Las Salinas, Cuba -28 February to 11th March 2013

We arrived back safely after a bumpy flight.  .We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday  and plan to return next year as we wish to see more of the country than we were able to do this time around.

Stewart Tate, Castle Thorpe

Blue Water Fishing out of Havana

6th April 2012

The Blue-water fishing went well, no problems with the boat, the captain and his mate spoke reasonable English, all the tackle was in good working order. When I asked the captain how had the Marlin fishing been so far this year, he did not beat around the bush with his answer ...he told me straight that he had zero Marlin for the season so far but they were picking up Mahi-mahi and barracuda.....I give him credit for his honesty at least, and so I knew not to build my hopes up too much. 

Three hours and fifteen minutes into the trip whilst I was almost dozing off with the monotony of watching the lures, the left-hand rod and reel got a hit, the mate set the hooks well and passed the rod over to me. The fish jumped, a Blue-marlin...the captain estimated it between 200-300lbs. Quite a sight at reasonably close range. The fish ran and then jumped a further 3 times then all went slack....It was not to be, the fish was gone - spat the hook....Ah well that's fishing.

Approximately 20 minutes after that we got another hit on the right hand rod and reel which produced a Mahi-mahi, my largest of this species so far. Unfortunately the captain killed the fish, which I would have liked to have seen swimming away, but I need to keep reminding myself that this is Cuba and that fish would feed a lot of people.

About 40 minutes after the Mahi-mahi we got another hit which turned out to be a small ‘cuda (less than a metre ).

All in all I would say I had a very good day out on the water, 3 hits, 1 Marlin lost, 1 Mahi-mahi and 1 Barracuda. I can't really complain about that.

Dale Robertson, Aberdeen

Isla de la Juventud,(Isle of Youth - IDJ), Cuba

7 to 14th April 2012

The trip to Cuba went really well yet again. There was an Avalon representative waiting for me at the airport when I arrived, she gave me vouchers for the hotel in Havana, for the fishing in IDJ and another voucher for the hotel in IDJ. She explained all the necessary info required but she recognised me from previous years so she knew that I already know the programme as well as they do.

While at the airport to travel to the Island, I asked where are the other fishermen - to which the Avalon rep. replied 'you are the only one'. I thought he was having a laugh with me and that the other rods had flown on the early flight. Much to my surprise there was only one place setting at the dinner... so I was the only fisherman at the hotel....and Perola was parked at the Marina, with no-one booked to fish there either.

To many people this would have been a boring week, but for me...I thought I had died and gone to fishing heaven!! I had the guide that I requested, I had the entire fishing area to myself, and anywhere that I wanted to fish was only touched by me for the whole week. I never saw another skiff the whole  week.

My total count for the week 25 tarpon hooked,13 in the boat, largest about 70lbs, 3 Snapper, 2 Snook, 1 Bonefish and 1 Grouper. As you can see I was mainly targeting Tarpon, the bonefish was caught in some mudding and we wanted to investigate what was making the mud.

As you know I have been to the Island many times now and I know all the hotel staff quite well now so making conversation with them is quite easy. If you are stuck for entertainment the town is always another option, and always a girl who would like to keep you company there.

Everything about my trip went really smoothly, not only because I have been there several times but if you are a first timer there, Avalon seem to have it pretty well organised at that end and they genuinely want you to enjoy your trip.

Dale Robertson, Aberdeen

(Take me there ... )

Los Roques, Venezuela

9 to 16th July 2011

Thanks for the nice trip.The organisation was perfect and the posada and the guides are excellent. We catch several bonefish in good sizes and some jacks and snappers.We had some shots for permit, triggerfish and also for parrotfish but we don´t catch them.

At the departure day we go out with the guide from 5:00-6:30am for tarpon ,jacks etc. We are fishing in a feeding fenzy with a lot tarpon, jack, bonito, snapper and big stingrays.We catch some species and then i hook a tarpon from 60 pound. After striking the fish i lost him with the 10# rod over board. Until now i dont know what happend exactly but i will never forget that day.

