Explosions Extraordinaire: Peacock Bass Attacks

I’m often asked what it is about the Peacock bass that causes the addiction that becomes a passionate pursuit for the legions of anglers who overly obsess with their annual foray(s) to South America and the tributaries and “lost lagoons” of the Amazon water shed. I think maybe I’ve found a film clip that best portrays the cause…ENJOY!

International Angler, Blogger and Friend Bob Daly Reports on his Monster Tigerfish Trip to Tanzania

I was able to fish for monster tigerfish on the Mnyera River and Ruhudji Rivers in Tanzania last week. Had a group of 4 which included friends, Cole Lundquist, Steve Ryan, Dane Lundquist and myself. Steve Ryan had fished these rivers last year while this was the first tigerfish adventure for the rest of the group.

We flew on KLM for Chicago to Amsterdam then to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. He overnighted in the Sea Cliff Hotel in DAR before taking a charter flight to the fishing rivers.

The lodge on the Mnyera River consists of private, spacious safari type tents with private hot shower and toilet.

You drift down the river fishing different sections of the river each day. The biggest tigerfish on the trip were all caught on the Mnyera River. Cole landed monsters of 22.5lbs and 21lbs. Steve landed trophy tigers of 20lbs and 19lbs. I landed a trophy at 18lbs. All of us caught numers other trophies in the teens. A trophy tigerfish is normally any over 10lbs.

Dane Lundquist took time off from catching monster tigerfish to try his luck at big game hunting. Dane tagged along with a professional hunter and saw a monster 15 ft croc bagged. On our last day, Dane hunted a few hours and bagged a monster trophy cape buffalo which measured 45 inches. This is a trophy where many serious AFrican Big Game Hunters never equal in years of hunting. Dane hunted with Kilombero North Safaris.

Lots of wildlife was observed by all during the trip especially on the ride from the Mnyera River over to the Ruhudji River and back. You go by jeep driving through the jungle. Lots of elephant, eland, warthog, cape buffalo and others were seen. Numberous hippos, baboons, and monster crocs were observed each day on the Mnyera River.

I highly recommend this fishing experience.

We can see why you would Bob. If you're interested in an expedition to Mnyera or Ruhudji Rivers for these toothy torpedo's give me a call or drop me a line...I've got the go-to guy for an adventure to the Dark Continent.

Todd Harrington Joins The Big K Guest Ranch as Director of Fishing Programs

Just got word earlier this week that friend, associate, businessman and professional guide, Todd Harrington, has joined with The Big K Guest Ranch. This opens the avenue for fishin' expeditions to the famed Umpqua Loop of the Umpqua System and it's finned inhabitants like Steelhead, Chinook, Coho Salmon and Smallmouth Bass.

The Big K has teamed up with Todd Harrington’s Living Waters Guide Service to expand its fishing services. Harrington will serve as Director of The Big K’s new fishing program, which now offers year-round guided fishing trips, scenic jet boat rides and rafting trips through the famous Umpqua River Loop, the most scenic and secluded stretch of the Main Umpqua River.

Big K anglers are privileged to have “first water” every day for Winter Steelhead, Spring and Fall Chinook, Coho Salmon, Smallmouth Bass and Shad. Guided trips for keeper and oversize Sturgeon, Striped Bass, Crabbing and ocean fishing are just a short distance from the Ranch. Shuttle service, non-guided private fishing opportunities and river access are also available.

With the appointment of Todd Harrington as Fishing Program Director, The Big K has added a private, easily accessible boat ramp six miles upriver from the ranch, bringing the total number of private boat ramps exclusive to Big K anglers to eight. The Big K’s drift boats have been updated, two new rafts and a 24-foot Team North River Scout jet boat has been added to its fishing fleet. Continuing its commitment to safety and professionalism, all Big K guides are now U.S. Coast Guard certified and insured.

“I’m very happy and honored to head up The Big K’s new year-round fishing program,” says Harrington. “The famous Umpqua River Loop has been my home waters for the past 12 years. Having the opportunity to team up with The Big K and share its truly spectacular 2,500-acre property, lodge, scenery and fishery with guests from around the world is a dream come true. God is good!”

About Todd Harrington, The Big K’s new Fishing Program Director

Harrington grew up fishing and rafting Oregon’s Rogue and Applegate Rivers and first dreamed of becoming a professional guide at the tender age of eight. Professionalism, a deep commitment to preserving the water and environment he fishes, and providing clients with world-class angling experiences are hallmarks of Harrington’s career. He has guided clients from around the world through his Living Waters Guide Service for the past twelve years. He also previously owned and operated Angel Lodge on the Elk River near Port Orford, Ore. Harrington, a tournament bass fisherman, earned ESPN’s Best of Show award for Sturgeon fishing on the Umpqua River. He’s made the famous Umpqua River Loop his home for more than a decade and fishes its waters more than 200 days each year.

“We’re thrilled to have Todd Harrington join our team and lead the expansion of our fishing services,” says Kathie Larsen, Director of The Big K. “Todd’s impressive experience as a professional fishing guide, his knowledge of the Umpqua River Loop bordering our ranch, and his deep commitment to customer service make him a perfect fit for working with our clients.”

I'm thrilled to be able to offer this fine operation, The Big K Guest Ranch, and it's access to the famed Umpqua River to the friends and clients of fishin' expeditions. We should have more news available soon. I'll keep you posted! Until then, who's in for the first group out to the Umpqua? __David Fields