When I think about my experience as a sport fisherman, I can’t find a more accurate description for Colombia and the Orinoquia region than the word PERFECTION. Today I will tell you about my experience fishing a peacock bass in Colombia.

This region of virgin and magical jungles, rivers full of life, and dusty roads, is a magical place we have the fortune to travel across every year. The best thing is that it has changed very little over the years, it never ceases to amaze me. 

Being able to have access to places like this, which are increasingly harder to find, fills us with satisfaction. But the most important thing is that we can share this with clients and friends. 

Each trip is a new experience 

The Colombian Orinoquia Region is an independent universe. It is one of the most biodiverse regions on earth, and also, a cultural and ethnic wonder. 

Little is known about these ecosystems, but in recent years and thanks to the new realities in social and peace terms in Colombia, interesting projects have been developed.

Such is the case of AFLOAT, a project that develops the concept of sport fishing and eco tourism so customers can learn more about the rivers, jungles, savannas, estuaries and  ecosystems of the region as well as how to take care of them.

Just a few years ago, it was hard to think about visiting these places. It was crazy to think that a tourist program could be developed. The lack of infrastructure and the social reality of these territories made it simply impossible.

Therefore, when you heard or read something about the giant peacock bass, possibly the only destinations available were Brazil or Venezuela. However, the situation has changed for these countries and the sport fishing activity of peacock bass in Colombia is now highly desired.

The social and political situation of Venezuela doesn’t give any guarantees to any sustainable projects. On the other hand, the fishing pressure in Brazil has forced the operators to go deeper and deeper in the jungle to find the 20+ pounds trophy fish that all peacock bass fisherman seek.

This simple factor has made fishing in Brazil increasingly expensive for both clients and those who offer the activity.

Today, Colombia is the best place for  peacock bass fishing 

Today we can proudly say that Colombia is in the top of the peacock bass destinations in the World. 

The pristine rivers, without any kind of fishing pressure and projects like AFLOAT, that promote the protection and sustainability of the resources and communities guarantees a magnificent experience for guests and clients. 

My experience fishing a peacock bass in Colombia

It’s time to look for your lures or fly box and get into one of the five fishing boats, especially designed for this style of fishing. 

In these boats we can have access to different types of landscapes the river has to offer.

Where we find:

• Rock structures
• “Arizales”, which is a type of tree that grows in the banks of the river
• Sand banks with perfect hiding spots to ambush the prey 
• Immense lagoons on both sides of the river. 
• Crystalline spouts 

After a short boat ride along the river, we reach a spot with submerged rocks. 

It’s really cool to fish in these kinds of structures, because the water flows a little bit faster and the struggle with the fish becomes more attractive.

Besides, it tests your fishing skills, trying to keep away from the rocks the fish that will try to cut the line against the sharp rocks.

Looking for the right fly to catch a peacock bass in colombia?

It’s time to make a quick pause and think about the fly you will use. 

Patterns such as red tail and white, or small peacock bass imitations are always productive, especially because they look like the “Arari” – a very common bait fish that peacocks love to attack.

Armando Giraldo from Orinoco Flies, who knows these fish and rivers well, always provides clients the best flies. 

We stop the boat engine 30 miles before the fishing spot, to avoid scaring the fish. 

We can see from the distance the activity, bait fish flying out of the water, this feeding frenzy is a moment you will never forget.

Quickly I take out my line out of the reel and prepare to cast it. After two false casts, the fly hits the water and the reaction was immediate. I didn’t even manage to make the first strip and a huge speckled peacock bass took the fly.

How I caught a peacock bass in Colombia

The fight begins. The fish empties the line quickly, and the backing begins.

I try to stop it before it heads to the rocks, finally I manage to turn around his head with the rod and just after this, it jumps showing us its size and magnificent colors.

After a great fight we reach a good spot to take a quick photo, keeping the fish always wet and using a nest to weigh it. 

I took a moment to admire the beauty of the fish, and I thank it for the fight. Afterwards, we release it, to have the chance to fight another day. 

We spent the rest of the day with similar results, not counting the number of Butterfly (Cichla Orinocensis) and Royal (Cichla Intermedia) peacocks which are attractive to catch as well.

My thoughts after fishing peacock bass in Colombia

 It’s not possible for me or anyone to describe with words the wonder of this place but writing this article I realized certain thoughts and facts I would like to share.

