Los Roques Venezuala, fly fishing guides, bonefish

Phone: 011-541-143111222
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Los Roques Fly Fishing (Venezuela)

General Information:
Situated approximately 85 miles off the coast of Venezuela and just a 35-minute flight from Caracas, Los Roques is the most important island of the archipelago, center of the public life of local people and visitors. 50 islands form this amazing place where the colour of the waters, a combination of blue, green and turquoise, will take your breath away. The island is currently populated by about 2000 inhabitants who live on fishing and tourism. The village is picturesque with the typical Caribbean atmosphere. Fishermen's houses, recycled and painted with bright colors, are part of the landscape. The diversity of foreigners and local people gives the island a peculiar touch.
Over 30 years ago, Los Roques was declared a national park in order to protect the wildlife and vegetation in the area. The center of the area consists of a lagoon covering about 400km2 that holds coral islands and numerous "pancake" flats . Los Roques has proved to be a desired destination for scuba-divers and fishermen from all over the world for the richness and variety of the marine live in its waters.

The star in Los Roques is the bonefish, found in large quantities and considerable sizes (from 4 to 10 pounds). It is a world-class destination for bonefishing in its own right. Although Los Roques is considered a mainline bonefish destination, you will encounter other species - tarpon, permit and jacks - as well all year round. From November through February, large tarpon schools ranging from 40 to 150 pounds are seen.

Package:
Fishing in Los Roques is done with well-qualified experienced local guides under the supervision of a Head Guide who has been fishing the area for over 15 years. Anglers are transported to the flats in 3 spacious 30 foot boats, powered by 75 horsepower outboards, with the assistance of a captain per boat. Although fishing is done for eight hours, departure time may vary depending on the tides. Our programmes may include only the fishing or the air transfer Caracas/Los Roques/Caracas, assistance at Los Roques airport and accommodation in a local posada ( inn ) including all meals.

There are many posadas in Los Roques; most of them used to be fishermen's houses and have been recycled accommodating up to 6 or 8 anglers. All of them offer special packages including breakfast, lunch and dinner. Rates range from U$S 40 to U$S 250 per day/person. We are offering rates which may vary from U$S 70 to U$S 150 per day/person. The lodges we recommend are right on the beach or very close to it, to make access to the boats easier.

Tackle and Equipment:
We suggest bringing one 7 or 8 weight rod for bonefish and one 9 or 10 weight for tarpon and permit. High-performance reels with a good brake system are required, capable of holding 200 - 250 yards of 20-pound backing. Weight forward floating fly lines; an Intermediate line is recommended for tarpon.

For bonefish and permit, use 12-foot knotless leaders, and 12-pound fluorocarbon shock tippet. For tarpon we recommend 16 to 20-pound test bimini twist leaders and 60 pound monofilament hard shock tippet. Bonefish flies should be light-weight and with a hook protection. Clouser Minow, Crazy Charlie, Bonefish Special, Gummy Minnow and small crabs tied on hooks #4 or #6, sand and light-brown. Permit: Rag Head Crab, Brown Special, Velcro Crab and Del's Merkin tied on hooks #2 and #4. For tarpon and snook: streamers, deceivers and seaducers on hooks #2/0 and 3/0, brown and orange, black and yellow, orange and yellow, olive and white, Black Death and Purple Death. The Gummy Minnow is a terrific pattern for tarpon.

Additional Information:
Even though fishing is profitable all year round, each season has its pros and cons. During the prime months of March/April/May and June , Los Roques offers astounding numbers of fish but these months are most required because of the calm winds. European tourists prefer July and August so the lodges are full at that time. September and October are quiet months with less tourists and good fishing. November and December are rainy months and in January, Europeans and Americans start coming again. Los Roques air and water temperatures vary little from 33C in summer (June, July and August) to 23 in winter (December, January and February). As you see, it's never cold. Almost all bonefish and permit fishing at Los Roques is by wading, so bring neoprene wading boots, light weight clothes, a wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, sunblock SPF 40 or higher and a good fly selection.

Los Roques Fishing Packages

Other Destinations: Cuba, Argentina, Holbox , Belize, Cozumel, Cancun, Venezuela, Chile, Patagonia

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