Los Roques
Travel & Tackle Guide

Welcome to your Fly Water Travel trip guide. We’re excited to help you prepare for your upcoming adventure! Inside, you’ll find everything you need: your to-do list, travel logistics, destination notes, and a curated tackle guide tailored to your trip.

Getting Ready

We’ve created a quick checklist of essential tasks to make sure you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead. If questions come up or you need anything at all, just give us a call, we’re here to help every step of the way.

To-Do List:

✓ Complete Venezuelan visa application

✓ Confirm passport is valid for at least 6 months after scheduled return date

✓ Arrange flights to/from Caracas, Venezuela

✓ Complete personal online guest registration form

Los Roques
Travel Guide

From how to get there and what documents you’ll need to tipping guidelines and destination details, this section covers the practical information to ensure smooth travels.

Getting to the Lodge:
To get to Los Roques, guests will need to arrange international flights to/from Caracas "Simón Bolívar" International Airport (CCS) in Maiquetía, Vargas, Venezuela. After that, a short, 35 minute charter flight from the Caracas International Airport domestic terminal will get guests to the island of Gran Roque.

Arrival Day:
Upon arrival in Caracas, guests will clear customs and be greeted by a representative of Fly Fishing Los Roques. They will help guests with their luggage, and provide transfers to either the domestic terminal for a charter flight to Gran Roque or the hotel for an overnight (all included in package). There are two scenarios that could be considered an arrival day, we have listed both of these below.

  • Caracas direct to Gran Roque: If guests can arrive into Caracas prior to 1:00 PM, they are able to skip the overnight in Caracas and catch a 4:00 PM charter flight to Gran Roque. A Fly Fishing Los Roques representative will assist in all transfers to the domestic terminal. After a short 35 minute flight to Gran Roque, guests will be greeted by the Los Roques team and helped with their bags for the short 5 minute walk to the lodge. Please be prepared on arrival with $50 USD for the entrance to Los Roques National Park.

  • Caracas Overnight: If guests are unable to arrive in Cararas prior to 1:00 PM on the day they are scheduled to arrive at the lodge, then they will overnight at a hotel near the airport. A Fly Fishing Los Roques representative will assist in the transfer and help you check in to the hotel. After a morning pickup time has been discussed, they will leave you for the night. Early the next morning, the same representative will pick guests up at the hotel for a quick transfer to the domestic terminal. Guests will then board the short 35 minute charter flight to Gran Roque, and on arrival be greeted by the Los Roques team. Please be prepared on arrival with $50 USD for the entrance to Los Roques National Park. After a brief 5 minute walk to the lodge, guests will drop off their bags and prepare for a full day fishing.


Departure Day:
Guests are asked to book departing flights from the Caracas "Simón Bolívar" International Airport (CCS) after 12:00 PM on the day they are scheduled to depart the lodge. After an early breakfast, guests will pack up their gear and make the quick 5 minute walk back to the Gran Roque airstrip. They will board their charter flight back to Caracas where a Fly Fishing Los Roques representative will be waiting to transfer guests to the International terminal. From this point, guests will board their flighs home.

Flight Options:
Below you will find what we consider to be the two best flight options to get to Caracas (CCS).

  1. American Airlines
    Currently, American Airlines offers the best flights to Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS), with two daily flights out of Miami International Airport (MIA). One arrives at 12:15 PM, which would allow guests to skip the overnight in Caracas and go directly to Gran Roque the same day.
  2. United Airlines
    United Airlines offers one daily redeye flight to Caracas out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston (IAH). Currently, the arrival time of this flight is 5:30 AM, making an overnight stay in Caracas required.

Documentation Requirements:
To enter Venezuela, all guests are required to have a valid passport with at least 6 months' validity, along with a Venezuelan Tourism visa. Please review your visa application for additional documents that may be required.

Visa Application:
At this time, we are working on finding a visa service to help guests apply for and obtain their visas. For simplicity, we recommend that guests take advantage of this service so there are no missed steps in the visa process. Please check back shortly for updates on this process.