 First is that I confirm Colombia is a paradise to discover for any sport fisherman in the world. 

With an enormous potential to catch and release IGFA world records comparable with any top destination such as Brazil. However, in Colombia, the costs are much lower, and with a more significant number and size of peacock bass fish it is an ideal option.

The second one, is that the reality for the country in social terms allows Colombians and foreigners to explore and develop sustainable projects like AFLOAT.

These projects make responsible tourism possible not only for the environment but also with local communities. 

And last, but not least, is that AFLOAT crew has built an amazing experience in terms of security, logistics, comfort and efficiency for four years.

This allows customers to be in the perfect condition to catch trophy fish that will always be in their memories.

That’s why the 80% of the clients that visit us come back year after year, because they trust the capacities of our crew.

They feel comfortable and capable to rely on a team that will always push to provide an excellent experience.

When I think about my experience as a sport fisherman, I can’t find a more accurate description for Colombia and the Orinoquia region than the word PERFECTION. Today I will tell you about my experience fishing a peacock bass in Colombia.

This region of virgin and magical jungles, rivers full of life, and dusty roads, is a magical place we have the fortune to travel across every year. The best thing is that it has changed very little over the years, it never ceases to amaze me. 

Being able to have access to places like this, which are increasingly harder to find, fills us with satisfaction. But the most important thing is that we can share this with clients and friends. 

Each trip is a new experience 

The Colombian Orinoquia Region is an independent universe. It is one of the most biodiverse regions on earth, and also, a cultural and ethnic wonder. 

Little is known about these ecosystems, but in recent years and thanks to the new realities in social and peace terms in Colombia, interesting projects have been developed.

Such is the case of AFLOAT, a project that develops the concept of sport fishing and eco tourism so customers can learn more about the rivers, jungles, savannas, estuaries and  ecosystems of the region as well as how to take care of them.

Just a few years ago, it was hard to think about visiting these places. It was crazy to think that a tourist program could be developed. The lack of infrastructure and the social reality of these territories made it simply impossible.

Therefore, when you heard or read something about the giant peacock bass, possibly the only destinations available were Brazil or Venezuela. However, the situation has changed for these countries and the sport fishing activity of peacock bass in Colombia is now highly desired.

The social and political situation of Venezuela doesn’t give any guarantees to any sustainable projects. On the other hand, the fishing pressure in Brazil has forced the operators to go deeper and deeper in the jungle to find the 20+ pounds trophy fish that all peacock bass fisherman seek.

This simple factor has made fishing in Brazil increasingly expensive for both clients and those who offer the activity.

Today, Colombia is the best place for  peacock bass fishing 

Today we can proudly say that Colombia is in the top of the peacock bass destinations in the World. 

The pristine rivers, without any kind of fishing pressure and projects like AFLOAT, that promote the protection and sustainability of the resources and communities guarantees a magnificent experience for guests and clients. 

My experience fishing a peacock bass in Colombia

It’s time to look for your lures or fly box and get into one of the five fishing boats, especially designed for this style of fishing. 

In these boats we can have access to different types of landscapes the river has to offer.

Where we find:

• Rock structures
• “Arizales”, which is a type of tree that grows in the banks of the river
• Sand banks with perfect hiding spots to ambush the prey 
• Immense lagoons on both sides of the river. 
• Crystalline spouts 

After a short boat ride along the river, we reach a spot with submerged rocks. 

It’s really cool to fish in these kinds of structures, because the water flows a little bit faster and the struggle with the fish becomes more attractive.

Besides, it tests your fishing skills, trying to keep away from the rocks the fish that will try to cut the line against the sharp rocks.

Looking for the right fly to catch a peacock bass in colombia?

It’s time to make a quick pause and think about the fly you will use. 

Patterns such as red tail and white, or small peacock bass imitations are always productive, especially because they look like the “Arari” – a very common bait fish that peacocks love to attack.

Armando Giraldo from Orinoco Flies, who knows these fish and rivers well, always provides clients the best flies. 

We stop the boat engine 30 miles before the fishing spot, to avoid scaring the fish. 

We can see from the distance the activity, bait fish flying out of the water, this feeding frenzy is a moment you will never forget.

Quickly I take out my line out of the reel and prepare to cast it. After two false casts, the fly hits the water and the reaction was immediate. I didn’t even manage to make the first strip and a huge speckled peacock bass took the fly.

