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HEADWATERS FISHING CLUB, VENEZUELA
offered by supplier M08622 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 5
- 14
day(s)
Group Size: 1
- 8
people
Destination(s):
Venezuela
Specialty Categories:
Fishing
Season: January - December
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: Yes
Minimum Per Person Price: 2000 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 4000 US Dollar (USD)
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Overview of Headwaters Fishing Club:
It was on Lake Guri (see arrow within map at right to identify the location of this lake) during the mid to late 1980’s that Venezuela introduced numerous globe-trotting anglers from throughout the world to the peacock bass. While Brazil has garnered most of the peacock bass publicity in the past 15 years, Lake Guri is now reclaiming its rightful place as a world class peacock bass fishery once again. Curichapo Lodge (see photo below), home base to Headwaters Fishing Club (HFC), is located on a 14,500 acre privately owned peninsula in southeastern Venezuela, with the 3,000,000 acre Lake Guri to the north and La Paragua River to the south. The HFC fishing area includes over 200,000 acres of peacock bass and payara infested water. The average water depth in the HFC area is a fishable 20 feet. Headwaters Fishing Club boasts some of the finest year-round peacock bass fishing in South America. Statistics reveal that more than 90% of all HFC fishermen will land at least a ten-pound fish on each and every trip due to the abundance of 10-15lb class peacock bass available. The area produces many fish in the super size category. The camp and, unofficial, lake record is 25 lbs 6 oz, which was caught by Larry Jackson in July of 2005.
The abundance of baitfish in the HFC area grows hefty peacock bass, which are, on average, three inches shorter than their jungle river cousins, yet still weigh as much or more. The peacock bass on Guri are some of the strongest you will ever encounter and you will have the opportunity to catch all three species of peacock bass (barred and speckled; butterfly and black striped or royal) on just about any day on the water. In addition, because of the clear, tannin stained water, the color patterns of Guri’s impressive peacock population are some of the most beautiful you will ever encounter.
During the months of May June, and July, HFC payara season is in full swing. Known by their nickname of “Dracula Fish”, these slashers of the Amazon, which grow to sizes in excess of 40lbs, are an exciting addition to the already great fishing you will experience on Guri at HFC. Similar in fight to a tarpon, these fish congregate yearly in the rapids formed by the first heavy storms of rainy season. Their strike is awesome, and their leaping ability world class. The world record 39lb payara comes from the same river in which we fish, the La Paragua.
Opened for business in 1994, American owned and operated, HFC is legendary with the oilfield workers based in Venezuela for it’s great fishing and outstanding food. HFC has a maximum camp occupancy of eight persons, which allows them to provide personalized service to each and every angler.
Headwaters Fishing Club Package Pricing (2008 season):
Five day fishing package - $2, 500
Deposit Amount Required for Headwaters Fishing Club fishing package:
Headwaters Fishing Club requires a 50% deposit, per angler, to initiate a reservation. Final payments are due 60 days prior to your departure. Reservations are only confirmed when deposits are received.
Included in the Headwaters Fishing Club Package Price:
•Assistance in transferring from international to national airport.
•Round-trip commercial flight from Caracas to Puerto Ordaz.
•Hotel stays, if necessary, in Caracas (near the airport) or in Puerto Ordaz.
•All land transfers and hotel transfers.
•Accommodations at the Headwaters Fishing Club.
•All meals.
•Guided fishing on Lake Guri (two anglers with experienced guide).
•Lunch at the lodge each day.
•Local national alcoholic drinks and beer.
Not included in the Headwaters Fishing Club Package Price:
Airfare to Caracas, Venezuela; meals in Miami, Caracas or Puerto Ordaz; Airport departure taxes, Gratuities.
Headwaters Fishing Club Fishing Season:
The prime peacock bass season for HFC is when you decide that a trip to Lake Guri suits your travel schedule, basically 12 months a year. May thru August have always been the months for great action and big fish for both peacock bass and payara, which use this time to gather in the fast water of the river and spawn. Lake Guri falls an average of 20-24 feet every dry season, which runs from December thru May. When the lake fills again, and floods the new grasses in the numerous bays and lagoons, the peacock go into a feeding frenzy along the shorelines. As the current in the river begins to subside in August, the payara break up and scatter out into smaller schools, with the really big payara roaming like lone wolfs in the river's depths.
Headwaters Fishing Club Capacity:
8 anglers, double occupancy, to insure personalized service.
Availability for Headwaters Fishing Club:
As the booking calendar changes on almost a daily basis, please contact our office for current availability on your specific travel dates.
Travel Logistics to the Headwaters Fishing Club :
Anglers will fly into Caracas, Venezuela. Upon arrival in Caracas, you will be met by our ground staff and, depending on the arrival time in Caracas, you will either be transferred to the national airport for the one hour flight to Puerto Ordaz or overnight at a hotel five minutes from the airport and take the flight to Puerto Ordaz early the next morning. From Puerto Ordaz, you will be transferred to the Headwaters Fishing Club. The ride from Puerto Ordaz is three hours overland and then a 1-1/2 hour boat ride to the camp.
Predominant Language Spoken on the Headwaters Fishing Club:
Spanish is the language of Venezuela. Although the guides do understand and speak some English, it is primarily fishing English. Most anglers do not have difficulty communicating with their guides. It is always wise to learn a few words of basic Spanish before undertaking this trip. We provide you with an English-Spanish translator with your packing and gear lists. An English-speaking host will always be available at Headwaters Fishing Club.
