A Guide to the Fisheries of Cuba

Cuba is widely regarded as one of the world's premier fly fishing destinations for its thriving flats, favorable climate, species diversity, and low angling pressure. However, it's important to take a closer look at the various regions of Cuba, as it is the largest island in the Caribbean and comprises an archipelago of approximately 1,600 islands, islets, and cays. Throughout Cuba, anglers have numerous programs to choose from, each with its own appeal, accommodations, and fishery characteristics. 

Keep in mind, it is possible to fish for all of the species throughout Cuba! While one destination may offer excellent migratory tarpon fishing, anglers can still target permit, bonefish, and many other species. Likewise, an area that is "known for permit" will still have opportunities for tarpon -- there really is no "wrong choice." With that said, the following recommendations are general guidelines to help anglers narrow down which destination suits them most!

Liveaboard Vs. Land-Based

It is important to note that a large portion of the fly fishing programs in Cuba take place on a mothership or liveaboard for a week of dedicated fishing. These liveaboards mean guests are able to access the very best flats each day with minimal run times at the heart of each fishery. However, these programs are designed for intact groups, and a minimum of six anglers is required. For anglers looking for more flexibility or land-based accommodations, there are programs available that are better suited for small groups, couples, and solo anglers on the mainland of Cuba.

Traveling to Cuba

The fisheries that are located in the Western half of Cuba (Cayo Largo, Isla de la Juventud, Zapata, Playa Larga/Las Salinas and Cannarreos) can all be best accessed with flights directly into Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport (HAV). There are many daily flights to Havana on US carriers such as American Airlines, Delta, Jet Blue and Southwest that can easily be booked to get to Havana. If you are traveling to Jardines de la Reina, Cayo Romano or Cayo Paredon, the best arrival city is Camaguey (CMW) which is served with daily flights from Miami (MIA) on American Airlines.

Fisheries of Cuba

Jardines de la Reina

Accommodations: Liveaboard (Avalon II, III, or IV)
Best For: Solo Anglers, Friends, Small & Large Groups
Best Known For: Species Diversity

The Jardines de la Reina (“Gardens of the Queen”) is a vast marine park and archipelago in the southern part of Cuba. Collectively, it is an area and a fishery that is larger in size than the Florida Keys. This resource is ideal for fly fishermen in search of a remote setting, a pristine and untouched ecosystem, and long days on the water. It is a fishery that is home to very large numbers of tarpon in the 40 to 80-pound range, as well as large bonefish, permit, jacks, barracuda, and numerous other species. One of the most biologically diverse and healthy coral reef systems in the Caribbean, fish diversity is exceptional in ‘JDR.’ The season in the Jardines de la Reina runs from mid-October through the end of August, though the fishery can offer excellent fishing year-round.

Its important to note, Avalon II and Avalon III are designated for intact groups of at least 6 anglers. Anglers interested in traveling solo or with a smaller group to Jardines de la Reina have a couple of options: The easiest option is Avalon IV, where guests share the base with divers and other anglers. JA IV is not a fishing only liveaboard, but serves as accommodations for many types of visitors to Jardines de la Reina. A second option would be to join a Yellow Dog hosted trip/group as a solo angler or small group. 

Cayo Largo

Accommodations: Liveaboard (Avalon I)
Best For: Couples, Families, Groups
Best Known For: Species Diversity, Permit 

A fishery that has become known as the permit capital of Cuba! Situated in the south-central region of the Cuban Archipelago, Cayo Largo (“Long Key”) is one of the finest permit fishing destinations that we have found anywhere in the Caribbean. The island offers 17 miles of picture-perfect, white sandy beaches. Upon arrival, you will be surprised to find a natural flats environment that has remained totally unchanged and largely untouched for hundreds of years.

The fishing season in Cayo Largo runs from November until August. The beginning of the season is known for plenty of bonefish on the flats, and resident tarpon fishing can be excellent. during the spring and summer months, migratory tarpon move through the area and shots at permit are frequent. This is a great destination for someone pursuing the fabled Grand Slam, especially during peak season between February and June!

