South America’s only English-speaking nation Guyana has largely remained off the tourism radar. This unexplored destination therefore remains to be discovered even more. Book your flights to Georgetown, the capital city of the country, now and get mesmerized with its rivers, jungle and pristine coastline.
Guyana is renowned world over as the “Big River Country” or the “Land of Many Waters”. Of late, the country has emerged as a prime destination for the wilderness explorer looking for a perfect fishing expedition. In fact, Sport Fishing has evolved as a new tourism attraction in the country with several unchartered river terrains waiting to be explored.
Let us now take a tour of this fascinating country where fresh waters are brimming with fishes. Be the first to arrive in Georgetown in time for the next fishing season. An overview of the sport fishing expedition is important to get a feel and experience what it would be like.
Fishing Seasons
There are essentially two fresh water fishing seasons in the country. The first fishing season starts from mid February to late April, while the second season begins from late August till late November. Both the periods are quite productive and the best time of the year to head to the rivers for fishing. The rains usually stop during this period and the water starts receding from the forest floors and savannas. As the dry season approaches its mid phase, the rivers gradually start becoming narrow because of the receding water. This is undoubtedly a good time for some exciting fishing. In other words, it simply means that there would be less space per fish because of less water thus making the competition among them fiercer to feed as well as surviving predators of the river.
Game Fish Species
The extreme biodiversity makes the country proud with nearly 2,000 species of fish in the Amazon River. Many Game Fish species can be found here. The prominent species being the Peacock Bass or Lukanani, which is considered to be the most popular Fresh Water Game Fish in the world by professional anglers worldwide. Its weight is 30 pound and more. Among other species to be discovered here include the nearly 40-pound "payara," or vampire fish, the "arowana," or dragon fish measuring up to four feet long, and the "himara".
Important Fishing Spots
Consider spending a fishing holiday at the Essequibo River and its tributaries. It is among the best places in the county for an exciting sport fishing expedition. There are several other prime fishing locations as well. The Burro Burro, Rupununi and Kurupukari rivers are good bases for fishing. The New River is equally popular and has some good places for fishing. The river traces the border of Suriname. The Rockstone town situated near the Essequibo River, which is at a distance of about 100 miles from Georgetown, is also the best place for fishing. The Gluck Island near the Rockstone town is also viewed as an excellent base for casting.
Fishing Expeditions
You will need to spend an entire day on fishing expedition to Rockstone. An annual event, the Rockstone Fish Festival, takes place around October end or early November and attracts hundreds of top sport fishing enthusiasts from all over the country. Fishing however can be done here throughout the year, except during the extreme rainy season. The popular fish species found here include the Lukunani or Peacock Bass, endangered Arapaima, Pirana, Arawana and Hymara.
The fishing expedition to Kurupukari on the Essequibo River involves at least 3 days and 2 nights. Kurupukari, is situated deep into the Essequibo River, about 331 km away from the capital city Georgetown. It also forms the northern boundary of the Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve. Some of the best places for fishing are found here. Fresh water species found here include the Piranha, Pacu, Byara, Arowana, Stripped Bass, Peacock Bass and Himara. Large species of catch fish are also available here.
It is quite exciting and thrilling experience to go on fishing expedition to Simoni Lake, Rupununi River and Rewa River. Be prepared to spend at least 4 days and 3 nights at these fabulous fishing spots. The Rupununi River is Essequibo River’s tributary running deep into the wilderness of country’s rainforest, Savannahs and the Rupununi Wetlands. The large fresh water Simoni Lake connects the Rupununi River by a smaller creek. Several fresh water species can be found in the overflowing Simoni Lake with the rising water levels during the rainy season. The prominent species found here include the Piranhas, Arowana and the Peacock Bass. The receding water in the Rupununi River makes it a perfect place for fresh water fishing.
So, when you are planning an exciting sport fishing expedition to Guyana, make the best of the two fishing seasons here. Also, do remember to stock up your fishing equipments while in Georgetown itself.
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