Los Roques

When asked which bone fishing destinations in the world get our highest marks, no conversation is complete without mention of Chris Yrazabal’s operation in Los Roques. The reasons are many. The flats fishing is truly remarkable; the accommodations are exceedingly tasteful; and the guides and staff are as good as they get.

Technically an atoll within the Lesser Antilles, the Los Roques’ fly fishing region is made up of more than 300 cays, with a vast diversity of saltwater habitats including magnificent coral beds, grass and hard sand flats, pristine beaches, and remarkable “pancake” flats. Better yet, nearly all of the flats fishing is done while wading. While the area abounds with tarpon, barracuda, and jacks, it is the world-class bonefishing that draws anglers back year after year.

Similar to Christmas Island, Los Roques is blessed with consistent weather and water temperatures, not to mention high fish counts. Bonefish average 4 pounds with numerous fish in the 6-10 pound class. Meals and accommodations at Acuarela Lodge are greatly enjoyed by anglers and discerning non-anglers alike. For anglers who love flats fishing and to wade fish for high numbers of good sized bonefish, Los Roques is truly one of the finest flats fishing destinations in the world today. Stays of varying lengths are available.

With more than 250 square miles of fishable water, the Los Roques area is a wade fisherman’s dream come true. While many of the more productive flats are covered with turtle grass, coral flats and hard sand flats also abound. Virtually all the flats fishing in the Los Roques’ region is done while wading, greatly adding to the region’s appeal.

Regarded primarily as a bonefish fly fishing destination, the vast and varied waters surrounding Acuarela Lodge also provide ample opportunities for species such as barracuda, tarpon, jacks, blue runners and Spanish mackerel. During the prime months of February through mid-October, Los Roques offers impressive numbers of bonefish that average 3-4 pounds. Bonefish over 5 pounds are common, and good numbers of bonefish in the 7-10 pound range are present. Bonefish over 10 pounds have been taken, and the lodge record is an honest 13 pounder! The Los Roques bonefish season runs from mid-January through October. Fishing is done from 28 foot fiberglass boats with one guide and one captain per two clients. The fishing day is approximately 8 hours, but times vary so as to hit the best tides. If the best tides for tailing fish are late afternoon, the fishing day may be from 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM. When fly fishing anglers tire of walking the flats or tides are not optimal for wading, anglers can fly fish from the boat’s casting platform. While these boats are too large to be poled effectively, the boatman can “walk” the boat across deeper flats, while the guide helps anglers to spot fish from the bow. The guides can also take anglers to deep-water “muds” or "secret" bonefish holes where even beginners can catch an abundance of bonefish.

The Los Roques Archipelago is a 22 mile ring of small islands in the Caribbean Sea located 80 miles north of Caracas, Venezuela. While the area is often referred to as an archipelago, technically Los Roques is an atoll within the Lesser Antilles characterized by magnificent coral beds, diverse and varied flats, sandy beaches, clear waters and incredible natural beauty. The entire atoll was declared a national park in the mid-80’s and since that time there has been very little development, thus ensuring the pristine nature of the area for generations to come. There are in excess of 300 distinct fishing areas/flats in the region.

The island Gran Roque is the largest of the archipelago and has a permanent population of about 1,500 people. The island is very safe and clean and popular among foreign tourists and affluent Venezuelans alike. There are no cars on the island, leaving folks free to walk the quaint sand street barefoot.

Located 11 degrees north of the equator, Los Roques’ air and water temperatures vary little throughout the season. The area is also characterized by a dry climate and is relatively unaffected by cold fronts and hurricanes. These factors make Los Roques one of the safest bonefishing locations in the world in terms of weather and water conditions much like Christmas Island.

Chris Yrazabal, owner of Sight Cast, is a fourteen-year veteran to guiding the Los Roques region. His guests are housed at Acuarela Lodge, a small elegant lodge which is located only five minutes from the airport on the atoll’s largest island, Gran Roque.

Additional Activities:

The lodge’s boat can take non-anglers to a nearby beach to relax. Other activities for non-anglers include scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kite surfing and sea kayaking.

Accommodations are at Acuarela Lodge, which is located within the village of Los Roques on the island of Gran Roque. Anglers stay in tasteful double and single occupancy guestrooms, each with a ceiling fan, air conditioner and a private bath. The lodge is very tasteful and appropriate for non-anglers as well. Owner and chef extraordinaire, Angelo Belvedere, serves wonderful four course dinners that showcase the region’s fresh seafood and there is a great roof top sitting area for enjoying the evening breeze.

Sample Itinerary for a 7 Night / 6 Day Fishing Package:

Day 1: Arrive Caracas, Venezuela and overnight.

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

Days 3 - 6: 4 full days of fishing.

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

Day 8: Fly home.

2024 Rates: Per person based on double occupancy

• 7 night/6 day package: $4,250
• 6 night/5 day package: $3,790
• 5 night/4 day package: $3,290
• 4 night/3 day package: $2,895

* Trips are not currently available for Americans

Included: Round-trip flight between Caracas and Los Roques, accommodations and meals at Acuarela Lodge, all ground transfers, guided fishing, fishing licenses and permits,

Not Included: Airfare to/from Caracas, meals and beverages in Caracas, Los Roques National Park Entry Fee, domestic departure tax, international departure tax, alcoholic beverages (except beers on the boat), laundry service, phone calls, overweight baggage, and staff and guide gratuities, visa processing fees

Species: Bonefish, jacks

Season: February – October

Capacity: 18 anglers

Where is the lodge? Los Roques, Venezuela is located approximately 90 miles north of the Venezuelan mainland at the terminus of the lesser Antilles archipelago.

How do I get there? Flights arrive in to the Caracas International Airport where you connect with a short flight out to the island.

Why should I go? Los Roques offers some of the finest bonefishing found anywhere in the world. For anglers that love to wade fish, it is a home run. Larger than average bonefish in an absolutely beautiful location and relaxed and comfortable lodge atmosphere.

When should I go? Los Roques sits only 11 degrees north of equator and is great any time of year.

Where do they fish? Anglers fish the Los Roques archipelago’s vast expanse of white sand beaches, pancake flats and mangrove lagoons.

How do they fish? Anglers wade the flats in pairs and split a guide each day.

What fish will I catch? The main game is targeting bonefish. But opportunities do exist for large permit, tarpon, horse-eye jacks, bonito, blue runners, baracuda and snapper.

How many fish will I catch? Double digit catches of bonefish are easily possible most days.

Is there wade fishing? Yes. Wade fishing is the primary mode of operation. Anglers can wade fish 100% of the time.

Is there internet and cell service? Internet is available in the hotel lounge areas. Cell service is not likely.

Does the lodge provide equipment? It’s best if anglers provide their own tackle, however, the lodge can supply some loaner gear if absolutely necessary.

What is your favorite rod(s) for the trip? Sage 8wt Salt is my go-to rod for this trip.

Are there other activities? There are plenty of opportunities for fantastic snorkeling, diving, and water sports galore. Adventurous non-anglers are very much welcome at Los Roques.

What is your favorite memory of this trip? My favorite memory of my last trip to Los Roques was landing two 6 lbs. bonefish off the beach in front of the hotel before the guides had even loaded the cooler in the boat for the day!

What are the physical demands? Although the wading the flats is not physically demanding anglers should expect to spend the day on their feet.

Are there other special skills required? A crisp double-haul and accurate casting will go a long way to improving your catch rates at Los Roques.