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By Rodrigo Salles, Thomas & Thomas Ambassador
As an angler who has spent countless hours navigating the diverse and challenging waters of the Amazon, I am continually searching for equipment that can withstand the rigors of jungle fly fishing. The Thomas & Thomas Exocett 88 stands out in this demanding environment, offering unparalleled versatility, power, and durability.
From the explosive strikes of giant Peacock Bass on the Rio Marié to the sheer brute force of Arapaima in hidden lagoons and the razor-sharp aggression of Payara in the rushing currents of the Xingu, the Exocett 88 has proven itself in every scenario.
Engineering Excellence: Built for the Jungle
The Exocett 88 is crafted with a 4-piece, 8’8” multi-modulus blank, finished in the unmistakable T&T Blue. As per T&T, the construction blends multi-modulus carbon with S-Glass technology, resulting in a rod that is incredibly lightweight and significantly stronger than previous composites. This balance between power and finesse is crucial when navigating the unpredictable challenges of the Amazon.
With its steep taper and ultra-fast recovery, the rod loads effortlessly and delivers tight, accurate loops at impressive distances. Whether launching oversized poppers into distant structures or delicately presenting streamers to rolling leviathans, the Exocett 88 performs with an ease that belies its raw power.
Peacock Bass: Precision and Raw Power in Every Cast
The giant Peacock Bass is not just a fish—it’s a freshwater apex predator, capable of snapping gear, shattering expectations, and leaving even seasoned anglers breathless. These fish demand absolute precision in casting, especially when placing heavy poppers under overhanging branches or into narrow openings between submerged logs.
The Exocett 88 excels in these scenarios. Its progressive action allows for the accurate delivery of large, air-resistant poppers and streamers, while its backbone strength ensures you’re ready for the moment a 20-pound giant erupts from the depths with aggression that rattles your core.
But the battle doesn’t end there. The rod’s unparalleled lifting power and reinforced butt section provide the leverage needed to steer these beasts away from the structure and into open water, where the fight becomes a true test of endurance.
If you’re chasing the real trophy peacock dreams, this rod turns those dreams into reality.
My personal recommendation for the giant peacock bass is the 300 and 350 models.
Arapaima: The Jungle Leviathan
Targeting Pirarucu—or Arapaima, as they’re known in some regions—is an experience unlike any other. These prehistoric giants can exceed 300 pounds, and once hooked, their sheer power can test even the most advanced fly rods.
The Exocett 88 doesn’t flinch under this pressure. Its reinforced butt section offers exceptional lifting power, allowing you to control and eventually subdue these leviathans even when they dive deep into oxygen-rich waters.
More impressively, the rod’s ability to deliver large, bulky flies with precision at medium-to-long distances ensures you can reach those glassy lagoons where Pirarucu often roll and feed.
This isn’t just fishing—it’s combat. And with the 450 Exocett 88, you have the upper hand.
Payara: Speed, Precision, and Depth
The Payara is a true jungle gladiator. Known for their explosive strikes, razor-sharp teeth, and preference for deep, fast-moving currents, they require gear that can keep up with their relentless power.
Fishing for Payara means throwing sometimes heavy sinking lines—300 to 450 grains—and large, weighty streamers into turbulent water. The Exocett 88 handles these demanding setups with ease. Its powerful butt section provides the torque needed to shoot these lines far and deep, while the steep taper ensures accuracy even under challenging conditions.
During the fight, the rod maintains full control, offering exceptional lifting power to keep Payara from diving into sharp rocks or swift currents.
If you’re targeting these silver vampires of the Amazon, the 350 Exocett 88 is the weapon.
Finally, Why the Exocett 88 is My Rod of Choice:
Jungle fly fishing is not for the faint of heart. Every day brings new challenges—log-choked lagoons, powerful currents, and fish that could pull you out of the boat if given the chance.
The Thomas & Thomas Exocett 88 has become my go-to rod. Its unmatched versatility allows me to confidently target multiple species across vastly different fishing environments. Its precision, power, and durability make it a rod I can trust, whether I’m casting to a peacock bass in a tight corner or wrestling a Pirarucu in open water.
And it's not only raw power; this rod excels at casting beautifully with fast, narrow loops, even with big flies. For anglers who demand excellence in every cast, every fight, and every moment on the jungle waters, the Thomas & Thomas Exocett 88 is now my personal recommendation.