The plane don´t come at 8:15 because it was broken. After some hours and help from the owner of the posada we got a flight at 13:15 with another airline so we arrived in caracas at the right time. So despite the last day it was a perfect trip. Thanks again

Ralph Laudien, Uetersen, Germany

(Take me there ...)

Isla de la Juventud, Cuba

8 to 17th July 2011

I had a fantastic trip, the fishing was difficult...by that I mean that there were no big schools of tarpon roaming the flats but we managed tarpon every day, one of which was a 100lb fish, my biggest tarpon to date.

In total I landed 8 Tarpon and lost another 13 ( from 100lb to 20lb ).....I also landed 17 Bonefish, 3 Snapper and 1 Jack crevalle.

The weather was great, partial cloud which did not affect the fishing, light winds on all days...and very hot.!!

I chose Maikel to guide me for the week as I have fished with him before and I know his English is very good....this turned out to be a fantastic decision because we had fish every day and the other guides had blank days. Maikel is a very good tarpon guide and as you see from the above he presented me with a variety of different species .I will certainly ask for him again.

All in all it was a very good trip for me. I have attached a few photos from my trip. I will be in touch once I check out my finances to discuss my trip for 2012.

Thanks again, regards Dale.

Dale Robertson, Aberdeen

(Take me there ...)

Cayo Romano, Cuba - 15 to 23rd May 2011

On day three Eduardo poled us across the most stunning white sand flat I have ever seen I had plenty of shots at Permit, a few follows and refusals to boot. As is often the way, when we stopped for lunch I spotted two feeding rays accompanied by two Permit. The lead fish was an easy 20 lb plus. All the angles were right. I slotted a clean shot on a back hand cast right in front of the rays as they quartered towards our starboard side. It was a perfect shot and a perfect set up. If I was going to hook up on the day, this would be the shot. As the ray swam over my fly I slid the fly out from under its wing. The large Permit pounced on the fly and gobbled it up. The fish paused to try and figure what was wrong, then took off. (Hooking a 20 lb Permit is like hooking two double figure Bonefish at once !!). The line whizzed up through the rings as I screamed LINE ! LINE ! LINE ! Twang went the 20 lb Tippet. My fly line had hooked itself around the push pole. I threw my rod into the water in disgust and disappointment. However, I smiled again within a minute. The whole moment was exquisite, but alas the ending tragic. That’s Permit fishing! The next day John had his first Permit. I’m so glad he pulled it off. He deserved that fish.

Would I go back? I would return as I feel the place owes me a couple of favours.

Austen Goldsmith, Porthleven, Cornwall

(Take me there ...)

Los Roques, Venezuela - 10 to 17th May 2011

Once again thank you very much for an excellent trip. We really couldn’t have asked for more. It was excellent value for money, so thanks again. I can’t emphasise enough how pleased we were with the whole trip from start to finish. I will definitely be passing on your details to some of my like minded mates and when the pot tops up again I know where to come. Thanks again.

Mike Adams, London

(Take me there ...)

Cayo Largo, Cuba - 7 to 14th May 2011

The offical catch report for the week, for a group of eight, was: 310 Bones; 35 Tarpon; 6 Permit; 5 Big Jacks; 18 Big Snapper; 4 Barracuda; and 2 Grand slams.

I had another good trip and yes, I did catch a Permit. Actually, I almost caught two, but a 'cuda broke the line right at the boat after a great 20 minute fight on the first one. The guide. Rigoberto, nearly broke down in tears. I should have had a Grand Slam, but the Tarpon shook the hook when it jumped into a mangrove. We have been talking and we will most likely book a trip again next year sometime in May. I believe we all will fish solo with one guide for the 6 days next year.

Anon Angler 1

(Take me there ...)

