"The fishing is excellent during most of the year with a great variety of destinations, good logistics, accommodations and competent guides."
For more information about CUBA contact Mr Jorgen Berggren phone +46 70 350 6802 or
jorgen@fishingnorth.com
(Written by Fishingnorth staff): After a number of saltwater trips during recent years it is clear to us that Cuba offers some of the best alternatives for saltwater fishing. The fishing is excellent during most of the year with a great variety of destinations, good logistics, accommodations and competent guides. The only time of year one should be a bit hesitant of is September – November (hurricane warning!) January – March is considered as low season as the fishing for Bonefish, Permit, smaller Tarpon, Snook and Jacks often are good with the bigger Tarpon appearing on the flats from late April to spawn. High season is due to this from April to August. Cuba has moreover, in many ways, an untouched and unspoiled ecosystem due to the fact that commercial fishing has not been present in these waters for 60 years.
For visits to Cuba a Visa is needed. This is often quite easy to apply for in most European countries. Most international flight in to Cuba will land in Havana although it is possible to fly in to other airports (depending on your fishing destination) witch may save you transfer time and additional hotel nights. Ask us at fishingnorth, we know!) There is a domestic airline in Cuba but they are notorious for delays and cancellation… We strongly recommend transfers by bus or car.
Itinerary including travel and fishing as follows:
Day 0: Departure from home destination to Cuba. Meet and greet at airport. Transfer to hotel or final destination.
Day 1-6: Breakfast, full fishing days 09.00-12.30 – lunch – 15.00-19.00 with guide in shared boat , Dinner.(skiff)
Day 7-8: Departure, transfer to airport for international flight or overnight at hotel and departure to home destination +1.
Depending of what destination you will choose accommodation will on a Yacht or on a comfortable all- inclusive hotel. Prices are based on shared accommodation with AC, WC and showers. After a day of fishing you can enjoy a cold drink in public areas and maybe tie a fly before dinner. The quality of food is often very good with fresh fish and shellfish. Add to that locals recipes of chicken, fresh sashimi and some of the best desserts the Cuban cuisine has to offer.
Our recommended destination; Cayo Romano – Cayo Cruz is situated on the northern cost in the province of Camaguay. The anglers has got a vast area of pristine flats, lagoons and river mouths. This protected marine park is more than 366 m2 in surface, this means that each boat has got more than 50 km2 for to fish. The area is in great parts completely untouched and represents a fascinating biological eco system. Here are plenty of fish and they are often more aggressive than on other places. The surface structure varies between hard sand flats to softer shallow lagoons. The average weight of bonefish is 4-5 lb and you can expect to see good numbers of Permit to present a fly to. There are also good spots for resident Tarpon, Snook, Jack Crevelle, Barracuda and other species.
For the saltwater fishing you will need some of the following equipment:
Bonefish/Permit/Snook: 9 foot #7-8 rod with a full floating WF line (If possible bring a tropic version with a harder coating.) A good reel with a minimum of 150 yards 30 lb backing. Tippets 9-12 ft. fluorocarbon in 12-20 lb.
Tarpon / Barracuda / Jack Crevelle: 9 ft. # 10-12 rod with 1x full floating WF line and 1x clear intermediate WF line. If possible bring a full sinking WF line as well. Big strong reel with good break and a minimum of 200 m 50 lb backing. Tippet material of 60 lb and 80 lb flurocarbon.
Flies for Bonefish/Permit: Crazy Charlie, Gotcha in size 6-8. Avalon fly and crab patterns in colour tan size 4-6. Flies tied on a good strong saltwater hook (Tiemco 811 S)
Flies for Tarpon/Jack Crevelle: Toad flies in black/red, brown/red and chartreuse. Baitfish flies in black, brown and olive with some flash. Size 1/0-3/0 tied on a good strong saltwater hook (Tiemco SP 600).
All year. Low season November-March Price 3550 USD. High season April–August. Price: 5500 USD
Included in the price: Reception at Cayo Coco/Camaguey airport, transfer to hotel, 7 nights at 4 star hotel, all inclusive. 6 full fishing days in shared skiff with guide. Transfer to boats daily. Dinks on board (4 waters, soda incl.)
Not included in the price: International air ticket to Cuba. Cost of visa to Cuba. Mandatory park fee 100 USD. Tips to staff and guides.
