venezuela fishing

[steveben]

heading down to fish la guaira bank this week. has anyone been there recently and what is the state of of safety concern, we do have conts down there, more is better. any help and/or insight is appreciated. fishing reports too
steve

[ejfra]

I fish in Venezuela several times a year and look forward to it each time. In Caraballeda itself, although appearence is rough, I'm not concerned about safety. You are probably staying at either Portofino or Mango Marina, possibly Hotel Ole Caribe. Both Portofino and mango are self contained, you never have to leave if you don't want to. Ole Caribe is a 10 minute ride Your marina should provide a driver), good restaurant, pool, etc.

When i first started going, i would never leave the marina. I will now go out to eat in Caraballeda to Bolero's etc. or catch a ride to Hildalgo for a great dinner. That being said, i go with my captain anywhere outside of the marina.

My regular captain was there two weeks ago on aboat delivery and everything was fine. I'm going in April and have no concerns. Once you go fishing there, your concerns are easily overcome. i'm an Ocean City / Oregon Inlet guy, and frankly, Venezuela is now the only place I want to fish.....it's that good

[BE21842]

I fished down there last October out of Marina Portofino with Capt. Butch Cox on the Prime Time. I cannot wait to go back! As far as safety, there were never any issues, at all. Just like anywhere, if you go looking ofr trouble you will probably find it. Overall, it was a great trip. We mostly stayed in the marina except for one night. That night we walked to the main street in Caraballeda had a great inexpensive meal and we were never bothered. I recommend having a driver meet you as you clear customs in the airport.(Which is very clean and easy). Also in the airport, you will have people asking if you want to exchange your american cash. Do not do this. Get your captain to take care of this for you. Have fun and catchem up! I wish I was going this spring.

[JD5652]

You might want to check with the U.S. Embassy on the latest updates.... there was a story on the national news tonight that said Venezuela was massing troops on the Columbian border as of today... didn't catch the whole story....

[snowranger]

I was there in October as well. Never felt unsafe but we spent 99% of our time at the marina on on the boat. I have been all over but felt a little uneasy on the street at night. No idea about the troops JD5652 is talking about...
Good luck and enjoy if you go. Great fishing and a great experience!
P.S. We fished with Butch too (highly reccommended).

[capt. jakeg]

I have been down twice to fish with butch and it is incredible fishing down there. This time of year last year, I think we averaged 4 or 5 blue marlins a day for the five days we were there. Safety was not an issue. In fact, the one place I felt most unsafe was at the airport. They search ALL young white americans for drugs, so be prepared. I was held at gunpoint for about ten minutes while the venezuelan army went through my bag in the jetway. Other than that, there was nothing but nice people and good times.
***The political climate over there is VERY HOT right now. I also would check into it very closely before I went over there. I would personally talk to Butch and find out whats up. Venezuela and Colombia are about to go to war and it aint looking to pretty.

[Squidnation]

I have been fishing in venezuela since 1994. It has changed quite a bit over the years but one thing I can tell you. I have never ever felt uncomfortable in that country. I have been up the mountain, around the town and even to the house of one of the mates in some less then desirable areas. I may not recommend some of these outings but I have always felt safe. Politics is Politics but for the most part the people of Venezuela are really good people. After the floods and then again after Chavez ate one too many chocorros I decided to keep my non fishing excursions to the few chicken restuarants right around town. I have been keeping tabs about the border issues and even placed a couple calls to some family friends and they tell me nothing has changed and life is normal. I did some checking online and found this article as well

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/08/wo...l?ref=americas

Call me an optomist but I love fishing in Venezuela and seeing the friends that I have made while being down there. I will be going back in April with Whitey, and Shane's boss and hopefully Raymond. BTW - two local boats fished yesterday and I heard they each saw 4 or 5 blues and a handful of sails as well as a white. Sounds like Normal Venezuela to me.