Hi. I have been trying to post a lengthy bb message in response to your questions but can’t do it – so I’m putting my response in Word and will try to patch it in.
You need a license and should have a guide. I’ll explain, but first let me tell you something about Los Roques. It is an archipelago, with many small islands, most uninhabited, or temporarily inhabited, in season, by lobster fishermen and other fishermen. A few of the islands do have fishermen in permanent residence. The major island, Gran Roques, is the only place that you will be able to find lodging or guides.
All of Los Roques is a national park, and you need a license or permit to enter. You buy it on arrival, at the airport, for a modest fee. That answers your first question.
There can be excellent fishing on the flats in front of the airport on Gran Roques, a short, easy walk from wherever you will be staying. Also, many fish (including tarpon in the 100-pound plus range) are seen right off the boat moorings in front of Gran Roques, although that is a difficult place to fish, especially with a fly rod, because of all of the mooring lines. Finally, there often is excellent fishing from the beaches at Crass Key and Cayo Largo, which are accessible by kayak. I don’t know how you rent a kayak at Los Roques but I assume that it can be done.
However, the best fishing areas are limited, by regulation, to persons fishing with a licensed guide. That’s because the regulations were written by a guide, Alex Gonzales, who pioneered fly fishing for bones at Los Roques and is one of the finest guides you will ever meet. That gets us to your second question. You need a guide for instruction, and also to show you the best places to fish on your own, and to take you to prime fishing spots that you could not get to on your own.
I will be in Los Roques with my son this May, my 7th or 8th visit. I love it there, and always stay with Alex Gonzales at Pez Raton (the Posada is named Mediterraneo). But that is pricey, and ‘do it yourself’ is a reasonable alternative. I have spoken with several people who have arranged their entire stays at Los Roques by themselves, and offer this advice, based on their comments:
(1) Make sure that your lodging, guides, and kayak are booked and confirmed well in advance.
(2) Book as many days of guided fishing as your budget permits. Even experienced fishermen have many more chances at bonefish, and other species, with a guide than without.
(3) Take a spinning rod for those days when you are on your own and not finding bonefish. Work the deep water in front of the moorings, and the edges of channels near the keys, from your kayak. You can do this with a fly rod but many are mor comfortable with spinning tackle.
You might consider Walter Erlich as a guide. He’s one of the best, and while I do not have his contact information handy you should be able to find it as he has many European clients. The posadas also should be able to recommend guides for you. I believe that Alex limits himself and his crew to his guests.
Good luck!
David
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