Seeking treasure in the heart of South America’s jungles isn’t for fainthearted, ill-equipped explorers—it takes a big pair of cajones—but the reward is unscathed water and merciless fish.

Jungle anglers are a select handful who never stop by the river to play a waiting game, preferring instead to venture straight to the center of the action. They are a restless bunch with indomitable souls, much different than traditional “meat fishermen.” Like a hunting animal that controls its prey, the jungle angler is enamored by the pursuit; he knows the right time to act, and wouldn’t let anything change his course or stand in his way…

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above The region is home to well over 100 species of butterflies, all equally nervy and tough to photograph. After lying sprawled in the mud for 40 minutes on a 100-degree day, however, diligence pays off.

Photo: Dave McCoy