Even if you have worked with Acute Angling before, please read this guide carefully!

Flights and Transfer Days

The trip starting date we publish corresponds to the date that the charter aircraft flies in Manaus. You must arrive in Manaus the day before. Please arrive in Manaus the day before the transfer day and please do not book your returning international flight home until the day after you return to Manaus from the fishing location.

As an example, only, if your trip date is November 11th - 18th then your transfer days are the 11th and the 18th. To further clarify, this means you will leave Manaus for the fishing destination on the 11th and you will return from the fishing destination to Manaus on the 18th. In this scenario, your arriving international flight to Manaus would need to be before the 11th and your returning international flight should be on the 19th or later.

We cannot control the weather and intense rain will delay charter flights. Thus, our insistence on your returning international flight home being the day after the return transfer day. Please remember that a night in the hotel is included the day before your beginning transfer day and the night of your return transfer day (again using the example above the hotel would be covered on the evening of the 10th and the 18th).

Booking your International Flights

You can book your flights yourself or work with Alexy at Dumonde Travel. Alexy books many of the flights for AA anglers each year and speaks English, Spanish, and Portugues.

Alexy Mesa | Corporate Travel Consultant Dumonde Corporate Travel

1395 Brickell Ave-Suite 800 Miami FL 33131

Office 786 299 5505

alexy@traveldm.com

www.traveldm.com  

When you book your trip, you’ll be given contact information for Eddy and other Acute Angling staff. Please email your flight itineraries to Eddy Wala, the Manaus host, and to our customer service representative Arden DeBelle. Eddy will be coordinating your transfers from the airport and scheduling your hotel reservations. If he doesn’t know when you arrive that is a problem.

Note: You will be given contact information for key staff members in Brazil and the US after you confirm your trip and pay a deposit.

Transfers

Our Manaus host will be waiting for you when you arrive in Manaus. The host will help you load your bags in a shuttle van and will accompany you to the hotel. If there is a problem, you can contact Eddy. When your fishing trip is over, the host will help you return to the airport and get you checked in for your international flight home. The host will also make sure you get back and forth between the hotel and airport for your corresponding charter flights.

Hotels

Included in the trip price are two nights at the hotel. One for the evening before your charter flight and the other for the evening after your return from a week of fishing. Again, if we refer to the example under the International flights and transfer days section, hypothetically if your trip dates were November 11th-18th then a hotel room would be provided on the evening of the 10th and on the evening of the 18th. Any days or nights outside of these parameters are your responsibility to pay.

If you do the Arapaima Day trip, then another night at the hotel is included if needed.

Please note that there is a complimentary buffet style breakfast each morning, but any food or drinks consumed at the hotel is not covered by Acute Angling and you will be responsible to pay after eating or at final check out. On the 5th floor (which can only be accessed by the middle elevator) there is a small gym and rooftop pool.

Please remember Acute Angling will make the hotel reservations for you once we have your flight itineraries. Do not call the hotel and book the room yourself.

Baggage Requirements

There are strict baggage size and weight limitations in effect, as mandated by the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC). They are implemented for your safety. These requirements are Brazilian law and are not under our control, nor will the charter airline make exceptions.

Maximum Bag Length: 30 inches

Maximum Bag Weight: 33 pounds

Bag Type: All bags must be soft surfaced; No hard luggage, coolers or trunks; Duffel type bags are recommended (with or without rollers) Please - No bags over 30 inches in length; You may carry a small, lightweight handbag, fanny pack or purse with your personal items, cash, passport, medicines, valuables, etc. that can be held on your lap during flight. If airline personnel determine that the carry-on appears to be too heavy, they will check it in, adding it to your checked weight limit. Please comply with these baggage limitations - they are for your safety.

For additional certainty, please let us know in advance if you weigh over 275 pounds.

Packing

  • We provide all conventional fishing tackle, so it is not necessary to bring your own.

  • We do not provide fly-fishing gear. You must bring your own.

  • We do laundry daily, so don't overpack.

  • Be sure to bring your medications and personal requirements.

Packing List

Clothing: Please note that lighter colors are better than darker.

Two Pair of Polarized Sunglasses

Please bring two pairs in case you break or lose a pair. You must have eye protection when fishing. You do not want a hook in your eye in the middle of the Amazon. Always wear glasses when fishing.

You might consider clear safety glasses for early morning or evening fishing. Especially if your eyesight is weak. It won’t win a fashion contest, but neither does a hook in your eye.

