Dick Bornholdt, Bert Bookout, Clayton Lofgren, the lodge owners, welcome you to a fishing paradise equal to none.

Presently, 8 world records caught on the Cinaruco River are recognized by the International Game Fish Association.

The Cinaruco is a clear water tributary off of the famous Orinoco River. It harbors numerous habitats for peacock bass such as volcanic rock, deadfall, ox bows, bushy foliage and sand bars where bass lie in wait to ambush schools of bait fish.

The vast Orinoco River, the second largest in South America, lies 33 miles to the South-Southeast of the lodge or approximately an hour and twenty minute's journey by boat.

Our Lodge is modern and very accommodating, accepting a maximum of eight guests. There are four bedrooms consisting of two single beds per room. Each bedroom is equipped with  a lavatory providing hot and cold running water, a mirror, chest of drawers, reading lights, two bedside tables and a large ceiling fan. A bathroom separates each room. It consists of a flush toilet and a shower with hot and cold water.

Nights are cool and may require a sheet or blanket. All linens are provided. The porch area is completely screened in, offering a scenic southern view of Laguna Larga and a gorgeous South American sunset.

The dining room and kitchen are located at one end of the screened in porch. There are two separate sitting areas for your comfort and enjoyment, each cooled by a ceiling fan.

The bar is always open and offers domestic alcoholic beverages, local beer of outstanding quality, and soft drinks accompanied by an ample quantity of ice.

Power is generated by two diesel systems, one of which operates 24/7. Most personal electric accessories will function using standard UL plugs.

BASIC PACKAGE: 10 days - 9 nights:

Group of 4 or 5 anglers: $3,230 per person in double occupancy

Group of 6 or 7 anglers: $ 3,150 per person in double occupancy

Group of 8 anglers: $3,090 per person in double occupancy

Individuals or smaller groups will be quoted separately

Packages are based on groups comprising of a minimum of four and a maximum of eight guests. For those who wish to have the lodge exclusively, please make your requirements known to our Booking Agency at the time of your booking.

This is a ten-day package with six full and two half days fishing. Air charter via twin engine aircraft direct from Caracas is provided to our airstrip, disembarking twenty yards from the lodge door. This requires four or more guests due to the expense involved in air chartering. We will however, do all possible to accommodate smaller groups with a surcharge for flights and by attempting to fill empty spaces.

Additional fishing days:  $300 per person.  

Single occupancy in hotels: $260 additional

Included in your package:

If you prefer imported liquors, please bring your own stock.  Venezuelan Customs allows you to bring in duty free 2 liters alcoholic beverage. These may be purchased at any International Free Zone in the U.S. prior to your departure, or at the duty free store upon arrival in Venezuela.

Not included:

Documents

You are required to have a valid passport with at least six months remaining prior to its expiration. In addition, a tourist Visa is also required which will be issued to you on board the aircraft during your International flight to Venezuela.
Do not lose your copy of the visa that will be provided to you by Venezuelan immigration officials. You will need your copy to be presented to immigration officials prior to departure from the country.

Normal Payment Policy

25% deposit due at time of booking.

Final payment due 30 days before arrival.

If the booking is made less than 30 days before arrival, full payment is required.

Cancellation policy

31 Days or more prior to arrival: 100% refund, less $100 per person for administrative fees

31 - 15 days prior to arrival: 50% refund, less $150 per person for administrative fees

14 - 8 days prior to arrival: 25% credit toward future trip, less $150 per person for administrative fees

7 days or less: No refund

You can transfer directly to the following account:

Bank:                      Commerce Bank

ABA Number:       067010509

Address:                220 Alhambra Circle, Miami FL 33134

Account Name:    Alpi Viajes C. A.

SWIFT:     MNBMUS33

Or if you prefer to pay by check, it is to be made out to "Alpi Viajes" and mailed to:

Alpi Viajes M-491

7715 NW 46th Street Suite 8-A

Miami, FL 33166-5460

Meals

The primary meals served at the lodge are breakfast and dinner. Lunches are typically shore lunches, the specialty of your guides, or sandwiches.  If you require a special diet, please advise us at the time you make your final payment so that we may acquire the necessary food to accommodate your needs.

