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A15lb permit - one that didn't get away!
A tarpon to dance with.
Squeeze me, but don't tease me!
Horse-eye jacks are constantly
on the prowl.
The archipelago of Los Roques has already become known as an outstanding destination for bonefishing. It can get even better, but it can never get spoilt because of the limitation placed on the island by its status as a national park.
Los Roques offers some of the most breathtaking and unspoilt scenery in the Caribbean. Here, the calm rhythm of nature invites you to slow down and to forget the rituals of your daily life.
The archipelago of Los Roques is just 80 miles from Caracas. It consists of over 350 islands and cays that emerge from the most translucent sea and coral beaches that can be found anywhere in the world. In 1972 it was declared a National Park, so the islands and reefs have been preserved in their natural pristine state. The village of Gran Roque is inhabited by more pelicans than people, has no cars and is still composed of a quaint collection of pastel painted buildings and unpaved roads.
THE FISHING: The huge number of flats offers more wading and stalking opportunities than almost any other saltwater fishing location. Some are vast, some are just small ‘pancakes’. And some boast idyllic beach flats where the bonefish are constantly on the look out for crustacean and baitfish. Fishing in Los Roques is a dream of the ultimate sporting adventure, wading in transparent azure and turquoise waters lapping against virgin white coral sands.
Bonefish average 3-5lbs, with double figure catches not infrequent. Stalking them with one of our knowledgeable guides generates alternating panics of anxiety followed by deliria of excitement.
While Los Roques has traditionally been a Bonefish destination par excellence, Tarpon are being caught in increasing numbers, in sizes up to 80-100lbs, usually in the deeper water. And the elusive Permit can often be discovered cruising slowly and temptingly over the outer edges of the flats in a way such as to say ‘catch me if you can’.
In addition to fishing the flats themselves there is a wealth of fishing available around the reefs. Jack Crevalle, Barracuda, Snook, Snapper, Spanish mackerel, etc, will rise equally well to the fly or to light spinning tackle.
ACCOMMODATION: At our Lodge you will find a blend of services that accentuate the comfort of simple things with extraordinary attention, exquisite food, refreshing drinks, and a famously friendly atmosphere. It is a superior ‘posada’, with 8 rooms– each with private bath and hot water –located in the village a few metres from the water’s edge. It has 24-hour electricity, airconditioning in most rooms, excellent cooking, open area, bar-lounge decorated by the owner, and private boat.
THE PROGRAMME: The stalking of bonefish by wading the flats is such a feature of Los Roques that fishermen are accompanied by both a guide and a boatman. While you are fishing, the boatman will move his ‘panga’ to the other end of the flats to meet you there, and to save the sometimes long walk back, against the wind.
The programme can be organised for any number of days. However, a recommended trip would include 6 days fishing:
Day 1:
Arrival in Caracas, spend 1 night in a 4 star hotel close to the airport
Days 2 to 7:
An early morning departure on Day 2 for the short trip to Los Roques
provides time for 6 full day’s, fully-guided, fishing, 6 nights
accommodation at Gran Roque.
Day 8:
Return to Caracas – for return home, or optional extra nights.
WATCH THE VIDEO:
OTHER ACTIVITIES: With its numerous protected cays and varied coral reefs, Los Roques is also one of the best places in the world for scuba diving, and there are several certified scuba diving services/instructors from which to choose. For windsurfing and kite surfing enthusiasts, the constant trade winds and the relatively shallow waters of many of the cays offer unrivalled conditions for this sport.
Los Roques offers visitors a unique Caribbean experience. Here the focus is the sun, turquoise water, and the sandy beaches. If a resort atmosphere is what you're looking for, then Los Roques may not be what you want. But if you dream of an a escape where you can walk barefoot everywhere, bird watch, snorkel, bonefish, scuba, sunbathe, or simply relax while sipping a cocktail at sunset watching pelicans dive in the distance, then Los Roques is the place you need.
SEASONS: Fishing at Los Roques is good all year round. The (slightly) cooler months of October to March tend to produce higher numbers of the large tarpon.
RATES – 2007 SEASON: For a 6 day guided fishing package, as detailed in the Programme above, including transfers, with shared guide and boat, shared twin room, full board: UK£1,400/person (US$2,450/person).
Alternative quotes can be made for different durations. Also a combination package can be quoted to include the freshwater destination of Caurama Lodge.
SUPPLEMENTS: Single room, and/or one to one guided fishing, supplements available.
CONDITIONS: A 50% trip deposit is required to hold your reservation. Full payment is due 60 days prior to travel.
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The Caurama Lodge pool and fly tying hut.
Payara by nightfall.
Carlos with a peacock bass
in a Caura tributary.
Watch out for the payara's vicious fangs.
Dawn on an Orinoco tributary.
Carlos claiming a sardinata.
The Peacock pose.
The vicious payara and the acrobatic sardinata are species virtually unknown in the world away from the surging rivers flowing from the upper Andes in South America. And there are few other fish that can provide the adrenalin rush of these creatures when they are on the move.
The Caura River is a major tributary of the mighty Orinoco River in Southern Venezuela. Its surroundings comprise dense, tropical rainforests, which are home to a wide array of colourful birds and exotic wildlife, and endless fluvial horizons. Stretching over 220 miles, the Caura’s clear flowing waters hold hundreds of different fish species, over half a dozen of which are considered highly rated game fish. The Payara, Sardinata, and Peacock bass make up the ‘most wanted’ list, while other species such as the Morocoto, Piranha, Cachama, giant Catfish, Curvinata and Guabina can also provide a challenge even to the most experienced fisherman..