If guests choose to navigate the visa process themselves, we recommend visiting the US State Department's Venezuela Travel Advisories page for instructions and a link to the official visa website.

Currency:
The official currency of Venezuela is the Venezuelan Bolivar (VES). The US dollar (USD) is accepted and preferred throughout the Los Roques region.

Travel Cash:
We recommend each guest travel with $800-$1,200 (USD) per week of travel.

Gratuities:
The following are guidelines. Gratuities are up to the discretion of the individual guest.

  • Guides: $100 (USD) per boat per day ($50 per angler if sharing a boat).

    Tips can be left with the guide at the end of each day and should be given to the guide at the dock before getting out of the boat.

  • Lodge Staff: 5-10% of the trip cost.

    Tips can be left with the lodge manager at the end of the stay for distribution to the entire lodge staff, including cooks, housekeepers, maintenance, dock crew and lodge hosts.

Fishing Licenses:
Included in package

Cell Coverage and Wi-Fi:

  • Cell Coverage: Guests are advised to check with their cell phone provider on international cellular plans.
  • Wi-Fi: Available throughout the lodge

Power:
The lodge has 24-hour power

Laundry:
Laundry service is available for a fee

Water:
Bottled water is readily available

Beverages/Alcohol:

  • Beer, Wine and Alcohol: Beer, wine and a variety of liquors (rum, vodka and Scotch) are included in the package.
  • Soft Drinks and Mixers: Included in package

Note: Guests are welcome to bring along any alcohol that they prefer. Alcohol can be purchased duty free at the airport.

Biting Insects:
While there are mosquitoes, no-see-um's, and sandflies present, they are generally not a huge concern. A quick application of a good bug repellent normally does the trick.

Climate:
Due to the proximity of the Equator, Los Roques experiences very consistent weather patterns year-round. Average air temperatures range from nighttime temperatures of 70° F and daytime highs of 90° F.

Emergency Medical Assistance:
There is a small medical facility on the island called Ambulatorio Petra María Marcano. They can provide basic care in the event that a smaller medical issue comes up. For medical emergencies, there is no reliable healthcare throughout the country of Venezuela. We highly recommend medical evacuation coverage.

Recommended Medical Evacuation Carrier and Insurance Provider:
Global Rescue

Los Roques
Tackle Guide

Here you’ll find everything you need to be ready on the water: our preferred setups, favorite flies, recommended packing list, and notes on tackle available at the lodge.

Los Roques Tackle Overview

We recommend traveling to Los Roques with at least three set-ups. A 9 foot 8-weight paired with a tropical weight forward bonefish floating line, a 9 foot 9-weight paired with a tropical weight forward permit floating line, and a 9 foot 10-weight paired with a all-around or grand slam style weight forward floating line.

Los Roques asks that guests arrive with their own equipment. If guests are unable to do so, the lodge can provide limited loaner gear in a pinch. A sturdy pair of flats boots should be brought by all guests as there are none provided by the lodge.

Los Roques Bonefish Setup

8-weight rods are the gold standard when it comes to fly fishing for Bonefish, able to handle anything from lightweight to heavy lead eyed flies. They are light in hand and provide enough backbone for the fish you will cast to on the Bahamian Flats. Reels should be high quality, saltwater safe with at least 200 yards of backing. While Gel Spun backing is preferred due to it's abrasion resistance, standard Dacron will work as well. Tropical weight forward floating lines tend to be our lines of choice for any 8-weight Bonefish application.

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Los Roques Permit Setup

Permit are one of the many species that roam the flats of Los Roques. 9-weight, fast action rods are preferred to turn over Permit flies as they generally have heavier lead eyes attached to them. 9-weights can also offer more lifting power for the larger Permit you may encounter. Reels should be high quality, saltwater safe with at least 200 yards of backing. While Gel Spun backing is preferred due to it's abrasion resistance, standard Dacron will work as well. Tropical weight forward floating lines are what we gravitate towards for Permit fishing.

