SALTWATER FLY FISHING – JARDINES DE LA REINA - CUBA

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WWMF in Cuba
Saltwater fly-fishing, Cuban Guides...

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Jardines de la Reina - La Tortuga & Live Aboard Yachts

The fly-fishing for Tarpon in Cuba has long been revered as being some of the best anywhere in the world. Sighted fishing for migratory Tarpon combined with superb fishing for Bonefish & Permit and a huge multitude of other species has secured Jardines de la Reina as one of the most exciting and varied saltwater fisheries on offer. Live-aboard boats put anglers ‘on the water’ meaning that fishing time is maximised.

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The Fishing Area - Jardines De La Reina

Named the Queen's Gardens by Christopher Columbus, the Jardines de la Reina ("JDR") is a pristine chain of islands, very similar in nature to the Florida Keys in the USA. The island system runs for more than one hundred miles back to the northwest, from Cuba's southeastern coast. Most of the area fished is forty to fifty miles offshore and has been designated as a Cuban National Park. As such it has been protected from any commercial fishing for decades. With no human habitation Jardines de la Reina is just a huge expanse of saltwater wilderness, offering some of the best-protected and varied saltwater fishing available.

Alongside the superb migratory Tarpon fishing in the 80lb+ range you can expect Bonefish, Permit and just about every other species of fish that one might expect to catch in the Caribbean - Snapper, Jacks, Shark, Barracudas alongside blue-water species that patrol the reef.

The Saltwater Fly-Fishing at Jardines de la Reina

The Jardines de la Reina offers some of the most varied saltwater fishing in the Carribbean with opportunities at ‘everything’. Anglers fishing in the JDR, whether staying at La Tortuga or one of the live-aboard yachts have unlimited access to this protected reserve. Fast flat-bottomed saltwater skiffs allow anglers opportunities to fish the myriad array of mangrove islands, lagoons, flats and reefs along the length of the JDR. To the South a natural coral barrier reef protects white sandy beaches and shelters firm bottomed flats that are ideal for both wading as well as fishing from a skiff. The reef also provides great opportunities for varied species fishing, both with a fly rod and for spinning.

Being located within the fishing area regular lodge fishing hours are extended. Your guide will be on standby from 7 o clock onwards and should you wish to do an early dawn start or a night-time session you just need to ask. With no homely distractions to keep you off the water other than the excellent food this is an angling paradise!

Saltwater Species – On Fly & Spinning

• Tarpon – Tarpon are unquestionably one of the most exciting and challenging of all the game fish that you might catch on a fly rod and Cuba has some of the best sighted flats Tarpon fishing available. Phenomenally strong and acrobatic Tarpon will launch themselves vertically out of the air as soon as they are hooked in an initial bid to shake the hook. Survive the first 5 seconds and you can expect much more of the same combined with powerful runs in the 20 minutes to 2 hours it can take to tame these fish. Migratory Tarpon will increase in numbers from February onwards with May being the peak month and can weigh anything up to and beyond 120lbs.
• Bonefish (Bones) - The ghosts of the flats, Bonefish are the most numerous and popular of all the flats species and offer fantastic sport on a fly rod. Although some saltwater fly-fishermen may consider Bonefish the ‘starter’ species they are at the same time one of the most refined. When hooked in shallow water they will run with a force and vigour that will challenge your confidence in your fishing gear!
• Permit - These are one of the most fickle yet rewarding of all saltwater game fish. Typically identified by their protruding coal black forked tails, good-sized Permit in the 15-45lb range are resident at the Jardines de la Reina in decent numbers. Grand Slams consisting of a Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit in one day are a possibility every week.
• Barracuda, Jack Crevalle & Other Species - Whilst the species above are considered the primary saltwater game fish the flats, creeks, channels and reefs have any number of sporting fish that will compliment any anglers fishing day. Keeping ones nerve and not striking too early as a Barracuda launches from 10-20ft at a surface popper is quite a test. Equally to encounter the brute strength of Jack Crevalle during a feeding spree or sight-fishing for them on the flats is excellent sport. Taking a spinning rod on a boat is highly recommended and can help conjure up all number of species during periods when you would like a break from fly-fishing and can include the hugely powerful Cubera Snapper, Grouper, and sharks.