Cayo Largo, Cuba - 7 to 14th May 2011

Las Salinas, Cuba - 20 April to 1st May 2011

Many thanks for your follow up telephone call but most of all many thanks for your organising of our recent trip to Cuba.

As you know we have been three times before to Las Salinas, but this I have to say was most certainly the best., particularly considering our our special requests, which by the way were all met. Thankfully our requested taxi driver was there too, without him we would have been at a loss because as you know one of our party had an accident during our first day, breaking his ankle in three places! Hector, our driver took charge.
Excellent, far out, words can`t describe - he was like a mother hen.  Even the guides rallied round and fishing arrangements were modified to accommodate our crippled companion.

The fishing, not that you have any control over how good or how bad that can be, was as great we had experienced our first year, hence our reasons for returning each year.

Archie, a Tay Ghillie, was our "top rod" with, according to his abacus, 52 fish!!, virtually a 50/50 split between bonefish and tarpon.  He did I understand catch a snook, jack and managed to foul hook a catfish too.

Joe, our invalide, managed to fish 4 out of the 6 days.  He wasn`t counting but did account for a number of tarpon and a few bonefish on the one day he fished the flats.

I wasn`t counting either but I`m pretty sure I was close on Archie`s heels.  I lost a Tarpon on the flats the first day!  The fish, around 12 lbs, initially took my bonefish fly and readily took a tarpon fly 5 minutes later.  We are pretty sure it was the same fish as it was in the same area, but as I lost it we cannot be absolutely sure.  I also went on to lose 3 whacking great big tarpon, all on fly from the river.  Gilbe, my guide, reckons the largest was around 25kg.

Once again many thanks for a well organised trip, see you again next year.

William Cumming, Stenhousemuir

(Take me there ...)

Los Roques, Venezuela - 12 to 19th February 2011

Superb trip as usual and the hospitality at the Posada gets better each year as one does feel it's like a second home.

Peter Matthison, Essex

(Take me there ...)

El Encuentro, Argentina - 1 to 8th January 2011

Sorry it took me so long to respond. I left to go to the Middle East the day after I got back from Argentina, so it has taken me a while to get caught up with personal stuff. And I'm heading back again on Thursday.

In any case, the trip was wonderful. I really loved the El Encuentro. The staff Beale family made me feel extremely welcome, and they looked after every need. The food and wine was also wonderful, so it really made for a wonderful experience.

I enjoyed the fishing very much, especially in the national park (I think it's called the Rivadavia). I also really enjoyed the experience of the Rio Pico, although the lodging and food was nowhere as good as the El Encuentro. But all in all it was wonderful. I hope to go back one day and would definitely recommend it.

Attached are a few pictures. Feel free to use them on your website if you want. And please keep me posted on any other places you would recommend to fish.

Don Borelli, New York

(Take me there ...)

Cayo Romano, Cuba - 8 to 26th December 2010

We booked with Alexander Kennedy of Castaway Flyfishing for our second trip organised by him, this time to Paredón Grande, Cayo Coco, Cuba, as we were very impressed with our previous trip to Isla Blanca, Mexico a couple of years previously. It was an all rounder family/fishing holiday and again, it was organised well and went very smoothly. The only unfortunate thing was the weather but that is a risk you take going to Cuba at Christmas time. Cuba had some record lows whilst we were there which made the fishing very tough, but we still managed to catch a few fish. Whilst my son and I were fishing, my wife enjoyed relaxing at the hotel and we found the staff very friendly. For an extended story on our stay and more detailed report on the fishing in Cuba please see my son's December 2010 blog at: http://www.samedmondsfishing.blogspot.com

Gary Edmonds, Ware, Hertfordshire

(Take me there ... )

Cayo Romano, Cuba - 15 to 22 May 2010

There was a while when Eduardo and I doubted if he was going to fulfil his promise to you.

