The Los Roques Archipelago has for a long time been known as an outstanding destination for Bonefish. But it has much more to offer. Species such as Permit, Tarpon, Snook, Jacks, Barracuda, Triggerfish, and Parrotfish to name some. Make it one of the very best flats fishing destinations in the Caribbean, with quality and variation in fishing that is hardly found anywhere. Los Roques offers some of the most breathtaking and unspoiled sceneries 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 located only 80 miles from Caracas. It consists of over 350 islands and cays that emerge from the most translucent sea and coral beaches. In 1972 Los Roques was declared a National Park, and because of this the islands and reefs have been preserved in their natural pristine state. The village of Gran Roque is as you would imagine a very small settlement, there are no cars and it’s still composed of a quaint collection of pastel-painted buildings and unpaved roads. The pace of everyday life there is much slower than in any big city and offers a very friendly and laid-back atmosphere.
FISHING
The huge number of flats and islands at Los Roques offers more wading and stalking opportunities than almost any other saltwater fishing location. Some are vast, some are just small «pancakes». And some are idyllic beach flats where the bonefish are constantly on the lookoutcrustaceans for crustaceans and baitfish. Fishing Los Roques Archipelago is the essence of shallow water fly fishing, wading transparent azure and turquoise flats lapping against virgin white coral sands.
Bonefish average 3-5lbs, with double-figure, catches not infrequent.
While Los Roques has traditionally been a Bonefish destination par excellence, Tarpon is being caught in increasing numbers, in sizes up to 100-120lbs. And the elusive Permit can often be found cruising and tailing over the outer edges of the flats, searching for crustaceans and sardines. The Permit is not an easy target, but due to just about zero fishing pressure, the Permit fishing in Los Roques can be extreme. Two years of Covid and several more years of political unrest have given the game fish of the archipelago a well-deserved rest. And all species act as if they have never seen a fly before, eager to eat it.
In addition to fishing the «traditional three», there is a multitude of other species. Snook, Triggerfish, Parrotfish, Barracuda, Sharks, Mackerel, and different types of Jacks, with the Horseeye posing as the GT of the Caribbean.
The most recent species to become the prey of the avid flyfisherman is the unlikely, coral feeding Parrot Fish. This fish, with its small mouth and vice-like jaws,It is as much of a challenge as a Permit, and some would say that catching a Parrotfish on the fly is a greater achievement than the Permit since there are not many places one can frequently target parrotfish while flats fishing.
The variety in fishing makes Los Roques perfect for both avid anglers as well as the novice. One can choose to catch more bonefish than what’s possible to count. Or, choose to go specimen hunting for that ONE special fish. Be it a Permit, Monster Tarpon, Parrotfish or new World Record Triggerfish(we have seen him, and we know where he lives)
ACCOMODATION
On Gran Roque, there are many lodges to choose from but the one that we prefer is the Posada Movida. At this Lodge, you will find a blend of services that accentuates the comfort of simple things with extraordinary attention, exquisite food, refreshing drinks, and a famously friendly atmosphere. It is a superior «posada», each room with air conditioning, a private bath and hot water. It is located in the village a few meters from the water's edge.
TRIP SCHEDULE & PROGRAM
All out trips are accompanied by one Wild Sea Expedition host and guide, to always have the maximum level of care and assistance.
On arrival at Caracas, we will be assisted by a ground team for terminal change to catch our flight to Los Roques or transfer to the hotel, in accordance with the international flight schedule.
You will then take a charter plane (or a commercial domestic flight depending on numbers) for the short, early morning flight to Gran Roque. You will be met at
the landing strip by the Posada representative and the head guide who will escort you on foot to the Posada. As soon as you are ready, a full day’s fishing awaits you.
After 6 full days of fishing, you will take the most conveniently timed return flight to Caracas on the following day to connect with your international departure.
A longer stay is always possible due to the daily flight from Caracas - Los Roques, a longer stay it’s a great idea to have more time to dedicate to some bucket list species.
SEASON
Fishing for all species 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, although if the baitfish are in, these huge tarpon will be there whatever the season. Smaller tarpon are always found in the mangrove lagoons.
The months between March to September are the best for Bonefishing, the water is lower and fishing for Bonefish in super skinny water is at his best, considered the finest in the world.