Boating Equipment

16-foot V hull aluminum boats powered by 40 HP outboard motors are the primary means of water transportation. Our boats are equipped with a VHF radio for communications with the lodge, a trolling motor, plywood flooring covered with indoor/outdoor carpeting and 2 swivel seats, along with an ice chest full of beer, soft drinks, and water for your comfort.

Season

Laguna Larga Lodge will be open from mid-November until April 30. Opening does depend on water levels and can be earlier in November if the river is low. This is the dry season resulting in warm days and cool nights.

A Typical Trip

Our aim is for you to be comfortable in every phase of your excursion. We have developed a team that works extremely hard to coordinate a smooth arrival, stay, and departure from Caracas. 

ARRIVAL DAY 1:

Your flight will land at Simon Bolivar International Airport, on the Venezuelan coast, an hour and 15 minute drive from La Guaira to Caracas. Upon disembarking from the aircraft proceed to Immigration. After your passport is stamped and returned to you, proceed through the glass door to the baggage claim area. Upon exiting the Customs area you will be met by our representative, Jose Velasquez, who will assist you to a waiting vehicle for the drive to your hotel. NOTE: We recommend you maintain surveillance over your baggage just as you would at any airport.

Please note:  Many hotel rooms have a mini bar and snacks, which are very expensive. We recommend you check prices before using the mini bar!

DEPARTURE FOR THE LODGE – DAY 2:

Our representative will meet you in the lobby of the hotel at the appointed time.  He will assist you with the checkout if required.  You will be driven to Aeropuerto (airport) de Caracas, located on a mesa a 1-hour drive south of Caracas. We recommend breakfast at the airport in lieu of the hotel as prices are reasonable and the food is well prepared.

Flight departure time for Laguna Larga is on or about 10:30 AM. The flight time to your destination is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. 

AFTERNOON:

Upon arrival our guides will meet the aircraft and assist you in unloading and carrying your bags to the lodge. You may select your individual rooms at that time. NOTE: Please check to see that all of your baggage and personal articles have been removed from the aircraft.

After a light lunch the guides will assist you in preparing your fishing tackle. They are thoroughly adept at rigging fishing tackle and are willing to be of assistance to you if you wish.  Once you have rigged your equipment they will help you carrying it to the boats and then you're off for your first afternoon of fishing.

Your guide has been instructed to return to the boat landing on or about 6:30 P.M. or before dark. Remaining out after dark is not permitted without prior approval from the Host.

Snacks and cocktails are available for your pleasure before dinner.

Our dinner menus are excellent and varied.  Typical meals include entrees of fresh fish, beef, pork, chicken, pasta, rice or potatoes, wine, dessert and coffee or tea. 

DAYS 3-8:

Breakfast is served between 6:45 and 7:00 A.M. A typical breakfast includes: eggs with toast, omelets, French toast, or pancakes,  accompanied with bacon, ham or sausage, coffee, tea, juice and fresh fruit.

Early fishing departures are not necessary as peacock bass feed throughout the day.

A daily shore lunch will be served shortly after noon during your fishing days. Sandwiches are available if you elect not to partake in the shore lunch, however we ask that you make your desires known the night before.

Shore lunches are considered to be a welcome rest from the relentless sun of the tropics. Our guides are excellent in the manner in which they prepare shore lunches. Lunch may consist of fried, broiled or baked peacock bass, hush puppies, coleslaw and a beverage of your choice. On alternate days we serve hot dogs and hamburgers with all the trimmings. Note: If you are a hushpuppy fan like many of us please a package of the mix with you, as this is not available in Venezuela. Normally we are back on the water fishing by 1:30 P.M.

Dinner will be served at 7:00 - 7:15 P. M.

DAY 9:

Fishing, followed by a light lunch at the lodge will be the order of your final day prior to boarding our charter flight back to Aeropuerto de Caracas. Upon arrival at the Aeropuerto de Caracas our representative will meet you and drive you to your hotel. Evening meals may be enjoyed at the hotel as well as some of Caracas' finest restaurants. Check at the front desk for additional information.

DEPARTURE – Day 10:

Our representative will meet you in the hotel lobby at the appointed time and drive you to the airport. He will assist you in all aspects of your check in procedures.

Tackle

Fishing tackle is not available at Laguna Larga; please bring all tackle that you intend to use.

