Where to Go for Spinning, Trolling and Fly Fishing in Colombia

Here you will find brief information about the main modalities of sport fishing and where you can practice them in Colombia.

If you want to know more details about the destinations, the fish, and the fishing seasons in Colombia, visit our entry Simple Guide to the Best Sport Fishing in Colombia.

Sport fishing has different modalities as they are: Spinning, Trolling, and Fly Fishing.

Spinning

This fishing technique consists of casting an artificial lure and collecting it by imitating the movements of a small fish that may have difficulty swimming.

Hooks from Pixabay

Environment

Spinning can be practiced from the shore or aboard a boat, and it is practiced both in fresh water and at sea.

The environments where the fishing takes place, the existing meteorological conditions, and the characteristics of the different species must also be taken into account.

Technique and Equipments

A rod and a reel are used to make the cast. The imitation of the fish with “difficulty” to swim is achieved by making slight pulls or jigs of the rod while rolling  the artificial lure.

The rods used to practice this technique are very light, manufactured with very resistant elements like carbon fiber. Rod’s lengths vary from 1.80 m. for small rivers, streams or torrents, to up to 3.30 m for more open scenarios like big rivers or the sea.

The reels and lines used are also light and, in many cases, they are specific to this fishing modality.

Finally, regarding the decoy or lure, it varies in weight, color, shape and material (steel, wood, plastic) depending on the species being pursued and the action being attempted.

As the fish move at different depths, the lures to be used can act on the water surface, or at various depths.

Additionally, it is important to take into account that fish are “territorial” and defend their habitat from any foreign invader. For this reason, it is recommended to use lures instead of spoons, because lures tend to imitate small and young fish, which are part of the diet of older fish.

Spinning destinations in Colombia

  • Rio Bita, Puerto Carreño, Vichada.
  • Tomo and Orinoco river, Puerto Carreño, Vichada.
  • Punta Brava, Nuquí, Chocó.
  • Leticia, Amazonas.
  • Guatapé, Antioquia.
  • Siecha Lagoons, Cundinamarca.
  • Chingaza National Natural Park.

Trolling or trawling

Trolling is another form of freshwater sport fishing. However, this modality questions its sporting essence, since the fisherman only has to wait for the fish to be hooked.

The secret is in who operates the boat, more than in who holds the rod.

Picture by Sportfishing Colombia

Environment

Trawling is also the preferred method for catching large fish in salt water. This requires a boat capable of navigating in the sea, equipped with good seats and special and resistant fishing gear.

Technique and Equipments

When trolling, the fisherman casts the lure, which can be either soft or hard-bodied, into the water. As the boat slowly advances, the lure is left drifting away from the boat.

When it is about fifty meters away, the fisherman blocks its reel, either from the front drag or twist.

In this way, the traction of the boat’s movement makes the lure “work” in the right way, with the turning movements it was designed for.

The fish are captured by dragging the bait, which is also attached to a hook. Trawlers use heavy rods and dacron or steel fishing lines.

Trolling destinations in Colombia

  • Bahía Solano, Chocó.
  • Cartagena, Bolívar.

Fly Fishing

Without a doubt, fly fishing is the ultimate expression of sport fishing. For many fishermen, more than a fishing technique, it is an art form. This is possible due to the elegance and aesthetics that the angler shows when casting his fly.

If you care about fish wellness, let me tell yoo that fly fishing allows to apply efficiently the techniques developed for catch and release, being the best alternative for this practice.

Fly fishing by Steve Buissine from Pixabay

Environment

Fly fishing is typically on moving water, but it is also frequently done on lakes and ponds.

Technique and Equipments

This technique has a more sportive character. Unlike other techniques, fly fishing demands:

  • the fisherman a greater physical effort,
  • the mastery of complex casting techniques,
  • sophisticated equipment, and
  • a meticulous study of the place.

Fly fishing consists of throwing a lure called “fly” utilizing a line of variable diameter known as “mouse tail”. At the end of it, a nylon section of around 3 m long, called “leader”, will be tied to the end.

The “fly” is tied to the thinnest part called “tippet”. Understanding the climatic factors and many other variables will be fundamental at the time of choosing the fly to be used.

The flies of the fishermen

Flies are artificial lures that try to imitate insects or small fish that represent the food consumed by trout, dorado, or any other fish.

In this modality, the presentation of the fly is essential, and it needs a correct technique since the fish -especially the trout- know perfectly most of the insects and the way they fall into the water.

There are several types of flies:

  • Dry flies, which work on the surface of the water, imitating adult insects or those that have fallen into the water.
  • Humid flies, that work under the water, imitating diverse stages during the life of the insects before they grow and arrive at the surface.
  • Streamers, which imitate small young fish that are attacked by other fish.
Nymph, product by Sierra

The flies must “fall” or land in the water in the most natural and delicate way possible, so that fish do not notice the trick.

It is necessary to have a good knowledge of the life cycle of the fish as well as a minimum knowledge of the life cycle of the insects it is imitating.

It is said that a good fly fisherman ties his own flies. But do not worry, everything is learned through experience. There are schools and courses that teach fishermen how to tie a fly and how to cast it.

Fly-fishing destinations in Colombia

  • Rio Bita, Puerto Carreño, Vichada.
  • Tomo and Orinoco river, Puerto Carreño, Vichada.
  • Punta Brava, Nuquí, Chocó.
  • Leticia, Amazonas.

If you want to know more about the most incredible natural destinations in Colombia, plan your trip with us!

References
About the authors

Sara Colmenares

Current director of Sula. Doctor in Biological Sciences. Her main interests are to explore and understand the organism – environment interactions, taking advantage of emerging knowledge for the management and conservation of species and ecosystem services. She is currently working as a consultant in functional ecology, ecosystem services and conservation projects in Colombia related to ecotourism and birdwatching.