Bonefish, Tarpon & Permit – The Saltwater Grand Slam

Seasonal Variations

Jardines de La Reina is an all year round fishery however the most favourable weather conditions are from November to August. Temperatures range from 23 C in January to 28 C in August which is the hottest month.

Accommodation Options

There are a number of different accommodation options at Jardines de la Reina ranging from the Tortuga, the original permanently anchored live aboard boat, to a variety of yachts that are available for private hire and are perfect for small to medium-sized groups.

La Tortuga-The center of Operations for the fishing at Jardines de la Reina

La Tortuga - Live Aboard Boat

La Tortuga is the original boat operated by Avalon at the Jardines de la Reina - a large, 110 foot long, double decker floating hotel with seven cabins for guests. It recently received a complete overhaul and is as solid as ever, being made of steel and permanently anchored in a protected channel so that there is no movement. The threat of getting seasick is non-existent. Each cabin has its own shower with hot water, toilet and individually adjustable air-conditioning system. A large air conditioned dining room downstairs with both a foredeck and afterdeck make this a very comfortable home away from home and plenty of space on both the fore and aft decks on which to relax after a days fishing. The Tortuga accommodates up to 14 anglers, two per room.

Group Accommodation-Halcon, La Reina & Caballones Private Hire Yachts

If you are a group of 4 or more than then either the Halcon, La Reina or Caballones will allow your group total exclusivity. These are regular ocean going yachts which can move with you during the course of your fishing trip. Other than the exclusivity travel time to daily fishing areas can be reduced as your yacht will follow your fishing schedule.

• La Reina: 69 ft long live aboard yacht. Room for 8 anglers in 4 cabins with their own bathroom, all with A/C. The guides live aboard La Reina allowing guests complete flexibility and positioning around the Jardines de la Reina throughout their week. Ideal group size is 4 with 2 skiffs.
• Caballones: 75 ft long live aboard yacht. Room for 8 anglers in 4 double rooms and 4 bathrooms, all with A/C. The guides live aboard Caballones although they are accommodated in a totally separate area of the boat. Ideal group size is 6-8 with 3-4 skiffs
• Halcon: 75 ft long refurbished luxury yacht. Room for 8 anglers in 6 cabins with 3 bathrooms, all with A/C. Meals are take on the upper deck which can be open or enclosed depending on the weather. The lower deck has a large open storage area ideal for storing your fishing gear. Halcon has up to 4 skiffs. Ideal group size is 8 anglers and 4 skiffs.

Food & Dining

The cuisine provided on all of the boats is considered by past guests as being outstanding. Menus combine the flair of the best Continental Italian cuisine with traditional Cuban favourites. Fresh fish is on the menu every day along with conch and lobster. You really will feel as if you are staying in the 'Queen’s Garden'. Beverages available on board include a selection of wines, beers, rum and a full selection of soft drinks and bottled water etc.

Good food, rum & cigars – Passport to happiness

US Citizens / Passport Holders

An increasing number of US citizens are enjoying the fishing in Cuba. If you would like to find out more details on how American passport holders can visit Cuba please get in touch.

Alternative Activities - Diving

The diving in the Jardines de la Reina is excellent and there is a full diving program available for anglers who would like to extend there stay for another week. For those anglers who can pull themselves away from the fishing it is possible to arrange individual dives for a morning or afternoon.

Best Time To Go

The best fishing for migratory Tarpon is from March to Late June with the peak migratory Tarpon months being in May. Good varied species fishing can be had throughout the main fishing months from November to August.

If you would prefer to speak to us directly regarding a trip to Cuba, please contact us at the following:

United Kingdom Office:
Justin Maxwell-Stuart
Mobile: +44 (0)7711 519 857
Fax: +44 (0)20 7352 0942
justin@wherewisemenfish.com

United States Office:

US Country Code: +1
Telephone: 646 797 2945
info@wherewisemenfish.com

Or alternatively email us via our Booking Enquiries Form to request more information.

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