February 11, 2003

Dear Ron,

You can't believe the good times we had at Lake Comedero. There were seven in our group and everyone of us caught fish 10 pounds and heavier. I personally caught two elevens one morning which I have to admit was my first time to catch a black bass weighing 10 pounds and I've been fishing for 50 years. Johnny Murrey, my lucky brother caught a 14 pounds. Our group of seven caught a total of 11 fish over 10 pounds. That's a good trip. I don't care who you are. We had an average of about 55 fish per boat everyday. 5 pounds to 9 pounds got to be a common thing. Now that is unbelievable.

Thanks for this time in my life, I will never forget. The camp manager Christian down to the guides were more than willing to make our trip what we wanted it to be. The rooms were clean and the food was good. For a 60 year old man I was very comfortable but with that kind of fishing I could eat beans and crackers, sleep on the floor and still enjoy the trip.

Thanks again,
Paul David Murrey

February 9, 2003

Dear Ron,

I just got back from Lake Comedero last night and had another trip of a life time. This was my third straight year, and it's hard to believe that it was as good as the last two. We had bad weather two and half days of the four days we fished but we caught big fish, 9lb. to 14 lb. every day. The first day I caught a bass that would weigh somewhere around 14. I thought it would go 15 but the guide, Arnaldo and Jim Reed said it would make 14. We didn't have a set of scales with us, so you know I caught a lot of flack from everyone at the camp. Jim Reed caught a 9 pounder the same day. We had several fish in the 4, 5 and 6 lb range. Fishing was good the second and third day even though we had low pressure and unpleasant weather. The last day we fished, I caught 15 bass that would weigh between 5 and 9 lbs. It was one of the best days of fishing and I will always remember it. There is no doubt that Lake Comedero, in the year of 2003, is the best fishing lake in the entire world for black bass.

You are to be commended and very fortunate to have a staff that will take care of your clients like they do. If I didn't know better, I would think they were Ron Speed. It is hard to find someone else to run your business like you would, and they did an excellent job. Christian was very accommodating on everything we wanted. I take my hat off to your whole organization for a job well done.

I plan on going again next year in February but I don't have a final date yet. I will be forwarding deposits for 6 fishermen in the near future. Thanks again for a great trip.

Sincerely,
Johnny Murrey
Kaufman, Texas

January 26, 2003

Dear Ron and Charlie,

I would like to thank you for our recent trip to Lake Huites. My 17 year old son and I had a great father-son bonding experience. All the accommodations were first class and Jorge the camp manager is a real asset to your camp. If you need anything from Kick'n Bass please don't hesitate to call. Have a great spring.

Best Regards,
Greg VanSteenkiste
Scientific Bass Products, Inc.

January 26, 2003

Ron,

That was my largest by 1/2 lb. This Bass was about 29 inches long and was the thickest Bass that I have ever seen. Sorry the picture didn't show that. She was dripping eggs and was just about done. I wish I had caught this fish a couple of weeks earlier with for the best girth but we tried to take pictures fast and get her back in the water. The best day for me was 83 Bass with a 8, 9 & 9.9 and then I caught the 14.1 on Friday at 8 am on a Yellow Zoon Trick Worm fishing it Wacky Style. We had one boat that caught 94 Bass in one day. I found that the Bass would hit better on a slow drop and they hit hard. Total Bass for me was around 340 for 4 days. As a group we had 15 or so over 8, 10-15 over 9 and 6 over 10. I watched Shane Moore from Southwest Parts & Services get broke off 3 times in a row using 25 lb test line on a Carolina Rig in what we thought was about 20 feet of water. Lots of guys had a shot at really Big Bass on this trip. I will send you some more pictures soon as my guys send them to me. I want to tell you that Christian is doing a GREAT Job !!!!!

I will call you later this week and Thanks a bunch. Looking forward to the Feb trip.

J.W.

January 22, 2003

Hi to all,

Just received my photos from my trip last week. My friend and I had a great time. I can see why there are many repeat fishermen. I'm was so fortunate to have won the trip.

We met many great people and look forward to be able to return again.

Ron, your group adventure was first class all around. I look forward to being able to book a trip with you in the future.

