Cinaruco River (Venezuela)

The Cinaruco River is nestled in the Venezuelan "outback" and has some of the finest Peacock Bass fishing in the world.  It is a clear water tributary of the Orinoco River, located 280 miles southwest of Caracas, Venezuela.  This river has oxbow lakes, lagoons, beaches, rocky banks, and brush.  This area is one of the few in the world where you can catch all three species of the Peacock Bass.

Laguna Larga Lodge --  the fishing camp base.  Rustic, yet adequate and sleeps six comfortably.  Guests are two to a room in single beds.   There is hot water, electricity, and indoor plumbing.  Local cuisine and international dishes are available.

Itinerary --  (sample)

• Day 1 - Flight from US to Caracas, Venezuela, and an overnight stay at the Hilton.
• Day 2 - Caracas to laguna Larga via twin engine charter plane.  Half-day of fishing.
• Day 3 - Fishing.
• Day 4 - Fishing.
• Day 5 - Fishing.
• Day 6 - Fishing.
• Day 7 - Half-day of fishing and charter plane back to Caracas and an overnight stay at the Hilton.
• Day 8 - Flight from Caracas back to US.

What to Bring with you --

• long sleeved lightweight shirts for fishing
• lightweight long trousers
• extra pair of tennis shoes or other footwear
• 2 pairs of sunglasses
• wide brimmed hat or other suitable headgear
• sun screen and lip screen (VERY IMPORTANT)
• large bandana kerchiefs for neck protection (VERY IMPORTANT)
• insect repellant (VERY IMPORTANT)
• camera/camcorder with ample film/tape
• rain gear (IMPORTANT)
• shorts/tee shirt for camp

Passport/Visa --

A valid, current Passport is required for entry into Venezuela.  Your local post office can assist you in obtaining a passport.  A Visa must be filled out before arrival in Venezuela also.  You should inquire at the check-in counter of your airline.  IMPORTANT --  DO NOT LOOSE YOUR PASSPORT OR YOUR PORTION OF YOUR VISA OR YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ENTER NOR EXIT VENEZUELA!!!

Emergency Assistance --

The lodge is equipped with the latest in single-side-band radios, which usually function quite well to San Fernando, Caracas, or world-wide, however, we are not equipped to handle anything other than ordinary medical problems!  There is a good supply of medical items though, and the nearest medical facility is in San Fernando, a three-hour ground trip.  Emergency flights may be possible during the daytime, but there are no nighttime facilities for aircraft near the lodge.

Fishing Tackle --

It is suggested that you rig up an emergency tackle kit that will fit inside your suitcase or better yet, as carry-on, in case you lose your luggage.  This should consit of several lures, a reel, and whatever else you may need to fish for a day or two.   We keep some rods and equipment at the lodge, and can usually get lost luggage within two days.

Rods --

Personal preference!

Bait Casting Rods --

Some good choices are the 61/2  7ft. Double Handed Fenwick.  All Star or Berkley work well for Peacock Bass and Payara.  Medium to heavy action is fine.   Pistol grips tend to wear you out, as these fish are very strong.

Spinning Rods --

Any good quality spinning rod is recommended, especially the variety that can cast baits up to 5/8 oz.  Several guests have been successful using 41/2  5ft. ultra light spin cast rods.

Reels --

It is suggested that you bring at least three good reels with a smooth drag system.   We invariably have fishermen whose reels are rendered inoperative due to the surging runs of large Peacock Bass.  A good suggestion is the Shimano Calcutta (very expensive) or the Daiwa Millionaire 11 (reasonable).  Ambassadeur makes a good reel such as the 5500C, 5500C3, or the 6500.  You want a good drag and a fast retrieve for working top water.  The closer you can come to 6:1 retrieve, the better.  You may want to bring extra spools for your spin cast reels.  Penn makes a very good reel on the spin cast side.

Lures --

Top water is king on the Cinaruco River.  Whites, golds, greens, and chrome seem to be the best colors in any lure.  The Rebel Jumping Minnow is a favorite lure.   Wood Choppers are also good, 4 in, and the Big Game series.  Wood Walker are also deadly, as are Poes Ace in the Hole, the 700 Series.  Any prop bait will provide action on Peacock Bass.  Rapalas and Bomber Long AS Magnum in Gold that are shallow runner are effective.  Rattle Traps are a must, in 1/2 oz or 3/4 oz.  Blue and chrome are a favorite for these.