After 4 cloudy, breezy days when even the bonefish were tough, the sun finally shone. After hours of poleing and a few run of the mill bonefish I caught my first ever permit. At 19”, a small fish but still a real permit. After we released the fish Eduardo admitted this was only the second permit he had guided a client to! The first had been part of the lodge’s first grand slam taken by an Italian last year.

So we had to try for a slam, and in the end I had 2 x 20lb tarpon, fulfilling Eduardo’s promise to you, and obviously my first slam - not that I’m much interested by these tokens.

One of a British pair, whose last day was my first, had a grand slam (apparently the lodge’s third), but with real fish rather than my babies.

Eduardo claimed that mine were the first time 2 tarpon had been caught on 1 day. I think he was just being kind because I find this very hard to believe. We had seen enough tarpon on a couple of previous days but the light was so bad that we were on top of them before we could do anything about them. Had the sun been out and if we had seen them at a workable distance I’m sure one could have bagged up.

The last day made up for the very dour first 4, and had the whole week been calm and sunny it would have been an absolutely fantastic trip. If there weren't so many other places one has still to fish, I would return, but probably in June when the weather might be a bit hotter and more stable.

Thank you very much for arranging the trip for me.

Jon Pepper, London

(Take me there ...)

Cayo Romano, Cuba - 10 to 17th April 2010

Firstly I’d like to thank you for looking after us from start to finish on the trip and also for introducing us to a great bunch of blokes. We enjoyed their company immensely.

The thing is about trips like this, particularly to that part of the world, is that you assume that the weather is going to be hot and sunny. Not the week we went! We endured cool strong northerly winds which made things let’s say ‘challenging’ at times but   wouldn’t life be boring if everything was predictable.

Despite this the fishing was terrific! On day one I caught my first Permit estimated 20lb. We both (my father and I) achieved our personal best bonefish  - my father 9lb, mine 8lb - and we saw numerous fish that were much bigger!

The latter part of the week took us to a complex of lagoons in an effort to get some shelter from the wind and the last day of the trip was just fantastic! The best day's fishing that my father and I have ever had! We asked the guide how many times he’d visited the area and he replied, ‘I’ve never been down here before’. Wandering through unfished flats hunting big bones! It just doesn’t get any better!

I believe that this type of fishing gives an adrenalin rush that every flyfisherman should experience. Now that we’re back we’re considering where we should go next but one thing’s for sure. We’d go back to Cayo Romano in a Heartbeat!

Best wishes,

Steve Richardson, Sheffield

(Take me there ...)

Las Salinas, Cuba - 19 to 26th March 2010

Well our journey was great. Really the fishing was excellent, because even if this was not the best season for bones or tarpon, we caught fish every day. Not many fish in the boat, but we saw a lot, and missed a lot more.  The guides were also very good. The only thing less good, but you had warned us, was the food at Hotel Playa Larga! 

An 'interessant plus' of Las Salinas:  It is possible sometimes to fish "la boca", which the mouth were all the water from the flats goes to sea.  It is a wall of mangrove cut by a deep canal. The water is crystal clear and there are a lot of tarpon that you can see and cast a fly to. This was really great.  Really, my friend and I are happy. Thank you a lot. We will visit the Castaway site the next time we want fish abroad.

Christain Jeanguillaume, Angers, France

(Take me there...)

Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba - 28th December 2009

I was fishing just one day only and I'm glad to tell you that everything went perfectly. The spot is incredible, the guide was professional and the equipment was of good quality (rod and boat). I broke a leader on a nice bonefish, and a large tarpon spat out the fly in the middle of the fight. So I'm pretty happy with the way fishing turned out. I was just a bit unlucky.

I'm planning to go back during the summer some time in the future to fish in the high season. I'll be planning the trip with Castaway Flyfishing without any doubt.

