Much like previous seasons, this one has proven to be an undeniable success, despite contending with the unusually severe drought that gripped vast swathes of the Amazon rainforest—albeit to a lesser extent in our waters.
The season kicked off with an electrifying start as the team from The Fly Shop landed an unprecedented double catch of +20lbs peacock bass in the very first week—a feat unique to our river. The excitement surged in the following week when Brent Van Niekerk shattered the standing all-tackle length world record for peacock bass with a colossal 94cm fish. Not to be outdone, Pamela Salles also made headlines by breaking another record, this time in the 20lb class.
And that was just the beginning of our season! We were privileged to host renowned figures from the fly fishing industry, including Jako Lucas and Helmut Zaderer, accompanied by the talented filmmakers Dani Bayer and Vaidas Uselis. Their stunning footage showcased our river from unprecedented perspectives, capturing the breathtaking beauty of the Amazon rainforest and its giant peacock bass.
While low waters are generally favorable for peacock bass fishing in the Amazon, the record-breaking drought presented unique challenges. Weeks of exceptionally low water levels not only hindered the navigation of our mothership through sandbars but also made many of our usual fishing spots inaccessible. This demanded exceptional dedication from our guide staff, who skillfully adapted to locate fish in previously unexplored areas.
Overall, the season lived up to the Marié River’s renowned reputation. Our exploratory weeks at the Headwaters Camp proved to be a resounding success, prompting plans for expansion in future seasons, as anglers explored previously untouched spots. With numerous world records shattered—bringing our tally to over 15 records set on our river—and a long list of satisfied customers eager to return, our river, staff, and accommodations continue to exceed expectations.
For those fascinated by numbers, here’s a glimpse into the statistics for the entire 2023 season:
A staggering total of 6,353 butterfly peacock bass were captured. In addition, we landed a solid number of 1,018 Temensis (Paca and Speckled) peacock bass, including 208 weighing over 15lb and 70 surpassing the 20lb mark. Furthermore, we celebrated the capture of 171 fish exceeding 80cm in length, including the newly validated 94cm World Record by the IGFA.
This season has undoubtedly been one of the best in the history of the Marié River since our inception in 2014. The water levels were truly remarkable, and the abundance of species, particularly those exceeding 15 pounds, was unprecedented. This underscores the fact that the conservation of the Marié River and our collaborative efforts with our indigenous partners have yielded exceptionally positive outcomes in terms of fisheries management and angling results. Our collective dedication to preserving this pristine environment ensures that it remains a premier destination for fly fishing enthusiasts worldwide, offering unparalleled experiences amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Amazon.
This once again demonstrates that the Marié River is the largest and finest sanctuary for giant peacock bass in the Amazon.
Finally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all our guests, staff, and indigenous partners for an incredible season. We look forward to seeing you in 2024!
CONTACT US
If you would like to learn more about our Rio Marie Lodge tour, you can visit the full tour page here. Alternatively, you can contact our fly fishing expert, Peter Collingsworth, on 01603 407596 or by email at peter@sportquestholidays.com.
