FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

8. Question: What is the difference in comfort level between the Black Water Explorer Houseboat and the Fly-In Floating Cabins?

Answer: The comfort level in both programs is equally excellent. We have noted that usually new inquiries relate to yacht or houseboat programs. Inquiring anglers tend to think of the yacht or houseboats as more comfortable and glamorous. However, this is not the case since the BWE´s glamour is more than offset by having the individual large Floating Cabins parked well-spaced on the beautiful pristine jungle beaches. Although the houseboat’s staterooms are spacious, the bedrooms (size 10x15) and the lounge/dining room (size 10x20) in the Fly-In Floating Cabins are larger.
Since the Fly-In Floating Cabins are most of the time moored right "in" the prime fisheries, daily time spent travelling is reduced to a minimum.

9. Question: Which fishery is better for my type of fishing?

Answer: It’s hard to say which of River Plate’s exclusive and/or remote fisheries are best suited for your particular angling requirements. Each of our chosen rivers has its distinct characteristics, but all offer top quality services. We’ll be happy to find the perfect location for you that will fulfill your expectations, with respect to number of fish vs. size, bait-casting vs. fly-fishing, etc.

10. Question: Are timing and water levels important?

Answer: Absolutely; the prime time to fish is July through April. The Brazilian Amazon encompasses a huge area of territory, with literally thousands of separate watersheds. The equator “cuts” the region into two separate areas that we refer to as the "northern" and "southern" Amazon. Water fluctuation varies in each watershed (and its tributaries), depending upon its proximity to the equator. The equator’s convection activity changes in a dependably-cyclical pattern that creates a wet and dry season in both regions.

During the wet season, the rivers overflow their banks and spread out into a tree-filled flood plain, which means that angling is completely unproductive at this time, and not recommended.

When the rains subside, the water levels slowly recede back into a central lagoon-filled river channel. Prime fishing occurs when the receding water forces baitfish out of their vegetation and into open water. Knowledge and careful monitoring of these water fluctuations is an essential part of angling success. Many fixed lodges are running operations in areas with marginal high water periods when the fish are completely inaccesible. In these cases, angling results suffer tremendously.
With as much as a 6 week variance, the southern part of Manaus region is productive from September through October; the north east of Manaus is productive from November through mid January, and the north fishes best from mid January to the end of March. We do not operate during ‘fringe’ periods when water levels and angling conditions are questionable.
Note: In order to maximize fishing potential throughout the season, and keeping in mind of varying water conditions, we may change the rivers to be fished.

11. Question: What other species can we fish in the Amazon?

Answer: Although peacock bass are the main attraction in the Amazon, there are many other jungle species that are no less impressive – both in beauty and fighting ability. Depending on the location, you will find other species such as pacu, Pirapitinga, Jacunda, Apapa, Tambaqui, Pirarucu, Bicuda, Picua, Piranha, Aruana and Pescada among others.

12. Question: How many days should I spend in Manaus?

Answer: A two-day visit should be sufficient

13. Question: What is the city of Manaus like?

Answer: Manaus is a modern, rapidly growing city (1.4 million habitants). It is one of the busiest ports in the Amazon where cargo ships distribute their goods throughout the Amazon basin. Before the rubber boom of the 19th century, Manaus was a small, insignificant town. With rubber, came rich and splendid architectural accomplishments such as the Amazonas Theater (completed in 1896 and restored in 1929). In Manaus, there are many interesting places to visit apart from the Amazonas Theater. For example, you can experience the Palace "Río Negro"; the Floating Port; the Municipal Market Adolpho Lisbon; the Forest of Science; the Museum of Natural Science, as well as the Aboriginal fair, where you can buy articles made by the Indians. You might even consider the Fish Market.

14. Question: the electricity/voltage used at camp and what equipment will I need?

Answer: At camp we use American flat blade plugs and some round pin plugs, 110V and 220V. In case this is not the same in your country, we recommend you buying a current conversion kit. Some appliances need a transformer and usually that information is provided on the side of the electronic appliance. If you are unsure about this please take the appliance to a qualified store in advance.

FAQ