Special Entrance Requirements for Venezuela:
U.S. residents must have a valid passport to enter Venezuela. A tourist visa will be given on board the flight to Caracas. Do not lose this paper document, as you will need to provide this to government officials when leaving the country.
Accommodations aboard the Headwaters Fishing Club :
Two anglers share a churuata, a thatched roof typical Venezuelan bunkhouse, each with air conditioning, private bathroom and ample storage space. Hot and cold water is available in the en-suite shower stall. Twin 50kw generators provide a steady 110volt power supply for charging camera batteries or running a hairdryer provide all electric power. All rooms comfortably handle 2-3 persons. Twin beds are comfortable.
Meals at the Headwaters Fishing Club:
You will dine on a variety of American and local Venezuelan delicacies, including grilled steaks, chicken and fresh fish. Anglers are encouraged to come back to the lodge during lunch to have a nice hot meal and take a siesta before heading out for the afternoon session. Since the fishery is close to the lodge, no long boat rides, which often cut into valuable fishing time, are necessary. An open bar with local beverages offers a relaxing respite from the rigors of peacock bass fishing and the hot Venezuelan sun. Headwaters Fishing Club is known for their home-made ice cream which the anglers always enjoy.
The Fishing at Guri Lake with Headwaters Fishing Club:
Although the primary species targeted on Guri is the peacock bass, this lake also offers a healthy population of trophy-class payara. Anglers can expect to catch three species of peacock bass, or pavon as they are called in Venezuela. These include: the peacock and speckled pavon, royal pavon and butterfly pavon. Fish in excess of 20 pounds are caught on a regular basis, although the average fish weighs in the neighborhood of five to eight pounds. Each morning, you’ll board a comfortable custom-build 20 ft x 8 ft aluminum boat. These boats are designed to give a comfortable and dry ride in rough weather conditions, while allowing you to fish even the shallowest water. All boats have raised, carpeted fishing platforms front and rear, large dry storage, 30 gal. livewell, all safety equipment, 60hp Yamaha engines, Minn-Kota 52lb thrust trolling motors, and an experienced guide to assist you in your search for your dream fish. All boats are equipped with a marine band VHF radio for full-time communication with your fishing buddies in other boats and the camp. The majority of the guides aboard the Headwaters Fishing Club have been fishing the lake for years.
During the early morning hours, under cover of cloud and late in the afternoon, you will fish a variety of topwater lures and surface flies to take advantage of the aggressive nature of the peacock bass. As the sun rises overhead, you may want to consider to a subsurface lure or fly approach. Upon booking your fishing expedition to the Headwaters Fishing Club, we will be sending you a copy of “The Complete Peacock Bass Aangler” text that will help prepare you for your trip. The relaxed atmosphere at HFC is enhanced by the fact that we are the only private land on Lake Guri, and at high water your boat is waiting a mere 20 yards from your doorstep.
Their close proximity to the best fish grounds around allow you to fish, and not waste your time making long boat rides. This also allows those who wish to return quickly to the camp for a hot lunch and siesta before returning for an afternoons fishing adventure. HFC fishermen usually average 8-10 hours of quality fishing a day.
Activities for the non-angler on the Headwaters Fishing Club :
As this is primarily a fishing operation, the non-angling guest may want to consider a variety of non-angling options that are unique to Venezuela.
The weather at Guri Lake aboard the Headwaters Fishing Club :
Temperatures may range from a comfortable 75 at night to the mid-90 degree range. Although the Headwaters Fishing Club fishing calendar is timed to coincide with the dry season, showers do occur, so be prepared with a quality rain suit.
Packing for the Headwaters Fishing Club :
Upon receipt of deposits, you will be sent the necessary gear and packing lists to prepare you for your Venezuelan fishing experience. In addition, you will receive the Complete Peacock Bass text to help you catch trophy peacock bass.
Trip Cancellation and Travel Insurance Recommendation:
A fishing expedition will certainly offer you an exciting and rewarding experience. Unfortunately, however, one undertaking such an angling adventure must face the possibility that you or your fishing companion might be forced to cancel your trip at the last moment due to illness, injury or other emergency or sustain an unfortunate injury and require medical services or worse, medical evacuation during your trip. Trip cancellation and travel insurance can help protect you and your travel companions from these unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances. We will send you the application forms from Travelex, a major, reliable insurer of traveling anglers. Typically, the cost of an extensive program is less than $65 per $1,000 of coverage. It is wise to always consult with your personal health insurance provider before undertaking any type of travel to determine what is covered in the event of injury or illness during your travels.
Itinerary for the Headwaters Fishing Club :
Day 1: Arrival in Caracas. Airport reception and either transfer to hotel to overnight.
Day 2: Early AM transfer to national airport for one hour flight to Puerto Ordaz. Transfer to Headwaters Fishing Club . Orientation. ½ day of fishing.
Days 2-5: Four full days fishing with your guide on massive Guri Lake, exploring coves and targeting points, standing timber, rock piles and humps for peacock bass, payara and piranha. Day 6: ½ day of fishing. Transfer to Puerto Ordaz for flight to Caracas. Overnight in Caracas at hotel.
Day 7: Flight back to USA.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Trips to Headwaters Fishing Club can range from 3 days to 14 days.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Venezuela
Fishing
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