Pre-trip Information:

Payara Angling – Uraima Falls, Venezuela

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY WELL IN ADVANCE OF YOUR TRIP!
 

MISSION STATEMENT

-- The following guide is designed to detail the tackle/gear requirements foryour upcoming trip as well as briefly overview the inner workings of the lodge as it concerns your stay.
 

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

– A valid U.S. passport is required for entrance into all South American countries. Make sure your passport is current and does not expire before (or while) you are out of the United States. It takes up to a month to
process a new passport, so please plan accordingly. Venezuela makes everyone fill out a 'tourist card,' which will be provided by the airline prior to landing in Caracas. Make sure not to lose your stamped copy of this document after you
proceed through customs -- customs officials can fine you if you try to leave the country without presenting a receipt of your tourist card. International Flight,

-- After departing your point of origin, arrive in Caracas.

After clearing customs, you will be met by Uraima Falls Lodge’s transfer agency, City Sol.

They will transfer you (and your group) to the nearby domestic airport for a commercial jet flight to Puerto Ordaz.

Upon arrival and after collecting your baggage, you will be met at Baggage Claim by a representative of the lodge.

You will be transported to a nearby hotel for an overnight stay. Early the next morning you will be transported to an airport (Puerto Ordaz, Ciudad Bolivar or La Paragua depending on your itinerary) for a charter flight to the lodge.

Upon Arrival

– Stow your bags, grab your tackle and go fishing for the rest of the day.
Full days of fishing.

-- A normal angling day begins with a 5:30 AM wake-up call followed by breakfast at 6:00 AM. Your guides will be ready to
depart as early as 6:30 AM, although you can remain in the lodge at your leisure.

Return to the lodge for a lunch break each day.

Because of the Lodge’s location, you are located right in the midst of the fishing grounds in the Amazon.

Long runs back to the Lodge are virtually non-existent.
 

Departure

-- After breakfast, you will transfer back to Puerto Ordaz via charter flight (and van as necessary). You depart from there for Caracas.
Upon arrival at Caracas, you will once again be met by ExplorePartners. They will transfer you back to the
International Airport. Your flight will depart Caracas at and arrives in Miami (or your point of origin) that evening.
 

BAGGAGE GUIDELINES
-- It is suggested that everyone bring one duffel bag or suitcase with minimal casual clothing and one rod case. Please do not bring coolers to the lodge.
 

NON-EMERGENCY/EMERGENCY PHONE
 

CONTACTS

-- The Lodge has a short-wave radio, but phone patches to the U.S. are extremely expensive and often impossible to make consistently.

For this reason, the camp operator will only attempt a phone patch in emergency situations.

For non-emergency or emergency calls, the following numbers can be used:
 

Humberto Malaspina:

CELLULAR. 0416-7-14-6006
HOME. 751-71-96 (From La Guaira or Caracas city)
HOME 0212-751-71-96 (From Puerto Ordaz)
HOME 58212-751-71-96 (From the USA)
 

Pre-trip Guide/Venezuela
Because there is a charter flight to the Lodge, you must keep baggage weight to a minimum (under 50 pounds). If your schedule allows, we encourage you to check your luggage from point to point when departing the U.S. This way you can
track them right away if any pieces are missing. In case of lost or delayed luggage on arrival in your destination country, we encourage everyone to carry reels, pack rods (if you have them) and other essential fishing equipment as carry-on baggage (with at least one change of casual clothing).
 

BOAT/MOTOR

-- Configurations used at Uraima Falls Lodge are long, roomy, dugout canoes with powerful outboards. The boats accommodate four-passengers (two anglers plus two guides – one guide services the anglers needs while the other constantly maintains boat position.

All boats are equipped with comfortable seats and ample coolers to store drinks and snacks.
 

CAMP & ACCOMMODATION SPECIFICS

– Built in typical ‘jungle’ style, the camp itself is a collection of Indian-style thatched huts. Each round unit contains two bedrooms, a sitting area and a great bathroom with flush toilets, running water and a real hot-water shower.