If you are perhaps a novice at this type of fishing we recommend you consider the following guidelines to insure your success:

Bait Casting and Spinning Rods

Your rod selection is one of the most important items for a successful trip. We suggest at least two rods of your choice in the medium to heavy action range accompany you. All Star, Fenwick, and Berkeley all make excellent bait casting rods. Generally the choice of many anglers is a 6 to 6 ½ foot rod, capable of casting lures from ¾ -1 ¾ ounces.

For spinning, the same applies. If you like the challenge, ultra light spinning rods capable casting a ¾ ounce lure should do the job.

Bait Casting and Spinning Reels

Reel selection is at your discretion but we is highly recommended that good quality reels be part of your tackle.

We recommend that a minimum of two reels of your choice be brought.

Line

50 or 80 pound PowerPro are the most popular lines, not so much for strength as for their superior abrasion resistance. Large Peacock Bass head for the brush as soon as they are hooked, and you will not be able to stop them regardless of the line you use. If you prefer monofilament we recommend 15 to 20 pound test of good line like Maxima Chameleon or Berkley Big Game. Bring plenty of spare line.

Bait Casting and Spinning Lures

The most popular and exciting lures used for peacock bass fishing are top water.

Some suggested top water lures are:

The above items may be purchased through the Bass Pro Shops catalogue. 1-800 227-7776 or www.basspro.com

These lures below are also very effective and may be purchased from the Yakima Bait Company, Granger, Washington. Tel. 509-854-1311, Fax 509-854-2263, www.yakimabait.com

Poe’s 700 Series Ace In The Hole

There may be times when sub surface lures react better to the peacock bass’s feeding habits. Listed below are some of our recommended lures for your consideration.

Spinner Baits

One of the most effective spinner baits is the Terminator, 3/8, ½, or 5/8 ounce in white, chartreuse, or combinations of both.. Bring extra skirts.

Jigs

The jig is rated as one of the best all around sub surface lures and may be  considered second to none. We recommend 3/8 or ½ ounce in white or yellow. All jigs should be hair jigs, and the best heads are minnow.

Fly Fishing

Fly-fishing, with its unsurpassed reputation has become much more popular over the years. Our guides are experienced at assisting you. They are well versed at handling your boat and will do their very best to help you achieve success.

Fly Rods

We recommend a minimum of at least two good medium to stiff action 8-weight fly rod. The important thing is to bring the rod of your choice. For light tackle enthusiasts, a 6-weight rod is a good choice.

Fly Reels

Your personal preference dictates the reel of your choice. Any good quality reel with a drag and a capability to hold at least 50 yards of 20 lb. backing is suggested. Automatic reels are not recommended as experience has proven they cannot compete with conventional fly reels when hooked up to large peacock bass.

Fly Line

We recommend extra fly line for both sinking and floating lines. Expensive lines in this case are not recommended due to the abrasions they may incur. Any quality fly line that satisfies your requirement is good. It is suggested that you bring two 8 WF float and two 8 WF sink or sink tip if using an 8 or 9 weight fly rod or lines to match the weight rod you intend to use.

Leaders - Tippets and Shocks

Leaders and tippets is a matter of choice for most fly fishermen. You do not need a leader in excess of 5 ½-6 feet for peacock bass or payara including the butt section and tippet unless your preference dictates otherwise. We recommend a minimum of a dozen fly rod leaders in the 10-30 lb. range. Tippets can be either straight or tapered. Some feel the fly lays out better with tapered tippets, but it is not necessary for Peacock Bass. Consider using a 20 lb. butt section with an overall length of 5 ½-6 feet of leader size to meet your needs coupled with a 30 lb. shock approximately 6-8 inches long.

Streamer Flies

Any 3-4 inch salt-water fly whose colors are red, white, yellow and green or a combination thereof using a 4/0 hook with strong wire will satisfy the requirement.

Popping Bugs

Large popping bugs on an 8 weight medium to stiff action rod are a classic for a fun filled day when peacock bass are surface feeding. The more noise your bug is capable of making the better your chances are of a hook up. Red heads with a feathered tail 4 inches long and a 4/0 salt-water hook similar to those used in fly-fishing for sailfish are very effective. The key is not necessarily the color of the bug; it is the amount of popping and gurgling noise you can make.