How I caught a peacock bass in Colombia

The fight begins. The fish empties the line quickly, and the backing begins.

I try to stop it before it heads to the rocks, finally I manage to turn around his head with the rod and just after this, it jumps showing us its size and magnificent colors.

After a great fight we reach a good spot to take a quick photo, keeping the fish always wet and using a nest to weigh it. 

I took a moment to admire the beauty of the fish, and I thank it for the fight. Afterwards, we release it, to have the chance to fight another day. 

We spent the rest of the day with similar results, not counting the number of Butterfly (Cichla Orinocensis) and Royal (Cichla Intermedia) peacocks which are attractive to catch as well.

My thoughts after fishing peacock bass in Colombia

 It’s not possible for me or anyone to describe with words the wonder of this place but writing this article I realized certain thoughts and facts I would like to share.

 First is that I confirm Colombia is a paradise to discover for any sport fisherman in the world. 

With an enormous potential to catch and release IGFA world records comparable with any top destination such as Brazil. However, in Colombia, the costs are much lower, and with a more significant number and size of peacock bass fish it is an ideal option.

The second one, is that the reality for the country in social terms allows Colombians and foreigners to explore and develop sustainable projects like AFLOAT.

These projects make responsible tourism possible not only for the environment but also with local communities. 

And last, but not least, is that AFLOAT crew has built an amazing experience in terms of security, logistics, comfort and efficiency for four years.

This allows customers to be in the perfect condition to catch trophy fish that will always be in their memories.

That’s why the 80% of the clients that visit us come back year after year, because they trust the capacities of our crew.

They feel comfortable and capable to rely on a team that will always push to provide an excellent experience.

 

If your desire is to travel to the perfect place to fish the different species of Peacock Bass, today we will tell you about one of them. The Orinoquia region, in Colombia, offers us an ideal place to practice river fishing.

The Orinoquia region is one of the 5 natural regions of Colombia that belongs to the Orinoco river watershed. The region covers most of the area of states of:

• Meta
• Arauca
• Casanare
• Vichada

This region is known from the Spanish “llanos orientales” or the eastern planes.

¿What is the Orinoco River? 

The Orinoco River is one of the longest rivers in South America that flows in a giant arc for about 1,700 miles (2,740 km) from its source in the Guiana Highlands to its mouth on the Atlantic Ocean.

The Orinoco and its tributaries constitute the northernmost of South America’s four major river systems. Bordered by:

• The Andes Mountains to the west and the north
• The Guiana Highlands  to the east
• The Amazon watershed to the south.

The river basin covers an area of about 366,000 square miles (948,000 square km). It encompasses approximately four-fifths of Venezuela and one-fourth of Colombia.

Orinoco River Facts

The Orinoco River stretches for almost 989,000 km, most of it in Venezuela and the remaining 35% in Colombia. Along the basins in Colombia we find tropical savannas where they meet the forests and wetlands along the rivers.

The landscapes of the Colombian Orinoquia change with the seasons. In the summer the pastures are tinged with gold and yellow where numerous animal species. This animal species inhabit the region waiting for the rainy season. 

When the rainy season arrives the rivers flood the savannas forming  lagoons which are visited by flocks of migratory birds taking refuge from the cold of winter in these warm lands and where food is abundant.

It is a land of contrasts, a paradise of surprisingly rich and varied fauna and flora with more bird species in this region alone than the total number of bird species in the United States.

In the Orinoco River and its surroundings we can find large numbers of insects, birds, mammals and fish species. Among the most outstanding we find the Pink Dolphin, the Jaguar, the Orinoco caiman, the Palmero Bear, the  giant Otter, Iguanas, the Morrocoy Tortoise and fish such as the Black Pacu, the Golden Catfish and the Peacock Bass.

In addition, the “Llanos Orientales” region is privileged to count with 3 national natural parks:

• El Tuparro
• Serrania de la Macarena
• Morichales de paz de Ariporo

The National Park of Serranía de la Macarena is the most extensive towards the west and the Colombian border with Guyana, which stretches for approximately 130 kilometers long by 30 km wide.

Being a very isolated area, this natural park inhabits unique species of both flora and fauna.

The National Park of Morichales de Paz de Ariporo was declared a national park in 2009. This was due to the number of flooded and wooded savanna ecosystems in this area. 

