Manaus is the the capital of the Amazon region,some 4000kls North West of Rio or 5hours by plane.It has a population of 1800000 people,a real rural city on the bank of the Amazon.
We are staying the night before flying a further 350 kls West to our fishing camp.At the 'Tropical Hotel' there is a small zoo and a great display of Amazonian Indian headgear.
Next day I meet my fishing group headed by Garry Barmby.Others are Randel(Rad)Bielenberg,Craig Gilvary,Ben Sandbrooks and Phil Clements.I learn later these guys are all top anglers.
We all went to the fish market,huge,
there were so many exotic species
Including Piranha,which is a favorite table fish,we were surprised.The mixed market goes for about 3 city blocks,selling everything including the biggest Paella pan I have ever seen.
In one area they played a most unusual game of roulette,where they rolled a billiard ball along a track that knocked two large dice off a shelf that created the winning numbers.
Early next day we fly 2 hours by float plane to our camp on the Caures River.
This river flows into the Negro/Amazon River.The camp is a series of floating metal tents plus dinning room,staff quarters,etc,that are towed up river every few day as the waters recede so that you can fish in fresh environments.Bass are sensitive.
After breakfast we start fishing at 7am and fished to 5pm with an hour in the hammock at midday.
In 7 days we caught 960 Bass plus assorted other species.I caught caught 160 Bass,the biggest 16lbs.Others were 10,12,14lbs and plenty under double figures.
It was hot,humid and exhausting but very satisfying.
Now I am going back to Europe through Buenos Aires to finish the adventure.
Mick