Olivier Lavergne, St. Nicolas, Canada

(Take me there ... )

Cayo Largo, Cuba - 11 to 18th July 2009:

Had a great trip thanks. I liked Cayo Largo, the fishing set-up is the most professional I’ve encountered anywhere in the world. Also, it was nice to have good accommodation and facilities as well. Overall, we had a fantastic time and all three of us are likely to want to back in 2011. So please make a note for us to go there in July of that year.

(Take me there ... )

Pesca Maya, Mexico – 18 to 25th March 2009

Pesca Maya was my first professionally guided flyfishing trip and I'm happy to say the experience was a good one. I primarily chose Pesca Maya because of the ease of access - a charter fight from Gatwick to Cancun, and then just a two hour transfer to the Ascension Bay Biosphere which is actually pretty remote. Being remote it is suitably tranquil and the well-constructed lodge rests in a lovely setting right on the beach.

A quick word about the lodge - you are looked after from start to finish and the staff cannot do enough for you. The food is excellent and the refreshment flows freely! It is a great operation, a view that was supported by many more hardened anglers one of whom was a guide himself, that were staying there the same time as me.

On to the fishing: Well for a relative newcomer I think it went well. Alexander of Castaway Flyfishing had kindly requested a sympathetic guide to take me out as my casting was rusty and needed much improvement. The first day I caught four bonefish, and it went on from there! Fifteen bones in one day was my highest total, and had a good number of real opportunities at large permit but my casting and light outfit weren't up to the job. Other people fared better and landed fish to 30lb the week I was there. The bones averaged around three pounds with my biggest going five - not massive but they were fun and more to the point plentiful.

Importantly, if the wind relented enough to visit the expansive flats and lagoons to the south, you could fish a whole day hardly seeing another angler. This area was stunningly beautiful with many opportunities for wading and casting at large schools of bonefish - memories that have been locked away forever. If the wind was up, and it can be windy there, you are pretty much restricted to the lagoon behind the lodge, which incidentally is the best place to catch the permit, the downside being the increased boat activity you'll find in there.

All in all I would not hesitate to recommend the Pesca Maya operation, the Biosphere location is beautiful and fish plentiful, and after a days fishing you are very well looked after. Many thanks to Alexander of Castaway, I shall certainly be in touch for my next trip!

Jeremy Blott, Jersey C.I.

(Take me there ... )

 
David Taylor, Londonderry

(Take me there...)

'Hey Alex we had our first super slam on Thursday (grand slam plus snook). Only one permit on the day but about five tarpon and a bunch of bones. Then Perry said he knew where they would get a snook so blam a super slam.'

Terry Kyle, Roatan

(Take me there ...)

Cuba was an adventure in every way.  The people were fabulous and the fishing was terrific sport, especially the river which was different to anything that we had tried before.

Our guides were outstanding and some of the best that we have come across. They worked hard, constantly putting us over fish; at one point on the river I had to stop because I had caught so many tarpon – my arm was shaking with fighting so many fish.

The flats were unbelievably quiet – not another angler in sight – all day!  We loved the fact that we were punted around, although it made the fishing quite exhausting because you were over bonefish constantly and all the time you were spotting fish. There were also jacks, barracuda and lemon sharks whizzing around and they were great fun, with my husband landing his first snapping barracuda.

I also caught my first snook on the river which I was thrilled about.

The accommodation at the fishing was spotless and the hotel staff were all very friendly and helpful although it was extremely basic and not for non-fishing partners.

We both wish that we had spent more time in Havana, we stayed in two superb hotels, with excellent facilities and the staff were faultless.

We would definitely return to Cuba, we loved it.

Gilly Bate, Hampshire

(Take me there ... )

Our trip to Mexico went really well, although the weather made the fishing a bit demanding most days due to strong winds, cloud cover and some big tropical storms which we had to sit out tucked under mangrove trees for an hour or so most days, but it all added to the adventure.

