|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|||||||||
 |
 |
|
||||||||
 |
|
|||||||||
 |
|
|||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||
| Rio Chico Resort |
||||||||||
Rio Chico Angling The shallow Rio Chico estuary has become famous for non-stop tarpon action with fish ranging in size from 2 to 50 pounds. Dozens of fish per angler are not uncommon each day, and though most are small, the excitement comes from combining light tackle with this action-packed introduction to tarpon. Occasionally snook and mega-model tarpon reward persistent Rio Chico fly rodders. The daily schedule at Rio Chico accommodates both the traditional Venezuelan siesta and best fishing hours by starting at dawn, and finishing at dusk, with a pleasant midday poolside lunch break. Each day’s fishing is highlighted at both daybreak and dark by spectacular concentrations of Scarlet Ibis. Much of the casting in the early morning and evening hours is done to fish actively rolling on the surface. Anglers cruise the shoreline of the maze of mangrove lagoons, casting streamers or poppers to sighted fish and prime habitat. The rapid-fire action slows in the mid-day heat and the mid-day break becomes a welcome respite. Anglers and their companions enjoy lovely, well-ventilated accommodations, with a swimming pool, and fine food. The menu’s emphasis is on fresh seafood and native dishes, with the main meal served mid-day.
Tarpon Club While some fishermen search the world’s waters for giant tarpon-those that weigh well over 100 pounds perhaps even more anglers look for areas where schools of small tarpon may be found. Their reasoning is sound. First, it is not as tiring to land a giant one. Second, the sporting challenge is preserved by using light tackle. Third, these anglers prefer to jump many fish, on or near the surface, than just a few big tarpon. Rio Chico’s vast, shallow lagoon system is characterized by many small islands, bays, protective mangrove shorelines, and creeks. Because it is rich in forage fish and other food, it is an ideal habitat for small tarpon. Most of the tarpon range from five to ten pounds, so bass-type tackle works well. There are also bigger tarpon, from ten to thirty pounds. Occasionally a person even hooks a trophy over a fifty pounds on light tackle, and that is when the challenge shifts from exciting to spectacular. While the emphasis is on small tarpon, these waters also contain small snook. New sixteen-foot skiffs powered by outboard motors and skippered by guides who live in the area take you to the tarpon grounds. There you typically begin by casting the mangrove pockets with a fly or plug. Surface lures will often work, and strike on top is a great thrill. Fishermen stay at nearby OLAS-RESORT a comfortable, but not posh, resort complex located about ten minutes away from the fishing dock. All rooms have private bathrooms (with room temperature showers) and air conditioner. Excellent meals are served in the spacious dining room. An Olympic sized swimming pool located on the club’s grounds. One cannot discuss Rio Chico without mentioning the plethora of bird life. As anglers snake their way through islands, they see countless species of birds, including the flashy scarlet ibis. These waters have been designated as a national park, and their pristine quality is a tribute to the Venezuelans because this unusual natural habitat is only a few hours by car from bustling Caracas. How To Get There…. Anglers are driven from Caracas to Rio Chico (about 2-1/2 hours’ driving time) over a well-paved and scenic highway. While fishing is a year-round sport, the period from July to December is considered the peak season. |
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
