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Brazil Peacock Bass

Tim Herald
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  • Tim Herald

Brazil Peacock Bass – Freshwater Heaven

by: WTA Consultant Tim Herald

I recently returned from a trip to the Amazon basin with a small group of anglers (friends) to fish for the aggressive peacock bass. This was a trip to get first hand knowledge of an outfitter we wanted to add to the WTA stable, and we really strive to have boots on the ground, or in this case, flip flops on the deck. I had done a lot of research on the operation, and have a number of personal friends who have fished there, but there is nothing like a first hand trial run, especially as we have a Cabela’s Visa Signature Outdoor Adventure planned there in the future.

 

I had been to the area about 10 years before and had one of my all time favorite trips. I am much more of a hunter than a fisherman, but I grew up fishing a lot with my family, and it is still a passion for me that I am getting more and more back into. The peacock bass is the most aggressive and pound for pound hardest fighting freshwater fish I have ever battled, and I absolutely could not wait to get back on the waters of the Rio Negro.

 

This was a package deal outside of international airfare and tips, so that made things very easy. Our group from all around the U.S. met in Miami where we took the 5-hour flight to Manuas, Brazil. This a large city in the middle of the jungle, and is located where the two main branches of the Amazon converge and become the Amazon River proper.

 

It was late, so we went to a nice hotel and crashed. The next morning we were taken back to the airport and we caught a charter to Barcelos, a small town on the Rio Negro. We transferred our gear to our mother “ship”, and away we went chugging upstream.

The "Mother Ship"
The “Mother Ship”

 

By the time we had unpacked, settled in and eaten a nice lunch, the big boat had stopped, and we all went out for the afternoon to fish. We caught a good number of peacocks that afternoon (probably 25/boat of 2 anglers), despite a heavy cloudburst, and we quit fishing around 5PM.

 

Shore lunch of piranha and peacock bass
Shore lunch of piranha and peacock bass

 

The next morning, we were on the water around 6am, and the fishing was even better. I think the first fish over 10 pounds was caught that morning. For the next 6 days, we fished mornings and afternoons, and at mid-day, we either came back to the big boat for a nice lunch in the air-conditioned dining room and a siesta, or some chose to take lunch and eat on shore from a hammock.

 

peacock bass
Tim’s Peacock Bass

It seemed that we caught more and bigger fish each day. Some of that was due to getting to more remote areas, and I think some also was also due to our fishing proficiency got better each day. The water was just a little high, and that made casting accuracy even more important.

 

4

My good friend and long time WTA client Tom Neiderer and his buddy Troy Wisely were the most serious and talented fishermen of the group, and the number of fish they caught were astounding. I believe they caught over 100 fish every full day they fished, and the number of 10-17 pound bruisers they boated was very high.

 

The highest one-day total was turned in by Mike Burke and Toby Blissett. This Louisiana duo caught 168 peacock bass between daylight and dark. That was som serious fishing.

 

We did not break the magic 20-pound mark on this trip, but I think that was 100% because of the higher and rising water. On my last trip, everyone caught a 20-pounder, and the largest was 23lbs. As I said, there were a lot of fish in the 10 to 17- pound class, with Tom N.’s 17 taking the big fish pool for the week (which he graciously gave to his guide as a bonus tip).

Tom's 17 pounder
Tom’s 17 pounder

In the end, we caught 1756 peacocks, and the guides did not count all of the “other species” we caught. I love variety, and bringing in the occasional piranha (which I love to eat), various “other cichlids”, and one of my favorites was the very pike or barracuda like bicuda. I caught a very nice bicuda that stayed out of the water more than in once hooked.

 

We saw moneys, pink dolphins, very large caimans, Amazon parrots, macaws, and lots of other interesting animals. The fact that we went in late Janurary-early February was nice as far as getting out of the frigid winter goes.

 

On our last day, we chartered back from Barcelos to Manuas where we were given day rooms at the hotel. We went out and explored the city, seeing the beautiful opera house that was built by rubber barons, the town square, the fish market, and finally ending the day at a traditional Brazilian steakhouse, Buffalo.

 

That night a little after midnight, we flew back to the US where most of the group was home in the morning. I flew straight out to the SCI show in Las Vegas, and you can believe I was tired when I hit the sack that evening.

 

Overall this is a very affordable trip that any serious (or in my case, not so serious) fisherman needs to put on their bucket list. The Amazon is a magical place, and peacock bass fishing is one of the most fun trips an angler can take. It’s an easy and safe trip, and I for one can’t wait to go back.