Their first tropical storm of the season, 'Arthur' was the culprit.The main reason for us choosing that destination was for me to have the chance of catching my first permit on the fly, which I'm pleased to say I succeeded in doing on our last two days fishing. I managed to achieve it on our penultimate fishing trip just after a big storm - a beautiful fish around 9 or 10lbs. On the last day everything seemed to come together and I managed to catch 4 permit on the fly. Sam (13 years old) had 2 permit on jigs tipped with half a crab on the same day - catching 2 on the 1 crab! Not only that, as he was playing his 2nd permit I spotted another cruising by and we had a double hook up which we have pictures of. When I've sorted them I'll send you a few.

Fishing in the mangroves we also jumped 15 tarpon and got 6 into the boat. Only small ones but great fun on a mixture of fly fishing and jig fishing. We also had a few nice snook, especially Sam, which he caught on jigs and plugs. It was a little windy for him most days to fish on the fly.

Sam caught lots of small barracuda and we had a few other small species such as catfish and snapper - oh, and I forgot to mention, I had a nice bonefish. Over our few days fishing I had a super slam on the fly and Sam had a grand slam.

It worked out that catching that permit on the fly it was my 100th species of fish I've caught on the fly - so it's a fish I shalll never forget.

Humberto is a great guide and his knowledge of the area was outstanding although at times we both found it hard to understand each other, but a very nice person and very helpful.

We were all very pleased with the hotel you chose for us too, thank you.

By the way, if you ever go there again yourself, don't get too close to the lion enclosure at the launch site of the boat. I was chatting to Humberto after the days fishing about 1.5 yards away from the enclosure, the lion was at the other end of the cage when it seemed to come from nowhere, reached out through the bars and took a swipe at me. It was so close that it tore the arm of my Columbia shirt! but luckily enough didn't scratch me - it had been watching me for a few days and I had commented on it - it definitely had eyes for me! That's a story to tell !!

Gary, Sam and Caroline Edmonds - Ware, Hertfordshire

(Take me there ... )

As you may have gathered, this trip was an outstanding success for which we have to thank you and Daniel.  We had a particularly wonderful experience with Angel and Lilli Estrada, and our visit to Rinconada also worked out well for us even though it was somewhat unconventional. I managed to get a 14 pt stag, which was obviously at the top end of my expectations.

We loved the people in Argentina, the countryside was quite magnificent and we also had a couple of days of good fishing.  All in all a holiday to remember.

Many Thanks for all your help.

Bobby & Angela Power, New York, USA

The trip was even better that we expected! Despite the fact, that the weather during our fishing week was not ideal, we still managed to  catch bonefish in quite challenging conditions. But I think that that makes the trip more memorable compared to a situation where the weather is idealfor the whole week.

Tarpon fishing in river was fun, but I prefer flats fishing, so one day on the river was enough (as you recommended!).  Guides were very professional, and I was lucky to get Gilberto, who  spoke very good English.  Because of that I learned a lot about 
bonefishing during the week. Matti had Alfonso, who didn’t speak much English at all, but I think that he is the best guide at Las Salinas.  His fish-spotting skills and knowledge about the area were excellent!  The average size of bonefish was very good and we also caught a few small jacks on the flats, and tarpon and snook from the river.

The only thing that didn’t work was the breakfast at Hotel Playa Girón. They promised that we could get our breakfast at 6am, but every second day it was half hour late, so we left without eating because the guides were waiting for us at the gate at 7am. Everything else in Playa Girón worked, and it was a very good place considering its low price. Our non-fishing friends enjoyed their time also. They visited Trinidad, Cienfuegos and couple of smaller places during the week, so they didn’t get bored at all.

Havana was very a exciting place and the Hotel Park View was good. Nevertheless I think I will chose the San Miguel next time, because its location is better compared to the Park View.

Thanks again for arranging an excellent trip for us. I have already recommended you to a couple of Finnish flyfisherman, and I’m sure that this was not my last trip to Cuba!

