What should I bring?

[Big_Paulie]

What sort of tackle is it adviseable to bring to Cayo Coco in May?

I mainly intend to spin using light-ish tackle for any fish that may inhabit areas close to the shore and lagoons/estuaries.

[canuck439]

Paulie.....bring everything you will need down there. There will be no tackle available unless you are on a deepwater charter or something. Great area and great fishing.....especially if you are into flyfishing.

[pmanore]

On my last visit to Varadero, I brought some gear, 2 rods 2 reels and a variety of hooks and lures. My first mistake was that thinking I was Capitain Ahab, most of the lures and hooks were much too big. I went fishing every second day for two weeks. All along the canals and estuaries in the area. I rented the scooters for $20.00 a day, strapped my gear to the moped and took off. Most of the gear I took, I use for catfish, Walley and Pike here in Canada. I was hoping to get something big to lie about when I got home. However these smaller fish would eat the bait around the hook. I ended up taking smaller hooks off Rapalas and baiting them which increased my success. I also went on a catamaran cruise. This was nice because they anchor near reefs for snorkeling and there are many fish. I was pulling all kinds of different species out of the water. (the cuban crew of the boat did not understand the "catch and release" concept). While the catamaran was crusing through narrows between islands I threw out a big Rapala, and got a hit from a Baracuda. Unfortunately it was only on the line for a couple of minutes but it was quite a rush, using a medium action rod with a baitcaster. I ended up giving most of my tacle away to local fishermen I met in my travels. There was a bit of a language barrier but a cooler full of ice cold free beer makes communication much easier. On my next trip I will stock up on line, hooks, and the basics so I can leave it all down there. My understanding of the locals was that the fishing was not for sport but for food. My suggestion is keep it simple and if you can plan on leaving most of your tackle in Cuba.
Regards,
Phil

[jackd]

Good point about tackle size, small fish small hooks, what did you use as bait?

[pmanore]

I was st Sandals all inclusive so I made sure it included my bait. I asked one of the cooks for some raw shrimp, i tipped him $2.00 every time I went out and he would get me about half a pound of shrimp. From the teeth on the fish I caught I think they all eat shrimp. Raw works best, it leaves a much stronger scent trail and attracts fish from farther away. If you are not staying at a resort try one of the local restaurants, They might charge you for the "camarones special" just tell them you want your shrimp raw.
Good luck

Phil

[jackd]

Thanks for the feedback, good thinking on feet ;D. I guess everyone/thing loves shrimp, last year tried roast pork and a few other viandes got a few nibbles. I love the old adage "Bad day fishing is better than a good day of work"