Fishermen enjoy spacious, private bedrooms with real beds, sheets and pillows. This just isn't roughing it! Uraima falls provides a taste of luxury in the jungle.

The camp is set right on the water with the huts arranged in a cleared, landscaped area connected by stone walkways leading to the huge dining area.

This is the center of camp life. Comfortable chairs and sitting  hammocks line the un walled structure, topped with a gigantic conical thatched roof. Breezes, coming off the surrounding water keep the open air pavilion cool and comfortable.

In the evenings, anglers trade fishing stories (and fishing lies) and sometimes solve the problems of the world while sitting at the convivial bar.

FOOD & BEVERAGES

-- The Lodge provides
both quality and ample meals throughout your stay.

A hot breakfast is typically served at 6:00AM each morning. Pancakes, eggs, toast, fresh fruit, bacon, cereal and fresh coffee are all standard fare. Lunch and dinner are served family style. In the evening, appetizers are usually on the table as
soon as all anglers return from the day’s fishing.

Dinner is usually served on or before 7:00PM.

A mixture of Venezuelan and ‘American’ foods dot the Lodges’s dinner menu. Fresh fish, beef, and chicken are accompanied by an assortment of beans, rice, bread and mixed vegetables.

The camp supplies soft drinks, beer and local liquors with dinner.

Anglers enjoy three terrific full course meals a day.
 

PERSONAL POSSESSIONS

--Thievery is nonexistent in camp.

The camp staff are honest, reliable people who respect all your belongings.
Valuables can be left in your room without concern, though it is always a good idea not to leave large amounts of loose money lying around.
If you ever suspect something is missing, please notify the camp’s host.
 

POWER SOURCE/BATTERIES

-- The lodge has a large generator that is run during the hours when the anglers are in camp and not sleeping.

The lodge runs on 110-volt electricity.
 

WEATHER

-- Tropical temperatures prevail in Venezuela with mid-day temperature ranging between 85 -100 F. Generally, there is light to medium wind and an extremely intense sun throughout the day, so please be mindful of dehydration and overexposure to the sun.

At night, the temperature slowly drops to 72-78 F.
Rain can be common throughout the week’s fishing,so bring along a good quality, lightweight rain suit (pants included) to avoid a cold boat ride.
 

A NOTE ON DEHYDRATION, SUN & INSECTS

--During the day’s fishing, your body can lose a great deal of water.

Average daytime temperatures range between 80 -100 F depending upon cloud cover. Make sure to constantly re-hydrate yourself throughout the day and evening to avoid dehydration. Water is best. Soft drinks and beer can actually cause dehydration, so try and avoid excessive amounts of each. Your camp’s host can stock your boat’s cooler with your preference of drinks. Please make sure to speak with him about your own Always use your life vest during prolonged
boat rides.
Always use sunscreen and a hat or you could be severely burned (Sun Gloves and sunglasses should be worn during long boat rides).
Always bring along a rain suit.
Have repellent handy for use during the day’s fishing.
Make sure to drink plenty of water or other fluids to avoid dehydration.
 

Pre-trip Guide/Venezuela
-- Personal needs.

Everyone needs to take the sun seriously. Tropical sun is much more severe than the watered-down exposure we receive in the lower-48. Tropical sun will burn even those who consider themselves unaffected by the sun. Make sure to use sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and long sleeves/pants (those who are sun-sensitive should use Sun Gloves).
 

LANGUAGE

-- Spanish is spoken in Venezuela.
The guides and staff do not speak English, but the Lodge does have a full-time bilingual host.
CURRENCY -- Most Latin American currencies fluctuate like the weather, so it’s pointless to list even approximate exchange rates.

Venezuelan hotels and shops readily accept U.S. dollars, so there's really no need to exchange money. If you do wish to exchange money, we recommend you do it with our driver that picks you up in the international airport when you arrive, he will give you a much better exchange rate.