Respectfully,
Mike White
Lake Dallas, TX

January 14, 2003

Ron,

I hope you got my letter, but in case you didn't, I want to Thank You again for a fantastic trip to Lake Huites. We had the whole camp to ourselves, and the lake too. We only saw two other boats on the lake while we were there. The fishing was awesome. Jorge did a great job of taking care of our every need. The guides were terrific and we had a ball with them!! The three brothers are not only great guides but also wonderful young men-- Vicente, Ramon, Eugenio, and also Reynaldo. Doc Bertram, age 85, and my Father, age 82 did very well even though they are in their 80's. My sons, Tim, Joe and Mike, along with my nephew Greg will cherish this trip with their grandfather for the rest of their lives. I took my best friend, Bob Nichols, who is a very good fisherman, and a real character. They kept us in stitches all week. I don't think your guides will ever forget Bob!!!!!! Again, Thank You and your people for an exceptional and unforgettable trip!! You have a wonderful organization!! By the way, the guys want to book another trip for next year already. Can you e-mail me dates available for Jan. , Feb. and March 2004. We would really like to come for the pre-spawn period. Tell me when you think that would be. Hope all is well with you and your family. Give your Dad our best. Take care.

Andy Glockner

January 20, 2003

Ron,

My Comedero bass trips was one of the best international hunting or fishing trips ever. All of my expectations, which were exceptionally high, were exceeded with regard to the fishing. Additionally, service, accommodations and food were terrific. I also had my single finest day of fishing ever on 1/17. My largest five fish weighed 39 lbs. Additionally, within 1/2 hour period I caught a 7 lb., a 7 3/4 lb. and a 11 1/4 lb. I still can't believe it. The baits I used were Iovino, Cow Tongues and Snakes in white, smoke and calico; white zoom flukes and white slugos plus the old standby green lizards. Many thanks. This is going to become a yearly event for me.

Kit Sutorious
Longmont, CO

January 16, 2003

Ron,

I just returned from Comedero. Great trip. Good Fishing. Best Food ever. Christian is an excellent camp manager.

Thanks!
John Freeman

January 16, 2003

Ron,

I just wanted to comment on your new addition of photos under "Reports". This is a great new feature. I have fished several times with you on El Salto and Commedero and hope to fish with you again next year. Keep up the good work. See you next year.

Dave Williams
Vancouver, WA

January 15, 2003

Ron,

I was checking your web site because I just returned from El Salto last December. I was with the group Dec 17th thru the 20th. spearheaded by Jason Parson from Ranger Boats. I had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back. I was just checking the fishing reports to see how the fishing was going during Jan 2003 trying to decide when to return next year. I'm in the process of getting a group of guys together for next years trip.

I had a wonderful trip, food, loging, hospitality, was exceptional so i'm looking forward for a return trip.

Robert D. Whitten
Decatur, Illinois

October 17, 2002

Ron,

WOW! What an AWESOME trip! This was the first Peacock trip for the 6 in our group and it won't be the last! I did a lot of research and talked to several people before my trip trying to learn all I could. I kept hearing how hooks get bent, arms ache, and having the "claw hands" for a few days afterwards and thought to myself, yeah ok, we'll see. Well I had all that and more! You can't describe to someone this whole experience of Peacocks but I admit I had an 8 lb Peacock hit 2' from the boat and almost pull me in. (Have your balance and strong hold of your gear at ALL times haha) I witnessed 5 peacocks attacking my woodchopper like wolves until I lifted it out of the water with one Peacock on the front hook and one on the back hook.

My dad caught the biggest of the week...24 lbs and my mom caught a 23 lb beauty! (I keep thinking "next time, the youngster will prevail" but they proved me wrong yet again! I managed 8 fish over 10 lbs with an 18.5 and an 18 lb.

Totals for the boat (Amazon Clipper-14 anglers) were:
452 Peacocks
83 over 10 lbs
30 over 15 lbs
6 over 20 lbs
24 lbs was big fish.

All my fish were on woodchoppers. Best color overall was firetiger, clown then baby peacock.

Guides and staff were incredible. All but two guides caught an over 15 lb fish during the week....that's world class in my book. Gil makes the entire trip an adventure in itself. He's knowledgeable about all aspects of the surroundings and fishing. The Amazon Clipper is a great boat, the upgraded AC was a savior at the end of the day, and Hoza makes some great meals. I never imagined I would look so forward to an Amazon water shower than I did after fishing each day! :-)

Thank you for turning me on to my new favorite game fish!

Tyson Hofsommer
Leawood, Kansas

July 31, 2002

Ron,

Take a look at this 45 LB one. WHAT A WASTE OF TIME. I would not do that again. It is a very boring trip. They pull hard for a little while, but then the fight is over. It cannot compare to Peacock fishing. Still, Peacock is the best I have ever done. Would like for you and me to go do that one more time before we are gone. What a trip.

