><((((°> 2008-09 Club Calendar <°))))><

• May 13
  Program: Open
  Raffle Prize provided by Bubba Headrick
  
  

2009

• Peacock Bass Trip - Now Booking for Jan. 17-24, 09

  PEACOCK BASS
  by Ric McNulty, former manager at Jones Creek - Orvis in Tyler, is now the fly fishing manager at Winchester’s Sportsman’s Outfitters located at 4111 Gilmer Rd, Longview, TX. 75604.

  14 lb. peacock bass on 8wt fly rod Rio Negro, Amazon, Brazil! March 13, 2008 Ric McNulty

  On March 8, 2008 sixteen fishermen met in Miami, Fl. to begin their trip to Brazil in pursuit of Peacock Bass and other species that lurk in the waters of the Amazon Basin. The weeklong trip hosted by Winchester’s Sportsman’s Outfitters included fishermen from Texas, Arkansas, Georgia and Florida. Ric McNulty and Greg Winchester were “point men” for this seven day adventure. Twelve of the fishermen used conventional tackle, but die hard fly fishermen Ric McNulty, Bill Ramey, Ryan Darr and Ed Hall (GA.) pursued the Peacock Bass with their fly rods. As in previous trips, the fly rod proved to be the best weapon for both sheer numbers and size. Of the total 761 fish caught over a six day period, approximately 300 were caught on the fly rod. The largest fish on conventional tackle was 18 pounds (twice), and two 14 pounders were taken on the fly rod along with numerous fish in the 10 to 12 pound range. Ed Hall, from Thomasville, GA. may have set a world record when he landed a 2 pound Oscar (tropical fish) on his 8 wt. rod.

  Most fish were taken on an 8 wt. rod including both 14 pound fish. An 8 wt. rod is a little light for a 14 pound Peacock, but once you make your cast there is nothing left to do but hang on. Leaders were short (7 ½’ - 9’) and consisted of a 40 pound butt section and a 30 pound tippet. Peacock Bass head straight for the bushes or any other cover they can find as soon as they are hooked, so a heavy tippet is a must. Usually floating fly line is sufficient, but it is a good idea to pack a short sink tip line for high water conditions. Flies were “streamer patterns 4” to 8” long, made from both natural materials such as buck tail, as well as synthetic materials that mimics buck tail. Synthetic flies will hold up much better than natural hair.

  Our accommodations while on the river was the house boat “OTTER”. She is an 86’ diesel powered craft with 4 decks. She has 8 air-conditioned state rooms (with private bathroom and shower) as well as a dining room, living room, bar and several outside decks. Because of her construction and the fact that the guide boat carries most of her fuel the OTTER only drafts 2’ of water. This is very important in low water conditions. This allows the OTTER to go where most other fishing boats cannot go. The food is good and plentiful. It is a combination of Brazilian and American cuisine. If you don't like fresh fish, don't come.

  The cost of the trip is approximately $6000. It is a little on the expensive side, but well worth it. In all my travels, I would have to say that this trip provides the most “bang for your buck” than any other trip I have ever been on. Consider this: you are fishing for 6 full days, 10 hours a day, in the Amazon Jungle for one of the most beautiful and most powerful game fish in the world.

  NOW BOOKING FOR JANUARY 17TH - 24TH 2009.
  Ric can be reached at 903-759-0638
  or Winchester’s Sportsman’s Outfitters

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