourselves. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some of our favorite recommended products are linked below for your convenience.
Clothing (light colors recommended):
1 rain jacket and pants
1 lightweight jacket (occasionally it is cool in the evening)
3–4 long-sleeve fishing shirts or hoodies
3 pairs of fast-drying pants
3 pairs of white cotton socks (the boat deck can get hot - these will keep your feet from burning)
4 pairs of underwear
2 Buff-style face masks
Fishing hat(s)
2 pairs of fishing gloves
1 swimsuit
1 pair sandals
We recommend something you can wear with socks
Sturdy water shoes
Some companies that sell fishing-specific clothing:
Columbia Sportswear - Performance Fishing Gear
Pelagic
Simms
Huk
Bass Pro Shop/Cabelas
Orvis
Medical & Personal Items:
2 pairs polarized sunglasses
Please bring two pairs in case you break or lose a pair! You must have eye protection when fishing.
You might consider clear safety glasses for early morning or evening fishing, especially if your eyesight is weak.
Lens wipes (good for glasses, smart phones, and cameras)
Insect repellent with DEET
We have also had success treating clothing with products designed to repel bugs: Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing
Anti-itch cream
Medications (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, allergy meds, etc.)
Prescription meds (keep in carry-on)
Electrolyte mix
Waterproof sunscreen (SPF 30+) and lip balm
Zip-loc bags or trash bags (for wet items or gear)
Travel documents, cash (for tips), and credit card
Health & Safety
Vaccines
No vaccinations are required for travelers from the U.S. or Canada. If you're arriving from or have recently visited a country with a Yellow Fever risk, carry your Yellow Fever vaccination card.
Medical Needs
If you have serious health conditions, please let us know in advance via your trip portal. Though remote, our operations have internet access for emergency communication. In a medical emergency, evacuation flights are possible but may take several hours or more. Bring any allergy medications or EpiPens, and share your emergency contact info with the host upon arrival.
If you can’t swim, notify your guide and host at the beginning of the trip.
Drinking Water
Do not drink tap water in Brazil — use only bottled water, even for brushing your teeth. Avoid ice and juices unless provided by our operations. This helps prevent serious digestive upset that could sideline your fishing.
Dietary Needs
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please notify us via your WeTravel portal in advance. We’ll coordinate with the operation to ensure suitable meal options are available.
Insects & Biting Pests
Mosquitoes
Our primary fisheries — especially blackwater systems like the Rio Negro — are naturally mosquito-free due to their acidic water chemistry. However, in the city of Manaus there is occasional mosquito presence. We recommend bringing repellent, long sleeves, long pants, socks, DEET, and anti-itch cream.
Allergies to stings?
If you are allergic to bees, wasps, or horseflies, bring an EpiPen and notify your guide and host as soon as you arrive.
Protecting The Fishery
Arapaima are vulnerable to stress and improper handling. To preserve this unique fishery, all fish must remain in the water during landing and unhooking. You can safely join your guide for in-water photos and releases. This ensures the long-term health of the fish—and a sustainable fishery for years to come.
Fly Fishing Gear
All spinning and baitcasting tackle is provided. If you plan to fly fish, please bring your own gear. Airlines do not allow rods or lures with hooks in carry-on luggage, so pack accordingly.
Contact Information
📱 (866) 832-2987
We look forward to welcoming you to the O.K. Resort with Pastor Odali for the Amazon arapaima fishing adventure of a lifetime!
