Cayo Romano

General Information:

Castaway Flyfishing Company is proud to announce the discovery of what is now likely to become one of Cuba’s hottest fly-fishing destinations. We have also negotiated special prices for the remaing period of the year 2010 - which are over 30% less than published prices.

Located on Cuba’s north coast, in the Provinces of Ciego del Avila and Camaguey, lies this vast and – until now – virgin archipelago of islands and cays which provide some of the best and most varied fishing in the whole country.  Until now, the area has been under military control thus ensuring that most of what is covered by this operation is truly virgin fishing territory.

Also, those concerned by the occasional cold fronts from the north during January to March can be assured that Cayo Romano is privileged in having an extensive string of cays on its northern border which protects it from all but the most violent of weather patterns. On the other hand, being located on the northern side of the island it is fortunate to escape the perennial hurricane activity which normally passes by to the south of Cuba.

The Fishing:

The fishing at Cayo Romano is so extensive that guests can fish the western end of the archipelago - Paredón Grande - and be based on Cayo Coco in the Province of Ciego del Avila;  or fish the eastern end - Cayo Cruz - with a base in the village of Brasil (formerly Jaronú) in the Province of Camaguey. Separate guides and skiffs are provided at each.

There is no doubt that the average size of bonefish, of permit and of tarpon at Cayo Romano – as well as the sheer numbers in which they are to be found under the right conditions – causes one to wonder how it is that the crustacean life on which the permit and bonefish feed can be so much richer here than on other flats on the island.

Cayo Romano demonstrates all the characteristics of a recently discovered, virgin fishing territory – large numbers of fish, good sizes and their evident lack of exposure to flies and leaders. Add to this the natural beauty of the cays and of the water and you have a truly memorable place to fish.

The Programme:

Two Programmes are provided for the fishing at Cayo Cruz - one for HAVANA arrivals/departures which features 5 full days fishing, and the other for CAYO COCO arrivals/departures which allows for 6 full days fishing. (Fishing at Paredón Grande is more likely to be sold by the day, and separate conditions apply):

Programme for Havana Arrivals/Departures - 5 Days Fishing

Day 1:  VIP Reception at Havana International airport on arrival
1 Night Accommodation in Double Room at Hotel Oasis Panorama

Day 2:  Transfer to Domestic Airport
Flight Havana > Cayo Coco
Transfer Cayo Coco to Casona de Romano

Days 3 to 7: 5 Fuill Days guided fishing with guide and skiff

Day 8: Transfer to Cayo Coco airport
Flight Cayo Coco > Havana
Transfer to Havana hotel of your choice, or to Havana International airport for return flight home

 

Programme for Cayo Coco Arrivals/Departures - 6 Days Fishing

Day 1:  Reception at Cayo Coco International airport on arrival
Transfer Cayo Coco to Casona de Romano

Days 2 to 7:  6 Fuill Days guided fishing with guide and skiff

Day 8:  Transfer to Cayo Coco Hotel, or to check-in for return flight home

Accommodation:

Guests fishing Paredón Grande (the western section) are based at the Hotel Oasis Playa Coco, located on the island of Cayo Coco.  Cayo Coco is one of the prime tourist destinations in Cuba, and these luxury hotels are all-inclusive, and boast many activities for the non-angler. It is the ideal spot for combining a family holiday with some really good fishing.

At Cayo Cruz (the eastern section), The Lodge, Casona de Romano, was at one time a privately owned mansion belonging to the owner of the nearby sugar refinery. Its elegant exterior, and the landscaped estate in which it resides, suggest a level of luxury that alas is difficult to match today. It is located in the village of Brasil in Camaguey Province.

 

Seasons:

The period January to March brings with it the risk of cold fronts from the north-east. However, as explained above, Cayo Romano – particularly the eastern section – is well protected by the string of cays that shelter most of the fishing spots. The fishing at this time is good, particularly for good-sized bonefish, small and medium tarpon (20-30 lbs), and from mid-January the permit begin to appear.

The period April to June is perhaps the best time both for weather and for the appearance of large quantities of huge tarpon – in addition to the bonefish and permit.

July and August the fishing is the same, but much hotter (and mosquitoes). August to October is recognised as the hurricane period but, as stated above, most of this activity is normally to the south of the island.

September to December is a good period for bonefish and for smaller quantities of large and medium tarpon.

Rates - 2011:

The rates for 2011 for the two Fishing Programmes at Cayo Cruz above, on a shared basis, are:

Havana Arrivals/Departures - 5 Days Fishing: From US$2,750 per person per week, according to group size

Cayo Coco Arrivals/Departures - 6 Days Fishing: From US$2,625 per person per week, according to group size

Single fishing and accommodation supplements are avaliable.

Included:

Reception on arrival and departure at International airports
VIP Service on arrival at Havana International airport
All Transfers between International / Domestic airports, hotels and fishing
Domestic Flights between Havana and Cayo Coco
5 Days Guided Fishing (Havana arrivals);  6 Days Guided Fishing (Cayo Coco arrivals)
Daily Transfers between Lodge and Fishing
1 Night Accommodation at Hotel Oasis Panorama, Havana (Havana arrivals)
6 Nights Accommodation atCasona de Romano (Havana arrivals);  7 Nights (Cayo Coco arrivals)
Full Board at Lodging, including Lunch Box, and limited beer/wines at the table
Fishing Licence - (Loan of Fishing Tackle and equipment, if required)

Not Included:

International Fights; Cuban airport taxes; Meals in Havana; Alcoholic and other beverages; Cuban Tourist Card (available at GBP25); Gratuitie

 

Day rates for fishing at Paredón Grande, based at Cayo Coco, on a shared basis, are:

For the first day - US$265/person

For subsequent days - US$200/person

Included:  Fishing Licence; 1 Day Guided Fishing; Transfers between clients' hotel and fishing; Lunch Box

Not Included:  Hotel accommodation;Meals;  International Fights; Cuban airport taxes ;Alcoholic and other beverages; Cuban Tourist Card (available at GBP25); Gratuities

Single fishing supplements are available.

Conditions:

A deposit of 10% is required to secure your booking.  A further 40% is payable 6 months before departure and the balance of 50% is payable 60 days before commencement of the programme.