Ken Casida

June 14, 2002

Ron,

Thank you for four of the best fishing days we have experienced in years! The accommodations, professionalism and quality operation you are known for in Mexico and Brazil was surpassed on this trip. Due to your stream-lined operation, we were able to film 3 television shows by Family Net 45 - Fishing Hawg Country (a nationally syndicated show) to be broadcast in upcoming weeks. A special thanks to the show host, Vince McPherson, and his talented cameraman, Jackie Clark - we look forward to watching the shows taped this past week on Family Net 45. Fred & Bobby Baggett and I averaged over 100 black bass with 30+ fish in the 4-7 pound range on El Salto each day. We fished top water in the early morning with lures such as Zara Spooks, Pop R's, and Dying Flutter, all by Pradco. In the afternoons we fished submerged tree tops and windy points using Yum Big Claw soft plastic sprayed with Yum Crawfish Attractant. So many people think that it's difficult to catch fish in June in Mexico, but looking at our film footage and still shots, it's obviously not true.

We were fortunate enough to be able to book a trip with the El Cid Aries Fleet for some great deep sea fishing on our last day in Mexico. Due to your reputation as an outfitter and 30+ years of good working relationships, the trip was put together in just a matter of a few minutes.

I would recommend anyone wanting to fish with a true professional outfitter, to contact Ron Speed Adventures for your next fishing memory of a life time.

Drew Daniel
Ozark Guide Service
(479) 795-2414

April 25, 2002

Ron,

I just wanted to let you know we had a great time at El Salto. We caught 300 bass in four days. I don't know how I am going to be able to fish at home now! I caught 2 fish over 10 pounds on back to back casts with Oscar as our guide. I think he was as excited as I was. We will definitley be going back. Lupe was great and our guides were fun.

Terry L. Johnson

April 9, 2002

Dear Ron,

My Dad and I spent last week at your El Salto camp. We had one of our best fishing trips ever. This was our third trip with you and they just get better.

We caught 21 bass over five pounds including one over 11 pounds that my dad caught! He still knows how to show his kid up. Over the four day period we caught a total of 378 bass.

Your camp staff was wonderful and the guides were great. Victor was the best Mexican guide I have ever had. He worked hard and likes to practice his English - don't let him get away.

My Dad and I will remember this trip forever. See you next year!

Sincerely,

Steve(Archie) Everly, Jr.

April 5, 2002

Dear Ron,

Here is the picture of 11 pound 3 oz. bass I caught at El Salto on March 19, 2002 [ed: see Gallery]. He was 25.5 inches long and 21 inches girth. Caught on Watermelon Red flake 8 in. Zoom lizard. I dipped the tail in chartreuse Dipit. I was fishing it on a Carolina Rig 1 oz. Mojo weight with 3 ft. of leader. Was using 7ft 2in Heavy G Loomis rod and 20lb P-Line xstrong green Shimano Calcutta 100 reel. He was in approximately 25 ft. of water. Was fishing off of a tree line into river channel. Victor was the guide.

Ron, I would like to take this time to commend you on a first class operation. Charlie was super in helping put the trip together. Lupe was super at the camp, always trying to keep everyone happy, which is a hard job when dealing with a group of people. The guides were all great, but Victor was fantastic on putting me on big fish: 8lb 1oz, 6lb, 11lb 3oz. Jorge was great and very energetic, all day jumping up every time something was needed. I caught an 8lb 6oz with him. Armando did a great job of putting us in some fantastic looking places. Our biggest was 5 lb 10oz, but we caught lots in that range. It wasn't because he didn't try that we didn't catch bigger.

I stressed big fish, not numbers and was not disappointed.

Thanks for the trip of a lifetime,

Terry N. Tayler

Mar. 13, 2002

To the crew at RSA,

I just returned from a trip to Comedero and want to say thanks for the adventure of a lifetime. Fishing was good, people even better, and to top it off, I caught an eleven pounder fishing a WS Fluke on my 8# test spinning reel. Reynaldo was my guide that day. In addition, my buddy who has NEVER bass fished, caught a 9.8 around 10:00am the first day and many other quality fish. We fished with the "toe Doctor" Pittman and his group. Omar and Jesus ran the camp very well from A-Z.

Even more impressive was our guide the next two days. We fished w/ Marceleno and he worked his tail off to help us find fish on a bluebird sky day. He is a good man of great character.

My buddy fell in love with throwing a white spinner bait and on the last day, he caught an eight pounder right off the point by the lunch area. I have many pictures on my digital camera. If you would like me to send them to you, let me know.

Hope to make it again sometime. Maybe check out El Salto.

