1 comment ·Apr 01, 2025

Fly Fishing Cuba - March 2025

This March, we had the pleasure of hosting several groups of anglers on an expedition to an archipelago along Cuba’s southern coast, known as Cayo Largo and the Canarreos. While there are many great flats fishing destinations in the Caribbean, few can truly compare to Cuba on multiple levels.

First, visiting Cuba is like stepping back in time. Since 1959, much of the country’s development and infrastructure has remained unchanged. This is particularly evident in cities like Havana and Camagüey, but also in the rural countryside, where many people still travel by foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn buggies. It is beautiful in a tragic, timeworn sort of way.

Thankfully, once you step aboard the liveaboard mothership and reach the flats, that perspective fades, giving way to the breathtaking beauty of the marine ecosystem and the thrill of the fishing experience. What truly sets Cuba apart as a fishing destination is the remarkable variety of species you can encounter in a single day or over the course of a week. Few places we’ve visited offer such diversity. Of course, the flats of Cayo Largo and the Canarreos are home to plentiful Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, and Snook. But beyond that, there are numerous "Plan B" species to target, including Jack Crevalle, Horse-Eye Jack, Yellow Jack, Mutton Snapper, Cubera Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Barracuda, Spanish Mackerel, several shark species, and even the elusive Boxfish ;-)

The geography and nomenclature of this region can be a bit confusing. The westernmost island in this chain is Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Youth), which is large and populated. On the easternmost end lies Cayo Largo, home to a few small resorts and private residences. The 70-mile-long chain of islands connecting these two points is known as the Canarreos. One of the early-season fishing trips focuses on the middle section of this chain, known as the Canarreos trip. The other two trip options either explore the eastern half, called Cayo Largo, or the western half, Isla de la Juventud. In all cases, the mothership will relocate one to three times during the week, depending on conditions, to provide anglers with access to a wide variety of fishing grounds.

After several visits to this region, we’ve gotten to know the fishery and the guides, and we’ve all come to deeply appreciate the entire experience. Although some of the guides don't speak very good English, we have found them all to be very fishy and very likeable good people.

Bonefish are the foundation of the fishery—they are virtually everywhere. The average fish weighs 2–3 lbs, exceeding the size of Bonefish in many other popular destinations. Fish in the 3–6 lb range are very common, and most weeks, anglers land multiple fish in the 7–8 lb range, with the occasional elusive 10-pounder! While poling these flats, it’s not uncommon to have simultaneous shots at Permit, Mutton Snapper, Barracuda, and sometimes Tarpon. It can be a hectic experience, with anglers unsure which rod to grab!

While some areas of Cuba and the Caribbean have higher Permit numbers, most skiffs in this fishery still get multiple shots per day—especially for anglers actively seeking the Palometa. Baby Tarpon are abundant along the mangroves and hidden lagoons, while larger Tarpon (30–60 lbs) can be found cruising the flats and channel edges. Tarpon season in this area really ramps up through April and into June/July when many more of these larger fish can be found on the flats and reef. Mutton and Cubera Snapper are most common in the channels and along the mangrove-lined edges, but they occasionally venture onto the flats as well—often as exceptionally large specimens! Many anglers consider catching one of these fish on the fly to be among the most challenging and rewarding feats in the sport.

Several species of Jacks can appear almost anywhere, and some of them grow to truly impressive sizes. All in all, this is an incredibly healthy and diverse marine ecosystem. Beyond the gamefish, anglers will encounter an array of wildlife, including Crocodiles, Stingrays, Eagle Rays, Turtles, and Dolphins.

Although Cuba’s future remains uncertain in some respects, its fishery is undeniably thriving. We look forward to returning every year for as long as we’re able!

List of Equipment Flies for Cuba:

R.L. Winston Air 2 Max - 9' 9wt (Bonefish, Babay Tarpon, Permit Snook)
G. Loomis NRX+ Salt - 9' 10wt (Laree Tarpon, Permit, Jacks, Cudas)

Hatch Iconic 7+ Reel
Sage Enforcer Reel 9/10

RIO Flats Pro Fly Line
SA Grand Slam Magnitude Line

Best Flies:
Patos Crab - White #4
Itchy & Scratchy - Orange Cream
EP Spawning Shrimp #4 - Heavy and light versions
Danger Muffin Crab - Ghost/Tan
Strong Arm Crabs - White and Tan
Veverka Shrimp
EP Peanut Butter - Black/Purple
EP Peanut Butter - Chartreuse/White
Gummy Minnow