Amazon jungle

Tsiname | Bolivia

Challenging
Conditions

I had already done the heli program in Bolivia twice before. The first time, Stefan, Vaidas, and I were there together. We experienced absolutely outstanding fishing, and in 2022 this led to the production of the film Gold Fever, which was later shown in cinemas. The second time, I returned with Vaidas after being invited by Marcello. Once again, 2023 turned out to be an exceptional fishing experience with countless highlights.

Planning for 2024 & High Expectations
Based on these experiences, I put together a group for 2024 to introduce them to the heli program, which officially started in 2023. Naturally, expectations among all participants were very high. Already in Santa Cruz, however, we realized that we were facing completely different conditions. Instead of tropical temperatures, it was surprisingly cold.

Tsiname | Bolivia

06. - 13. July 2024

The Beauty
of Nature

Despite the weather conditions Despite the weather conditions Despite the weather conditions Despite the weather conditions Despite the weather conditions Despite the weather conditions Despite the weather conditions Despite the weather conditions Despite the weather conditions Despite the weather conditions Despite the weather conditions Despite the weather conditions Despite the weather conditions Despite the weather conditions Despite the weather conditions Despite the weather conditions Despite the weather conditions Despite the weather conditions Despite the weather conditions Despite the weather conditions

Early Warning Signs
On the day of departure at the charter airport—where we always fly into the Amazon jungle—we met a group of Italians who had been fishing there just before us. They told us about extremely cold weather, constant rain, and at times impossible flying conditions.

They also mentioned that the fish were hardly active due to the low water temperatures.
This was not encouraging news, and expectations dropped significantly, although we still hoped conditions would be better for us.

Arrival & First Flight Day
When we landed, the sun was shining and it wasn’t really cold, which made us believe we were on the lucky side. The next day, we were able to fly out, albeit with some delay, as we had to wait for the fog to clear. When it rains or gets cold in the Amazon, fog often hangs below or just above the treetops, making helicopter flights impossible due to lack of visibility. On the first day, flying was possible: some groups reached more remote areas, others less so, as the fog kept descending. Some had a very good fishing day, others an average one, but overall the fishing was good.

on flight

Weather Deterioration & Regular Program

In the days that followed, flying was hardly possible at all. It remained cold and overcast, with poor visibility. As a result, we fished the regular program at Pluma Lodge and made the best of the situation.
The fish were barely active, and opportunities were limited for everyone. Since our group consisted of very skilled anglers, everyone managed to catch fish—but far below what would normally be possible under good conditions.

Bad Weather, Great People

free time
golden rush
pure black
play of colors
in detail
despite the weather
on our way
two for two
great catch
golden catch
say hello
good mood
nice catch
caution
keep on smiling
on the boat
equipment

Challenging Conditions at the Lodge

The most difficult part was that we were not prepared for such temperatures. We hadn’t brought enough warm and suitable clothing. We were cold all day long—both while fishing and at the lodge. Due to condensation, everything inside was damp, and there were only two radiators providing heat.
Despite all this, we made the best of the situation. One positive aspect was that the water never became muddy until the last day, allowing us to fish throughout the entire trip.

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Fair Solution & Looking Ahead

I found it very fair that the lodge manager, Chucky, in agreement with Marcello, offered us the opportunity to return in 2026 at a significantly reduced price. We all accepted this offer.

I want to thank you all friends for making the best of a difficult situation and still having fun. Now I hope that in 2026 we will experience better conditions, so everyone can truly enjoy the trip as it was meant to be—and fully experience the heli program.

Dinner Together
Lodge everyday
Bar time
Accommodation
holiday office
meeting great people
culture
businesslike
fruits
Keep calm and squawk on
meeting people
lodge style
mmmhhh...
dinner time
a culinary delight
blue on blue
Hunting
raindrops keep falling on my head
Fishing team
great nature
on our flight
quality time
hello
always fun together
what a catch

Golden

Rush

Gallery

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