Thanks to its location to the extreme south of the Caribbean, this archipelago is off the track of the hurricanes that wreak so much havoc to other islands at certain times of the year.
SAFETY & HEALTH
After years when traveling to Venezuela was tricky and even the Caracas airport was an issue to pass through, these days the situation has improved a lot, and now traveling via Caracas is safe and smooth. Our ground assistance will welcome you and take care of you.
VISA
Many nationalities don’t need Visa for Venezuela, you better check online if you need an entry Visa.
VACCINATIONS
No vaccinations are required for a trip to Los Roques.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Meet and greet at arrival in Caracas.
Transport to, and check-in, assistance at the domestic airport.
Domestic flights Caracas-Los Roques-Caracas
Six days of guided fishing, boat, driver, and guide
Seven nights at Posada, air-conditioned room.
Breakfast, lunch dinner, snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, packed lunch when fishing.
Laundry service.
Wifi.
Fishing licence
Transport from the domestic airport and check-in assistance if needed on the return.
NOTE: we arrange all the extra services but the price being lightly variable, we get the quotation at the time of the booking.
NOT INCLUDED
International flights;
1-night air-conditioned accommodation, shared basis, at the Caracas airport hotel ( 110 $ including transfers )
meals in Caracas
commercial return flights between Caracas and Gran Roque airport ( 250 to 300 $ )
drinks at the bar
Marine park fee, 20$ paid upon arrival in Los Roques.
Other expenses of a personal nature.
Tips
RECOMMENDED TACKLE
We advise using rods and especially reels made for saltwater. The harsh, salty environment is merciless on the gear, and you don’t want your dream catch to get away due to gear failure. Use reels that have a capacity of 250m+ of backing. Also, the fly line needs to be of the tropical kind, as regular fly lines do not cope with high temperatures. The same goes for hooks. Please use only high-quality components.
TIPPET/LEADER MATERIALS
Pre-tapered ‘9 20lbs fluorocarbons, this is easy to use, and you can splice on your own tippet according to conditions.
Home-made tapered leaders are also an option.
12-16-20-25-30-50-60-80lbs Fluorocarbon
70-60-50 monofilament to tie leaders.
30lbs wire for barracuda, sharks, and mackerel.
BONEFISH
#7, or #8 rod with matching reel and line9’ tapered 20lbs fluorocarbon leader spools of 12-16 & 20 lbs fluorocarbon tippet.
PERMIT, TRIGGER
#9, or #10 rod with matching reel and line9’ tapered 20lbs fluorocarbon leader spools of 16 & 20 lbs fluorocarbon tippet.
TARPON/SNOOK
#11 or #12 rod with matching reel and line spools of 50-60lbs fluorocarbon for Baby Tarpon and Snook, with a butt-section of 70lbs mono.Spools of 80-100lbs fluorocarbon for Big Tarpon, straight.
PARROTFISH
#9 or #10 rod with matching reel and line. Spools of 25-30lbs fluorocarbon tippet, we use a butt-section of 70lbs mono, or «furled leader»
SUGGESTED FLIES
BONEFISH
Glass Minnows/Surf Candies white belly, olive or blue back, size 8-6Gotcha, tan, olive and white size 8-6-4Crazy Charlie, tan, olive, pink size 6Flexo Crab, light tan size 4Turneffe Crab, olive, white size 6Puff, pink, olive size 8-6
PERMIT, TRIGGER, PARROTFISH
Avalon Shrimp, tan size 4-2Flexo Crab, tan, olive size 6-4-2Spawning Shrimp, off white, tan size 6-4EP Shrimp, tan, size 6-4Strong Arm Crab, size 6-2
TARPON, BARRACUDA, JACKS, SNOOK
Black Death (red and black) size 2/0, 4/0Deceivers, white/olive, white/chartreuse size 2/0, 4/0Clousers, white/chartreuse, all-white size 2-2/0Tarpon Slider, black/purple, grey/olive size 1-2/0Gurgler or Popper in black, white, chartreuse size 2/0-4/0BIG EP Minnow or Bulkhead fly in bright green, and natural mullet color, 14-20 cm on 5/0 or 6/0 hook!This last one is for the really big guys!
