ACUTE THE BEST OF • AMAZON SPORTFISHING 2019 TRIP CATALOG Amazon Peacock Bass & Exotic Species

TOLL-FREE (866) 832-2987 FAX (646) 514-2773 [email protected] www.acuteangling.com PEACOCK BASS & MONSTERS

OWNER/OPERATOR OF BRAZIL’S MOST PRODUCTIVE FISHING TRIPS 3 TURN-KEY AMAZON FISHING ADVENTURES 2019 TRIP CATALOG

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Pages 8 & 9 EXOTIC SPECIES VARIETY - JUNGLE LODGE TRIPS cute ngling operate eciting ariet trip for aertoothe paara erce gi- ant traira wolh fatwater peacoc a powerful pirapitinga acroatic icu- a enorou l giant cath an ore ur ran new ungle loge pro- ie full aenitie owhere ele in the aon can ou eperience a hing trip with thi uch aenture ariet an e- citeent rotecte within a cloe nian reeration thi ecluie her i in a Our air-conditioned lodge on a lan that tie forgot high-gradient mountain river. 2019 TRIP CATALOG PAGE 3

Because we’re the best in the business! … and we know it. Nonetheless, booking the fishing trip of a lifetime shouldn't be done rashly. There are lots of trip choices and entities to book with. How can you sort through the options? Do your homework! Knowledge is pow- er! We know that the more information you have, the more likely you are to choose us. Take advantage of the information offered here to make an informed decision. You deserve to get your money's worth and have your expectations met. We hope you'll fish with us, but whatever you decide, have a wonderful trip! There are no fishes anywhere else that compare with the fierce fishes of the Amazon! Who are we? We’re the owner, operator, outfitter and organizer of three Who else sells peacock bass trips? - Sadly, just about every- Amazon fishing trips. We’re a team of experts providing the information, one with a fishing habit and a website! Why "sadly"? Because logistics, service and support to ensure your realization of the fishing trip most have no direct connection to, or control over what they sell, of a lifetime. Based in two continents, we coordinate a team of 42 profes- nor how it’s run. In fact, many are nothing more than a glossy sionals; guides, chefs, mechanics and staff. Here are our key people; website. No staff, no office, no resources - just a knack for being Paul Reiss, PhD - Principal owner, founder and visible. They'll sell you a trip and then auction you off to whomev- president of Acute Angling. After a successful en- er will deliver it. Who do you select? Let's take a look at the facts. trepreneurial career, he fulfilled a lifelong biolo- First, the trip operators - they are your best option. They own gist’s dream by founding a business that allows their equipment; yachts, camps, boats, etc. They hire, train and him and our angling clients to explore the world’s manage their staff. They schedule and implement their trips. They vastest wilderness while pursuing its fiercest sport- control, and are responsible for their operations and logistics. fish. With over two decades of field experience, They must be properly organized, fully insured companies, as is three fluent languages and a PhD in Neotropical Acute Angling. Buy a trip from us and you are secure in knowing Ichthyology, he is the sporting world’s foremost that you have contracted with the responsible entity. We own, expert on giant Amazon peacock bass. There is no operate, outfit and organize our trips. There are no layers of fluff one better qualified to answer your Amazon fishing (excuses) between you and your trip. We deliver what was prom- questions and to deliver your Amazon trip. ised - or we make it good. We've been doing so for over 20 years. Garry Reiss - Partner and general manager- An ac- Then there are outfitters - A somewhat loosely defined term countant by training and former CFO, Garry has the ad- for an organizer. Most of them charter time (even a single week) ministrative experience to make sure that our complex on yachts or camps owned (and operated) by others. Although a scheduling, services and functions mesh into a seamless few good outfitters exist, most are not very dependable. What's the whole. Always available in our U.S. office, he imple- problem? In order to deliver what's promised, an outfitter must ment's every facet of your trip. Garry is the person to call control the operation you’re fishing with. If not, there's that nebu- with all of your administrative questions or special needs. lous cloud of excuses between what you were promised and what Norberto Guedes - Partner, operations and was delivered. Outfitters may be forced to cancel - sometimes logistics manager - a wilderness expert, he weeks or even days before a trip because they’ve been betrayed by oversees day-to-day operation of the Blackwa- the owner/operators - a better deal came up - too few people in the ter Explorer and our Floating Bungalows. Well group - the boat broke! If your outfitter has no control over his versed in the Amazon's network of rivers and operator, you have no control over your trip. routes, he coordinates supply, staffing and And the good ones come at a price—a higher one. They're gen- maintenance of our peacock bass operations, erally quite expensive because there are two separate entities that keeping them always working smoothly. need to make a profit, leaving you with an extra layer of cost. Wellington Melo - Partner, operations manager - Check prices before you select a trip. Acute Angling simply uses former airline pilot, fishing guide and Brazilian its own wholly-owned operations - one entity, one set of books, government policy implementer, he is our chief negotia- one layer of pricing, no fluff - and no excuses. tor with Indigenous peoples and government agencies. Fishing Travel Agents - They usually sell a broad array of He constantly searches for new fishing opportunities and fishing trips outfitted or operated by others. Again, we must admit organizes all of our Exploratory trips. He coordinates there are some good ones who provide an important service. An- management, supply and staffing of our Rio Travessao glers may have a personal relationship with an agent who under- Multi-species variety operation at Picapau Lodge and is stands precisely what his client is looking for and can connect him also the bilingual host and client-representative there. to it; valuable to a client he knows well and sometimes worth the And an entire team of polished professionals - extra price of the commission they command. Unfortunately, Even hands-on managers are not enough to make a com- many agents are simply in it for a buck. Many don't know much plex operation like ours function perfectly. Our dedicated about the operations or outfitters they try to sell and some don't staff includes; Daylla Guedes, attorney and bilingual know much about peacock bass fishing! They're like the used car "boots on the ground" in Brazil, she ensures that our salesman whose lot you stepped onto first. They're going to sell documents and licenses are in place and coordinates our complex logis- you what they have, no matter what it is you really need. Acute tics; Barbara Silva, the bilingual, live-aboard, host- Angling sells its own whol- Here are some questions you should ask; ly-owned and operated trips ess on our Blackwater Explorer trips; Luiz Eduardo, - our savvy, bilingual transfer agent, picks you up and 1. What type of entity is this operator, outfitter, agent? - one entity, one layer of delivers you to each of the stops along the path of 2. Do you own the operation and control the trip? pricing, no layer of fluff - your fishing adventure; Marizete Guedes and Ruth 3. Are you a legitimate business with insurance and re- no excuses. Guedes produce incredible meals in the middle of sources to protect me and the investment I've made? Then, there are the the Amazon rainforest; Alexy Mesa is the go-to per- 4. Do you provide a turn-key package - ensuring that my loose-ends - Nothing but a son for your air travel. Tomas and Nelson, both me- trip is complete and that all services I need are available? website and a salespitch, chanics par excellence, keep our generators running, 5. Can you give me real life references that I can talk to? they'll take your money and our air-conditioners cooling and our motors hum- sell your booking wherever ming. Along with the best fishing guides in the basin and our expert sup- they can get a cut. Like Forrest Gump's "box of chocolates", you port personnel, they put the final sheen on our Amazon operations. never know what you're going to get! Don't do this to yourself! How do I arrange a trip? - Book with an operator who has a reputation for knowledge, honesty and performance. Of course, we high- ly recommend ourselves. It’s too easy to book a trip in water that doesn’t hold the right species, or that is not at optimal levels. Don’t inadvertently book on an operation that runs a weekly fixed route, ignoring conditions, and don’t pay thousands more for the privi- lege of fishing on oversized, fancy boats that are way too big to go where the fish are. If you’re planning the fishing trip of a lifetime, plan it with an operation that knows how to deliver fish and that puts your satisfaction before gross profit or marketing gimmicks. PAGE PAGE 4 ACUTE ANGLING’S LuuiousLUXURIOUS AMAZON aon Mote-SipMOTHERHSHIP OPERATION peation

