At first glance, the story of Marcelo Perez and Rodrigo Salles might follow a familiar path — anglers turning a lifelong pursuit into a profession.
In the Amazon, however, that path unfolds differently. It’s a broader story about life, reliability, and long-term stewardship in one of the most demanding environments on the planet.
Salles began as a civil and environmental engineer, carrying early lessons from time spent outdoors into a more conventional career. The turning point came in the early 2000s, when he met Perez in Argentina. Together, they began exploring a different model — expedition-style fishing built on exploration rather than convenience.
That vision eventually led them north, into the Amazon basin.
There, the reality was clear: the most intact rivers remained within Indigenous territories, governed by their own knowledge, rhythms, and rules. Operating in those environments required a different approach.
Instead of building around those communities, they chose to build with them.
Since their first joint initiative in 2007, they have developed partnerships across multiple Indigenous territories in Brazil and Bolivia. Each destination operates within its own structure, but all share a common principle — collaboration grounded in knowledge exchange.
Local communities bring a deep, generational understanding of the land and water. The team put together by Marcelo and Rodrigo contributes technical expertise in guiding, fly fishing, and hospitality.
Over time, that exchange has created something larger than fishing.
A model where economic activity supports preservation, and where communities maintain control of their land while gaining access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Over two decades, what they built is not simply a fishing operation, but a system — one shaped by Indigenous partnerships, ecological limits, and a long-term commitment to continuity over expansion.
For anglers, the experience reflects that same balance.
Journeys into the region are defined by distance and access — often beginning in Manaus and continuing by floatplane into remote river systems. Once there, days follow the river’s rhythm.
Fishing is present, but never isolated.
Each outing combines technical precision with Indigenous knowledge — reading water, observing change, and adapting continuously to conditions.
Looking back, Salles often describes the process as one of learning.
What began with the idea of bringing knowledge into the region gradually shifted into understanding what was already there.
The principles that sustain these territories — balance, restraint, long-term thinking — are not theoretical. They are lived.
And increasingly, they define what responsible operations in the Amazon can look like.
After two decades in the jungle the structure remains intentional.
No shortcuts. No excess.
Only continuity.
Brazilian Amazon Basin – Where to flyfish:
Kendjam – diversity in crystal clear waters
Set within the Iriri River basin, Kendjam offers one of the Amazon’s most unique multi species experiences. Crystal clear water, visual fishing, and an extraordinary variety of species make every day feel different. From peacock bass to pacu and wolfish, this is a destination where adventure and the presence of the Kayapó territory create something truly special.
Xingu – Raw adventure in clear waters
For anglers looking for visual fishing, remarkable scenery, and species found only in truly wild places, Xingu stands apart. From explosive payara to a range of jungle species, it delivers one of the most thrilling and untouched experiences in the Amazon.
Pirarucú – A rare Amazonian encounter
Located within the largest protected area for arapaima, Pirarucu offers one of the most singular fly fishing experiences in South America. Targeting these massive fish in such a remote environment is a challenge defined by strength, precision, and unforgettable moments. It is also a destination where immersion in the Amazon goes far beyond the fishing itself.
Rio Marié – The quest for giants
Known as the River of Giants, Rio Marié is the ultimate destination for anglers in pursuit of trophy-sized peacock bass. In these pristine and remote waters, every cast carries the possibility of a true giant, and every day is defined by the challenge of testing your skill against the power of the mighty cichla temensis.
If you are keen to try fishing in the Brazilian Amazon please contact Olly Thompson or Alex Jardine or call us on 01980 847389.
