Allan Shephard of Sportfish reports on Los Roques in March 2007

Looking out the window I know we are close. We've been in the air for 35 mins out of Caracas and I can see slim bands of coral reef and lagoon stretching across the azure blue vista ahead. We pay our dues to enter Los Roques National Park and make our way to the Malibu Pasada. Inside, there is an instant change, this is an uber- cool refuge for the weary traveller, a world away from the hustle and bustle of Caracas. A calm oasis of sea breezes, bleached coral, shells, local art and chill-out furniture.

Soon we are heading out over the water; suddenly the deep blue water gives way to a shocking white pancake flat growing a crop of turtle grass. "Hey man, that's a really beautiful sight" Eric calmly notes. I instantly agree - then I see them, at least a hundred tailing bonefish. A snout down, tail up feeding frenzy for the uninitiated. For a saltwater fly fisherman or even a hard boiled salmon wrangler like me, this looks good. These fish are a serious quarry. The clumsy middle-aged bloke from Wiltshire sends them in all directions and its back in the boat to find some more.

Another day, another flat - I like my pancakes topped with bones, a little turtle grass salad and a side dish of barracuda to go. This time the cast is straight out the top drawer. Size 8 bonefish bitters six feet in front of a whole shoal. By now I have learnt to do as I'm told. Strip, strip pause - SET THE HOOK. Loop reel screams, Sage bends, backing appears out the top ring. "Jeeesus these bad boys can pull."

Bonefish are really cool but Los Roques is also about variety. I simply loved hunting the reef drop off for Horse Eye Jacks. These fish are public enemy number one with ASBO's aplenty and a lifestyle steeped in violent gang culture. Underwater, I'm sure they wear hoodies and scare old ladies. Throw a big popper at them and wait for all hell to let loose. Louise and I had several double hook ups. Hers were always bigger. Why?

Tarpon. How do you stay calm when a huge silver ghost casually sips down your fly and you never actually feel any resistance to set the hook against. The best I managed was to make one jump about five feet out of the water then throw the hook. Even your best swearing does nothing to reattach the tarpon to your fly, but you do vent a little of the frustration.

Permit. We saw several up to about thirty pounds in weight. These are for hardcore saltwater flyfishers. You need to be single-minded in your approach and spend time finding the right fish. There is no doubt that you may well get the fish of a lifetime at Los Roques.

Barracuda. We saw some really big old girls mooching around the flats. With so many bonefish about these are the top predators and grow to a really good size. The barracuda is the fastest fish on the flats and can accelerate to catch its prey at lightening speed. This makes for a spectacular fight with plenty of aerial action.

You have probably gathered that I really enjoyed Los Roques and can recommend the island for both novice and experienced saltwater flyfishers.

Allan will be leading a special Sportfish trip from 2 to 10 March 2008. If you would like to join him or need some advice on tackle please call Sportfish Reading on 01189 303 860.