Rodrigo Salles

Industry Involvement

Partner & Sales Director of Untamed Angling

Years Fishing?

30

Years Guiding?

15

Who introduced you to fly fishing?

My Grandfather, into the wild jungle rivers in central Brazil mostly at Pantanal and Amazon areas to dorado, pacu, peacock bass and many other jungle species.

Can you tell us a little about your home waters and the fish you pursue there?

Fortunately, my home waters are not more, not less than the Amazon jungle rivers. Living and working in Amazon deep into Indian reserves, allows me to access really virgin waters every season.

What's the height of the season for you? What time of year is your personal favorite?

Our season in Bolivian Jungle is June to October and in Brazil is about June to February depending on the rivers and area we fish.

What are your favorite travel destinations? What's on the bucket list?

My favorite jungle rivers in Bolivia and Brazil, and some pristine flats for Tarpon on sight

What do you like most about Thomas and Thomas rods? Which rods do you fish?

They are strong enough to fight the most powerful jungle fish but keep the "feel" to make long and precise casts. Actually, my preferred weapon is the Exocett SS series.

What's your current go-to fly?

A simple 3/0 hook synthetic material streamer. With that at the end of your leader, you can catch more than 15 different jungle species.

Other than fly tackle, what piece of gear do you find indispensable?

My DSLR camera and a sat phone. Can't be in any remote jungle river without it.

My favorite thing about guiding is:

Meet new people, make new friends, experiencing real remote and wild places in the jungle. There always something new to learn with the local natives as well.

From the angler’s point of view, what do you see as the main value of going on a guided trip?

You save time and money getting into the right place, with the right advice.

What can new fisherman expect to get out of a guided trip? My favorite thing to teach a client is ...

Fly Fishing in the Amazon jungle is Experiencing a new door into the sport. The rainforest, wildlife, and fish species are overwhelming, but experiencing the jungle with the natives are the real unique thing.

What's your ideal lunch when on the water? What do you actually pack?

Water, Energy bars and some salt/lime to grill a fresh fish.

What fly fishing blogs/magazines do you read regularly?

Many different ones but I don't miss: Fly Fisherman Mag, The Fly Fish Journal and Venturing Angler.

When I'm not fishing you'll find me:

At my office!