Guides

Since the inception of our operation we have been fortunate to have those we consider being the most professional, knowledgeable and courteous guides throughout the entire Orinoco watershed.

Our guides have been with us for more than ten years. Their honesty, dedication and loyalty are above reproach. Their ability to read the waters and find fish is well respected by all of our guests. They are not only familiar with the river and what lies beneath its waters but they have an uncanny ability to show you the wild life that abounds its banks. Its is without exaggeration and with great pride that we say we have the BEST guides in the business.

Our guides have over 30 years of combined experience From left to right, José Garcia and Javier Garcia.

They are all equipped with accurate scales. They will weigh your trophy fish prior to it being released. Your guides are well trained to handle any fish once it is brought to the boat. They are responsible for removing your fish from the hook/hooks and releasing it. 

This is a dangerous time during your fishing day so let your guide do this task to prevent the agonizing pain of a hook puncture.

Our guides all speak Spanish and "fishing" English as well, some better than others, however they are sufficiently bilingual to respond to your needs.

Communications

Laguna Larga is linked to the rest of the world by a cellular telephone service. 

Medical Assistance

Should you require minor first aid treatment, assistance is available at the lodge. The nearest medical facility is 3 ½ - 4 hours away via vehicle or one hour via air evacuation to the town of San Fernando. Caracas is the next major medical facility. Air evacuations will require considerable time and one should be prepared to expect delays. Night evacuations by air will not be executed.

What to Bring

We suggest your primary luggage consist of a pliable type bag or a material that can be easily loaded and stored on board the charter aircraft.

Personal taste dictates the articles of clothing and accessories you bring. We offer the following minimum suggestions for your added comfort:

Temperatures range from 85-95°F on the river. Nights range from 65-70°F and at times require a sheet or light blanket, which is provided by the lodge.

Currency

The currency in Venezuela is the Bolivar, pronounced (boleevahr).

We highly recommend that you travel with small denominations, i.e. $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills. Most establishments such as restaurants, shops, bars, hotels etc will accept U.S. dollars. You will generally receive change in Bolivars. This may present a problem unless you have the correct amount; therefore it is in your best interest to bring low denomination bills with you to cover expenses.

Beginning January 1, 2008 there will be a currency conversion. Both the old Bolivar (Bs) and the new Bolivar Fuerte (Bs. F.) will be in circulation during a transition period from October 2007 until sometime in mid-2008. One Bolivar Fuerte is equal to 1,000 of the old Bolivars.

Gratuities

Gratuities to staff members are recommended to recognize and reward their excellent service.

A Fisherman's Paradise

There are several members of the peacock bass family (CICHLIDAE) throughout South America. The International Game Fish Association recognizes only three for purposes of attaining world record status.

Peacock, blackstripe cichla intermedia Ogilvie commonly known as the royal pavón. The black stripe or royal peacock bass is limited to the Orinoco watershed in Venezuela south of the city of San Fernando in the state of Apure. They are characterized by an irregular black stripe running laterally along the full length of its midsection and crossed intermittently by a series of six to eight fainter black oval shaped spots. This is the only cichlid that has more than three black bars.

The black stripe or royal will rarely exceed 10 lbs., although it is said that 12 lb. fish have been caught. As a point of interest, while the black stripe or royal is less frequently encountered by anglers, most experienced peacock bass fishermen consider it to be the toughest fighter of all on a pound for pound basis. It is a superior food fish.

Peacock butterfly: (Cichla ocellaris) also know as mariposa or butterfly. The butterfly peacock bass is native to tropical South America. It was introduced in Hawaii in 1957 and 1986. It has also been stocked in many other countries including Puerto Rico, Panama, Kenya, Guam and the Dominican Republic as well as southern Florida.

Of all the peacock bass the butterfly has the greatest variation in color. They are yellowish green with three dark, yellow fringed blotches along the lateral midsection, or bars that typically fade in fish larger than three or four pounds. The iris of the eye is frequently deep red/orange in color. Three distinct ocilli (spots) are found down the lateral line. All species of peacock bass have a spot or ocilli on the tail.

The butterfly peacock’s powerful, laterally compressed body and aggressive temperament make it pound for pound one of the hardest fish to handle on light tackle. It too is a delicious table fare.