Thanks again,

Joe Kerlee
Ft. Worth, TX

Mar. 7, 2002

Ron,

I just returned from a bass fishing trip in Mexico through another outfitter. What a mistake! I booked a trip with you last year to Comedero and was spoiled by the experience. This year I decided to try and save a few dollars and booked with a crook. The boat motor didn't run, no electric motor, the boat barely floated because of large holes in the fiberglass and the so-called fishing guide had never been on the lake before. Needless to say the fishing was terrible.

I have learned my lesson. My future trips to Mexico will be with Ron Speed's Adventures. Feel free to use this as an endorsement - If anyone wants to hear a horror story about what they can expect from a cheaper outfitter have them call me.

Bob McPeak

Feb. 27, 2002

Ron,

We just got back from El Salto last night. It was another wonderful trip. Lupe, I cannot say enough good things about him. He runs a smooth camp. I want to send him a few lures in care of you. Please see that he gets them. As you know, this was my birthday trip. My two sons and a friend accompanied me to Salto. Lupe and the kitchen help had a birthday cake and a penyata (sp) for me. The food was as good as it gets. The cabins were clean and comfortable, the camp attractive and well kept. I had two guides, Victor and Pedro Jr. Victor is good and Pedro is very good, guiding his people to the day's largest bass all three days. One day I won the pot and one day my son Rob won. Our best day was 95 fish. I wish I HAD ANOTHER DAY because I think I figured out what the fish wanted. The best bait was the watermelon lizard but you got more bites fishing it on a carolina rig. Looking foward to another trip soon.

Bob Wright

Feb. 8, 2002

Dear Mr. Dunn:

I read with interest the article entitled "Mexico Lake Angling for Bass Title" by Lee Allen that was published in the November 22, 2001 Albuquerque Journal. The lake referred to in the article was Lake El Salto and I was surprised that the article did not mention Ron Speed's Adventures. Ron has been providing bass fishing trips to Mexico for more than thirty years and his company maintains an outstanding fishing camp right on the shore of El Salto. In fact, it is my understanding that Ron was instrumental in introducing the larger "Florida" strain bass to El Salto some ten years ago -- the fish that now are commanding such attention by other outfitters. In addition, Ron Speed's Adventures has established fishing camps at two other outstanding Mexico lakes: Lake Huites and Lake Comedero.

I have been to Lakes Huites and Comedero one time each and to Lake El Salto twice with Ron Speed's Adventures. I am not an expert bass fisherman but it is something that I do whenever I find the time and the money. On each of these "Mexico" fishing trips, my partners and I have been out-fished by others at the camp. But I must say, the accommodations, the food, the friendliness of the camp staff, and the smooth operation of the camps allowed even those of us who are not experts to have a great time. And, I might add, on one El Salto trip, I caught my biggest bass ever weighing right at ten pounds.

Ron Speed's Adventures runs a class operation at these three Mexico lakes and Ron himself has initiated many of the programs that have led to such great fishing there. His company deserves recognition in any context that touts bass fishing in Mexico.

I could not find on the Journal web site how to email Mr. Allen directly so I'm hoping you might pass this information along to him or others who might write about Mexico Lakes. Ron Speed's Adventures has a web site with complete information about their offerings: www.ronspeedadventures.com. In addition, I know Ron would be glad to talk with anyone drafting an article about Mexico fishing. I also would be willing to talk with Mr. Allen should he write a follow-up article about El Salto or one of the other lakes I've mentioned.

In the several trips I have made with Ron Speed's Adventures, I have never personally met Ron although I have talked to him numerous times on the telephone. Perhaps I should say that nobody asked me to write this email. I have simply had very enjoyable trips with Ron Speed's Adventures in Mexico and I wanted to bring his company to the attention of the Journal in the event that there might be another article about Mexico fishing in the future.

Thank you for your attention.

Best regards,
Richard B. Worrell

Feb. 2, 2002

Thank you for your kindness in hosting the trip for Don Box and myself. We both appreciate it very much.

I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed it and the success we had.

In the 4 days of fishing, Don and I caught 389 bass (nearly non-stop action). On the final day we caught 56 in the morning and 49 in the afternoon (105). One day, Don and I had a total of 131: 81 in the morning and 50 in the afternoon. Each of us had one over 8lbs and I had an 8lb/7oz., Don caught an 8lb/4oz--caught within about 15 ft of each other in 20 ft of water adjacent to 30 ft of water. Both on lizards, mine of plum color, Don's on watermelon and chartreuse tail.

As usual, it was good to see Lupe again. I can't say enough about Lupe's effort to try and see that everyone has a good time.

When arriving, I was surprised to see how great the camp looked, since all of the additions and remodeling were made. It was great and all the food was the best yet.

