Fishing around for the Best

(Corbis)

If you're really serious about hooking billfish, look no further than Venezuela. Outstanding catches of white and blue marlin and sailfish have established Venezuela as one of the ultimate destinations for Atlantic billfish. An hour's cruise from shore on the La Guaria Bank, hordes of baitfish and a series of offshore plateaus attract all four of the major Atlantic billfish species.

During the fall white marlin season, catches of 10 or more billfish are common, and the coveted Grand Slam—white marlin, blue marlin, and sailfish is an everyday possibility. February through March blue marlin predominate, typically weighing in at 300 to 800 pounds. Sailfish and swordfish run year-round.

Along with the great billfishing, expect to take your share of yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and dorado. The premier charter base for fishing La Guaria Bank is Caraballeda Harbor near Macuto. There are a number of local sportfishing boats that can take you out for $350 to $650 per day, or you can book a package trip with the Club Gigi. The Club maintains speedy twin-diesel sportfishers, tournament-rigged with full electronics and the best tackle. The Club can arrange side trips to Angel Falls, Caracas, or other nearby points of interest.
Because La Guaria is so popular, both with foreigners and Caracas' elite, advance reservations are a must. While in Venezuela, you can sample world-class tarpon fishing at Rio Chico, and bonefishing at Los Roques.