A 5-Star Amazon Peacock Bass Adventure
Field Journals | Feb. 13, 2024
Since its inception in 1973, Trek International Safaris has hosted sensational couples adventures blending elite sporting action with a fascinating cultural experience. Trek owners Milton and Cara Hanburry continue to honor that tradition each year, most recently hosting a group aboard the luxury Zaltan peacock bass fishing mothership.
Meeting up in Manaus, Brazil, the group hopped on a Caravan charter flight and journeyed north toward Santa Isabel do Rio Negro, deep into the Amazon rain forest. Santa Isabel is a municipality in the extreme north of the state of Amazonas in the National Park Pico da Neblina, which covers a massive swath of pristine rainforest exceeding 40,000 square miles.
Boarding the stunning Zaltan, the group embarked on a cultural immersion into indigenous life in the jungle, as well as some of the most thrilling peacock bass fishing on Earth.
“We had an amazing adventure aboard the Zaltan, a magnificent vessel offering 5-Star accommodations and an exceedingly accommodating staff. ” Trek President Milton Hanburry said. “This is one of the last remaining truly wild eco-systems on the planet, yet you’re dining and sleeping in deluxe comfort every night.”
The Zaltan’s experienced guide team, focused on positioning our anglers for shots at 15-20+ pound trophy peacocks, delivered big time. The Zaltan’s mobility allows us to position our groups in the most favorable water-level locations, which is critical for productive peacock bass fishing.
“The remote, relatively untouched location of the fishing operation and extremely knowledgeable guide team ensured that our group of anglers landed an impressive number of large peacocks,” Hanburry said.
The week’s largest peacock (22 pounds) was landed by Rick, and four more anglers landing +20-pounders. In total, our group landed 10 peacocks of more than 30-inches in length.
Mona led our women anglers with a 20-pounder, and Kevin’s 32-inch butterfly peacock has been submitted to IGFA as a possible length record for that species.
The Brazilian Amazonas are a region of extreme natural beauty, where granite-faced mountains tower above blackwater river lagoons, remote islands and white, sandy beaches. Sunset each day strikes a stunning reflection of bronze reflections off the black water of the Rio Negro.
“This is a truly special place for those seeking to unplug and soak in the natural beauty of the unspoiled rainforest,” Hanburry said. “Every day is a new adventure and each night is filled with the merriment of great people sharing friendship and the peace of being away from the busyness of everyday life.
The Zaltan Fishing fleet consist of 12-17 foot aluminum Bass Tracker boats with central consoles, large fishing platforms, water proof storage compartments for fishing bags, personal items, carpeted decks, dual fishing pedestal seats, Yamaha 60hp engine and electric motors.
“We encountered caiman, pink porpoises and monkeys from the comfort of our Bass Tracker boats, but there really is no telling what else you may encounter during your visit.”
In addition to peacock bass, you may hook up with arapaima, red-tail catfish, piraiba, aruana, piranhas and many other species.
The Zaltan is a wonderful respite for our non-angling group members. With fascinating decor elements inspired by Brazil’s indigenous culture, The Zaltan accommodates up to 20 guests per week in stylish comfort. The vessel’s interior comprises 10 spacious, air conditioned staterooms with private walk-in bathrooms and breathtaking views of the Amazon.
Opulent common areas invite guests to enjoy time together connecting over cold drinks, delicious locally-inspired cuisine and a shared passion for adventure.
“Cara and I deeply enjoyed the warmth and camaraderie of this group,” Hanburry said. “We’ve already had a few people reach out to say they look forward to a reunion trip on the Zaltan in the future.”
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