Jungle Flyfishing Gear Guide
Fly fishing in the jungle is WILD! Best to come prepared for this epic adventure. The below list is what I take on my Colombian and Bolivian adventures. Everyone is different but here’s are my recommendations:
FLY RODS
Payara 10/11/or 12 wt rods
Peacock Bass/Pacu/Golden Dorado 8/9/or 10 wt rods
Sardinata/Pacu/Matrinxa/etc 7/8/or 9 wt rods
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Fav Payara Rod: Echo Musky 11 wt 9’4” $300
Totally worth the $300. Seriously it’s a legit rod. I hand-over-hand strip with the rod in my armpit for Payara and the extra foam is perfect. This keeps constant connection to the fly which seems to increase hook-up rates. The Echo Musky with the extra foam works super well for this as well as for figure-eighting which is also very effective for Payara.
Fav Peacock Rod: Echo Prime 9wt 8’10” $500
Shoots line quickly, easily and efficiently. Repetition of Peacock fishing can get tiring but this rod loads fast and shoots out 40-50ft casts smoothly. It doesn’t have the power for 70+ ft casts but its not made for that. I find it perfect for a mid-distance, banging banks all day, peacock rod
Frankly you could use a 9 and 10 wt for everything but I highly recommend bringing extra rods if it’s possible for you. Seems like someone usually breaks a rod. I take five rods. An 8wt, two 9s, 10, & an 11wt. I’ve also found that I prefer to size up. Throwing large weighted flies all day is work. Plus if you catch that trophy Peacock near structure it’s nice to have power instead of him running straight into the logs.
Fly Reels
I’m less picky on reels than I am with rods and lines. I will say that my older 10 wt reel had its drag max’d with Payara ripping line down a rapid! I upgraded to the Lamson Litespeed M, a top of the line saltwater reel, which has been much more effective. Payara’s strength is incredible and having a reel to handle that power is crucial. If they can get going full speed down a class IV rapid, you can get in trouble quick! Come prepared and put 60-80lb backing on these reels.
For Peacock Bass I definitely have a favorite. Lamson Remix size -9+! Usually I don’t use my reel as much with Peacocks. You have to horse them a bit once they first hit if they are near structure so I rarely spend much time on the reel with them and would rather invest in multiple line combinations. So the Lamson Remix 3-pack is the best value for dang good quality.
FLY LINES
Payara lines are tough. In most situations you want the fasting sinking line possible. Payara will nearly always be found near or in fast currents. And surprisingly deep. They then attack anything going by with their unique ferocious slashing style! It’s incredible! You also want something that can throw a 9-10 inch weighted fly…
Fav Payara Line:
Yes it’s a saltwater line but its burley in all the best ways! Hucks a large fly well and has a super strong core to partner with the 40lb wire line
Fav Peacock Line Combo:
I highly recommend all 3 lines (Hence the Lamson Remix 3-pack). I use 50 lb flouro at the fly, strong swivel, then a 40 lb connector to the fly line. Note that most 9 wt lines only have a 35-40 lb breaking point. The Warmwater Predator has a 50 lb core and handles the inevitable heat really well. The S5/S7 also works great as a backup Payara line or in deeper Peacock water.
Always have an 8 or 9 wt floating line rigged up for Peacock and Sardinata poppers. Don’t want to miss that topwater opportunity if it presents itself! For a larger POP, use the popper with the intermediate line!
OTHER FISHING GEAR:
Waterproof Backpack. I use Fishpond
Bogogrip Scale- The fish always weigh less than you originally think!
6-10 Payara Flies depending on how many days fishing (Think 2-3 per day for color & weight options)
10-12 Peacock Flies depending on how many days fishing (Piraña’s can munch through a lot of flies in some area’s)
2 Peacock Poppers (I use NYAP style)
3-5 small streamers (Pacu, Sardinata, Matrinxa, Bicuda)
4-5 inches. Usually black or white based colors
Several Grasshoppers with strong hooks if you want to fish for Matrinxa/Yatorana or Silver Dorado in creeks
Good pliers and wire cutters
Comb or brush to clean your flies
CLOTHING/ETC
Most lodges, like Fish Colombia, do laundry but best come prepared! NO cotton on ANY of the below:
4 pair of synthetic quick dry pants.
4 Long Sleeve shirts/hoodies
Shorts and t-shirt as back-ups
Crocs! They are the best. I wear with socks, on the rocks. Shockingly good grip. Wading boots are another option.
Lightweight breathable hiking shoes like an Altra Lone Peak
3-4 pairs of thin wool or synthetic socks
2 hats, 2 Buffs
Waterproof Rain Jacket for afternoon rain storms
Sunglasses- good polarized ones
Headlamp. It gets dark early
2-3 sets of stripping gloves- tape for the fingers too
Sunscreen
Bug Repellent (very few mosquitos but biting gnats come out a few times. Also bees in many areas are prevalent)
First aid kit, Cortisone Cream, & Personal toiletries
Electrolytes! It’s hot out there. Stay hydrated! Highly recommend having 2-3 Nuun or equivalent, electrolyte servings per day
PFD- (optional) Provided by and mandated to wear in many areas