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Los Roques Tarpon Setup

Tarpon can be found on Los Roques in a variety of habitats. They will be on the flats, as well as very close to the shore where the boats are docked. We recommend a fast action, 10 weight fly rod for the Tarpon here. While it may be overkill for some of the fish you'll come across, the extra strength of a stout 10 weight can keep these fish from wrapping around boats and other objects in the water. Rods should be paired with a sturdy saltwater safe reel, with a tropical weight forward fly line. Gel spun backing is preferred due to its abrasion resistance, but standard Dacron will also get the job done.

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Support Your Local Fly Shop

If you need assistance with assembling your gear for your upcoming travels, we encourage you to support your local fly shop. This curated list of tackle is handpicked for your destination by our experts and can serve as your shopping list to get your ready for your next adventure. Find your local Far Bank dealer.

Los Roques Top 5 Flies

If we were only going to travel to Los Roques with 5 fly patterns in varying colors and sizes, these are the ones we would be sure not to leave home without. These are proven patterns that work in a variety of conditions and that remain favorite with guides and anglers alike:

Top 5 flies for Los Roques:

  • Gummy Minnow - Bonefish on Los Roques have the unique trait of hunting and eating baitfish. The gummy minnow has been a favorite fly of the guides on Los Roques for decades. Size 4-6 Glass Minnow imitations.

  • Bonefish Bitters - Another guide favorite for the Bonefish on Los Roques. Sizes 4-8 in Tan, Olive, and Amber.

  • Raghead Crab - A Permit staple throughout the Caribbean. Sizes 2-6 in tan, olive, and white.

  • Flexo Crab - Both Permit and Triggerfish love this fly, as it is one of the most realistic looking crab patterns. Sizes 2 & 4 in tan, olive, and white.

  • RIO's Dread Pirate - A great fly for both Tarpon and Snook, as well as other predatory baitfish eaters. Size 1/0 in Tan, Rust/Olive, & Yellow/Chartreuse.

Suggested Packing List

We understand packing for an adventure is not easy. On a trip like this it is very important to have everything you need and nothing you do not.

Documents:
Plane tickets, itinerary, passport, Venezuelan tourist visa, credit card, travel cash

Pliers & Nippers:
One good pair of saltwater pliers and/or nippers

Flats Boots:
Flats boots or zip-up neoprene style

Socks:
Neoprene guard socks for wet wading

Flats Shirts:
Three long sleeve, quick-dry flats shirts

Flats Pants:
Two pairs of quick-dry flats pants. Doctor flies can bite through tight clothing.

Clothing:
Two shirts to wear around the lodge after fishing. Two pairs after fishing shorts. Four pairs quick dry underwear, one light sweatshirt for airplane and cooler nights, two pairs of socks

Hats:
Two fishing hats

Rain Jacket:
One rain jacket

Sandals:
One pair of lightweight sandals, flip-flops or Crocs

Sun Gloves:
One pair of sun gloves

Face Sun Protection:
One UV-protected “Buff” facial sun protector

Sunglasses:
Two pairs of polarized sunglasses. One rose or yellow for low light conditions and one amber or copper for everything else.

Sunscreen:
One bottle SPF 45+

Lip Balm
One tube of SPF 45+ lip balm is recommended

Tape:
One roll of white athletic tape, for taping fingers. Note: An alternative is stripping guards or gloves.

Backpack:
One waterproof backpack (for use on the airplane and while in the boat)

Headlamp:
One small LED headlamp with batteries

Bug Repellant:
Bring 3M Ultrathon, Avon Skin So Soft, or equivalent repellant.

Toiletries Kit
Toothpaste and toothbrush, deodorant, razor, lotion, mini shampoo bottle, Advil, liquid bandage (for minor finger cuts), sleep aids, earplugs, band- aids, anti-bacterial ointment, Benadryl, Gold Bond powder, antibiotics (see doctor).

Contact Taylor Goodhue

Taylor is a native Oregonian who has been passionate about fly fishing for as long as he can remember. Prior to joining Fly Water Travel, he worked with Confluence Fly Shop in Bend, Oregon, where he served as an instructor, guide, and sales associate. His deep love for both travel and the sport has taken him across the globe in pursuit of a wide variety of fish species.

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