Pez Raton, Los Roques - Fishing

There are over 350 cays and little islands that make up the archipelago known as Islas Los Roques. The Pez Raton fishing operation is owned by Alex Gonzalez who was one of the first to fish on Los Roques in the mid-80's. The maximum run is 50 minutes but there are many productive flats within just a few minutes from the lodge. Each boat is driven by a boatman who drops off fishing pairs with their guide on various flats and meets them at the other end, thus eliminating wasted time backtracking across the flat just fished. The vast majority of the flats are waded, stalking schools, pods, or singles, and guides position you expertly with the wind to your maximum advantage. There is great variety to the flats at Los Roques -- some are vast and expansive, others small and referred to as pancakes; some are virtually spotless, others covered in turtle grass; there are many productive beach flats where the bonefish hang offshore and raid the ever-present schools of baitfish; sometimes you are in and amongst the mangroves and elsewhere you are on a patch of sand surrounded by nothing but azure water. Bonefish at Los Roques average 3-5 pounds and there is a realistic expectation for fish 7-10+ pounds all the time.

Although Los Roques is primarily a bonefish destination, you may encounter other species as well; be prepared with a second rod, fully rigged for cruising barracuda, tarpon (both small ones and the occasional big one -- up to 100 pounds!), jack, and Spanish mackerel. The tarpon is a delicate resource at Los Roques and should be considered a bonus, not an expectation.