Flyfish Fish Paradise

Cuba - Jardines de la Reina | Cuba

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MEMORIES

There's no better place to fish for tarpon than in Cuba. This country, with its fascinating culture and untouched nature, never ceases to captivate. Especially in April and May, the large schools of migrating tarpon come near the mangroves to spawn and continuously move across the flats. You can spot schools with over 300 tarpons at times. This is prime time, and the chances of catching a truly big tarpon are very high. During this time, you won't get bored on the flats. World-class fly fishing combined with a beautiful natural experience, excellent food, and a great yacht make the experience complete.

It's great to be able to enjoy a first-class fishing trip with good friends again.

There are two travel dates for this trip:

Date 1: April 27 - May 4, 2024

Date 2: May 4 - May 11, 2024.

Cuba - Jardines de la Reina | Cuba

27. April - 04. May 2024
04. - 11. May 2024

CUBA-LOVE

The Jardines de la Reina, named "Queen's Gardens" by Christopher Columbus, is an untouched archipelago stretching over more than 100 miles along the southeastern coast of Cuba. This vast marine park, larger than the Florida Keys, is an ideal destination for fly fishermen who want to live and experience fishing from morning till evening on board a yacht. The yacht anchors right in the fishing area, and within minutes, you're at the best fishing spots amidst pristine nature.

ON THE

HOOK

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The majority of the fishing area is located forty to fifty miles off the coast and has been designated as a Cuban national park. This is why there is no commercial fishing in Avalon's exclusive area. There is no other untouched and extensive flats area in the world with such an abundance of fish.

The average size of a bonefish is 3 to 5 pounds, but there are daily opportunities to catch fish in the 7 to 10-pound range.

There are numerous "baby" tarpons in the 10 to 40-pound range in the channels and amidst the mangroves. On the flats, the average size is 40 to 80 pounds, with some female specimens reaching sizes of 100 to 130 pounds. Permit are also found in very good numbers, and many of these fascinating fish are caught in the 20 to 30-pound range, with some exceeding thirty pounds.

The diverse range of species found here is an additional bonus. As bycatch, you can catch snapper, cubera snapper, barracuda, grouper, and jackfish.

GRAND SLAMS

There is no better place to achieve a Grand Slam. A Grand Slam entails catching a bonefish, a tarpon, and a permit all on the same day. For anglers who have caught a permit, the chances of achieving a Grand Slam are favorable here.

Catching a bonefish is relatively straightforward due to their abundant presence. Similarly, hooking a tarpon is not too difficult. However, landing one is a different story altogether.

Tarpon

Yacht

The Jardines Avalon II is a 136-foot long and 25-foot wide yacht. Like the entire Avalon fleet, it was constructed and maintained according to SOLAS shipping standards. There are a total of 12 cabins, each featuring two twin beds side by side. Each cabin is equipped with its own private bathroom, toilet, shower, and individually adjustable air conditioning. The ship also features an air-conditioned lounge, a dining area with a bar, a shaded upper sun deck with a bar and a hot tub.

SEA IS CALLING

Trip information

Here you will find the most important travel information. There are two travel dates for the trip: Date 1 · April 27th - May 4th, 2024 & Date 2 · May 4th - May 11th, 2024. Travel price: €8,963.00 plus €100 conservation fee.

General information

Cuba - Jardines de la Reina | Cuba

27. April - 04. May 2024
04. - 11. May 2024

min 1 persons
max 12 persons

Beginners & Professionals

included

Fishing boats

6 fishing boats for 12 travelers

Accommodation

7 nights on the yacht - JAF2 (Avalon Fleet 2) with single room occupancy and air conditioning in all rooms

Full board

Full board with an open bar

Assistance

2 anglers share a skiff and a guide

Transfer

Bus transfer from Havana to the ship and back

Not included

Flight

International flights

Arrival accommodation

Overnight stay in Havana

Fishing equipment

Documents

Visas and COVID tests

Tips

Tips for the guides and boat staff

Transfer

Transfer from Havana Airport to the hotel

Fees

Conservation fee: 100 Euros

PACKING LIST

Since there is no equipment available in Cuba or on the ship, and you won't be able to purchase anything, it's important that everyone prepares and brings their equipment fully.

For the trip

Valid passport
Flight ticket
Credit cards
Cash for the journey
Travel clothing
Tips for guides and boat crew in euros
Vouchers for boat and hotel in
Havana Vaccination record
Travel medical coverage - Insurance policy in English
Cuba visa

Luggage & Essentials

Camera and photography accessories
Valid passport
Flight ticket
Credit cards
Cash for the journey
Travel clothing
Tips for guides and boat crew in euros
Vouchers for boat and hotel in Havana
Vaccination record
Travel medical insurance - policy in English
Cuban visa

Kleidung

2 x pairs of long flat-front trousers with belts
2 x swim trunks or shorts
3 x long T-shirts
2 x short-sleeve T-shirts Boat shoes
2 x baseball caps
2 x pairs of gloves Fingerstrips
2 x Buff bandanas
1 x rain jacket
1 x pair of rain pants

Rods

1 rod for bonefish: line class 7-8
2 rods for permit: line class 9-10
2 rods for tarpon: line class 11-12

Fly Reels

It is crucial that the reels for tarpon fishing are equipped with a good drag system and sufficient backing (50-80 lbs). There should be a minimum of 250-300 meters of backing on the tarpon reels. For bonefish and permit as well, there should be at least 200 meters of backing on the reel.

Fly Lines

It's important to use fly lines suitable for tropical conditions, in warm regions. Brands like Rio or Scientific Anglers offer a good selection of appropriate lines. Bring at least 2 spare lines for tarpon and one for permit!

Tarpon: The primary lines needed are floating lines. However, it's also good to bring a full intermediate line and a sinking line just in case.

Permit: A floating line that matches the rod's weight is the right choice.

Bonefish: A floating line that matches the rod's weight is the right choice.

Tippet

Tarpon: 60 lbs, 80 lbs, 100 lbs
Permit: 15 lbs und 20 lbs
Bonefish: 12 lbs und 15 lbs

Knots

Tarpon: The best knots are:
Double figure 8 knot

Improved Homer Rhode knot

Permit and Bonefish: The best knot is:

Non-Slip Loop knot

Flies

Tarpon:

It's crucial that tarpon flies are tied on very strong hooks.

Owner Aki - Size 01 - 05
Tiemco SP 600 - Size: 01 - 06
Gamakatsu SL 12 S - Size 05 – 06

My favorite flies are baitfish patterns around 10-15 cm long. The best colors are: Beige/Ginger, Ginger/Orange, Black/Purple, Black/Red

Many anglers also swear by the Tarpon Toad. This fly is easy to cast and imitates a shrimp. It's very effective, which is why it's used so frequently. Good colors for this fly again are: Beige/Orange, Ginger/Orange, Black/Purple, Black/Red, Chartreuse/Yellow

Permit:

Avalon Shrimp
Flexo Crab
EP Permit Crab

Bonefish:

Spawning Shrimp, Gotcha, Christmas Island Special