If you exchange money out of the country, make sure you are getting back the country's equivalent/exchange in their currency.

A popular scam involves an incorrect currency exchange. Hotels are notorious for having a horrible exchange rate. Should you need to exchange dollars, use the nearest federally operated exchange house.
 

REGIONAL OVERVIEW

-- Located 550 miles southeast of Caracas, Uraima Falls Lodge is located on an island at the base of Uraima Falls on the Paragua River in the State of Bolivar, situated in the Eastern Venezuelan highlands. The Paragua river flows northward and joins the Caroni on its way to forming Lake Guri.
Anglers may see a wide variety of jungle wildlife.
Most of the area's wildlife is shy and elusive.
Although reasonably common, tapir, lapa, jaguar, and ocelot are all nocturnal.

This is not to say that you won't sometimes catch glimpses of them but generally the jungle is so thick, that it is hard to get
a good look.

Howler monkeys are quite common, but they quickly scamper back into the canopy, so you usually only see them momentarily.

The bird life is much more cooperative. Cormorants, parrots, eagles, osprey, kingfishers, herons, and a host of migratory species are a common sight throughout the fishing day.
 

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

-- Import allowances
in each country restrict import of excess amounts of liquor and tobacco, so keep them to a minimum (one carton of cigarettes or 25 cigars, and 2 liters of alcoholic beverages maximum). Beer, local liquor and soft drinks are included in the weekly rate at the lodge.
 

GUIDES

-- The Venezuelan guides are hard working individuals who aim to please. They do not speak English very well, but will be able to help you select the right lures/flies and also show you how to fish each lure in the correct manner.
Guides are expected to fish approximately eight hours per day.
 

GRATUITIES / Tips

-- Gratuities are discretionary and are not included at the lodge. Tipping in the camps is a personal issue and should be done with discretion. We suggest a $50.00 to $100.00 tip (per person) to the guide, per week (if he got you a trophy, go high with the tip). We also suggest a weekly tip of $30.00 to $50.00 for the camp staff (to be given in a lump sum to the
camp’s manager at the end of the week).

Please do not bring traveler's checks for tipping purposes.

Remember that the guide's tip is based upon performance and is by no means obligatory -- knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment, should be rewarded accordingly.

Aside from a monetary reward, the guides and staff are very enthusiastic about all sorts of American products.

Fishing tackle, polarized fishing glasses, baseball caps, pliers, t-shirts, socks, tennis shoes, cheap watches, candy, and other similar items are greatly appreciated.
 

HEALTH/INSECTS

-- All our camps are located in extremely remote areas. Those who have serious health problems should think twice about going to such a location with limited medical attention. In the case of emergency, we can have a light plane flown in as soon as possible, but this can take up to half a day (night flights are not possible). The lodge does have 24 - hour radio communication.

The lodge uses bottled water and also has it’s own deep well for water, therefore water-born contagious diseases are
uncommon. There are a few reports of light diarrhea, but you can eat and drink with confidence in camp.

Do not drink the tap water in any hotel rooms or public areas!
Mosquitos are prevalent in Venezuela -- especially in the morning and evening.

To avoid discomfort, make sure to keep covered up and use plenty of repellent (use D.E.E.T and avoid Pre-trip Guide/Venezuela anything less-strong).

Malaria does exist throughout South America and an antimalarial prophylactic (Larium/mephloquin) is strongly recommended.

Contact your personal physician or refer to the U.S. Public Health Service recommendations regarding inoculations (especially Hepatitis) recommended by the I.A.M.A.T. (International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers) Wasps and bees are also found throughout the tropics.

If you are allergic to stinging insects, be certain to bring proper medication. Please advise the camp manager (about your allergies) as soon as you arrive in camp.
 

FISH SPECIFICS

--The Uraima Falls fishery is undoubtedly the most dynamic payara fishery in the world.

One can catch both payara and occasionally large Aymara in close proximity.
Uraima falls provides a variety of fishing environments.