he Amazons ost Productive, ost Polished, Peacock ass rips

pecies Fish for the world's most exciting game iant Peacock ass Cichlate- fish on the beautiful, air-conditioned, mensis also, depending on area lackwater xplorer yachtmothership. fished Amazon , traira, uilt to fish - hes not only the most at aruana, peixe cachorro others tractive yacht sailing the Amazon basin ut ountry more importantly, shes been built to fish. razil entral Amazon asin esigned for fishermen - Weve done Fishery our best to think through every aspect of her io egro and adeira basins design in terms of fishing productivity, angler Fig. 1b. eason comfort and maximum navigability. As a re - au sult, weve created the best purpose-built fishing ate August thru id arch vessel in the Amazon asin. Accommodation ype - - uxurious and omfortable Air onditioned othership 1. right, airy cabins with comfortable beds, osted by 110A outlets and plenty of storage space. arbara Francesca . Private bathrooms with full-size sink, toilet andor Paul eiss and separate hot shower in each cabin. Format . wo meter ceilings. ven and 1-footers ingle or ouble Occupancy dont have to crouch. . ig x 7 meter air-conditioned common ncluded area and dining room furnished in natural 1. ix days of fishing razilian hardwoods. even nights on the Blackwater Ex- . Wide, secure, non-slip stairwells. plorer yacht, guided fishing anglers . abin doors open directly to the outdoors. boat; fishing licenses, gourmet meals, 7. uper-hallow draft for improved mobility all beverages; open bar; fine wines; - far less than typical Amazon mother charter flights; hotels; airport assis- ships. We fish areas others cant enter. tance and transfers. 8. xtra-wide beam - Perfect stability. . omplete fishing tackle outfit 9. moke-free cabins and indoor areas. provided for this trip, rods, reels and 10. uge, open-air, upper deck bar and lounge. lures, species and location specific. Our focus is fishing productivity, but the watch- . ravel and xtraction insurance word aboard is comfort. The spacious lounge greets Complete coverage provided by lob- anglers with an ice-cold mixed drink at the end of a al Rescue IM insurance company. hard day’s fishing. The dining room hosts sumptuous ot ncluded gourmet meals from our fully equipped kitchen. You Commercial Air flights to Manaus, can plan your new diet while you sip our excellent Brazil; passports and visas; tipping. wines. The yacht has a large open air third deck and bar for outdoor relaxing or stargazing. All decks have Available Acute Angling provides railed walkways. aundry is washed daily. these necessary services for its clients. Our fast and nimble ft. aluminum bass boats 1. nternational air transportation are towed behind while we travel. Our mobility lets We offer booking services on the in- us offer optional jungle walks, native village visits, ternational carriers servicing Manaus, catfishing excursions and catch and release Brazil for all of our clients. spotlighting escapades. . omplete passport and visa ser he best fishing trip in the Amazon at vice is provided with ItsEasy isa. any price. ome and enoy it with us. PAGE 5 PAGE 5

