Brazil

The Royal Amazon is located on a small clear water tributary of the Amazon perfectly suited for peacock bass. It is one of the few regions anywhere in the Amazon under permanent protection by IBAMA, the Brazilian Environmental Institute for the Protection of the Amazon and the governor of the state of Roraima. This "Ecotourism Reserve" status has insured that the river and the forest that surrounds it will be protected for years to come. Sportfishing is allowed on a catch and release basis. This is one of the few drainages in the Amazon where commercial fishing is absolutely prohibited, and single barbless hooks are required.

The river that runs through the reserve is crystal clear with a white sand bottom. Imagine a small river flanked by Varzea flood forest and Gallery forests still in pristine shape with all of its great wildness still intact. The crowns of many of the hardwood trees in the Gallery forest reach heights of 200 feet and all of the species are still present.
It is not uncommon to find beaches filled with the tracks of the endangered Amazon River turtles, tapir and even jaguar. Nothing could be more spectacular for an angler than the return ride to the lodge after a great day of fishing through meandering bends of this great watershed as the forest comes to life each evening.

The Area

The Amazon Basin is the world's largest freshwater river system. It contains 10 percent of the world's fresh water and without question 20% of the world's toughest freshwater gamefish. The Amazon River starts high in the Andes mountains and flows to join the Negro River near Manaus to create the mingling of the waters. These two great systems combine to become a river that is 200 miles across in places and that runs all the way to the Atlantic Ocean to the city of Belem. It is the greatest riverine and rainforest ecosystems anywhere on the planet. It is a spectacle of nature in dire need of protection and appreciation by all. It is an experience not to be missed.

Brazil is the largest country in South America, and it contains most of the Amazon Rainforest. Manaus is the capital of the state of Amazonas and is the hub for peacock bass fishermen traveling to the Amazon. It is a city built upon the wealth of the forest. Its riches have faded since the days of the rubber barons, but the history architecture remains. It is well worth a day visiting the opera house and markets of the city.

The Lodge

The Royal Amazon Lodge is located on a quiet stretch of the Agua Boa river. At the lodge, clients are attended by a friendly Brazilian staff. We have kept the size of the lodge small to afford anglers a great expanse of fishing water and to insure that the atmosphere at the lodge is a pleasant one. For those of you that have traveled on houseboats with 14-20 bass fisherman crammed into a small space, the attraction of the Royal Amazon is an obvious one. It is the small family atmosphere and sheer elegance of the lodge that have made the Royal Amazon a success.

The Royal Amazon Lodge was built in 2001 by the owner and operator, Dr. Jan Wilt. The lodge is a spacious facility with a large dining room, a living room, bar and game room. The game room has a snooker table, ping pong table, darts and an endless array of games from chess to backgammon. There is also an entertainment area with a DVD player, and satellite TV. The lodge also has a great porch with an eating area, hammocks and sitting area. Outside there is a 20 meter swimming pool and bar area and a volleyball and soccer field. The Royal Amazon has the finest facility in the peacock bass world. Combine the accommodations with the small capacity at the lodge and you will not find a better buy in the Amazon.

Please visit the slide show section of the website and choose 'Tour the Lodge' to see more images of the accommodations.

The River

The Agua Boa River is the Amazon’s first and only fishery managed to require catch and release and single barbless hooks. It is also the only river in the Amazon to offer anglers the only exclusive access fishery in all of the Amazon. Dr. Jan Wilt has the only lodge or settlement on the river and together in cooperation with the Brazilian Institute for Protection of the Amazon, has helped place the Agua Boa into an area of permanent protection. The Agua Boa is one of the few areas of the Amazon that you will not see another inhabitant during your entire stay.

Unlike other outfitters in the Amazon we have invested in establishing a lodge and outcamps on the river and aim to operate responsibly. We do not believe in the fish it, destroy it and move on mentality. Anglers visiting the Agua Boa will experience the best fishing in the Amazon, but they will be required to fish with single barbless hooks and catch and release is absolutely required.

The Agua Boa River is a small clear water river flowing over white sand. The river begins high in the Mocidade mountains to its confluence with the Branco river. The river is absolutely spectacular. It is flanked by a combination of upland forest, flood forest and savannah with all of its wildlife still intact. This combination of pristine and varied habitats makes for both interesting and scenic fishing. It is common to see tapir, monkeys, manatee, river otters, parrots, toucans, macaws, anteater, sloths, peccary, agouti…etc.

The Fishing

Clients will fish two to a boat with one guide. Our guides have been trained extensively and have many years of experience guiding for peacock bass. They are not bilingual but are somewhat conversant in fishing English and will understand your needs. After breakfast, you are welcome to fish with your guide until 6 pm. We guarantee clients an 10 hour day of fishing should they so desire. Most clients are happy to be on the water at 8 am and off by 6 pm. Unlike other outfitters, we have a flexible fishing program.

The rivers and tributaries around the Royal Amazon Lodge are rich and diverse. Possible species include the three species of peacocks: the butterfly(up to 10 pounds), the paca or spotted(up to 20 pounds), and the temensis(up to 24 pounds although it is almost certain that a world-record fish is present in the system. The current record stands at 27 pounds). Peacock Bass are perhaps one of the toughest gamefish around. Their topwater strike is often so ferocious that the entire fish will fly several feet of the water with the fly. Once hooked peacocks exhibit a savvy toughness unknown to trout and largemouth fisherman. A large peacock is unstoppable on its first few runs. Anglers can only hope that the fish stays well away from the structure. This is usually their second escape route. Most fish go aerial in a tarpon like display... gills rattling as they fly end over end... only to run again. They are a not for the weak of heart. Everyone that fishes the Royal Amazon will return with stories of stripped reels, destroyed tackle and memories of giants that couldn't be stopped.