Your guides may take you into fast water beneath the falls or the quick current of the river.

You may troll in some locations and cast in others.

You can even fish from the islands shores and very effectively catch large payara.
It's advisable to have 2 sets of tackle, ready to fish., one medium rig to cast lighter baits and one heavy rig for trolling and casting bigger baits.
It’s a good idea to have adequate tackle ready to handle these powerful and aggressive adversaries.
Payara can also exceed 30 pounds and they readily take cast or trolled subsurface baits.

They strike with tremendous power and can strip off line like a bonefish and jump like a salmon.

These traits, coupled with their terrific stamina not only make them a favorite of anglers but also a great consumer of lures.
 

CATCH AND RELEASE

-- To insure the best fishing possible, a strict catch and release policy is in effect at the lodge. We strongly encourage all
clients not to handle fish, not only to reduce stress on the fish, but also because these fish species have strong jaws and sharp teeth that can severly injure you! The guides are well trained in fish handling and care.

If you catch a trophy and want to photograph, measure, or weigh the fish, use a fish handling tool such as a Boga-Grip, or sturdy gloves. Or better yet, have the guide hold the fish.

Your understanding and cooperation will ensure that this fishery remains as productive as ever.
 

EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

-- The tackle mentioned is what we consider to be the optimum type for the conditions experienced.
Recommendations are a concise combination of opinions and experience from clients and professionals who have spent a great deal of time fishing Uraima Falls. Special tackle suggestions should be taken into consideration to ensure a
hassle-free trip (remember, the nearest tackle store is about 3,000 miles away from camp).
 

Casting & Spinning Rods/Reels:

-- We highly recommend bringing three or four-piece spin, casting, and fly rods that you can carry on the plane. The cumbersome one-piece models often get lost or broken in transport no matter how well they are packed. Baitcasting and spinning rods should be long-handled, medium and heavy action models designed with plenty of backbone for hook setting/pressuring big fish (recommended for 1-3 ounce lures). Baitcasting reels should have a high-speed retrieve ratio, as lures are normally worked at an extremely fast rate.

Bring at least two rods and reels, because you might break a rod or strip the gears in one of your reels.
 

Here are a few examples of the most popular tackle combinations:
-- Baitcasting: G.Loomis, GL3, three piece 7-foot heavy or medium Casting rod + Abu Garcia's 5600
C4-High Speed level wind reel (6.3 to 1 retrieve).
 

Spinning:

-- G. Loomis, GL3, three piece 7-foot heavy or medium light Spinning + Shimano Aero Stradic 4000 spinning reel or Daiwa SS 1600.
 

Recommended Lines (Spin/Casting):
-- Monofilament: 20 to 30 pound copolymer or a soft line such as Ande.
Braided:

Strongly recommended! 20 to 30- pound braided line (Berkely Fireline is an excellent choice).
60-lb./12" Steel Leaders are recommended for payara fishing.
 

Fly Fishing:

-- Fly fishing for payara can be productive, but can also be very tiring if you're not used to blind casting (and then rapidly stripping) a heavy-weight fly rod all day long. If you don't think you have this type of endurance, we strongly recommend that you bring casting or spinning tackle to give yourself a break. Payara are fished with a slightly heavier 9-10- weight rod and either a 300-400-grain, 24-foot sink tip line depending upon water conditions.
 

Pre-trip Guide/Venezuela
-- They can be fished with a full floating line, but only during extreme conditions as they prefer to reside in deep, fast current. A heavy mono leader tipped with stout steel tippet is essential. Payara take a variety of large streamers, but prefer heavily-dressed Cloussers and Muddlers tied on a 4/0 heavy saltwater tarpon hook.

Patterns -- Black & white, blue & white and olive & white Deciever/Clousser-style streamers (4/0 saltwater hooks) fished on sink tip lines are most productive. Fly shade seems more important than color depending upon light conditions.