consistent productivity - “the Blackwater Explorer” Yacht

Arrive by charter flight and enjoy the full-featured comfort and security of a modern, air-conditioned mothership, while you fish for Cichla temensis, the world’s largest peacock bass in the heart of the spectacular Brazilian Amazon. Our great mobility allows us to access tributaries of the Rio Negro, Madeira and Branco basins. Over a thousand miles of majestic, fish holding waters with hidden lagoons, winding tributaries, placid lakes and sandy beaches. Depending on conditions, we concentrate on the rivers or sections with optimal water levels and productivity. Our flexibility allows us to find great fishing on all of our trips. The Negro basin offers world-record size fish with good daily catch averages (15 - 30 or more / day) while the Madeira and Branco can de- liver 30 to 100 fish per day with trophies reaching 20 lbs. Two anglers per well-equipped boat with the Amazon’s most experienced guides. Great top water action and superb opportunities. Anglers can also do battle with huge red-tailed catfish (up to 100 pounds) and sleek sorubim in some of these river systems. Return each evening to the comfort and security of the Blackwater Explorer.

Air-conditioned cabins with pri- vate bathrooms and hot showers.

Well-stocked open bar.

Spacious and elegant The Rio Negro Breezy and relaxed dining area basin is home open-air lounge to the world’s biggest pea- cock bass

Sample Itinerary - blackwater Explorer peacock bass trips Day 1 Depart Miami to Manaus Brazil, After clearing customs in Manaus, we meet you and transfer you to our home-base hotel where you overnight. Our agent will transfer you to the airport for a charter flight to the Blackwater Explorer in the planned fishery. You’ll arrive at the yacht by Day 2 mid-morning. Unpack, gear-up and get in a half day of fishing. Six full days of fishing. Your angling day begins with a 5:30 AM wake up. Breakfast is at 6:00 AM. Your guide is ready to depart at first light, Day 3 through although you can remain in bed at your leisure. Relax a bit at lunchtime each day. Return to the yacht before dusk for appetizers, drinks and Day 8 bragging, followed by a delicious dinner. Jungle hikes, spotlighting trips, catfishing and, sometimes, local village visits can be arranged. Transfer back to Manaus via charter flight early AM. Enjoy a day room at our home-base hotel. You can arrange a sightseeing tour, a dinner in Day 9 town, or just relax by the pool. Transfer to the airport that evening. Arrive in Miami about 6:00 AM next morning.

Igapó Açu Indian Reservation - Late August, September and Rio Negro Basin - In mid-October, the Blackwater Explorer early October are optimal dates for the Amazon‘s most productive moves into the enormous Rio Negro basin. With hundreds of fishing trip in the amazing Igapó Aҫu region. Enclosed in an Indig- miles of complex, island-dotted archipelagos and dozens of enous reserve, we are the only mothership operation with the fish-laden tributaries, this is the world’s largest peacock bass rights to this hyper-productive fishery. Our great mobility allows us fishery - and we make use of all of it. We’re not stuck in the to access several protected fisheries, including the Rio Matupiri, channels! Our super-shallow draft and broad, displacement- Preto, Igapó Aҫu and Lago Tacquia. Over 300 miles of majestic type hull lets us go exactly where conditions are best. waters with isolated lagoons, winding tributaries and lazy creeks. This trip is focused on size and productivity - World- This trip is focused on high numbers - Extremely high daily record size peacock bass (approaching 30 lbs.) are found in catch averages (from 30 - 100 or more a day!). Trophy fish in the the Rio Negro basin. If you seek a 20+ pound trophy, this is teens are common and occasional fish up to 20 lbs. are encoun- the place to go. Good daily catch averages (from 15 - 30 or tered here every season. Unbelievable fly fishing opportunities. more a day). Fish over 20 lbs. are taken here routinely. Single Occupancy Trip Configuration - Space is limited to 8 Double or Single Occupancy Trip Configuration - anglers per group, float-plane access, private cabins. This trip fills Space is limited to 14 anglers, charter flight access, private up a year in advance, so make your plans early! or shared cabins. The best value in the Amazon! $5750 per angler. $4750 - double occupancy; or; $5250 - private cabin For more information, visit - http://www.acuteangling.com/peacock-bass-trips/floating-bungalow-camp/mission-statement.html PAGE PAGE 6 ACUTE ANGLING’S op-untesTROPHY-HUNTERS HeadwatersHEADWATERS OPERATION Operation

