Venezuela

Los Roques

Fly Fishing Trip or Lodge Details:

Los Roques Archipelago, which lies 80 miles off Venezuela’s mainland, along the Caribbean Sea, is considered among the best bonefishing places in the World. The Archipelago consists of forty-eight keys or islands; when overlooked from a plane, the sight is like a string of pearls against the azure blue of the Caribbean. Los Roques has been appointed a National Park, and no new building can be constructed on the islands. Long-line fishermen have been forbidden and other kinds of fishing has been restricted. As a result, the amount of fish dwelling in the Archipelago has increased steadily, while other types of game fish have emerged into these protected waters, like big tarpons up to 80lb. (and even 100lb.) Big permit and enormous snook to 20lb. have been hooked and released.

FISHING: No matter how one fishes for bonefish, perhaps the most challenging way is to wade the flats, spot feeding fish, creep slowly within casting distance and then make a presentation. If the fish is not startled, it will most likely pick up the fly, and within seconds, the angler is hooked to a miniature-size Express train. Regardless of their size, bonefish can strip more line than any other fish of comparable size.

Hundreds of beautiful bonefish flats. Some flats are coral, some are soft marl covered with turtle grass, but many are firm, clean white or golden sand flats, and together they represent a wading bonefisherman's paradise.

Tarpon are seen rolling in the channels and occasionally up on the deeper flats. These are generally baby to mid-size tarpon, but on occasion, fish from 40 to 100 pounds are encountered. Permit are seen occasionally, but are rarely caught. Other species available include barracuda, snook, cero mackerel, bonito and a variety of snappers and jacks.

Seasonal tidal variance is major consideration when planning a trip to Los Roques. A combination of factors can result in very high daytime tides from mid-October to February, peaking in late-November and December. These super high tides flood the flats making wade fishing difficult. March through September generally provide normal tidal fluctuation and better conditions for wading. Due to its proximity to the equator, there is little air or water temperature variation from winter to summer, so fishing holds up quite well, and can actually improve with decreased tidal variances through July and August, when other more northern bonefish locations experience the summer doldrums.

Most of the year, anglers are practically assured of seeing thousands of bonefish in the course of a week.

Three 28 foot fiberglass boats with state-of-the-art equipment, including 75HP Yamaha engines, VHF radios (in constant communications with the Main Island), and emergency devices for insuring a safe sail. All boats are outfitted with canopies to provide welcome shade and additional spray protection during runs across open water between flats areas, or during lunch. Every boat has a captain and a guide, so fisherman will be left on the flats and the captain will pick them up at the end of the flats. Fisherman will not have to walk back to the boat and loose time. Two anglers, a guide and a boatman occupy each boat.

THE LODGE: Guests will stay at Posada Arrecife, a tastefully furnished lodge. Many amenities await you at Arrecife, since every room is equipped with air-conditioning, satellite TV and a phone. Meals will turn into a most enjoyable experience, as Arrecife offers a superb international cuisine served with European grace, as well as an open bar (domestic rum, beer and a selection of red and white wines for dinner time).

To insure guest comfort, Arrecife has its own back-up electric generator, that will support both air-conditioning and Arrecife’s industrial ice maker in the event of an energy failure. At Arrecife you will count on outstanding, top-quality service, provided by Mauricio, his wife Barbara, as well as his warm staff, willing to meet any need or desire you may have.

Season Information

All year, but March to September is best for wading the flats.

Rate Information

ACCOMMODATIONS AND CAPACITY: Accommodations are at the attractive Arrecife Lodge located 5 minutes from the beach on El Gran Roque. Anglers are accommodated in double occupancy guestrooms, each with two standard double beds, ceiling fan and a private bath.

INCLUSIONS:

• Meeting at Caracas International Airport (English speaking representative)
• All ground transfers in Caracas with English speaking driver/guide
• First and last over night at the Eurobuilding Express Hotel (5 star)
• Round trip flight Caracas - Los Roques – Caracas
• Accommodation at Arrecife Lodge
• All meals at the Lodge and at the boat
• All other necessary ground transfers
• Guided fishing
• Sport fishing licenses and permits
• Beer and soft drinks on the boat
• Open bar at the Lodge

EXCLUSIONS: Not included are meals or beverages on the mainland; gratuities; tackle; Los Roques Park entrance fee (around $15 per person, subject to change); alcoholic beverages (except as indicated), departure taxes (approximately $12 in Los Roques and $48 in Caracus), any overweight baggage charges (50 cents per pound over 25 pounds), and items of a personal nature (laundry services, telephone calls etc.).

General Information

LOCATION: In the Caribbean of the coast of Venezuela, 168 Km (100 miles) north of La Guaira, the port of Caracas.

HOW TO GET THERE: International flight to Caracas (CCS).

OWNER: Chapi Sport Fishing