Cayo Romano / Cayo Cruz

Accommodations: Luxury Hotel
Best For: Solo Anglers & Friends
Best Known For: Wade Fishing

The flats on the northern side of the main island of Cuba present an inviting combination of hard-packed white sand and a semi-firm mottled bottom that still provides good wading. Collectively referred to as Cayo Romano and Cayo Cruz this is our preferred destination in Cuba for those who like to wade or those who are focused on permit and bonefish (though tarpon and snook can also be found along with other target species). It’s very similar to Los Roques, Venezuela in terms of the vast wadable area. Cayo Cruz and Cayo Romano waters demonstrate all the characteristics of a recently-discovered, virgin fishing territory – large numbers of fish, good size, and an evident lack of exposure to flies and leaders. Add to this the natural beauty of the cays and water and you have a truly memorable place to fish with accommodations that are a five-minute walk to the skiffs.

Isla de la Juventud

Accommodations: Liveaboard (Avalon I)
Best For: Friends
Best Known For: Migratory Tarpon

Originally called the Isle of Pines (“Isla de Pinos”) until it was renamed in 1978, Isla de la Juventud (“Island of Youth”) is the second-largest Cuban island and the seventh-largest island in the West Indies (the main island of Cuba included). This area is home to great numbers of tarpon, and while the spring and summer months typically see the most consistent action and largest numbers of tarpon, there are fish here throughout the year. When the waters are calm and wind fairly low, then you can expect to pole the flats for shots at tarpon in the 30 to 80-pound range. Larger fish are in the area as well and can be found on a fairly regular basis during the late spring and early summer months.

The huge chain of keys and islands to the southeast of Nueva Gerona offers some of the most spectacular waters and pristine flats you have ever seen. This is an area that is home to not only tarpon of all sizes, but also some very large bonefish and decent numbers of permit.

Cayo Paredon

Accommodations: Luxury Hotel
Best For: Solo Anglers, Friends & Small Groups
Best Known For: Wade Fishing

The Cayo Paredon fishery is the most westerly fishery in the Jardines del Rey (Gardens of the King) fishery and is part of a marine protected area. The fishing area is virtually untouched and represents one of the cleanest and most biologically diverse ecosystems in the Caribbean. Just offshore sits the second largest barrier reef in the world at 248 miles long and you and the other anglers for the week will be the ONLY boats in the fishery.

The fishery is divided into multiple zones, and during the week you will rotate the zone so that the fishery doesn’t receive too much pressure and all anglers are able to fish the entirety of the fishery during the week. Healthy schools of bonefish in the three-pound and up range are common, and wade fishing is plentiful. Permit are numerous, and triggerfish can typically be found in good numbers on a nearby flat.

Canarreos

Accommodations: Liveaboard (Avalon I)
Best For: Friends & Groups
Best Known For: Off-Season, Diversity

The Canarreos program is a fantastic choice for anglers looking to experience multiple fisheries in a single trip. Canerreos combines the best of both the Juventud and Cayo Largo fisheries from a single live-aboard-based trip. The goal is to expose anglers to two of Cuba’s crown jewel fisheries and deliver the ultimate southern fishing package. Around the Cayo Largo area, you can target plentiful populations of bonefish and permit on endless white sand and turtle grass flats. To the west, Juventud offers extensive mangroves and a reef system that is home to large numbers of tarpon and snook. With the ability to move between both areas, this program enables anglers to target all species found throughout these protected waters. Canarreos has a limited operating season of mid-July through mid-February. 

Zapata - Georgiana

Accommodations: Liveaboard (Georgiana)
Best For: Friends & Groups
Best Known For: Solo Angler Fishing

Ideal for small groups, the Georgiana liveaboard has six staterooms with ensuite baths and a maximum group size of 8 anglers for a full week of fishing. In addition, anglers are guaranteed plenty of bow time as there are both single occupancy and double occupancy skiffs utilized during the week of fishing, allowing each angler the opportunity to have a few days of single occupancy fishing.

There is no other destination in Cuba that offers solo fishing as a part of their weekly program. The skinny water solo boats are typically used for shallow-water bonefishing and permit fishing, while the larger boats are ideal for tarpon fishing and waters that require a bit longer run time.