pecies What youll find when you arrive in the iant Peacock ass also, de utter middle of nowhere, are roomy, comfort- pending on area fished Amazon able cabins with every detail considered. Our catfish, apap, traira, aruana, highly mobile camps include every function peixe cachorro others necessary for your comfort. In our combina- ountry tion dining roomcamp kitchen, you'll eat in razil entral Amazon egion style, enjoying delicious meals. resh breads Fisheries and pastries are baked daily and imported econdary ributaries of the io wines, ice-cold beer, soft drinks and Brazilian egro, adeira and Amazonas Fig. 1b. -style aipirinha flow freely throughout early easons au your fishing trip. Our comfortable, versatile 1. eptember, . October- camps are managed by Norberto uedes, a ecember, . anuary-February knowledgeable fisherman, manager of our

Accommodation ype Blackwater Explorer yacht and an experi- Fly-in, Floating ungalows enced expert in handling the logistics inherent ndividually Air-conditioned in Amazon fishing operations. ince groups

osted by are small, the staff and bilingual host can of- eraldo egis fer truly hands-on attention and assistance.

Format Daily laundry service and satellite phone ac- ouble Occupancy cess are just a few of the available amenities.

ncluded What you wont find in our camp is discom- 1. ix days of fishing fort. The air-conditioned cabins are cool, even nights in the fishery, guided pleasant and secure. Typically parked against fishing anglersboat; fishing licens- beautiful white sand beaches, the camps have es, gourmet meals, all beverages; open more of the feel of a Caribbean resort than a bar; fine wines; charter flights; hotels; remote jungle outpost. After a long day of airport assistance and transfers. fishing, you can relax on the beach, barefoot . omplete fishing tackle outfit and in bathing suits, with a chilled cocktail in provided for this trip, rods, reels and lures, species and location specific. hand. But don’t worry, you can still tell tall tales about the hardships of the jungle to eve- . ravel and xtraction insurance A trophy ryone at home, even though what you really Complete coverage provided by lob- hunters al Rescue IM insurance company. experienced was more like a beach front va- dream trip cation with great Amazon fishing at its heart. ot ncluded Commercial Air flights to Manaus, Brazil; passports and visas; tipping.

Available Acute Angling provides these necessary services for its clients. 1. nternational air transportation We offer booking services on the in- ternational carriers servicing Manaus, omfort and accessibility is where our floating Brazil for all of our clients. bungalow camp shines - and floatplanes make . omplete passport and visa ser getting there easy. vice is provided with ItsEasy isa.. PAGE 7 PAGE 7

Our Fly-in Floating Bungalows have helped us perfect our ability to fulfill the trophy hunter’s fishing dreams. Drafting less than a foot of water, this specialized operating system can pass navigation blockages that can stop other trip types cold. This operation can reach remote headwaters and otherwise inaccessible fisheries, where the biggest of trophy peacocks can often be found. With access to some of the most remote Amazon fly-in fisheries and the flexibility to move into the best performing lo- cations at any given time, there is no better way to experience the Amazon up-close and personal. You’ll fish with our experi- enced guides in some of the best Amazon locations ... and our mobility ensures that you routinely encounter fresh new waters. On arrival from the US, you travel directly to our Floating Bungalow camp via a state-of-the-art, 8 passenger Cessna Cara- van floatplane, eliminating long boat travel or expensive “Fly-Outs”. We select locations with productive secluded lagoons, often hours away via even the fastest bass boats from the melee of competing operations. When you’re ready for the trip of a lifetime, Acute Angling will make sure that you have the best of all possible access to the most amazing freshwater fish in the world, in full comfort and security. Don’t settle for less - Pick your dates - we’ll do the rest. These exciting trips can provide a real shot at a trophy peacock or even a world record. If adventure and exploration in a group size limited to 8 members are among your ideas of what makes a good fishing trip, then this is the peacock bass trip for you!