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Building a Quail Hunter’s Paradise: Habitat Improvements and Day Hunts at Stonewall Plantation Outfitters

Building a Quail Hunter’s Paradise: Habitat Improvements and Day Hunts at Stonewall Plantation Outfitters

Expanding into quail hunting was a natural fit to complement Salt River Outfitters’ already thriving deer hunting operation. With a clear vision and a commitment to quality, we set out to create a quail program that could stand among the best in the region. Drawing on the expertise of skilled dog handlers, seasoned habitat specialists, and our experienced guides and habitat managers, we’ve built something special.

Over the last few years, we’ve been steadily transforming Stonewall Plantation’s land from cattle pasture to high-quality bobwhite quail habitat. We aimed to create hunts that feel as close to wild as possible, and unlike confined shooting preserves, our hunting grounds span diverse terrain including ridges, hollows, and rolling hills. That transformation hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth it. A huge part of that effort has focused on the removal of invasive fescue which had taken over much of the pasture. Fescue chokes out native grasses and eliminates the natural cover and food sources that the quail depend on. Through persistent spraying and management, we’ve brought back the native species and laid the groundwork for wildlife to thrive.

In addition to native grasses, we’ve planted food plots throughout the property—carefully selected mixes of grain sorghum, millet, sunflowers, corn, and Korean lespedeza. These plots not only support healthy quail populations, but they’ve also created a boom in other wildlife. Watching our dogs lock up on a big covey of birds is a rewarding moment, and those moments are coming more frequently each year.

Our last season proved that the work is paying off. Hunters enjoyed productive days in the field, with strong bird numbers and multiple coveys flushed during most outings. Many visitors left with full game bags, big smiles, and stories they’ll tell for years. Based on the success of a limited trial last year, we’re also excited to expand access with guided day hunts this upcoming season. In October and December, we’ll offer morning and afternoon hunts for up to three hunters at a time. Each hunter will have the opportunity to harvest up to 30 birds, with lunch included in the hunt package. It’s a new way to experience Salt River, whether you’re a first-time guest or a returning visitor.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard: “My dad and I hunted quail when I was younger, but with quail numbers down, we haven’t hunted them in years.” Last season, a gentleman booked a hunt for his father, his son, and himself—three generations in the field. The stories they shared around the dinner table that night were moving and unforgettable. The joy in their eyes and the bond they rekindled through the hunt reminded me why we do this.

Being part of such an experience—where a grandfather and father can introduce a young man to something they’ve cherished for decades—is priceless. Our goal at Stonewall Plantation Outfitters is to continue creating new memories for many seasons to come.

The habitat is stronger. The lodge is more comfortable. The birds are flying better. And our program now has a proven track record of delivering exceptional hunts. Whether you’re coming for a full three-day experience or joining us for a day hunt, we can’t wait to share this quail hunting heaven with you.

Single Day Hunt Muli-Day Hunt with Lodging Watch…
Authentic Quail Hunting in Kentucky’s Heartland

Authentic Quail Hunting in Kentucky’s Heartland

If you’re looking for a genuine quail hunting experience paired with southern hospitality, our Kentucky operation delivers. Nestled in Bourbon Country in partnership with Worldwide Trophy Adventures, we’ve built an experience that honors upland hunting traditions while showcasing our stunning landscape.

Our historic property, once a cattle farm, has been carefully transformed into prime Bobwhite quail habitat. We aimed to create hunts that feel as close to wild as possible. The centerpiece is a fully restored pre-Civil War farmhouse, now a comfortable lodge accommodating up to 6 hunters.

Unlike confined shooting preserves, our hunting grounds span diverse terrain including ridges, hollows, and rolling hills. We’ve designed multiple routes across the property, ensuring each hunt feels unique and exciting. Guests often tell us that it’s the closest they’ve come to wild quail hunting in years.

We don’t impose bag limits. Arrivals are typically on Wednesdays, with two and a half days of hunting concluding on Saturday afternoon. Our philosophy is simple: create an authentic and enjoyable experience for all skill levels, free from the pressure of quotas.

Days begin with a hearty breakfast at the lodge. By mid-morning, you’re in the field with our skilled dog handlers and guides. We hunt until lunchtime, break for a meal, then head out for an afternoon session. Evenings bring cocktails, appetizers, and a delicious dinner followed by relaxation and camaraderie at the lodge.

We keep our group sizes intentionally small, usually two or three hunters, each paired with a handler and a guide. This ensures personalized attention and ample shooting opportunities. Our guides also will try to get some photos and videos for you to take home.

We take immense pride in our birds. Through an exclusive partnership with an experienced breeder, we offer mature, strong-flying quail that truly challenge hunters. Our dogs and handlers are also top-notch, crucial elements in creating memorable hunts.

A really cool added perk of our location is its proximity to Kentucky’s famed Bourbon Trail. Many of our guests combine their hunt with distillery visits. It’s the quintessential Kentucky experience. That’s also a great backup plan if weather disrupts hunting.