  • Rain Jacket and Pants

  • Lightweight Jacket (occasionally it is cool in the evening)

  • 3 or 4 Long Sleeve Fishing Shirts or Hoodies

  • 3 Pair of Fast Drying Pants

  • 3 Pair of White Cotton Socks (the boat deck can get hot. These will keep your feet from burning)

  • 4 pairs of underwear

  • Two Buff Face Masks

  • Fishing hats

  • Two pairs of fishing sun protection gloves

  • Swimsuit

  • Sandals

  • Water Shoes with strong soles (more important for Multi-Species and Arapaima Day Trip.)  

Medical and Personal

  • Insect repellent (Deet is a good thing)

  • "Anti-itch" cream

  • GoldBond medicated powder

  • Aspirin, Advil, or Ibuprofen

  • Band-Aids

  • Imodium, Pepto-Bismol or other anti-diarrheal

  • Neosporin (or other Anti-bacterial cream)

  • Benadryl (for allergic reactions)

  • Prescription Medications (please pack in your carry-on bag in case your luggage gets lost)

  • EpiPen and anti-allergic medication for those with serious allergies.

  • Powder Gatorade mix or other electrolyte mix

  • Waterproof sunscreen SPF 30+ (unscented)

  • Lip balm with sunscreen (highest SPF you can get)

  • Toiletries

  • Prescription Glasses

  • Flashlight

  • Day Pack (preferably 100% Waterproof)

  • Waterproof bags, Zip-Loc bags, Trash bags (to keep gear dry or to pack wet clothes or shoes)

  • Lens Wipes (Good for glasses, smart phones, and cameras)

Other

  • Passport with at least 6 months of validity from your date of arrival in Brazil.

  • 2 Copies of passport (Put in Ziplock bag to keep moisture off)

  • Airline tickets and itinerary

  • Cash (for tipping and souvenirs)

  • Credit card (Let the cc company know where and when you are traveling)

  • Emergency Telephone Numbers

  • Smartphone or Tablet with Charger

  • Universal Electrical Adaptor (Look Up Adapter for Brazil in Amazon.com ’s search bar and there will be several options)

  • Apps for smartphone

    • Google Translate (Download Portuguese language before arriving to use in areas without Wi-Fi)

    • WhatsApp or Telegram (Remember to have loved ones back home download as well.

    • We recommend sending a few initial messages at home to ensure your numbers are connected.

Optional

  • Waterproof Camera and Charger

  • Notebook and pen

  • Binoculars

  • Goggles (for swimming and viewing small fish. Please check with guide and staff about safe areas for swimming.)

  • Book

  • Hook Sharpener (seems like the guides often lose or forget it)

  • Fishing knot tying smartphone app. There are several, but Grog Knots is a good one.

Health

Vaccinations
Brazil has different vaccination requirements for different countries, but currently no vaccines are required for U.S. or Canadian citizens. If your home country is somewhere else, then please feel free to reach out to Acute Angling for more information regarding your specific home country’s requirements.

  • Yellow Fever Vaccine

    • If you are arriving from, or have recently visited, countries that present a yellow fever risk then we recommend that you carry your Record of Immunization with you with the Yellow Fever Vaccination verification.

Your Health

Those who have known serious health problems should understand that they are going to a remote location with limited access to medical attention. In the case of a health emergency, a plane will be flown in as soon as possible, but this can take up to half a day (night flights are not feasible). All the operations have internet access at the main accommodations. This allows the staff to communicate with Global Rescue, key staff members in Brazil, and our team in the US.

Please consider downloading WhatsApp or Telegram App and have your loved ones at home do likewise. These apps only need a Wi-Fi signal for communication.

Please let us know before your trip if you have any serious health problems. You can enter any important health or dietary information directly via your portal.

Please consider giving a list of emergency contact numbers to the host in the event of emergency including loved ones and your doctor.

Remember these emergency contacts will need WhatsApp or Signal on their smartphone.

If you cannot swim, please let the host and guide know before fishing.


Drinking Water

You cannot drink the water in Brazil. North American and European individuals and the water from their regions have a different flora than the South American flora. These two bacterial communities don't like mixing - when one meets the other, they go to war - the result is significant discomfort for the person whose intestines are being fought over. Commonly called Montezuma's revenge, this discomfort can cause you to miss fishing time.

Be careful about ordering drinks with ice or drinking fresh juices. If they are not made in our operation, there are no guarantees about how they are made. Do not drink tap water in any hotel rooms, restaurants, or public areas. Always brush your teeth with bottled water.


Dietary Restrictions or Needs

If you have certain dietary needs, please email Acute Angling and Eddy Wala. He will coordinate with the fishing operation for any menu changes that need to occur.  