THE FISHING: During the months of September to January a truly unique fishing experience exists as the aggressive Payara makes its way up the Caura. Much of the fishing is done by sighting the huge schools of baitfish, then moving in to take part in an amazing feeding frenzy .
ThePayara, a sleek prehistoric looking predator, is considered by many to be among the greatest fighters of all tropical freshwater fish. These fish can weigh up to 35 lbs. Providing heart-stopping strikes, followed by spectacular acrobatics and line stretching runs, the Payara’s vicious smash from its multi-fanged jaw can shred a fly to pieces! Wire leaders, large flies and streamers are the recommended gear. Light spinning tackle can also be very productive.
The dynamic Sardinata, which can reach weights of 18 lbs closely resembles the American Shad in appearance. Similar to a tarpon, it will often leap some four or five feet into the air once hooked, before delivering fast, strong runs.
Some of the Caura’s tributaries and lagoons house spectacular Peacock Bass, one of the most prized trophies among fresh water fishers. Flycasting for these magnificent animals provides a very agreeable contrast to the payara and sardinata fishing.
At least three of the Catfish species in this river belong to the ‘giant’ category. While exciting to catch, these fish are more suitable for spinning tackle.
The operator, Carlos Aristeguieta, has developed a strong flyfishing and light tackle programme to pursue these various species. Fishermen are guided in aluminium skiffs with 40hp outboards, Minnkota electric trolling motors and custom carpeted elevated casting platforms with rotating swivel seats.
More than 20 IGFA World Records have been successfully broken for Payara, Sardinata and Peacock Bass at Caurama. The opportunities for breaking more World Records are still very possible.
THE PROGRAMME: The basic programme is for 6 nights and 5 days fishing, with a minimum group of 4 (max. 8) people:
Day 1:
Arrive Caracas, Venezuela (Simon Bolivar International Airport) from
your city of origin. After clearing customs, you will be met and transferred
to the Hotel Eurobuilding. Meals not included in Caracas.
Day 2:
You will be met at approximately 7:00 a.m. and driven to the Charallave
Airport for your 8:15 a.m. private charter flight directly to the private
landing strip at Caurama Lodge (approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes).
Upon arrival at lodge, you will be escorted to your room and then a quick
meal will be served at which a briefing regarding the days ahead will be
given. After that, your fishing day begins.
Days 3-6:
A regular fishing day usually begins each morning with a 6:00 a.m.
wake-up call followed by breakfast at 6:30 a.m. A very short drive will
take you to the Caura riverside where your fishing guide will be ready to
depart at 7:30 a.m. A lunch box will be taken on the boat (there will be no
returning to camp at mid-day for lunch). In the afternoon, the return to
camp depends on the distance from your particular angling spot, but it
usually begins at 4:45 - 5:15 p.m.
Day 7:
You will board your private charter flight at Caurama back to the
Charallave airport. On arrival, you will be transferred to the Eurobuilding
Hotel for (optional) overnight stay or homeward return.
ACCOMMODATION: Nestled in this tranquil, tropical scenario, and only 10 minutes from the Caura’s riverside, is the Caurama Lodge. Constructed within the confines of a private ranch, Caurama provides you with privacy and comfort. The Lodge’s facilities include double rooms with ceiling fans and private bathrooms. Other amenities include a fly tying room, a refreshing swimming pool for evening relaxation and a well stocked ‘churuata’ bar. Meals are served in a charming covered, open air restaurant area, and consist of both national and international cooking. This is wilderness country, and the lodge is a true oasis. You will spend your first night in a 5-star hotel in Caracas.
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
The area surrounding Caurama Lodge is renowned for table top mountains, waterfalls, and unique, diverse ecosystems. The camp is ideally situated in the transition zone between the flat grasslands (Llanos) and the hilly Amazonas rainforest. While staying at the camp, optional tours can be arranged for non-fishing partners to explore both biological regions. The Caura forest reserve is home to approximately 400 different species of birds, numerous plants and trees such as acacias, cedars, mahogany and orchids. You will also find abundant wildlife including jaguars, toucans, fisher eagles and royal herons. You may also catch sight of capuchin and howler monkeys. Excursions can be arranged, including a hike to the Leona Rapids, a jungle swim, and a hike through the rainforest to Cockroach Falls, where various species of seeds used for perfumes can be found. Boat trips are also available down the Rio Caura, to visit an Makiritare Indian village, see pink river dolphins, river otters, kingfishers, turkey vultures and numerous other flora and fauna.
SEASONS: The fishing season at Caurama is from 1st September to mid-January. During this period the best months for the following species are:
Payara and Sardinata:
September to mid-December
Peacock Bass:
mid-November to mid-January
RATES: Rate per person for a 5 day guided fishing package, as detailed in the Programme above, including transfers, with shared guide and skiff, shared twin room, full board: US$2,995 (UK£1,710).
Alternative quotes can be made for different durations. Also a combination package can be quoted to include the saltwater destination of Los Roques.
SUPPLEMENTS: Single room, and one to one guided fishing, supplements available.
CONDITIONS: A 50% trip deposit is required to hold your reservation. Full payment is due 60 days prior to travel.