Jussi Jurling, Helsinki, Finland

(Take me there ... )

Los Roques, 1 to 8th March 2008

I wanted to take my father on a trip of a lifetime and experience fly fishing for bonefish.  So after endless research and deliberation we chose Castaway Flyfishing, and Los Roques as our venue. It didn’t disappoint, the trip was first class. The accommodation and food at La Cigala were excellent and our Guide was amazing. We both caught plenty of bones, and tarpon to fifty pounds on seven and eight weight rods which was unforgettable - not to mention a two hour battle with a tarpon which we followed for over a mile only for the leader to break. It was estimated over the magical 100 pound mark!

We’re in the process of booking our next trip with Castaway, the only problem is deciding whether to go back to Los Roques or try somewhere new.

George and Steve Richardson, Sheffield

(Take me there ...)

We are just surfacing from our return journey, which was fine but tiring of course.  We had a most amazing time with you and loved it all – the Lodge, the shooting, your friends.  We had a great time and thank you for all the arrangements which were brilliant.  It was a super, super Lodge - such comfort and what lovely staff. Our whole trip was all pretty intensive, but we did see and stay in the most stunning places,starting off with you all at the Lodge. Thank you for asking us, and for arranging it all so brilliantly. 

Peter & Bridget Murphy, Saffron Walden

(Take me there ... )

We really both enjoyed ourselves immensely and the final day was one of  the best days fishing I have ever had.  We found a big shoal of what must  have been 100+ Bonefish.  It was Bonefish after Bonefish  for  several hours up to about 5lbs.  In the end we felt exhausted by the  effort and the elation.  I literally lost count but between the two of us  it must have been at least 40.  It was a marvellous finale to the  holiday.
 
 Peter Matthison, Essex

(Take me there ... )

This week has been a special one at Mango Creek Lodge.  Be it the right winds, right tides, or simply hungry fish, the fishing has  been exceptional for permit on the fly.

Steve Calaway finished up his month in Honduras by  coming back to Mango Creek to spend the week chasing permit. Day after day, he  was spotting and casting to giant schools but simply could not get one to  take. Yet Steve was not to be dissuaded. He was constantly adjusting his  tactics, retooling his trout fishing instincts to fit the requirements of a  salt water assassin. And with the right combination of skill and a bit of  luck, Steve made his time down here truly count. Here's Steve recounting the  day's experience in his own words:

"We stalked a couple of schools of big permit and got a  few chases, but no bites.  Almost dark, time to go in, but we checked out  one more spot on the boat ride home, one last chance as the sun threatened to  disappear, leaving us to navigate the reef and mangrove system in the  dark. 

"Perfect cast," whispered Tye-Tye on my last cast  of the sunset. I threw 70 feet of line, dropping the white crab  pattern 7 feet in front of a pair.  The giant tails moved towards the  crab, then it happened, she ate.  Tug, Tug, wham, my line screamed out to  the sea and I was hooked up--it wasn't a dream.  20 years of fishing  trout doesn't compare to this beast of the sea. Tye-Tye and I followed  her, by boat, as she led us out to sea.   Day turned to dusk  and the fish pulled on, sometimes giving, mostly taking.  Eternal moments  in time.  She started giving more, and I took until we were  one, together under a tropical sky.  Laughing, high-fives, hug, yell, "Oh  my god," thank you, . . . thank you."

Steve caught this magnificent fish on a size 16 White  Turneffe Crab pattern after literally casting everything else he had in his  box at permit that week. He also caught the fish after Tye-Tye recommended  making the leader a bit longer and using 12lb tippet instead of 15lb. 

After getting back to the lodge, Steve was so excited  he could barely sit still. He just kept repeating, "In 20 years of fishing, man, that was the best fish I've ever caught..."

Not to be outdone, our Guide Perry set off the  following morning with Carlo Gobetti. Carlo was over from Italy and spent  a few days of his trip to Roatan day-fishing with us. In similar fashion,  Carlo made the right cast at the right time and luck graced yet another  fisherman with a nice permit - the second one to be landed in 24  hours.
 