For this reason have an adequate selection of light and dark patterns.
Fly rods should be fast action models, because they load sinking lines more efficiently and generally have more 'backbone' than softer models. Bring at least two fly rods, because they often break under the 'jungle stress.' Reels need
to hold a lot of backing because payara make long runs. A smooth, strong drag is essential.
 

Recommended fly rod & reel combinations:

-- A stiff/fast action, 9-foot, 10- weight rod (Loomis GL3, 4 piece pack rod) + Scientific Anglers 10 weight, wide arbor reel will cover most conditions.

Fly Lines:

-- A Teeny '400 T-Series/Sink Tip' or a RIO 400 grain are our top choices.

A Small Cotton Minnow Seine is recommended to keep your fly line from tangling in the boat's seats, floorboards, rods etcetera. Jungle species are not the least bit leader shy.

Most fly anglers use a straight shot (approximately six feet) of 40-50- pound monofilament leader material.

Anything lighter will be snapped off like sewing thread.

You will go through a lot of leader material, Steel Terminal Leader is a must for payara

CLOTHING:

-- We recommend wearing loose fitting, lightweight, light-colored cottons or synthetics (Tarpon Wear, Patagonia etc...). Some fabrics allow passage of UV rays, so don't bring just any old shirt (we've seen people severely sunburned right through their clothes!) If you are sun sensitive, long pants and sleeves are best to protect from sunburn and hide ankles from biting insects.

For those who tolerate the sun well, wear as little as you are comfortable with, but slather yourself with SPF 30 or better sun-screen.

Don’t skimp and don’t miss spots because you will burn quickly. It’s always unpleasant and unfortunate to miss miss fishing time with an unnecessary sunburn.
A FINAL WORD

-- Please remember that you are heading into the middle of Venezuelan backcountry, where a slow pace of life and a "laid back" attitude is entrenched in the culture of the native people. Therefore, crisp timing, efficiency as we know it and effective planning are sometimes out of sync.

Don't let this get to you - relax and adjust to where you are.

The staff are timid at first, but if you meet them half way you'll find them to be warm and helpful. Please be patient, none of
them have been trained outside the confines of the jungle.
 

PRE-TRIP CHECKLIST:
-- Important Personal Items/Clothing etc...
Passport and photocopy of first two pages of passport

Airline Tickets
Personal Medications
Anti-malarial prophylactic (Larium/mephloquin)
Benadryl
Band-Aids
Anti-bacterial creme
Advil/Aspirin
Imodium
Antibiotic s
Cash - bring at least enough for tipping in camp.
Traveler's Checks & Credit Cards, Checkbook
Slacks/Shorts -- 2 or 3 lightweight cotton.
Long-Sleeved Shirts -- for sun protection -- light color and light fabric.
Light cotton Sweater, Sweatshirt or Jacket -- for cool mornings and evenings.
Lightweight Rain Gear -- Two piece/coat & pant.
Shoes -- 1 pair rubber-soled, non-slip canvas boat shoes Fishing hat -- with front and rear visors and a black under-bill
to aid in sighting fish (enhances polarizing qualities of sunglasses).
Waterproof gear bag
Sunscreen!!!
Sun-Gloves -- Many people burn their hands, so we recommend ‘Mangrove’ UV Protector Sun Gloves
Insect Repellent, One that is perspiration resistant with
D.E.E.T.
Small can of Raid to kill any insects that sneak into your room
Camera -- film shield bag (to avoid airport x-rays); start with
fresh batteries and take an extra set.
Flashlight
Small Alarm Clock
Batteries
Small English/Spanish dictionary
Fishing Accessories . . .
Extra line (see recommendations)
60-lb./12" steel leaders Extra rods/reels
Polarized Sunglasses -- two pair with amber lenses (avoid
green) indispensable for seeing fish.
Clippers or scissors for cutting fishing line.
Hook Sharpener -- essential!
Reel Lubricant -- apply to reels each evening
Pocket Knife / Needlenose Pliers -- we recommend a Leatherman tool
Scale – We've tried them all and highly recommend the IGFA
endorsed, 'Boga Grip' scale [Eastaboga Tackle, 261 Mudd St.,
Pre-trip Guide/Venezuela
Tape Measure
Small Towel
Replacement Hooks (4x strong #2) and Split Rings for lures
with small hooks
Tackle Box and Lures – For Fly Anglers Only . . .
Rods & Reels – One or two stiff/fast action ten weight rod and reel outfits
Fly Lines – 400 grain sinking lines
Flies -- Bring at least several dozen - payara’s sharp teeth will destroy flies.
Leader Material -- 50LB. Ande 'Tournament
Steel leader material in spools or several dozen pre-tied Climax ‘pike’ leaders
Reel Covers -- reels can get banged up in the boat
Finger Sock (Lycra Sheath that fits over your stripping finger), stripping glove or bring waterproof adhesive tape and Moleskin -- essential to prevent line burn while stripping.
Fly Tying Equipment
Small/Soft Minnow Seine -- keeps your line from tangling in the boat.
Pre-trip Guide/Venezuela
Lure Selection Chart Lures, flies and tackle are not available at the Lodge, so order early to get the best selection.

