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Pez Raton Lodge

Los Roques Archipeligo
80 Miles North of Venezuelan Mainland


Venezuela sits on the northern Caribbean coast of South America. Her neighboring countries are Brazil to the south, Columbia to the east, and Guyana to the west. Venezuela was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1498, and remained under Spanish control till 1821, when the founding father of Venezuela, Simon Bolivar won its independence. Despite an unstable political environment in the capital of Caracas, the petroleum business continues to facilitate the economic growth of the country, and most of the country outside of Caracas is totally safe for American travelers.

This often overlooked fishing destination has a very diverse geography - large mountains, rainforests, deserts, and of course beautiful mangrove lines islands with miles and miles of wonderful flats fishing habitat. Pez Raton Lodge sits on the small island of Gran Roque - the center of the Parque Nacional Archipeligo de Los Roques. The Venezuelan government has recognized the beauty and value of this wonderful chain of islands, and has set up extremely stringent environmental laws governing the National Park. Los Roques is a series of 40-50 major islands located approximately 80 miles north of Caracas. If you count all the small islets and coral outcroppings in the area, there are over 300 islands in the chain.

Gran Roque is a wonderful and romantic little island approximately four miles long and no more than a mile wide. Surprisingly, the island is dominated by large rocky bluffs that add a seldom seen mountainous element to a sleepy Caribbean paradise. The town of Gran Roque is also surprisingly vibrant with numerous lively restaurants and bars that are extremely clean and well run. The beaches of Gran Roque rival Bahamian beaches in beauty with powdery white sand and crystal blue water. Unlike many world-class flats fishing destinations, Gran Roque provides a romantic setting with just the right amount of town and nightlife to keep visitors entertained when not on the flats.


Recent visits over the last three seasons to Pez Raton Lodge secured Los Roques in our minds as one of the most user-friendly and rewarding bonefish destinations on the planet. Bonefish should be considered the target species; however depending on the conditions anglers may have several shots at permit and tarpon as well as huge barracudas, jacks, and other reef species. The diversity of the flats environment in Los Roques is like nothing we’ve ever experienced before. Of course there are the prototypical mangrove lines flats, however numerous fishing areas are dominated by a series of pancake flats (70-100 feet wide) reminiscent of Christmas Island; only smaller. Here conventional bonefish patterns are used on predominantly tailing bones using traditional methods.

The most surprising element to the Los Roques Bonefish habitat are the sloping white sand beach flats which are home to some of the largest fish in the fishery. Anglers approach these beach flats with baitfish patterns and entice extremely aggressive bones while casting from the beach. This is an extremely unconventional and unique experience that usually yields average sized fish in the 4-7 pound range, with several double-digit fish seen daily. No kidding! In our experience there are a few 10-12-pound monsters that are not afraid to eat a fly - not to mention thinly clad Italian tourists doing a little sun worshipping.

Fishing for all species excluding tarpon is done wading the grassy flats of Los Roques. Most of the flats have very little coral (the beaches are an exception), however enormous amounts of conch shells are present in some areas, so quality flats fishing footwear is a must. Perhaps the coolest part of fishing with Pez Raton is the guide system in place. Every two anglers are provided with a guide and a boat driver. The driver unloads anglers and the guide on the upwind side of the flat, and slowly follows the group to the opposite end of the flat. Fishing time is maximized by not having to backtrack to the boat. Your legs will appreciate this as well! Tidal fluctuations are not very significant (less than a foot), however do play a role in deciding where and when to fish. Some flats are great at low tide of course, but numerous flats and beaches yield excellent fishing at a high tide - thus allowing for quality fishing throughout all hours of the day. The boats used by Pez Raton are huge fiberglass panga style crafts with reliable 100-150 horse powered outboards. They are comfortable during open water crossings, and are able to access the shallowest of flats.

As mentioned tarpon and permit are often seen in the area, but should definitely be considered a bonus. Most tarpon destinations are much more predictable in terms of when the fish show up. The summer migration plays no real role in the presence of fish at Los Roques, and fish over 100 pounds are seen infrequently throughout the year. Although the guides are still learning about this resource, tarpon seem to come and go with the presence of baitfish (glass minnows and sardines). There appears to be no rhyme or reason to the appearance of bait - you may hit it right and you may not. However, enormous barracudas are always around and we strongly advise rigging a 10 weight for these speedsters.

