Fly-Fishing near Havana

[Chapa]

Greetings. I have about a day and half to fish just before the New Year. I'll be in Havana and want to drive somewhere within a few hours for bonefish on the fly. I hope find some resonably priced guides with boats to take us out. 1 to 2 fisherman per boat would be ideal. Also, we'd need a place to stay for the night before the day of fishing. I hear the 'Bay of Pigs' is full of bonefish and more. Does anyone have any recommendations for guides around there or anywhere else within an hour or two of Havana? Many thanks.

[cubafish]

Check your message box.

[Wade]

Aw c'mon cubafish, share with everyone! It's the season ;D

[mellisas]

that's right wade,come on cubafish ;)

'tis the season to be jolly falfalfalalalala

http://www.animatedgif.net/seasonal/xmas/brsanta_e0.gif

ops sorry got a bit carried away :-[

[jackd]

Ya c'mon cubafish ;)

Actually probably not a good idea to post names or phone numbers or other info ::)

[cubafish]

Okey-dokey as this is not secret stuff. :-X

There is nothing on the north shore even close to a 2 hour drive from Havana - there used to be but all of the fish in those areas have been netted. However, on the south shore there are two areas within 2 hours, both in the hugh Zapata Swamp preserve. In one area you will find bonefish, small tarpon and an occasional snapper - no permit. In the other area you will find small tarpon and robalo (snook), and snapper. Both areas are excellent fly fishing areas with a 7wt or so rod and a floating line.

[Wade]

Thanks cubafish. ;) Sounds like a great place - I'd like to get down that way one day.

[Chapa]

gracias, cubafish. sounds good. any recs on services down in those parts? guides, rooms to let, etc? i've been flopping emails with a fella who arranges for the las salinas area. he quoted me some prices through a lodge with a nights stay and food. a little pricey. we're just backpacking fishermen and don't need more than a few hammocks and a coconut, so we're on the sly to find something cheap. any ideas would be appreciated. feliz navidad.

[cubafish]

The two areas I eluded to are both in the Zapata Swamp and a days guided trip there will run around $75, and be sure to tip your guide as he get none of the $75 - that all goes to Fidel and the only money the guide gets is what you give him. *Also be sure you stock up on food and drinks before you leave Havana as there are very few facilities in the Zapata area - you can get some drinks, but very little food is available - there is nothing available at the Rio (see below).

My recommendation is to spend at least 2 days guided fishing, 1 day in each area - 1 day on the Rio Hatiguanico *(snook, baby tarpon and snapper) and 1 day out of Las Salinas (bonefish, baby tarpon and snapper) - it is very difficult to fish on your own out of either area, but you should be able to hang a hammock at the Rio Hatiguanico landing. If you start your first day at the Rio you should plan on beiht there by 0800 and you will meet the supervisor of all the guides in the Zapata area and he will be able to get you set up to fish with one his guides in the Las Salinas area the next day.