An adequate supply of replacement split rings and hooks (Mustad 4x strong #2) should be brought for all lures.
*Make sure to bring at least the minimum number of recommended lures listed in front of each lure type -- in a mixture of both light and dark colors/shades Angling conditions can sometimes have you going through a lot of tackle.
Uraima Falls - Payara Lure Package 4 days of fishing.
Qty. Item Size Color
3Rapala Magnum CD 22 9" - 3.5 oz Natural
1Rapala Magnum CD 22 9" - 3.5 oz Bright
5Rapala Magnum CD 18 7" - 2 3/8 oz Natural
5Rapala Magnum CD 18 7" - 2 3/8 oz Bright
2Rapala Magnum CD 14 5.5" - 1.25 oz Natural
2Rapala Magnum CD 14 5.5" - 1.25 oz Bright
1Rapala Magnum CD 11 4 3/8" - 7/8 oz Natural
1Rapala Magnum CD 11 4 3/8" - 7/8 oz Bright
1Cotton Cordell Red Fin 7"-1 0z Chr/Black
1Cotton Cordell Red Fin 5"-5/8 oz Chr/Blue
2Garrett's Red Baron Jig .5 oz Blk/Silver
1260 lb test, 12 inch steel leader 60lb, 12in Black
12Extra Strong hooks 1/0 4x Steel
1Package of Stainless Steel Split Rings Size 6 Steel
Bring at least 2 sets of tackle, one medium and one heavy. Bring back-ups. Payara can often break tackle.
 

*** URAIMA FALLS LODGE more on lures … ***
Rods Medium and heavy. ( Stiff rods are recommended for trolling, this to be able to set the hooks )

Reels:
Should hold 300 yards of 30 pound monofillament or 80-100 pound braided line.
Wire, or steel leader is a must, at least 40 pound, length around 20 -25" Heavy duty snap swivels.
Lures; Rapala CD ( with the metal lip ) 14, 18, 22, 26, Rapala Super Shad Rap, Nils Master 10" Reef Digger
8 or 10" Jointed Believer, True Believer, Mann 30.
Other brand name lures with the same characteristics can be used.
Most fishing is done trolling, still for casting bring Rapala Cd 14 size lures. Out of 5 lures, 1 should be for Pre-trip Guide/Venezuela casting.
Color combination: Red-White, Blue-Silver, Wholly Green, Wholly Orange, Green-Orange, Black-Silver.
On the average you lose 3 lures daily.
Best lures are the Rapalas CD so for 3 days fishing, this is my suggestion
2 CD 26
4 CD 22
6 CD 18
4 CD 14
2 Rapala Super Shad
4 Reef Digger
2 Mann 30
2 True Believer.

That's all (its a bit exaggerated)