Despite it’s proximity to the equator the average temperatures are quite comfortable, wind is usually not a common problem, and the fish definitely seem less sophisticated than their brethren to the north. Casts are usually on the short side of the spectrum and the average bonefish is huge. For these reasons we think that Los Roques offers the beginner with a wonderful environment to learn, and the experienced flats angler with a trip that will blow you away. Seems to good to be true! Come see for yourself.


The Pez Raton Lodge was opened in 1997 by owner, Alex Gonzalez. This charming posada (known as Posada Mediterrano) actually doubles as a hotel for tourists during the less busy times on the fishing calendar. Your hosts, Alex and Elena Gonzalez, do a wonderful job of taking care of their guests and the operation runs smoothly. Alex tends to run the fishing side of things, while Elena is a marvelous chef and coordinates the labors around the lodge. There is also a full staff of waiters, maids, and other help to make your stay comfortable.

The lodge has six double occupancy bedrooms with en suite bathroom. Each room has individually controlled air conditioning, a ceiling fan, and a private safe to store valuables. The most popular gathering spot is the partially shaded open-air rooftop patio, which has an attractive seating area with tables. Cocktails and meals are also taken upstairs on the patio.

The food is great, simply prepared, and emphasizes fresh seafood, fruits, and local foods, however, for variety beef and chicken are also served. Local lobster is featured when in season (November - April). Though somewhat basic, the accommodations are comfortable and conveniently located to the fishing grounds. By island standards, they are the best available - even better than the privately held villas owned by wealthy Venezuelans. The Hilton it is not, but considering its locality and the fine services that the staff delivers, most guests - including couples - are quite satisfied.


12 Anglers Per Week


Anglers reach Venezuela via a non-stop 5 hour flight from Dallas / Ft. Worth International Airport. Caracas is also reachable non-stop through many other cities including Miami, Newark, Atlanta, Washington, Houston, and most European cities. The flight from Miami to Caracas is approximately three hours.

When you deplane in Caracas, you are met and transferred approximately 15 minutes to the Ole Caribe Hotel. Most people don't realize that the Caracas Airport is actually not in the city, but rather a solid 45-minute drive from town in the coastal town of Macuto Vargas. Guests of Pez Raton stay in a four-star hotel the night preceding fishing days, and fly out early the next morning to Gran Roque.

Inversely, guests are returned to the mainland at the conclusion of the last day of fishing and again spend the night at the Ole Caribe Hotel. Most international departures are early the following morning. Currently American Airlines has a non-stop flight to DFW that arrives around noon.


Day 1
Travel to Caracas, Venezuela. Upon arrival in Caracas you will meet a representative from Pez Raton outside the customs exit holding a sing with your party's name on it. Guests then drive approximately 15 minutes through the town of Maiquetía to the Hotel Ole Caribe. Maiquetía is a coastal town forty-five miles north of downtown Caracas. Anglers spend the first night in Venezuela at the hotel.

Day 2-?
The following morning, guests have the option of taking a charter flight (recommended when available) from the mainland at around 7:00AM to Gran Roque. Guests who take the standard commercial flight to the island usually depart the mainland around 8:00AM. Anglers are greeted by the lodge owner and Maku, the lodge Labrador, at the "airport" and escorted on a five-minute walk to the Pez Raton Lodge. After a brief breakfast, anglers start their first full day fishing as soon as you have your gear organized.

On the following days of fishing breakfast is usually served around 7:00AM and anglers are on the flats by 8:00 - 8:30AM. After a brief open water crossing, anglers find themselves in a perfect labyrinth of small islands, white sanded beaches, mangrove lined lagoons, and pancake flats - perfect bonefish habitat. Lunch is made to order, and taken in the field in the shade on a small island or in a quaint fishing village. Anglers usually return to the lodge around 4:00PM. This allows plenty of time to take a shower, cruise through town, or take a hike up to the lighthouse. Dinner is served around 7:30 - 8:00PM and guests may feel free to take a stroll to the local pub for a nightcap with the locals and tourists.

At the conclusion of the last full day of fishing, guests depart the island via a late afternoon charter or commercial flight back to the mainland, where you are met and escorted back to the Hotel Ole Caribe for an additional overnight stay.

Departure Day
Guests are once again met by a representative from Pez Raton and escorted to the airport and through the check-in procedures for the flight home. Flights returning to the States usually depart around 7:00AM the following morning, making for an early afternoon arrival back home (the current flight to DFW actually arrives around 12:00 noon).