Peacock, speckled (Cichla temensis) This specie is also known as pavón cinchado, pavón trucha and pavón tucunare. The speckled peacock bass is a world class warm- water sport fish native to South America’s Orinoco and Amazon River Basins.

Adult speckled peacocks are distinguished by splotches on the opercula (cheek) or upper gill plate and three vertical black bars on the body which become more pronounced with age. Another color phase may have four to six horizontal rows of light colored dashes along the side and speckling over the rest of the body and fins.

The above description may be confusing but it combines with what was thought to be two different species until 1981. This species is the largest of the Cichla genus. Fish in excess of 30 lbs. have been caught by means other than rod and reel.

This is the only Cichla spp which has broken longitudinal lines and spots on the head, opercula or cheek area and in caudal/dorsal fins, resulting in a speckled appearance.

The current world line class record recognized by the IGFA is 26.8 lbs. caught on 12 lb. test line by Rod Neubert in Brazil.

The current fly rod world record recognized by the IGFA is 25.5 lbs. caught and released alive in Venezuela by Bert Bookout on a 20 lb. tippet .

An outstanding game fish, their pound for pound power is brutal even when matched to heavy tackle. They will strike lures such as plugs, spoons, jigs, spinner baits, popping bugs and streamer flies.

Their top water strikes are stunning in ferocity. They make spectacular head shaking leaps and long runs. They are truly the freight trains of the Orinoco watershed. The larger they get the more fiercely they fight. They are an excellent food fish. The flesh is firm in texture and varies from white to a creamy white in color.

Payara: (hydrolycus scomberoides) (CYNODONTIDAE FAMILY) Payara inhabit fresh water rivers and lakes in South America from the Orinoco to the Paraguay River basins. The distribution of large payara is limited to a few places in Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guyana, Peru and Ecuador. They prefer fast moving water but are also found in still waters and lakes.

The outstanding characteristic of the fish is the pair of enormous saber like teeth protruding from the lower jaw of the broad upturned mouth. The upper jaw contains two corresponding holes to accommodate the four to six inch teeth (fangs) when the mouth is closed.

In addition, there is one row of numerous, acute, canine form and conical shaped teeth in each jaw; the gill rakers are spinous. The payara’s elongated; compressed body and enlarged pectoral fins are ideal for the violently turbulent water they seem to prefer. Payara are generally dark blue/green along the back, blending to silver along the sides and belly.

Payara are among the gamest of South America’s fresh water fish, leaping when hooked and making long slashing runs. They are predators that attack upward, stabbing prey with their large canine teeth and then swallowing them headfirst, whole. Fish is its primary diet.

While not particularly tasty, the locals fish for and eat them regularly. They have many small bones structured throughout their body.

The Cinaruco boasts half a dozen other species of fish that will strike artificial lures including the rayado or striped catfish, the ferocious guabino or bowfin (amia calva), a primitive member of the AMIDAE FAMILY with needle sharp teeth and strong jaws weighing up to 15 lbs. This same fish is also found in many rivers and lakes in the United States, the picua or fresh water barracuda as it is sometime called is also a game fish that gets one’s attention on light tackle. It is shaped somewhat like a barracuda bearing a set of vicious looking teeth. It seldom exceeds 4 lbs. and is not normally consumed by human beings. The pellona (Pellona castelnaea, (CLUPEIDAE Family) is also known as the Sardinata.

The sardinata belong to the same family as sardines and the American shad and can attain a weight of 20 lbs. Those caught from the Cinaruco River rarely exceed 5 lbs. The sardinata is very sporty when hooked as they leap to a dazzling aerial display. They take a variety of baits and lures, especially top water presenting a unique opportunity for the angler.

Fishing pleasure is not measured by the number of fish on your stringer, but by the degree of angling difficulty offered by the particular fish caught and released in an aesthetically pleasing environment such as that along the banks of the Cinaruco River.

Nature at its Best

In addition to fishing the Cinaruco River, nature presents a tapestry of beauty all around you. Beautiful green parrots and occasionally colorful scarlet macaws fly back and forth across the majestic Cinaruco River. The cursow or South American wild turkey is frequently heard and seen along the river bank with its familiar ebony black feathers, and white beak shimmering in the early morning sunlight. The ever-present Egyptian geese who mate for life display their brown, black and buff colored plumage as they strut along the shore’s edge.