General Information:
The Zapata peninsula of Cuba’s south coast offers an as yet unspoiled dream for the discerning saltwater fly-fisherman. Its vast expanse of beautiful, shallow flats can be reached only by non-motorised skiffs, thus ensuring protection of the enviable quality of bonefish and permit fishing to be had in the area. Separately, the Hatiguanico River provides a spectacular contrast – of both scenery and sport – and is where large numbers of baby tarpon (up to 40lbs!) and snook are to be found.
This is an excellent destination for those looking for good fishing and good value – not so good for those looking for luxury.
The Fishing:
For little more than 10 years Cuba has been recognised as offering some of the best saltwater flyfishing in the world. The Las Salinas location, which is just 2 hours drive from Havana, is still relatively undeveloped. What it lacks in sophistication and infrastructure – compared to the other Cuban destinations that we offer – it makes up for in the quality of the fishing.
On these flats the skiffs accommodate just a single fisherman plus guide, which gives a truly one-to-one experience. It also means that the whole day can be dedicated to landing those challenging bones and permit, and not a moment has to be shared. Similarly, the fishing for tarpon and snook in the River Hatiguanico can, if preferred, be on a single basis also, subject to availability. The choice of how many days are spent at each location is up to the fisherman, provided that it is arranged in advance.
The beauty of the Las Salinas fishing is the utter solitude, with not even the sound of an outboard motor to be heard; just the gentle murmur of flamingos or herons on the wing. Or as Matt Hayes records: “ … an extensive system of saltwater flats that are so perfect that were you to attempt to design the perfect bonefish flat in your mind it would fall short of the reality”. Here you are as likely to find bonefish in schools of hundreds, as those bigger lone cruisers that present the real challenge to the experienced flyfisher.
Accommodation & Transport:
Accommodation is provided at the Hotel Playa Larga, which has been recently refurbished, and which offers comfortable air-conditioned accommodation, with en suite bathrooms, and hot and cold water. It has its own wonderfully white sandy Caribbean beach. It also has a swimming pool, and several other facilities. |
Within the package, we arrange for a car rental. The drive from Havana to Hotel Playa Larga will take you about two hours. To the Las Salinas fishing from the Hotel Playa Larga, the journey is about 35 minutes through the Zapata National Park bird sanctuary. This sanctuary offers sensational views of flamingos and over 80 other rare bird species in the winter period. To the Rio Hatiguanico fishing the journey is about an hour.
The Programme:
The programme can be organised for any number of days. However, the most popular programme is for 7 nights and 6 full days fishing, and with the car rental pick-up and drop-off both being at Havana’s international airport. The suggested distribution of fishing is 4 days on the flats and 2 days on the river. This of course can be restructured to allow for nights in Havana at either end.
Other Activities:
The whole of the Las Salinas peninsula is a National Park preserved exclusively as a wildlife reserve and bird sanctuary. There are over 80 species of birds – some unique to Cuba, some migratory. Tours to watch the huge variety of birds can be arranged (for the fishermen this is a daily occurrence on the way to, and back from, the fishing). Visits can also be made to a nearby Crocodile Farm, the Bay of Pigs Museum and to the inland salt-water pools where one can swim with shoals of tropical fish. Diving and horseback riding are also available. And of course the hotel beach, pool and bar provide for many hours of relaxation and recreation.
Seasons:
The fishing at Las Salinas and Rio Hatiguanico is productive all year round, with the Rio Hatiguanico being more productive between March and August. However, high season (in terms of occupancy) is generally considered to be the period January to May inclusive.
Rates – 2009/10:
Rates depend on group numbers. The rate for 2 anglers, for the 7 night/6 day programme above (4 days Las Salinas, 2 days Rio Hatiguanico) is from: UK£1,150/person.
Included: 7 day car rental; 6 days one-to-one guided fishing, 7 nights single room accommodation at Hotel PlayaLarga; Full board Not Included: International air travel; Airport taxes; Cuban Visas; Vehicle insurance and fuel (payable locally); fishing tackle and equipment; Gratutities
Conditions:
A 50% trip deposit is required to hold your reservation. Full payment is due 60 days prior to travel.
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