Private, Roomy air-conditioned cabins feature com- Each bungalow Delicious meals in a spacious hot-water fortable comfortable beds. beds. has its own pri- dining room . showers vate bathroom. are a com- fortable amenity

Headwaters Our mobility gives fisheries can our floating bunga- produce lows access to some big cats of the Amazon’s biggest peacocks

Remote fisheries often provide access to big Amazon sorubim catfish

Sample Itinerary - peacock bass floating bungalow trips Day 1 Depart Miami to Manaus Brazil, After clearing customs in Manaus, we meet you and transfer you to our home-base hotel where you overnight. Our agent will transfer you to the airport for a charter flight on a Cessna Caravan floatplane to the fishery. The plane will deliver you directly Day 2 to the camp, arrive mid-morning. Unpack, gear-up and get in a half day of fishing. Six full days of fishing. Your angling day begins with a 5:30 AM wake up. Breakfast is at 6:00 AM. Your guide is ready to depart at first light, Day 3 through although you can remain in camp at your leisure. Relax a bit at lunchtime each day. Return to camp before dusk for appetizers, drinks and Day 8 bragging, followed by a delicious dinner. Jungle hikes, spotlighting trips, catfishing and, sometimes, local village visits can be arranged. Transfer back to Manaus via charter flight early AM. Enjoy a day room at our home-base hotel. You can arrange a sightseeing tour, a dinner in Day 9 town, or just relax by the pool. Transfer to the airport that evening. Arrive in Miami about 6:00 AM next morning.

Giant Peacock Bass - Rio Negro Tributaries. Oct. - Dec. and New - Variety Bungalow Trip - The best value in the Ama- Jan./Feb.are the optimal months for our floating bungalows in the zon! Fish in an uninhabited headwaters system for Pinima Rio Negro basin. Drafting less than 1 foot with full aluminum peacocks (same as in the Rio Marmelos) and catch more for hulls, these versatile units can make their way through just about way less than there! Just as comfortable and remote as our anything to find optimal fishing conditions far away from the regular bungalow trips, this trip boasts unusually broad varie- crowds. Experience a great chance at a true trophy peacock. ty. Adventure and excitement all in one trip! September only. This trip is focused on trophy-size peacocks - Daily catch This trip is focused on variety and quantity - Good daily averages (from 10 - 30+ per day). World-record size Cichla te- catch averages (from 15 - 40 or more Cichla pinima peacocks mensis peacock bass are found in the Rio Negro basin. If you a day). Trophy fish in the teens are found here; plus acrobatic seek a giant trophy, this is the trip that can deliver. apapá, huge aruana, sorubim, filhote and giant . Double Occupancy Trip Configuration - Space is limited to Double Occupancy Trip Configuration - Space is limited 8 anglers per group, float-plane only access, roomy A/C cooled to 8 anglers per group, float-plane only access, roomy A/C cabins, private bathrooms and hot showers. cooled cabins, private bathrooms and hot showers. $5250 per angler - double occupancy; $4450 per angler - double occupancy;

For more information, visit - http://www.acuteangling.com/peacock-bass-trips/floating-bungalow-camp/mission-statement.html PAGE PAGE 8 ACUTE ANGLING’S Multi-SpeciesMULTI-SPECIES MountainMOUNTAIN LODGELodge

pecies his trip is for the Peacock ass ichla vazzoleri,Fig. 1a. paca angler who’s done it all. rairo wolfish, Payara, icuda, The Rio Travesso, iso- , Pescada iant Amazon at lated by impassable wa- fish Piraiba, au, edtails, oru terfalls and inside a pro- bim, undira and more tected Indian reservation ountry is the Amazon’s most razil outstanding variety fish- Fishery ery. We have the great privilege to uyana hield ighlands own and operate comfortable Picapau eason lodge within its protected waters.

October through February he ravesso's isolated habitats Accommodation ype hold a true potpourri of Amazon spe- - Air conditioned odge cies. Bicuda to feet long, big, ugly osted by wolfish to lbs., hieroglyphic pat- Wellington elo terned sorubim, chunky pacu and the Format biggest black we’ve ever seen ouble Occupancy abins with haunt the narrow braids and creeks, en-suite athrooms and showers. while wider sections hold hefty pea- ncluded cock bass in rocky shallows and tro- 1. ix days of fishing phy payara in quick running tailrac- even nights in Picapau odge, satellite es. Deep holes harbor the Amazon’s camp access; guided fishing anglers boat; fishing licenses, gourmet meals, most gigantic catfish, including open bar; fine wines; charter flights;Fig. ho- lb. piraiba, huge jau, big redtails, tels; airport assistance and transfers.a. jundira and more. . omplete fishing tackle outfit provid- f youre looking for an extreme ed for this trip, rods, reels and lures, spe- fishing adventure, then this is the trip cies and location specific. for you. oin us on the wild and iso- . ravel and xtraction insurance lated Rio Travesso and become one Complete coverage provided by lobal of the few outsiders to ever experi- Rescue and IM insurance company. ence these eerily beautiful lands. ot ncluded Commercial Air flights to Manaus, Brazil; passports and visas; tipping.

