"His eyes were like radar"

I have been a professional guide and running guide services/fish camps for the past 21 years, so that qualifies me better than anyone to judge my peers.

On my recent Amazon Peacock Bass fishing trip, my guide, Benny, on the Jufari River, is head and shoulders above any guide/fisherman I have ever met. He was not only proficient in bait casting, but fly fishing and spin casting. Benny could do anything. He could get out impossible backlashes, especially for my partner, mend reels, fix and tune woodchoppers to his specs, and his eyesight was incredible. I would give all I own for his eyesight. His eyes were like radar, they never stopped moving. He would look and point and say, “Big fish,” and troll over as fast as he could. Then he would direct our casts. Usually it produced a big peacock bass, sometimes more than one. I did not see a thing. Not a ripple on the water, swirl, or anything.

Not to take away from the other guides because by talking and comparing notes with fellow fishermen, they all were equally proficient. The main thing was the professionalism of the camp. The camp manager, Alexandro, was invaluable. The entire camp staff was highly proficient, gracious, and it wasn’t faked. I firmly believe they enjoyed what they were doing. The meals were exquisitely prepared and I should have married Ruth, our cook, and brought her back with me. Bottom line—I have never felt so pampered in my life. The tour Alex took us of the native village was very impressive. I felt like I was on the Discovery Channel. I think we made a hit with the kids when we passed out the hard candy. The entire trip was an experience that awed me to the core and exceeded my wildest expectation.

- Ron Smith