Insects

The blackwater regions we fish are almost completely devoid of mosquitos and most other biting insects, beyond the occasional bee or horsefly. The rivers and lagoons are too acidic to support mosquito reproduction. Mosquito larvae require the neutral or alkaline waters found in rainwater puddles or non-blackwater systems to develop properly. As a result, we rarely encounter biting insects during our trips. Because the Amazon is such a vast and complex ecosystem, however, it can be possible for unexpected variations to occur. Therefore, the following information is designed to enable you to be prepared for any possibility in the Amazon.


Mosquitoes

As mentioned, black water rivers systems such as the Rio Negro do not have mosquitoes. However, it is possible to encounter them on clear water river systems and in Manaus.The Rio Aripuanã is a clear water river system. In our experience the mosquito populations have been none to low. However, we recommend keeping a bottle of bug spray in the fishing boat and one near the lodge just in case. Same goes for Manaus where the nearby white water Solimoes river (looks more like a tan/light brown) mixes with the Rio Negro. Again, in our experience we only occasionally see a mosquito, but it never hurts to be prepared.


We have never had an instance of a mosquito transmitted disease, but that does not mean it isn’t possible. Your physician, who knows your personal health status should advise you regarding his/her opinion of the risk in consideration of your personal health status. If you choose to bring anti-malaria pills, then we suggest larium or malarone (but of course listen to your doctor). Please do not use Doxycycline Hyclate as it can cause serious reactions to the strong sun.

No-see-ums

Depending upon water levels and precipitation, a few rivers in the Amazon (certain tributaries of the Rio Branco or Rio Demeni) can have populations of biting gnats. Although it is extremely rare that we operate in these areas, it is not impossible. These annoying critters pose no health threat, however, some individuals can have a strong reaction, with considerable itching and discomfort. These no-see-ums can turn up unexpectedly, so play it safe by bringing at least one set of socks, long pants, long sleeves and a small bottle of repellent with DEET. Bring anti-itch (cortisone) cream - just in case you encounter these pests before covering up.

Horseflies, Wasps, and Bees

Like everywhere in the world these exist throughout the Amazon. If you are allergic to stinging insects, be certain to bring proper medication (EpiPens if needed). Please advise the camp host about your allergies when you arrive.

Travel Insurance/Rescue Policy

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not included in our packages. Everyone has different needs and has a different tolerance for risk. Please do your research and find the travel insurance company and plan that is the best fit for you needs. Please consider purchasing a Cancel-For-Any-Reason add on. While we do not endorse any specific company here are a few to begin your research:

Included Global Rescue Policy

As part of the all-inclusive, turn-key package, Acute Angling provides an emergency extraction plan via Global Rescue for all anglers under 75 years of age (note - Due to policy restrictions, the package is not included for anglers 75 years of age or over, however, Global Rescue will directly offer a reduced-price policy to anglers over 75, if desired). 

Please understand that Global Rescue is an emergency transportation/extraction service. It is not medical insurance or trip insurance.

Also, the included policy only covers the days spent out in the field during weeklong fishing trips. For example, if your trips dates were November 11th-18th it would only cover those days. It does not cover Arapaima Day Trips, extra days in Manaus or other parts of Brazil, or your time spent on international flights. If you want extended coverage, then we recommend purchasing an annual policy. For more information on annual policies please contact our office at (866) 832-2987.

Tipping

The staff and guides work very hard to make your Amazon fishing experience a memorable one. Please tip according to your ability and your opinion of their service. However, we do have some minimum recommendations.

Minimum Tipping Recommendations Per Angler Per Week


Guide: $250

Staff: $250

Manaus host: $25

Travel Visa

As of April 10th, 2024, passport holders from Australia, Canada and the United States will need a visa to enter Brazil. Please follow the link for instructions and necessary steps to apply for one. It is all done online, and the e-visa is emailed to you. Please print and keep a hard copy while traveling. You might be required to present it before boarding.


Here is what you will need for the application:

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Passport (signed, 2 visa pages free, and at least six-month's validity remaining on your passport book at the time of entry into Brazil).

  • Visa application form (completed online).

  • Passport-style photo (2” x 2”, white background). This will be uploaded during the digital application.

  • eVisa fee payment (US$ 80.90).

  • Confirmation of round trip reservation (flight, ship, or bus reservation showing entrance by air, sea or land into Brazil and exit from Brazil).

  • Printed bank statement showing transactions for the last 30 days and showing balance of US$ 2,000.00 or proof of income or credit card statement.