Available Acute Angling provides these necessary services for its clients. 1. nternational air transportation We offer booking services on the international carriers servicing Manaus, Brazil for all of our clients. . omplete passport and visa service is provided with ItsEasy isa. PAGE PAGE 9 Mutiecies ariet oge aaon highans The fast-flowing, boulder-strewn Rio Travesso bisects a land that time forgot. It’s constantly changing; it braids, widens and slows, narrows, gains speed then braids again. This variability provides habitat for an amazing range of fierce gamefish. Rustic Picapau odge is located on its own island in the middle of this pristine mountain river. Not fancy, but pretty darned comfortable; big cabins, private en-suite bathrooms, private walk-in showers, natural water spa and wonderful meals. Your job here is to fish, eat, drink, relax and experience a true Amazon adventure. Our upriver satellite camp gives access to more waters and total operational flexibility. Be one with the Amazon on a unique expedition into a restricted Indian reservation.

ample tinerary - Aaon otic Mutiecies ariet tNoteri - Itineraries ica cana uvary oge ay 1 Depart Miami to Manaus Brazil, After clearing customs in Manaus, we meet you and transfer you to our home-base hotel where you overnight. Our agent will transfer you to the airport for a charter flight on a Cessna Caravan floatplane to the fast-water Rio Travessao. Take a short boat ay ride upriver to Picapau lodge on its private island. Arrive mid-morning. npack, gear-up and get in a half day of fishing. ix full days of fishing. Your angling day begins with a AM wake up. Breakfast is at AM. Your guide is ready to depart at first light, ay through although you can remain in the lodge at your leisure. Relax a bit at lunchtime each day. Return to the lodge before dusk for appetizers, drinks ay 8 and bragging, followed by a delicious dinner. ungle hikes, spotlighting trips, catfishing and, sometimes, local village visits can be arranged. Transfer back to Manaus via charter flight early AM. Enjoy a day room at our home-base hotel. You can arrange a sightseeing tour, a dinner in ay 9 town, or just relax by the pool. Transfer to the airport that evening. Arrive in Miami about AM the next morning.

io Travessao~ - ariety Species. - There is just no place like the Rio Travesso. If you think that oddly famous T star, who poses himself all over South America catching one river monster per episode is doing something spe- cial, well, he just doesn't know the Rio Travesso. The biggest, baddest and most monstrous species of them all are here; all together, and ready to fight. Preserved in an Indian reservation and protected from outside access by rapids and waterfalls, this unique fishery provides anglers with more than just an exciting fishing trip … this is a true Amazon adventure. This trip is ocused on Exotic, ulti-species ariety Over a dozen of the world’s most exciting gamefish live here. ouble ccupancy Trip Coniguration - Space is lim- ited to anglers per group, float-plane only access, roomy cabins, delicious food, comfortable facilities. per angler - double occupancy For more information, visit - httpwww.acuteangling.compeacock-bass-tripsamazon-safari-campmission-statement.html 2019 TRIP CATALOG PAGE 10

First time visitors to the Amazon often have rather distorted preconceptions of what they might encounter here. These somewhat skewed expectations typically reflect the influence of TV fishing shows, sensational Hollywood films, exaggerated works of fiction and trendy news media spin. We have limited space here to try to illuminate all of it, but we’ve picked a few of the most frequently arising current questions to address. You can obtain broader information and far greater detail on our website at acuteangling.com.

