Fishing, Hunting and Camping

From Bonefish to Tarpon, Permit, Jacks, Tuna and Barracuda fishing- Venezuela has it all. Combined with some of the most spectacular landscapes you will ever see, a fishing trip to Venezuela is not to be missed.

BONEFISHING: LOS ROQUES

Renowned as one of the best bonefishing destinations in the world, the Los Roques archipelago rises out of the deep blue Caribbean Sea 80 miles off the Venezuelan Coast. Famous for its pancake flats it offers exceptional sight fishing for large Bonefish. There is also a wide range of other sport fish available including Tarpon, Permit, Jacks, Tuna, Snook and Barracuda.

The Area

Los Roques archipelago is a collection of some 350 islands and cays covering several hundred square kilometers and offering some of the world’s finest saltwater fly-fishing. Lying 140km offshore and only a short hop of 40 minutes from the domestic airport at Caracas, the main island of Gran Roques is a surprisingly sophisticated settlement of 1500 or so souls.

The main island acts as a confluence spot for truly monstrous shoals of minnows stretching for kilometers along the beach and attracting the attention of some of the worlds most sought-after saltwater game fish. Los Roques has become known as one of the best fly opportunities in the Caribbean. The numbers of bonefish can be compared only to the Seychelles. Schools with thousands of fish are common and anglers are constantly stalking smaller groups of larger fish in the 30-80lb range.

By ranging far and wide, a roving fly fisher can have magnificent sport stalking big spooky bones on white sand flats, pitching to tailing permit and intercepting marauding Jacks. Enjoy the good fishing, friendly knowledgeable guides, superbly comfortable accommodation, great seafood and incredible cocktails all in a laid back Latin American beach atmosphere.

Posada Acuarela Lodge

Italian owned and run Acuarela is a medium sized posada, (guest house/hotel) which caters for both fishing and non-fishing parties. The atmosphere is very much that of a Caribbean hideaway as opposed to a dedicated fishing lodge and consequently it is as popular with both fishers and non fishing partners. Run by Angelo, an enigmatic Italian whose passion for food is matched only by his flair for art. The quality and variety of the cuisine is often vaunted by many a fishing lodge – at Acuarela this holds truer than most. Angelo is a celebrated chef in his own right and the mixture of Italian recipes and fresh seafood is without equal.

All the rooms have air-conditioning and private bathrooms and are typically a mix of both double and twin rooms. There is a comfortable roof terrace where guests can relax in the twilight after a days fishing and massages can be arranged for a very reasonable rate. Finally the posada is located a couple of minutes walk from the beachfront and the best of the local bars so you are in prime position for an early morning fish or an evening sundowner.

Non Fishing Options

Los Roques is in itself an extremely popular and exclusive destination and should be considered a perfect family Caribbean retreat that just happens to host some world-class salt-water fly-fishing. Powdery sand and sun rule and the options for an idyllic sunshine holiday beckon.

TARPON FISHING: CARAMBOLA LODGE

Accessible only by boat, Carambola in Venezuela represents one of the most exclusive and exciting Tarpon destinations in the world. This is a place where the sport will excite everyone from novice to expert and provide enough action in a single morning to make conventional fly fishing expeditions pale in comparison.

Located deep within one of Venezuela’s National Parks, Carambola consists of a unique contrast between on the one side, an unbelievably rich habitat, ideal for juvenile Tarpon, and on the other side, huge expanses of deserted white sand beaches where huge adult fish pursue the shoals of mullet and bait fish. Situated on a narrow shoal of land between the ocean and Carambola Lagoon, the lodge represents one of the most exclusive locations to either fish or stay in the entire Caribbean.

The Loopeco Lodge

Accommodation is in individual chalets, simple yet attractively designed inside and out. A king size bed provides the centre-piece to the room whilst those wishing to travel en famille will find 2 more beds in the balcony above. The high roofs ensure that the rooms are kept airy although power fans ensure that those more used to northern climates are kept cool and refreshed. Just 100m from the sea, even the most lethargic should find an excuse to make the early morning sunrise.

The dining room, bar and lounge area is in a beautifully crafted Caribbean hall. High beamed and palm fronded it has been designed to allow the soothing evening breeze from the trade winds to enter whilst protecting from the heat of the midday sun. And then of course the beach and sea, lined with palm huts and waiting sun chairs and for the better part of the week likely to be all to your own

Additional Travel Options in Venezuela

If you are interested in viewing the Angel Falls or seeing some of the sights and sounds on the mainland please let us know and we will be happy to suggest additional travel packages.

About the Author:

By: Justin Maxwell Stuart

Justin Maxwell Stuart has a decade of experience of organising saltwater fly fishing trips to the most inaccessible places on earth, and a wealth of experience in fly fishing for bonefish & tarpon in Venezuela. Ph: +44 (0)7711 519 857 – E: [email protected]