Clothing:
Wading sandals or shoes. Call or email us about Bedrock Sandals, available in-store or over the phone only. They are by far our favorite wet wading sandal. If you've been in the shop between May and September you've probably seen most of our staff wearing them. We live in these things.
Shorts and lightweight long pants. The Skwala Sol pants are one of our top sellers along with the Howler Bros Shoalwater Tech Pant. Both of these excel in breathability, mobility and durability.
Sun protection for head and hands
Long sleeve shirts with sun protection for fishing. A hood is a nice option, a Buff is necessary.
Casual short sleeve shirts and shorts for Lodge and travel
Lightweight fleece and rain jacket (for long runs up river)
Polarized sunglasses - Costa Silver or Green mirror and another pair with low light lenses are recommended.
Casual shoes for the lodge
Swimsuit
Minimum of 24 flies per angler. These fish destroy flies!
We are tying in-house and hand selecting Agua Boa proven patterns for our assortments. Get your Peacock Bass fly assortment here.
Fishing Gear:
Rods: Two or three 8/9 weight rods are recommended for peacock bass. Although the lodge has a few loaner rods and reels, everyone should bring at least one as these are literally "tackle busting" fish. If you have your eye on another model just ask - we likely have it or can get it.
Additionally, this year we'll be packing our 5wts and a box of attractors for the dry fly eating Pacu. Super fun fish.
Reels: We suggest a large arbor reel with a great drag for your reel. Our good, better, best reels to match the above rods are Redington Behemoth, Redington Grande, and Galvan Grip. But, as with rods, please inquire if you have an interest in another style or brand.
Fly Lines: Tropical lines are a must in the heat. The Rio Warmwater Predator is our go-to for this trip. The line is offered in 3 different sink rates: full floating (for poppers and surface flies), Float/Hover/Intermediate (for fishing just below the surface), and Floating/S5/S7 (for getting down deep fast).
Tippet/leaders: No leaders needed! Straight 50# Fluorocarbon recommended.
Hook sharpeners: Make the difference of missing the fish of a lifetime and landing it.
Pliers: If you've ever tried to tie a knot in hard mono without pliers you'll immediately understand the importance of having a pair on you at all times.
Rod case: We utilize the luggage style carry all cases for all our fishing travel. The Orvis Carry-It-All is perfect. These allow storage of rods, reels, terminal tackle, fishing gloves and miscellaneous gear (check with your airline specifically about flies).
Nippers: It's important to be self sufficient.
Stripping Guard: And bring a roll of non-adhesive tape as finger protection!
Boga Grip: Guides usually have these, but as the season wears on, they become scarce from Peacocks literally yanking them out of hand! We have tried the cheaper option (linked above) in the past, but they were not up to the task of taming these fish. This year we are going with the Boga brand name. Please let us know if you would like to be added to our pre-order list. And, what's cooler than knowing your peacock is actually over 15#?
Dry bag for the boat: A small dry bag or waterproof fishing pack for keeping personal items and fishing gear organized and dry throughout the fishing day
Personal items:
Toiletries
Reading glasses
Portuguese dictionary - Download Google Translate iPhone / Android
Binoculars
Electric plugin US-Euro adaptors
Ear plugs (for bunkmate and longer river runs)
Missoula, Montana's family owned, Orvis-endorsed fly fishing company.
275 North Russell Street
Missoula, Montana 59801
Ph: (406) 542-7411
© 2023, Blackfoot River Outfitters Powered by Shopify