♦ No, certainly not! This is a huge basin with widely differing ♦ Pshaw! That’s Hollywood stuff. We fish in what can best be de- habitats. Fisheries that contain giant peacock bass are concen- scribed as “benign” environments. The dangers of piranha, and trated in the Amazon lowlands, while some of the other exotics anacondas are mostly the stuff of Hollywood fiction. Piranha are the like payara, wolfish and giant piraiba are found in high gradient, panfish of the Amazon - they don’t eat people. In fact, since they are highlands rivers. Just as you wouldn’t head to Wyoming for quite tasty, people eat piranha. too don’t attack people. High- largemouth bass or to Florida for rainbow trout, Amazon sport- ly intelligent and capable, they know that humankind is the most dan- fishes are likewise found in different areas of this gigantic basin gerous in the jungle. They carefully keep their distance, mak- (the size of the continental U.S.). Amazon fishes have specific ing a jaguar sighting a rare but exciting experience. Nor are anaconda distributions, just as other sportfish in other regions! a danger. If they can’t swallow you, you aren't food (and they can’t swallow an adult human). If you aren’t food, they won’t approach you. Although we encounter them occasionally, they too are a rare ♦There is no “best” type. We operate different trip types to but exciting sighting. Our guides are all Amazon outdoorsmen and access different species in different regions with different logis- will keep you as safe as their professional hunting or fishing coun- tical challenges. This calls for different operating mechanisms to terparts in any other wilderness environment. successfully access the targeted sportfish. For this reason, we use a mothership operation (for navigable waters), a floating bungalow camp (for waters with navigational challenges), a ♦No, not in our operations. You don't drink local water or river fixed lodge (for mountain waters not navigable by any large water. We provide only bottled water. Bottled water is used for juic- vessel) and a safari style tent camp (for some of our exploratory es, ice cubes and all cooking, thereby eliminating contact with the voyages). In spite of their vastly different configurations, we native flora and the likelihood of “Montezuma’s Revenge”. You're provide essentially the same amenities in each of our trips not going to contract any exotic tropical diseases in our operations. (except the safari camp). You’ll enjoy air-conditioned comfort, private bathrooms, refreshing individual showers, great food, excellent wine and an always open bar in all of our operations. ♦ It just isn’t an issue here! The waters we fish are essentially mos- It’s a matter of selecting the right trip for your expectations. quito free. Fisheries that contain giant peacock bass and our other exotic aquatic targets are all “Blackwater” systems. The low pH in- herent in these waters (highly acidic - ranging from 3.5 to 6.0) inhib- ♦It’s not a question of calendar dates, it’s all about water its successful reproduction and development of aquatic mosquito levels. Our fisheries sit just south of the equator. There is no larva. As amazing as it sounds, we don’t have mosquitos here. summer/winter climate dichotomy here. Rather, Amazon sea- Further, the mosquito species that transmit Zika are not native to sons are defined as “wet” or “dry”. Our fisheries are subject to the Amazon. Aedes Aegyptus, the primary Zika vector, is absent what can best be described as a “once-a-year-tide”. Water levels from our region. Finally, even if it were present, Zika does not pose a can range from 20 to 40 feet higher during the flood periods, as significant health risk to our anglers. According to CDC, most people compared to low water periods. Fishing is impossible during the infected with Zika never notice any symptoms. The likelihood of peak of the flood. Fishing is almost always best during “falling encountering Zika on an Acute Angling trip is essentially zero; far water” periods. Our fishing operations use mobility and con- lower than the odds of it being contracted in the southern U.S. servative scheduling to ensure that anglers are always fishing in optimal conditions. Fishing success is a matter of being in the right place at the right time … and that’s the only time we fish. ♦ Well it's hot, but not any hotter than Dallas in August. And though it's mostly dry during our fishing season, it can get humid, although not any worse than Florida in July. Day-time temperatures range ♦Far away from human population. Both subsistence and from 85 to 105⁰ while nights are cooler, in the 70’s. The sun is a dif- commercial fishing can significantly reduce fishing perfor- ferent story. Amazonia is located essentially astride the equator. mance. For this reason, all of our trips are so remote that they Bring plenty of sun block and cover up with good quality tropical require charter flights or floatplanes to get you there. We con- clothing. We recommend light-colored, long sleeve shirts, pants, a centrate on areas where commercial fishing is prohibited or we full-cover fishing hat and good quality polarized sunglasses. contract with Indian reservations or local communities to enjoy exclusive access to restricted fishing waters. We only go where fishing conditions give our anglers the opportunity to realize ♦No! It’s actually easier than many other remote fishing destina- their expectations. tions. We provide you with a “turnkey” travel package. We can ar- range your flights, provide travel insurance and offer visa services for all of our anglers. We will hold your hand from the moment you ar- ♦Call us. We’ll help you to sort out the options and select the rive to the time you depart. We provide all accommodations, services trip most appropriate for your expectations. We only operate and transfers. We have over two decades of Amazon experience and Amazon fishing trips. We are the foremost experts in the field. are at your service from the moment you reserve your trip with us. 2019 TRIP CATALOG PAGE 11 We Are Much More Than Just Fishing ...

claim that they're the best, Every business’s literature and websites Acute Angling that they go the extra mile and all the rest of the marketing buzzwords Photo Gallery, one expects. Frankly, that’s precisely how we also describe our prod- where they can ucts. But we actually do those things! We provide extra services, share their imag- unique options and exclusive opportunities to our clients; es and show the Some extras, like our attention to detail, our thorough pre-trip infor- - world their tro- mation, our single layer of responsibility and our industry leading, fair phies, their artis- and just terms and conditions are not so visible until you examine tic impressions them carefully and compare us with others; and their Ama- like our flight booking services, visa assistance, travel insur- Some, zon fishing mojo! ance, etc. are part of our extensive, turn-key preparatory services and are simply available from the moment you sign up for a trip. Exploratory Trips - We go where no one else can or will to find the Some, are quietly included as an integral part of our trips, kind of adventure fishing experience rapidly disappearing from our like catfishing, indigenous village visits, hikes, seminars, shore lunch- planet ... and we invite our anglers to join us. Sometimes the ac- es, spotlighting adventures, Brazilian barbeques and more. commodations are basic safari camps; Sometimes they’re more But, some of our unique extras and options are clearly seen, felt comfortable; like our floating bungalows or an air-conditioned and experienced, We've outlined a few for your information ; yacht. Regardless of the mechanism, they always provide first class Kayak Fishing in the Amazon - We’ve added an exclusive new di- fishing adventure. No one but Acute Angling offers you extraordi- mension to our already exciting adventures. Catching a powerful nary Amazon adventure opportunities like these. For 2019 we will peacoc a pugna- be exploring the Amazon’s last remaining frontier, already shown to ciou paara or a- be home to some of the biggest peacock bass in the Amazon. ie aon cath - To i increil eciting Trip Cancellation and Emergency Extraction Insurance make our Amazon trip packages as complete as possible, we pro- no atter how ou o vide yet another exclusive service for our clients. In cooperation it o iagine the in- with Global Rescue and IMG Travel Insurance, Acute Angling pro- tenit of eperiencing vides a unique package of medical evacuation and trip cancellation thi leel of frehwater insurance to provide total trip security … It’s included as part of hing up cloe an your trip package … and at no cost to you. Obtaining similar pro- peronal fro a aa tection could cost over $500. Your safety, well-being and trip in- t i ipl put the ultiate coination of prieal wilerne pa- vestment is never at risk when you travel with Acute Angling. leport coine with eotic pecie angling e oer aa hing on our ultipecie an loating ungalow trip Add-on - If you’ve selected one of our incomparable Amazon trips, you can make your adventure even more exciting by Client Photo Gallery - Amazon fishing is photogenic. The scenery is arranging a day-trip to our exclusive arapaima fishery. Catch the awesome, the culture and people are enchanting and the trophies world’s largest scaled freshwater fish from an aluminum jon boat! merit lifetime memories. So, our anglers take a lot of photos — not just We’ll collect you from our Manaus hotel and bring you to our chain to remember their experience but to share it with others. Our website of five Amazon lakes, where these lumbering monsters lurk. Avail- takes it to the next level. All of our clients have access to their own able only to anglers booked on one of our regularly scheduled trips.