As another season approaches, we’re eager to share our creation with more bird hunters. With limited availability, now is the time to secure your spot. For details and bookings, contact us! Come experience Kentucky’s finest Bobwhite quail hunting!

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Quail Hunting in Sonora Mexico - The Journey Within, A Bird Hunter’s Diary

Quail Hunting in Sonora Mexico - The Journey Within, A Bird Hunter’s Diary

The last stop of my Upland Slam journey was in Mexico’s northern state of Sonora. Sonora is just across the border from Arizona and a bit of New Mexico. For the slam, we would be seeking Elegant quail and doves. In a later blog, I will cover our amazing dove hunting in Sonora. Sonora has always been one of my favorite hunting destinations as the people, culture, terrain and plentiful game ensure that my hunts there are always memorable. In February, leaving the snow in Michigan for Sonora’s warm desert, is another plus.

The main reason we chose Sonora for the Upland Slam was that the state is home to Elegant Quail. Elegant Quail are a New World species of quail that is only found in northern Mexico. Their range reaches from Sonora and Chihuahua into Jalisco, but the majority of the birds are in Sonora. They are commonly found in thorny scrub brush areas inter-mixed with open ground and are usually near cultivated fields. Because these birds are in northern Mexico, which makes them harder to hunt for US hunters, they are not as well-known as the other northern species of quail. Elegant Quail are also the least hunted species of quail. This is not because of low population numbers, which are stable and growing. It is solely because it is more difficult for bird hunters to get to them, especially if the upland hunters want to use their own dogs. Adding to the difficulty is that you need to hunt on private ground and only a small handful of outfitters offer Elegant Quail hunting.

WTA works with great outfitters from all over the world and we have some great ones in Sonora, where our team has personally hunted and vetted the operations. One outfitter, in particular, specializes in dove, quail, and waterfowl hunting. This team knows what they are doing and have numerous areas to hunt. This past spring, while seeking my World Turkey Slam in a single season, I was with this outfitter and hunted with them for Gould’s turkeys. I took two big toms while enjoying some great Mexican cuisine along the way. It was during this spring trip that I started to make plans for my February return trip for doves and quail.

The process for bringing dogs into Mexico is extremely simple, as is the process for returning your dog back to the US. In late 2019, the Mexican laws were changed, starting in 2020, so that no formal documentation was required to bring your dog from the US into Mexico. However, having travelled to Mexico numerous times in the past, I always want to be prepared, just in case there is a snag with customs while crossing the border. As a result, to avoid any potential problem, I obtained a veterinary certificate for each of the dogs. These certificates identified each of my dogs and showed that they were each up to date on all of their shots and vaccinations. I was asked, at customs in Hermosillo, to see the veterinary certificates and I was happy to have the documentation, so we cleared customs without a problem. Our outfitter did all of the necessary gun paperwork, in advance, and met us at the airport to assist in the process. Within an hour of landing, we were on the road to the lodge. The lodge is located on the outskirts of Hermosillo, which is perfect as it allows for easy travel to the different hunting areas scattered in different directions in surrounding Sonora.

There are two species of quail that are open to hunting in the areas around Hermosillo. These are Elegant Quail, the main reason for this trip, and Gambels Quail, which we had earlier hunted in Arizona. We would split our time in Sonora and hunt for both quail on this trip. Our main focus was Elegant Quail and we decided to target them first. From Hermosillo, we headed by vehicle about two hours northeast, which brought us into a rural agricultural/cattle grazing area. There were both Elegant Quail and some Gambels in the area, but the area was preferred by Elegant Quail. When hunting quail, it is not good to start early in the morning as the quail need time to get off the roost and start moving around. We targeted to be at our hunting areas around 9:30 in the morning and to have the dogs down and hunting by 10 am. This would give us a couple of good hours of hunting before the afternoon temperatures would get high enough to cause heat troubles for our dogs. We would take the mid-afternoons off to rest, as the temperatures were just too hot for the dogs to run. Later in the afternoon, when the temperatures started to drop, we could again hunt the last couple of hours before sunset.

After the long travel from Michigan to Sonora, our dogs were excited to be back in the field. It didn’t take long for the dogs to get birdy and, just like all of the other quail species, Elegant Quail like to show off their legs and run like crazy. After a bit of teamwork, we got our first covey cornered and got them in the air. As the cover was fairly thick, I didn’t have a shot on the initial break up of our first Elegant Quail covey. We then set out after singles, which tended to hold tighter and not run as much as the large covey. Both Arrow and Shooter locked up in front of me. I slowly walked up and two quail were in the air. I raised my Benelli Ethos and covered the first bird. After a quick trigger pull, I watched the bird fall. My first Elegant Quail was a gorgeous male. The pressure was now off for the trip as my last quail for the Upland Slam was in hand.

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