Los Roques

tarpon in los roques Venezuela

Bonefish – Tarpon – Permit

SEASON: All year opportunity
DURATION: 7 Nights – 6 Days Fishing
GUESTS: 4-8 Anglers

Los Roques Venezuela is, without doubt, one of the best fly fishing destinations in the Caribbean. Bonefish in their hundreds provide anglers with shots all day and in multiple habitats for ultimate variation.
The archipelago is famous for its pancake flats but the area also offers great opportunities on its coral banks, sandy beaches, massive flats and mangrove lagoons. Los Roques is ideal for saltwater fly anglers who love to wade.

Fishing at Los Roques

fly fishing for tarpon in los roques Venezuela

Boasting over 200 square miles of fishable water, Los Roques represents a wade fisherman’s paradise and dream come true.  Bonefish are the main target species with incredible numbers of fish. The average size is between 4-5 pounds and they are known for their aggressive behaviour in the region.

Fish over 5 pounds are caught more frequently than fish under 2 pounds, and good numbers of fish in the 7-10 pound range are present.

Other species

Tarpon between 10 & 80 pounds are also frequently landed on Los Roques. They can often be seen rolling in the channels and on the deeper flats where they are targeted from the bow of a skiff. Permit, during specific periods of the season, are present at Los Roques with an incredible average size of 20-40 pounds. Even though permit are not as prolific and difficult to catch they do offer an alternative for experienced anglers chasing a grand slam.

Rods:
We recommend 7wt, 8wt, or 9wt rods for bonefish. If we could only choose one, it would be the 8wt for Los Roques.  Include a 10wt for the variety of other species, especially if it is permit season, and then an optional 12 wt for Tarpon.

Reels:
Reels need to be able to withstand significant runs & surges. Bonefish are fast & will test your drag. Your reel should hold at least 150 yards of 20 lb. backing.

Lines:
Related to rods and need to be WF floating lines and optional sinking line for Tarpon. High visibility weight forward lines compensate for the ever-present trade winds and can be seen in the air or on the water in bright light. Take an extra fly line just in case the first suffers damage.

Leaders:
Bonefish: 10 pounds and 12 pounds
Tarpon: 40 pounds shock tippet also 20 pound Shock tippet
Permit: 12 Pounds

bonefish on fly in Venezuela

Reasons to love Los Roques

  • There are no winter “cold fronts” as those frequently experienced in the Bahamas, Cuba, Mexico and Belize and hurricanes bypass Los Roques to the north. All this make Los Roques one of the most consistent and reliable fishing locations in the region.
  • Shorter stays are available so weekend visits are on the agenda.
  • There are productive fishing areas as close as 10-20 minutes boat ride from the lodge. The further areas are between 30-45 minutes.

Accommodation at Los Roques

Depending on availability and group size, guests are hosted at either Vila Caracol or Posada Caracol.

Villa Caracol enjoys an extremely quiet and ventilated position. It is characterized by large open spaces arranged on various levels. Two large terraces, one facing the sea with comfortable relaxing sofas and beach beds, and the second is equipped with single sofas and large pillows, with a splendid view of the lighthouse. Villa Caracol offers six spacious and comfortable rooms, one of which with four beds, two with three beds and two with double beds. Each room is tastefully furnished and offers a private washroom with hot water, a/c, mini-bar, and a ceiling fan.

Posada Caracol is all about the privacy of its guests.  The original structure has been re-designed, providing four guest bedrooms.  All rooms have air conditioning and are tastefully decorated including personal Bluetooth speakers in each bedroom.  Situated on the main waterfront, it is perfectly positioned, both to enjoy the sunset, and the daily going on, along the waterfront and of course enjoy the sea view.  Dining is in front of the posada looking out to sea and there is also a private sea-view balcony area.

Getting to the fishing

permit on fly in Venezuela

Anglers will fly via Caraccas to Maiquetia Airport when the tour begins.  After arrival at the international terminal, a VIP transfer service will be waiting to transfer guests to the Hotel (only a 2-3 minutes drive) for the evening. Your reservation at the Hotel will be made, and you simply need to check in. If required, your transfer team will help you with check-in.

The following morning you will be collected for your 30-minute flight to Los Roques.

Depending on arrival and departure times, it is possible to avoid overnight on the mainland but as single flights leave daily this is dependent on international arrivals.  On the return journey, guests can overnight at Los Roques and fly early the next day to the international airport and make their connection to international destinations.

Local flights are daily at 0800 and at 1600 to Los Roques and at 0900 and 1700 from Los Roques to the mainland.  The airline has turboprop planes with 2 engines and a capacity for 12 pax.

Itinerary for a 6-day package at Los Roques

Day 1*: Arrive Caracas and overnight.

Day 2: Fly from Caracas to Los Roques at 0800. First day of fishing.

Days 3-6: 4 Full days of fishing.

Day 7: Full day of fishing. Fly back to Caracas at 17.00 and overnight.

Day 8*: Fly home.

* Depending on international arrival and departure times, same day connections to and from Los Roques may be possible.

Image Gallery

Rates based on 7 Night Packages

US$5,165.00 per angler sharing

*Excluding Los Roques National Park Entry Fee (approx. $20)
** Please enquire about shorter duration rates & alternative accommodation rates

Rates Include

  • First and last night at the selected hotel: Marriott or Eurobuilding.
  • Four-engine round trip flight Caracas – Los Roques – Caracas with Fly to Los Roques
  • Accommodation at Lodge.
  • All meals at the Lodge and at the boat.
  • All ground transfer services.
  • Guided fishing.
  • Sport fishing licenses and permits.

Rates Exclude

  • International airfare to Venezuela
  • Meals and beverages in the mainland
  • Los Roques National Park Entry Fee
  • Alcoholic beverages (except beers on the boat)
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls and laundry
  • Overweight baggage
  • Gratuities to the lodge staff and fishing guides

Extra Info

Citizens of certain countries need to present a tourist visa to gain entry.  You can check if you need a visa or not in the link below.

Check your nationality status here at
https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/south-america/venezuela/passport-visa/ 

Weight restrictions
Please do not exceed 50lbs of cargo.
Luggage – Please bring soft shell luggage or duffle bags

Insurance
While basic travel insurance is included, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that clients purchase Global Rescue insurance.

Medical Evacuation
It is important that clients have adequate travel and medical insurance that includes Medical Evacuation from point of Injury. Global Rescue offers the most comprehensive and inclusive insurance.

Vaccines
Currently, no vaccines are required to gain entry to Venezuela. However, if you wish to visit tourist sites you should ensure you are properly vaccinated against yellow fever. Remember that this vaccine must be administered at least 10 days prior to traveling to these destinations.

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