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Jardines de la Reina, Trinidad, Cuba, fly fishing, snook, tarpon, bonefish, permit,
Gardens of the Queen
Cuba FishingGeneral Information:
Cuba has become a new fishing destination, not only for the natural beauty of its beaches and reefs but for the profitable fishing of some of the best sport-fishing species, such as bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook and jack Crevalle.
Even though they are not many, there are areas where sport-fishing can be practised with well-qualified guides who have good command of the flyfishing technique. Among the possible locations we may mention the Gardens of the Queen Archipelago (Jardines de la Reina).
Situated on the Caribbean, the Gardens of the Queen consist of a vast area with countless islands, reefs, beaches and flats forming a large archipelago of about 200 km long. Over 400 km separate Havana from Jucaro, the harbor with access to the fishing areas. All the sport-fishing species abound in the Gardens of the Queen: bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook, jack Crevalle, barracuda, snapper, etc.
Package:
Accommodations are provided primarily on 3 large live-aboard boats or on our original craft LaTortuga.
La Tortuga: A large, 110 foot long, double decker floating hotel with seven cabins for guests. The newly refurbished Tortuga ( 2007) is an unbelievably solid boat, made of steel and then anchored in a protected channel, so that it never moves about. This boat doesn't move one inch. Each cabin has its own shower with hot water, toilet and individually adjustable high tech air-conditioning system. A large air conditioned dining room downstairs with both a foredeck and afterdeck make this a very comfortable home away from home. Wireless connection is available all the time. The Tortuga normally accommodates 14 anglers, two per room. A large air conditioned dining room downstairs with both a foredeck and afterdeck make this a very comfortable home away from home. The dining on board combines the flair of the best Continental Italian cuisine, some of the best seafoood cuisine and traditional Cuban favourites. Beverages available on board include bottled water, Mineral and Tonic water, various soft drinks, beer, rum and excellent wines. There are plenty of rod racks and facilities for cleaning tackle at the end of the day. Laundry is also available on a daily basis.
La Reina: La Reina is another comfortable yacht, Fully refurbished end of 2005 sixty-nine feet in length, all air conditioned, with four double rooms and four bathrooms and a large upper deck .
The Halcon: Seventy five feet in length, it is equipped below decks with six cabins, and four bathrooms. Good showers with plenty of hot water make things comfortable. Up top there is a large salon, which is fully air conditioned and a perfect place to have cocktails after fishing, before dinner.
Tackle and Equipment:
In Cuba, it is IMPOSSIBLE to get anything connected to flyfishing. So it is extremely important to know what is necessary in advance, in order to be prepared for every eventuality. Before traveling, we send a complete list of equipment and other objects to help your memory. The following is a summary of the most remarkable equipment to keep in mind.
Two rods for saltwater minimum; one could be #8 and the other #10. We suggest taking 3 rods ( two#8 and one #10) Their correspondent reel with a good brake system with extra spool or an additional line, if you wish.
Knotless leaders for bonefish ( 10 or 13 pound test) and from 9 to 12 feet , and 20-pound-test shock tippet for permit. 16 or 20-pound-test Bimini Twist for tarpon with 50 or 60-pound-test butt and 60 or 80-pound-test shock tippet (Hard). 9-foot leaders for snook, with 40-pound-test shock tippet. Several class tippet between 10 and 60 lbs.
Flies:
-At least 40 for bonefish (hook #4, 6 and 8): Crazy Charly, Gotcha, Bonefish Special, any Shrimp patterns.
-15 for permit (hook #2 and 4): Rag Head Crab, Deles Merkin Crab, Secret Brown Crab.
-25 for tarpon and snook ( hook #1/0, 2/0 and 3/0): Black Death, Purple Death, Cockroach, Lefty's Deceiver, Tarpon Toad, Gummy Minnow, Tropical Punch and other different patterns (poppers, etc).
Nippers, scissors, tweezers to remove hooks, boga grip (optional). Wading neoprene boots. Lightweight long-sleeve shirts and long pants. Wide brimmed hat to protect neck and ears. Polarized glasses. Sun Creams: #40 strength waterproof sunscreens. Lightweight rain jacket for rain showers. Insect repellent.
Additional Information:
A tourist visa is necessary to enter Cuba. It costs $ 20.- and you can apply for it on your own. For the ones who travel from countries that do not maintain diplomatic relations with Cuba, the visa could be issued in Cancun with the assistance of a travel agency ( please ask in advance).
American dollars are acceptable to pay any kind of service and other European currencies are also acceptable in hotels. You can also use credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc) for shopping, hotel and other services, but they are NOT accepted it they have been issued in the United States.
The weather is usually drier and slightly cooler from December to March. During September, October and November, it is usually rainy and there might be occasional tropical storms or rain showers. All the months are good for fishing, but there is more abundance of bonefish and tarpon from March to July.
The average annual temperature in the area is 26'C and humidity reaches an average of 74%. A breeze from the Caribbean blows during the day and light winds from the land blow at night. Cuban people are polite, friendly and well-mannered. It is a safe country as regards crime; however, keep your valuables in a safe place.
Rates "La Tortuga":
From US $3,980.- to US $ 5,720.-
Per person in double occupancy basis. Sharing accommodation and sfiff.
Rates include:
2-night accommodation in a 5 star hotel in Havana. Transfer Jucaro port/La Tortuga. 6-night accommodation in La Tortuga double room. Full board with 10 beers and 30 soft drinks. 5 full fishing days and 2 half days fishing with guide and skiff in double basis. Marine park licence.
Rates do not include:
Cuban visa. International airfare and taxes related. Trasfer Havana/Jucaro/Havana. Hard drinks. Fishing equipment and flies. Insurance. Gratuities.
Notes:
Ask for special offers and accommodation in the other motherships.
Questions: Click Below to Request Information and Contact
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