Thanks again, and I look forward to another great fishing trip in the future.

Sincerely,
Roy Arrington

Jan. 23, 2002

Fishing and guiding for years on the streams of Arkansas and Missouri, I was extremely impressed by the professionalism, consistency and dedication shown by Ron Speed's Adventures. I've just returned from a week of fishing aboard the Amazon Clipper with first class accommodations, excellent food and the finest guides I've ever fished with in the Amazon. The trip was well-planned, well-managed and all of our needs were well met, including the skill of the guides in locating large quantities of fish. Catching peacock bass up to 25 pounds and locating fish in the range of 12-17 pounds seemed to come naturally for the guides making the trip a truly memorable experience. Thanks to Ron Speed and his dedicated staff, I will return again in the very near future. If there is any way I can assist you, or help you plan a trip, please contact me at 501-795-2414.

Sincerely yours,

Drew Daniel
Ozark Guide Service

Jan. 21, 2002

Dear Ron,

Please let me know when you start scheduling your 2003 trip to Lake Comedero in Mexico. We would like to reserve 4 places for sure and possibly more. I've been fishing Mexico for 30 years and I have never been fishing in Mexico or anywhere else that was equivalent to the trip I just got back from. At one point in the trip Jim Reed and I threw for thirty minutes and we both never made a throw that we didn't bring in a fish. I'm talking 3 and 4 lb fish. Please don't forget to let me know and I'll send you my deposit.

Thanks.

Johnny Murrey
Kaufman, Texas

Letter from Carroll Price of South Carolina
Subject: Brazil-Amazon Fishing

Oct. 12, 2001

Dear Ron

I am sending you this letter to let you know that this was a once in a lifetime trip. All 12 of the fishermen caught a least one Peacock Bass that weighed 17 pounds. We caught a total of 594 fish with 188 of them weighing from 10 to 24 pounds, and there were days that not all of the fishermen were fishing.

Had we wanted to catch Peacock Bass in the 5 to 9 pound range we could have caught a least a total of 1,000 fish, but we opted to leave the smaller fish while they were biting to go in search of bigger fish. Our biggest fish which weighed 24 pounds was caught by a fisherman that didn't even have a fresh water reel, pole, line or lures 3 weeks before the trip.

Gilbert was great as far as having everything ready and on time. The guides out did themselves in trying to get us the size fish we were looking for. The food was outstanding and crew aboard the Amazon Clipper couldn't do a better job than they did to serve their 12 guests.

I just cant say enough about the service and special attention each one of us received starting and ending in Miami. I will be forwarding you photos of the trip early this next week after the local papers pick the ones out they want to use in the articles they are writing about the trip starting this weekend.

Thank you again in helping us to make this trip of a life time.

Carroll Price
Charleston, South Carolina

Letter From Mark Engelson of Dallas, TX.
Subject: Brazil-Amazon Fishing

26 lb Peacock caught Oct 12, 2001, by Mark Engelson with guide Armaral. Fish was slightly over 36 inches in length and was caught on a large firetiger Bass Pro "Peacock Poison" topwater lure (similar to a woodchopper) over large underwater rock structure. Rod was a 7 1/2 ft medium heavy action which performed perfectly for these fish. Line was 80 lb braided spectra. Weather was hot, but the wind was calm and it was cloudy. It rained 10 minutes after catching the fish.

The fish was caught on the last day of the trip making a fitting end to a great trip. Of note was that all of the large fish taken in the last couple days were caught from the rear of the boat, off points that had been thoroughly covered from the front and rear of the boat. It was the last cast back across the point from the rear of the boat that many of the big fish struck and it was the same for Mr. 26 pounder. After loosing a larger fish earlier in the week with broken line, I was determined to let the rod and reel do the work and not try to horse the fish in. The fish hit the bait hard, but all the fish do down there. You could tell it was a big fish as it stayed deep and kept ripping out line whenever it saw the boat. But it wasn't known how big until the fish made a turn near the front of the boat and my partner Jesse saw the distinctive bulge on the big fish's forehead and got really excited. He had seen plenty of big fish over the week and from his reaction I knew this fish was special. Armaral our guide kept us clear of the shore and was ready with the net. When the fish finally came within reach he made a perfect sweep with the oversize net and the battle was over. Jesse claimed the battle was a good 10 minutes, but I couldn't remember. Armaral's first guess was 24 lbs, but he came up short as the fish weighed in an even 26 lbs on two different scales. Then it sunk in how big a fish this was and how close we were to a world record.

What a feeling! All the fatigue and pains from the week were gone.