Congratulations to both fisherman on two great fish. 

One final  note: Thankfully, we were  hardly touched by vicious Hurricane Dean which passed about 100 miles north of us early in the morning on August 21st. Despite the 160mph sustained winds and  torrential rain near the center of the category five storm, we were hardly shaken down here on Roatan. In fact, we saw little more than gusty winds and an above average tides. Looks like our lucky streak continues!
 
Lodge  Staff

(Take me there ... )

Los Roques was fantastic. We both absolutely  loved it. As you know we had eight days fishing and we caught about 90 bone fish plus a mixture of about 20 other fish which  were jacks, snapper. needle fish, blue runners etc.
I did very briefly have a tarpon on of about 60lbs but it broke my fly line and that was the end of it.
We did not manage to catch a permit, but we saw 11 and cast to 3. The first half of the week was more prolific as far as bonefish were concerned as the tides were better, but we did not have a  blank day and always saw plenty.
The Posada was basic but fabulous. The food was  superb and the staff could not have been more friendly or helpful. We loved  the gentle, laid back atmosphere of the whole island and can see why a friend  of ours has been eight times.
In all a wonderful trip. Many thanks for all your  help in sorting it out.

David and Gilly Bate,  Petersfield

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Trip was a  success.  Fishing was very good - spectacular location.  Bonefishing excellent and caught my first barracuda at 20lbs - on the  spinner but still great.  Friendly people at the Posada. Good boats. Some of the  guides were truly excellent. Although only with him for one half day, Pedro was outstanding in his dedication and communication. Like dry fly  fishing on the flats!  Daniel very friendly and  helpful.

Laurence  Elliott, London

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What can I say about the trip to Los Roques? The trip was great! Great weather, great guides, great fishing, great food and of course great company. I just wanted to say thanks to you Alexander for organising the whole thing and sharing the boat with me and translating Guareke's instructions and of course my numerous questions to him.The trip exceeded my expectations and I can't wait to go again!

Colin Radcliffe, London

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We had no problems - slight blip at Playa Larga about the single accommodation, but that sorted itself out. That aside the transport you organised to Playa Larga and back to the airport, was the best we had out there. Good cars and drivers who spoke English.

The fishing was out of this world - my legs are still shaking. Score this one up as a big plus for you.Thanks for you help and assistance.

Nigel Lusby, Aberdeen

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Good to talk to you last week.  In essence it was a great holiday.  Everyone said how good the fishing was in Las Salinas and they were right!  Thank you for your excellent personal service; I always had the feeling that you were on top of every aspect and kept in constant contact beforehand to make sure that we had everything that we needed.  You were also a lot more reasonable (and friendly) than other operators.

Stuart Tootal, Colchester

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Plenty of fish and a good variey. Guides very good and always seemed able  to find fish, though we had one ' poor ' day i.e. only 8 or 10 Bones!!  But the day before we had 25+. Better fishing than I had on Long Island in the Bahamas last year; although the guide there was good too. Posada clearly selected for good food and convenience to the boats, and very  attentive staff. "Thank you for your organisation" .

Tim Brown, Edinburgh

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Thank you very much for organising one of my best fishing trips. As always, it's a shame it was so short, by the end of the week, not only was the weather improving but I was getting into the swing of it.

The tarpon were what I had hoped for: there were plenty of big fish and I felt that there was the chance of catching them to keep me excited.

Jon Pepper, London

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Please find attached a few photos from our trip to IDJ.  Many thanks once again for arranging what turned out to be a fantastic weeks fishing trip. The guide showed us a lot of fish but my casting let me down on the bone fish, although I still managed to catch a few.  Fortunately the tarpon are not so easily spooked and I had a great time with these acrobatic silver projectiles. I also caught a few other species as well including snook, snapper - and was bitten off by a baby barracuda.

Dale Robertson, Aberdeen

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