Although Los Roques is located close to the equator, the average temperature is surprisingly cool. Average temperatures are usually are between 65 - 80 degrees during the months of December through April (dry-season) and between 70-95 degrees during the months of May - October (rainy-season). Moderate trade winds keep things cool and anglers always comment how comfortable the environment truly is.

Rain is seldom a problem and almost never shuts down a fishing day. The summer months are marked by occasional cloudbursts and moderately heavier winds during the so-called rainy season. However, note that the area is marked by consistent water shortages and excessive rains almost never occur.

The best times of the year to wade fish Los Roques is the months of January - mid September. Los Roques experiences higher tidal fluctuations during the fall and winter months, making it very difficult to wade fish. However, the fish are of course still there of course, and anglers who don’t mind fishing out of the boat can have excellent success. Our favorite time to visit Islas de Los Roques is during the summer months. There are fewer anglers on the island (thus less fishing pressure) and the fish seem to be a little less spooky. February, March, and April are by far the most popular with Venezuelan weekenders and Europeans as well. The fishing is still wonderful throughout the spring and the majority of American anglers visit during this time, only because the summer fishing opportunities are always overlooked.

As mentioned earlier, the diversity of the fishery allows for flexibility when choosing fishing areas as they relate to tidal fluctuations. However, some anglers like to take into consideration the lunar calendar, and thus the tide chart for the prospective itinerary. Predicting Mother Nature is not our business, and the fact is numerous variables dictate tidal fluctuations. In addition, some flats fish better on an incoming, outgoing, neap, or spring tide. I always like to say that an eight-knot breeze and plenty of sun is more important than the tide. However, if you would like to get specific about the lunar calendar as it relates to your trip feel free to give us a call.


Activities at Los Roques that can be arranged beyond fishing include snorkeling, SCUBA diving, swimming, beach combing, birding, wind-surfing, catamaran day cruises, ultra-lite flights, or simply relaxing in a remote peaceful setting with a book on the beach. As mentioned, the small village of approximately 1000 inhabitants is tons of fun to explore, people watch, and do a little shopping. Guests can hike up to the top of the small mountains on Gran Roque for a little exercise, or hang out at one of the islands quaint restaurants and bars. During the peak summer months, you will always encounter a few Europeans in town and the beach is usually inhabited with a little action as well. Guests who enjoy a peaceful romantic, sleepy, Caribbean island will fall in love with Gran Roque even if they are not fishing.

Day trips from Caracas before or following the trip can also be arranged. Our recommendation is to check out Angel Falls - an amazing three thousand foot waterfall a few hours from the capital.


2009 Rates

Two anglers per boat / room
3 nights, 2 days fishing - $2,100 US

4 nights, 3 days fishing - $2,475 US

5 nights, 4 days fishing - $2,795 US

6 nights, 5 days fishing - $3,195 US

7 nights, 6 days fishing - $3,595 US

One angler per boat / room
3 nights, 2 days fishing - $2,875 US

4 nights, 3 days fishing - $3,275 US

5 nights, 4 days fishing - $3,695 US

6 nights, 5 days fishing - $4,125 US

7 nights, 6 days fishing - $4,400US

Non-Fishing
3 nights, 2 days - $1,165 US

4 nights, 3 days - $1,325 US

5 nights, 4 days - $1,540 US

6 nights, 5 days - $1,860 US

7 nights, 6 days - $2,080 US


All accommodations as outlined; All meals at Pez Raton Lodge; Round-trip ground transfers from hotels and airport; Hotel accommodations at the Ole Caribe Hotel (shared/double occupancy); Round-trip commercial airfare to/from Caracas and Gran Roque; Boat and guide services; Fishing licenses and permits; Beer and soft drinks


Airfare to Caracas, Venezuela from the USA; Optional Charter Flights to/from Gran Roque; Meals and other expenses on the mainland; Los Roques National Park entry fees and Airport Departure Taxes; Overweight baggage expenses; Items of personal nature such as telephone calls; Laundry services; Gratuities ($30 daily)


A fully refundable 50% deposit is required to secure all reservations. Final balance is due 60 days prior to departure. If a reservation is cancelled 120 days prior to departure, deposit will be refunded minus a $100 per person handling fee; if cancelled between 119 and 60 days prior, deposit will be forfeited; if cancelled with sixty days all payments are fully non-refundable. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation /refund and responsibility clauses.

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