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This trip will
combine salt water fishing with veterinary dental continuing
education.
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I (Fraser Hale, DVM,
FAVD, Dipl AVDC) will provide ten hours of lecture on a variety of
practical and pressing issues that general practitioners deal with
on a daily basis.
The continuing
education portion of this trip is being added at no additional
charge. Or to look at it another way, the entire cost of the trip is
for the CE and the fishing is being added as a complimentary bonus.
The program will
be appropriate for anyone involved in small animal practice (DVMs
and support staff).
As we will be a
small group of 12 to 16, I can easily tailor the program to meet the
needs of my fellow travelers. We will discuss this more later once
we know who is coming along.
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If
you click on the Slipstream logo above, it will take you to their
website where you can learn more about the fishing portion of this
adventure and the costs. Bear in mind that prices are subject to
change over time. Regardless, this link will give you and idea of
the price as well as what is and what is not included.
I
have also put together a brochure of my own for your information.
PDFfiles/brochure2013.pdf
And
you can google Acuarela Lodge to find reviews of our accommodations
and guides.
We
started plans for this trip in March of 2011 (immediately after
returning from the first Veterinary Dentistry on the Fly trip) and
by the time February of 2013 arrives, some changes may have
taken place. Rest assured, any changes made will be to ensure the
best possible trip we can provide for you.
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My guide and I got into a
school of bonita feeding frantically on the surface. Pelicans were diving
from above, bonita were coming up from below, the wind came up and the
boat was tossing and for an hour or more, (I invited my guide to grab my
extra rod and join in the fun)
we had fish on both lines more often than not. What a blast! If I had not
caught another fish all week, this would have made the trip for me.
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What
about your significant other who does not fish but might like to
come along? No problem; Los Roques has many charms and activities.
Anyone who enjoys sun, sand and surf in a very relaxed and safe
environment will enjoy a week on Gran Roque. Many people come to the
island for the diving and other water sports.
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The
Los Rogues archipelago is a Venezuela national park. Some flats and
islands are completely off-limits for fishing and the density of
anglers per square kilometer is very low (fractional - you can spend
all day without coming anywhere near another boat). The area is a
well-protected gem!
Being
nearly equatorial, the temperature here is very consistent (and
pleasant) day to day and even day to evening. The sun can be
intense, so plan to bring light, quick-dry, SPF clothing and stay
covered up when out on the water.
Tides
are minimal, so you won't get chased off a good flat by raising
water and fish will feed all day long.
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Our guides in 2011
were very keen on the gummie minnow pattern and insisted we use
these when targeting the many tarpon in the area. This was not
resulting in any landed fish, so finally, Brad decided to ignore his
guide and tied on one of his own big fur/feather tarpon flies (Brad
ties gorgeous flies) and next cast he had this fellow in the boat.
(Photo courtesy of Mike Hamilton)
By the way, the
gummie minnows did result in many bone fish and for me, bonita, so
it is definitely a pattern worth stocking up on them.
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While
the focus of the shallow-water sport fishery is fly fishing,
spinning gear also works very well and is welcome.
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A
small palometta that took a "gotcha". This was just one of many
non-bonefish found on the flats. I had a large parrot fish on for a few
minutes, but after taking me deep into the backing, he broke the 2X tippet
on a bit of coral and that was that. Fun while it lasted and I hope to
have another shot at these large, gorgeous fish in 2013.
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What about the
political situation in Venezuela? Is that a concern?
I found getting
into and out of Venezuela was far easier than getting into or out of
the United States. The customs agent glanced briefly at my forms and
passport, asked no questions, stamped me and sent me on my way.
While we were there, we were joined by folks traveling from Europe
as well as many Americans, some of whom were back for their fourth
time.
Any travel
involves an element of risk and unpredictability, but truly, I saw
no evidence that there is anything to worry about.
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If this sort of
adventure appeals to you, send me an email (toothvet@toothvet.ca)
and I will add you to our discussion group and mailing list.
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"Happy
Hour" was pretty happy indeed. After a great day on the water,
time to enjoy a snack and beverage and share stories before an
excellent dinner. (Photo courtesy of Mike Hamilton)
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At present (April,
2011) there are some details to be decided upon. Plan to visit this
page for updates and more enticements. |
Some of the flats
just seemed to go on forever! (photo courtesy of Mike Hamilton, DVM).
Plan to do a lot of walking! |
