Fly fishing in Cuba
Las Salinas, San lazaro and river Hatiguanico, Ciénaga de Zapata, Cuba.
A good size Bonefish
The Fishing
We have been operating the Las Salinas fishing site in the Zapata peninsula since 2000 and because there has been strict control over the number of anglers permitted to fish at one time, the fishing today is nearly as pristine as it was 14 years ago. Now we have added the relatively new adjacent fishery, San Lazaro, where large bonefish mingle with Permit and Tarpon, making a grand slam a realistic possibility. Each fisherman is accompanied by his or her personal experienced fly fishing guide, in the latest model skiffs with yamaha engines and back rests. The fishing zone is an area of vast flats divided into many lagoons connected by small channels making this the ideal habitat for flats species. This is perhaps the only place you can fish two different flats fisheries and the river in 6 days, all nearby.
The Fish
Bonefish, Permit, Jack Crevalle, Barracuda, Snook and other flats species. It is common to catch up to 10 bonefish per day (up to 20 on a good day) with an average weight of 3 - 6lbs, with the realistic chance of fish in the 10 lb class! Because this area is so underfished, the Bonefish are neither leader-shy nor fussy. Since Las Salinas and San Lazaro are within the national park there is no commercial netting and very low fishing pressure as only a limited number of anglers are allowed within the area at any one time. As a bonus, the nearby Hatiguanico river offers excellent Tarpon and Snook fishing in season. Both species are prolific with Tarpon up to 100lbs (though the area is better known for its baby tarpon 10 – 20 lbs), and Snook up to 20lbs, with double figure catches not uncommon.
Accommodation
Fishermen stay in the Hotel Playa Larga in front of a good sandy beach. Each chalet has a living room, a large twin bedroom with ensuite bathroom, air-coditioning, fridge and satellite TV. Guests dine in the restaurant. The food is adequate but there are plenty of nearby private restaurants (known as Paladars) offering good reasonably priced food. The beach bar area offers an ideal place to relax at the end of the day and enjoy a Cuban cigar and a glass of rum and watch the sunset.
And Non Fishermen
There are a range of activities for non-fishing guests including visits to the famous Bay of Pigs museum, the scenic 'Cenotes', unique inland saltwater pools full of tropical fish where one can swim, snorkeling and diving, nature trails and bird watching and a visit to the crocodile breeding farm. The beach in front of the hotel is very pleasant and there is a beach bar which makes good Mojitos and Daiquiris.
Beach at Hotel Playa larga, Zapata
Transport
Transport to and from Havana (2 hours plus) and each day to and from the fishing / hotel is included.
TACKLE RECOMMENDATIONS
* Bonefish rod of your choice (line weight 6-8, with a floating line).
* Permit rod of your choice (line weight 10 with floating line).
These rods can also be used for baby tarpons and mid size tarpons (up to 120 lbs), snook and popperfishing for jacks. Bring a sinking line for tarpon.
Prices:
From US$4000 per angler including 6 days fishing, 7 nights full board accommodation, all private transfers and fishing license. We will meet you at Havana airport or any Havana hotel to transfer you to the hotel Playa Larga.