Traveling with a Minor

You must have a notarized travel consent form if traveling with only one parent or with someone other than a parent. Please also carry the child’s original birth certificate and a copy as a backup. For those traveling with minors please pay attention to the Additional Requirements for Minors section on the official website (via the learn more button above).

Fly Fishing Gear

Fly Fishing - Peacock Bass, Wolfish, Bicuda, Payara,

Fly Rods 8 to 9 weights

Reels With Minimum 30 pound Backing

Fly Lines (extra lines for backup)

Rio’s Elite Warmwater Predator

  • Floating for poppers

  • Sinking for Streamers

or

Scientific Anglers Mastery Tropical/Jungle Titan

  • Floating

  • Sinking

Leaders

A straight 6 foot piece of 50–60-pound fluorocarbon for subsurface flies and 6 foot 50–60-pound monofilament for surface patterns.

Note: For Wolfish and Payara please carry wire bite/knotable wire. Rio’s Powerflex Wire Bite-Tippet is a safe bet (40 lbs).

Flies

All flies need to be on Saltwater grade hooks. 4/0-6/0 is a good size range. Great colors for fly patterns are orange, red, yellow, and chartreuse. Having some blue, white, purple, or black in your patterns can also be effective. Basically, if the fly pattern swims like a baitfish it has a good chance of being eaten. Don’t get too hung up on specific patterns. There is no need to have every pattern on this list. Try to have about two dozen streamers for a week of fishing. Your fly box should be approximately 75% subsurface flies and 25% surface patterns.

Top Water

  • Not-Your-Average-Popper (good for surface disturbance)

  • Double Barrel Popper

  • Bob’s/Pop’s Banger Popper

  • Crease Fly

  • Pole Dancers

  • Popovicks Pop Lips (Difficult to find)

  • Sliders

  • General Saltwater Popper

Subsurface

  • Clouser Minnow

  • Peacock Reducer

  • Peacock Agitator

  • Barred Peacock Predator

  • Bucktail Streamer

  • Game Changer

  • Flashtail Whistler

  • Enrico’s Rattling Amazon Special

  • Deceivers

  • Surf candy (Not recommended for big peacocks. More for schools of smaller peacocks feeding on small baitfish. This pattern can be a smaller size.)

  • Tarpon patterns you might have from a previous saltwater trip

Other Tools for Fly Fishing

  • Line clippers (or hefty toenail clippers)

  • Long Sturdy Pliers

  • Stripping gloves and finger tape

  • Hook Sharpener

  • Wire cutter pliers (needed for wire bite when fishing for Payara and Wolfish).

General FAQ

When is the best time to go fishing?

Well, sometime between August and March; but the real answer isn't quite that simple. Seasons in the Amazon basin do not correspond to seasons in the temperate zones. Rivers in Amazonia all experience a cyclical period of high and low water each year. During the "rainy" season, Amazonian rivers can rise 12 meters or more, overflowing their banks and inundating huge areas of low-lying forest.

This flooded forest (known as 'igapó' or “varzea” — depending on locale) offers superior forage and cover for many species of baitfish. Their predators, including peacock bass, follow them into the flooded vegetation where they become all but impossible to catch.

Where are the biggest fish?

The Rio Negro basin not only holds the world’s biggest peacock bass, but it is also the world’s biggest peacock bass fishery. In fact, the Rio Negro is the largest blackwater river in the world, and one of the world's ten largest rivers by volume. At 1400 miles in length, the Rio Negro is so big, that its western reaches have a different dry season than its eastern reaches. Correspondingly, our trips operate in the Rio Negro basin in two different seasons.

What about fly fishing?

Fly fishing for peacocks is very productive, but sometimes anglers enjoy a break from
casting and rapidly stripping a heavy-weight fly rod. We provide complete spinning and bait casting outfits. Anglers are welcome to switch off to this gear to give themselves
a break from time to time .

What fishing tackle do I need?

Absolutely none. All operations provide high quality spinning and baitcasting rods, reels and lures for your use at no charge. All guides and boats are fully-equipped with the appropriate fish handling and fishing tools.

I REALLY want to bring my own fishing gear...

First off, if you insist on bringing your own rods, we recommend quality 3 piece pack rods such as those available from G. Loomis, Okuma, Temple Forks or St. Croix. They will fit right into your duffel bag. One piece rods require a long transport tube and are a pain in the neck to travel with on both international and charter flights. You really only need two rods to serve pretty much all purposes.


With reels, quality is all-important. Bring something that will hold up under a week’s worth of abusive use. Stay as small and light as possible and select for fast retrieves.

(866) 832-2987