Cuba

Cuba

Throughout the Year

Salt water fly-fishing in Cuba

We are pleased to announce that, in association with the well established company Avalon Fishing and Dive Centre, Jardines de la Reina, Cuba we can offer clients outstanding saltwater fly fishing for bonefish, tarpon, permit and many other species.

Jardines de la Reina is a major chain of islands off Cuba’s South Eastern coast, with Avalon having exclusive rights to all the flats fishing over 2,600 square miles – a vast offshore wilderness.

Bonefish
This area boasts some of the finest bone fishing in the world with the average size 3 – 5 lbs with many from 7 – 10lbs, fished from skiffs and by wading. With hundreds of miles of flats to fish there are areas where very few anglers have ever thrown a fly! .

On good tides experienced anglers can often catch 10 – 15 bones in a couple of hours fishing.
The sunset hour, when it is often calm, schools of tailing bones can be seen hundreds of yards away, their golden tails glistening in the falling sun, and what sport can be had then!

Tarpon
Tarpon are abundant and are to be found on the flats, mangrove channels and rivers. The acrobatic “baby” tarpon fish from 10-40lbs are found in the channels provide great sport. On the flats the average tarpon is 45-80lbs with specimen fish in the deep ocean channels in the 120-130lbs class.

Permit
Permit are found in good numbers here and are the ultimate prize for the salt-water angler. The largest permit, 20-30lb plus, are found on flats that are 2-3 foot deep on a high tide, yet adjacent to deep water with direct access where they feel safe, often gliding on and off these flats to feed.

Most of these permit are found in singles, doubles and triples providing good opportunities for a hook-up. Last year one fly fisher landed and released permit of 18, 25, and 40lbs - all in a week’s fishing!

Often smaller permit 12-18lbs are encountered, these are easier to catch than the big boys but provide marvellous sport. With good weather it is not unusual to see several tailing permit in a day.

Mutton Snappers
Mutton Snappers are everywhere here and are caught regularly on the flats which is rarity elsewhere. They are high powered fish that will pull with dogged determination. Although wary on the flats if you can cast to them without spooking them they take the fly readily. They range in weight 3 – 8 lbs, but fish of 15lbs are a distinct possibility.

Jack Crevalle and Horse Eye Jacks
Jacks are the same family and look similar to Permit. They are wonderful game fish, and are abundant. It is common to see a school of big jacks patrolling the flats, eating everything in sight.

Many of these are 15-20lbs with some up to 30lbs! They’re aggressive feeders on the flats and easy to catch in relation to permit.

Cudas and Sharks
Big Cudas are plentiful most being 3-4ft long, they take aggressively and few fish swim faster or jump further than a big barracuda, giving exhilarating sport.

Sharks range from 3 – 9ft in length they take the fly readily and sport can be spectacular.
Many other fish are encountered such as cubera snappers, groupers, kingfish, albacore wahoo and bonito. In fact one group of anglers caught twenty five different species of fish off the reef in one day!

Accommodation

Jardines de la Reina

La Tortuga - Luxury steel anchored 110ft boat with 7 cabins. Each cabin has its own shower/hot water, toilet and air conditioning and is based on double occupancy. This is comfortable, spacious accommodation for 14 anglers.

Halcon – 75 ft luxury air conditioned yacht with six cabins, based on double occupancy. There are three bathrooms/showers. Accommodates 8 anglers.

La Reina – 69 ft luxury air conditioned yacht with four double rooms, four bathrooms accommodating 8 anglers based on double occupancy.

Caballones – 75ft luxury air conditioned yacht, with four double rooms, four bathrooms accommodating 8 anglers based on double occupancy.

Isla de la Juventud

Hotel Rancho – A comfortable air conditioned 3 star hotel with single rooms. Very friendly staff.

Perola – 75ft luxury air conditioned yacht with ample accommodation. Ideal for 6 anglers.

Season 2008

Jardines de la Reina

Halcon
Peak season – March 22 – 6 June 2008
High season – Feb 2 – June 27 2008

La Tartuga
Peak season – March 22 – 6 June 2008
High season – Feb 2 – June 27

La Reina
Peak season – March 22 – 6 June 2008
High season – Feb 2 – June 27 2008

Caballones
Peak season – March 22 – June 6 2008
High season – Feb 2 – June 27 2008

Isla de la Juventud (Island of Youth/Pines)

Hotel Rancho
Peak/high season
Feb 9 – June 7 2008

Perola
Peak/high season
Feb 9 – June 7 2008

Prices 2008

Jardines de la Reina

Per angler – one week sharing a room and skiff. Not included: guide tip and US$100 Marine Park Fee and transfers.

La Tartuga
Peak season US$5,220
High season US$4,880

Halcon
Peak season US$5,980
High season US$5,560

La Reina
Peak season US$5,010
High season US$4,660

Caballones
Peak season US$5,010
High season US$4,660

Isla de la Juventud (Island of Youth/Pines)

Hotel Rancho
Peak/high season US$4,260

Perola
Peak/high season US$5,370

These and low season prices to be confirmed when booking, together with transfer charges from Havana.

Deposits and final payments by arrangement with The Total Fly Fishing Company.

For more information contact:

The Total Fly Fishing Co.
Court Street Farmhouse
Court Street
Tisbury
Wiltshire
SP3 6LN

T: 01747 871 856
W: www.totalflyfishing.co.uk
E: info@totalflyfishing.co.uk