A lead head hair jig in white or yellow is a must.  Jigs will work when all other baits fail.  3/8 oz provide the most action in the shallow river and lagoons.   Al Clark of Fort Walton Beach, FL, USA, makes the finest hair jigs around.  He can be contacted at 904-243-3559.  His jigs are deadly, and he knows all the right color schemes.

All hooks are orings must be replaced on your lures.  3X and 4X strong hooks should be used.  Depending upon lure size, your local tackle shop can help you match hook sizes to your baits.  They can also order your oversized, stronger O rings.   Guides will change hooks and oring upon arrival.  Steel leaders 12 to 18 inches are good for Payara and Piranha.

Line --

You may want to spool your reels before leaving home, as it is suggested that you bring 500 yards of extra line.  17 to 20 lb test line is fine, especially after the first of the year.  A favorite is Maxima Chamelon.  The new Spectra or other brands of braided line are also good, but knots tend to break and it's extremely hard to cut, so you will spend more time on reties.  8 lb test line is good for ultralight.  Please bring plenty of line, the guides will respool every night for you at your request.

Fly Fishing --

It is recommended that a small fly tying kit be brought just in case you care to work up your own patterns. 

Fly fishing on the Cinaruco River continues to gain boundless popularity.  A normal five day fishing safari should yeild well over 100 fish averaging 3 to 5 lbs., with numerous in the 8 to 10 lb category.  Larger fish of 11 to 15 lbs, are not an uncommon sight attached to a bug on your tippet.

Fly Rods --

It is suggested that at least 3 good 8 weight graphite rods in the 8 to 81/2 ft. category.  Experience has proven that they will give you the back gone you need and provide you with much fun and excitement.  Several guests have brought ultra-light graphite rods in the 4-5 weight range and have been totally impressed with the light weight tackles ability to handle hefty bass.

Fly Reels --

Any decent reel matched to your fly rod will do the job.  We recommend a reel with sufficient capacity to handle your fly plus 50 to 75 yards of dacron or mono backing.   Fly reels equipped with drags are helpful but not essential.  We do suggest that you bring at least three reels of your choice.  Reel covers are helpful when your equipment is not in use.  Spare reel spools are also helpful for those anglers wanting to make quick changes.

Fly Lines --

A good quality line is recommended.  Scientific Angler, Courtland, or other requtable companies are suggested.  A WF-7F or WF-8F is suggested to fish popping bugs around dead falls and brush.  In addition, we find occasions to use the WF7F/S or WF-8F/S with the first 10 feet of extra fast sinking line when fishing streamer flies off the sand bars and eddies of the river.

Lures --

We suggest you consider any salt-water streamer fly whose colors are red, white, yellow, or a combo of the three.  A 4/0 hook with a good quality wire is suggested. Peacock Bass are notorious for breaking light wire hooks.  Most of our experienced fly fishermen suggest the hook barb be bent back for ease in releasing your catch.

Popping bugs are a classic when bass are feeding on top.  Try a size two for starters, then experiment with hair bugs or any popper that matches your equipment and creates lots of surface action.  Start your retrive in short, positive jerks as soon as the bug hits the water.  Don't short stop your retrieve.  Recover your bug as close as possible to the boat.  Peacocks have a frequent habit of exploding on your bait at the last second of recovery.

Leaders / Tippets --

Leaders are tippets are a matter of your choice.  You do not need a leader in excess of 5 feet for bass or payara including the butt section and tippet unless your preference dictates otherwise.

A 20 lb butt section is recommended with an overall length of 5 ft from butt to tippet.   For instance, most recommend at least a 16 lb tippet until you are comfortable.   Remember, in many instances you are casting to the proximity of brush piles, rocky ledges, and deadfall.  Play it safe until you get the feel of the fish and your surroundings.

Resource Conservation --

The Venezuelan Government has taken great pride in protecting its wildlife.  All fishing is catch and release!  Most of the area in which you will be fishing is within the Santos Luzardo National Park of Venezuela.