7. Our operations are extremely comfortable - Our beautiful - 1. We run our trips from top to bottom - We are owner, op- Blackwater Explorer is a comfortable yacht with individual air erator, outfitter and organizer rolled into one. If anything is conditioners, comfortable beds, private bathrooms and hot showers in - ever not right, we'll correct it or make it good. There’s never each cabin. Our floating bungalows and multi species lodge boast the any finger-pointing - we could only ever point at ourselves! same amenities. Your only job on all of our trips is to eat, drink, sleep, fish, relax and enjoy the fishing adventure of a lifetime. 2. First and foremost, we are a sportfishing operation, fo- - - cused on providing a productive trip with all the creature com- 8. We have old fashioned morals and a modern business model forts you need. We ARE NOT a cruise ship with some fishing committed to providing the best product that can be offered; deliv- thrown in … We ARE truly a finely honed fishing machine. ered with diligence and honesty... as in days gone by. We’re willing to make a promise to you, be responsible to deliver it and ensure that 3. Amazon fishing is ruled by water level. If it’s right, fish- we have the resources to support it. ing is great. If not, it can be disappointing. We go where condi- - tions are right. Our operations are highly mobile and we don’t 9. We provide a broad Amazon experience understanding that hesitate to move anytime it will improve fishing quality. you want to see and feel the Amazon, its wildlife and its people as part of your trip. We offer our anglers visits to Indian villages, spot- - 4. We are the world's leading authority on peacock bass In lighting excursions, jungle hikes, shore lunches - even seminars fishing, knowledge is power! With over twenty years of about this unique wilderness. experience and with a team headed by a PhD in Neotropical - - Ichthyology, we have the power to maximize your success. 10. Put simply We offer the best value in the Amazon Not only are our prices lower than others, but we deliver much, much more. - - 5. Our turn key trip packages are totally complete We’ll There are no layers of commission or silly marketing frills. We pro- walk you through every aspect of your trip with support to put vide a productive, polished and comfortable trip with top-quality everything into place. We’re always just a phone call away. service, support, food and drink ... Typically thousands of dollars 6. Our trips are top shelf - We provide quality fishing gear, below any competitor even approaching our quality. quality wines, including Argentine Malbecs, Chilean Cabernets and Portuguese Alentejos ... and our food is second to none! *Note: e operate each of our cheule trip onl uring optial Amazon Trip Seasons perio ate range hown outline the general eaon for each of our trip tpe

leae contact u to reuet our CALENDAR atepecic aailailit liting BLACKWATER EXPLORER YACHT

Fall Igapó Açu Indian Reserve $5750 6 Groups Only JAN FEB MAR • eacoc a • er igh nuer Floatplane Only Access APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP • oo topen ie Private Cabins - 8 Anglers OCT NOV DEC

Fall / Winter Rio Negro Basin $4750 Double Occupancy $5250 Private Cabin • eacoc a Charter Only Access JAN FEB MAR • oo nuer Up to 14 Anglers APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP • orl ecor otential OCT NOV DEC Fly-in Floating bungalows

September Pinima Peacocks, apapa, big catfish & more $4450 JAN FEB MAR • inia eacoc a ariet Floatplane Only Access APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP • igh uer oo ie 8 Anglers OCT NOV DEC

Fall Southern Rio Negro tributaries $5250 JAN FEB MAR • roph eacoc a Floatplane Only Access APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP • orl ecor otential 8 Anglers OCT NOV DEC

Winter Southern Rio Negro tributaries $5250 JAN FEB MAR • roph eacoc a Floatplane Only Access APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP • orl ecor otential 8 Anglers OCT NOV DEC

MULTI-SPECIES VARIETY LODGE

Fall / Winter Picapau Lodge on the Rio Travessão $5750 JAN FEB MAR • ultipecie iant Cath Floatplane Only Access APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP • riate nian eeration 8 Anglers OCT NOV DEC