In a botanical expedition carried out in the region, it was discovered that 138 species of plants, 20 species of mammals, 136 species of birds, 20 species of reptiles, 11 species of amphibians and 53 species of fish are found in the region.

However, the most important for us is the National Park of el Tuparro.

¿What is el Tuparro National Park? 

One of the largest national parks in Colombia, El Tuparro is home to 74 species of mammals including:

• The rare pink Dolphin
• White tail deer
• Giant armadillo
• Tapir
• Puma 
• Jaguar 
• Capybara

It also has hundreds of  species of birds, 17 reptiles, countless fish species including the much coveted peacock bass, 5 primate species, and a  wide variety of amphibians

Located in the department of Vichada, a massive and beautiful state full of flat lands in the east side of Colombia just beside the border with Venezuela. This park is in the middle of nowhere with more than 5 ecosystems – we are privileged to say this area is particularly rich in fauna and flora.

Not surprisingly, Sportfishing and hunting in El Tuparro is prohibited to preserve its natural resources.

That’s why we have a special area boarding the national park, to be precise in the Tomo and Gavilan rivers destined for our operation.

The development of our sport is possible by always being mindful of preserving the ecosystems and following the rules demanded by the national laws.

You might be interested in the experience of one of our clients had visiting Colombia. You can read it by clicking here.

The Tomo River and the Gavilan River

TOMO RIVER

It is considered one of the best rivers in Vichada for trophy size peacock bass occasionally exceeding the 20 and getting to 28 to 30 pounds.

These are lands that remain flooded 3/4 of the year, so the fishing pressure is not as aggressive as in other regions of South America.

To read more of the Tomo River we invite you to read our article “Where to find Peacock Bass in Colombia?”. You can read it clicking here.

GAVILAN RIVER

It is a smaller river and is a tributary of the Tomo river.

The structure and the way of fishing the peacocks changes a lot in the Gavilan River. 

Part of the area in Gavilan where we fish is a reforestation zone. That zone is protected, which makes the flora and fauna very abundant. It is a beautiful place where you can see capybaras, caimans, giant otters, tapirs and large numbers of birds.

To read more of the Gavilan River we invite you to read our article “Where to find Peacock Bass in Colombia?”. You can read it clicking here.

Peacock Bass Species

Dolphins and jaguars can be very attractive, but what really matters to us is our trophy fish, the peacock bass!

Here are three different species of peacock bass that you can find in the Orinoquia Region:

Cichla Temensis 

Also known as Pavon cinchado, both male and female are native to Orinoco River and Amazon Basins.

Cichla Temensis  can grow up to more than 30 pounds, it is the largest member of the peacock bass genus.

Its violent behavior and awesome attack power is the primary attraction that brings avid sport fishermen to Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil.

This top level predator is considered by many to be the most powerful freshwater gamefish in the world, giving anglers the greatest fight they will ever experience with a rod and reel.

It can be caught on spin, bait-casting or fly tackle.

 Cichla Intermedia

Also known as pavon real, the Cichla Intermedia can grow up to 10 or 12 pounds.

They are characterized by an irregular black stripe which runs laterally along the full length of the midsection of the fish.

This peacock will rarely weigh more than 10 pounds, although 12 pound fish have been caught.

It mainly inhabits clear or black rivers of the Orinoco basin.

As a point of interest, while the pavon real is less frequently encountered by anglers, most experienced pavon fishermen feel that pound for pound Cichla intermedia is the gamest of the pavones.

Like the speckled and butterfly peacocks, it is easily caught on spinning, bait-casting or fly rod tackle. Just like all peacock bass, they are voracious fish eaters by nature.

Cichla Orinocensis 

The Cichla Orinocensis  are one of the most common species from the Orinoco and Amazon rivers.

The Cichla Orinocensis peacocks are distinguished from all other species of peacock bass by the presence of three large, dark ocellated spots along their side.

They are often confused with butterfly peacocks (Cichla ocellaris) because they are commonly called “burboleta”, which is Brazilian Portuguese for “butterfly.

Orinoco peacocks are one of the more common species and can be found in Colombia, Brazil and Venezuela.

These beautiful cichlids are powerful fighters that can be caught on bait, lures and flies. The All-Tackle record is 13 lb 11 oz (6.22 kg) and was caught in Venezuela.