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Fishing in Cuba with Roxtons
Halcon is a 67ft long luxury cruiser yacht and is the ideal base from which to explore the amazing Jardines de La Reina archipelago.
Taken as a private yacht by a group, rather than for individual rods, she takes a maximum of 8 guests but 6 is the ideal number in order for the whole party to get the best out of the trip.
Every day, whilst you are fishing the extraordinarily productive flats, Halcon will move to a different mooring destination so that you spend each night in a new location. Not only is this very interesting but it means that you can access parts of the archipelago that from a moored platform are too far away to access.
Halcon is a unique experience and rods who have fished from her once cannot wait to return.
The Jardines de La Reina offer fabulous saltwater fishing on over eighty miles of fantastic flats and mangrove keys. By chartering the exclusive motor yacht Halcon you can discover as much of this rich paradise as you wish. The advantage of this is that unlike La Tortuga, Halcon is not moored in a particular place but instead is able to cruise the entire length of the archipelago in search of new waters.
With three skiffs towed behind the boat you can find flats which are rarely fished throughout the year where bones and tarpon feed, unfamiliar to the fly. It is up to you where you go in the week, how long you stay in one location, what species you wish to target and indeed how much fishing you want to do. In effect you are able to write your own programme and there is no other premier saltwater destination where an arrangement such as this is available to guests.
As well as the wonderful array of flats that one can either wade or pole, depending on preference, we fish an amazingly productive reef for a range of species that makes the mind boggle; grouper, bonito, barracuda, jacks and snapper are ever present and all will come readily to a well presented fly. The trolling can also provide some extraordinary fishing with yellowfin tuna, kingfish, wahoo and shark being just some of the fish that will test your tackle to its limit.
To get the most out of Jardines de La Reina with a small party, Halcon is ideal. With all the extras the boat offers, from diving to waterskiing and of course the fishing in often uncharted waters, this private charter with air-conditioned rooms offers that little bit more when it comes to the world of saltwater fly fishing in Cuba.
Halcon was built in the United Kingdom and provides the ideal mobile base from which the skiffs can access the fishing. Below decks there are six bedrooms and three bathrooms. Two rooms to the fore offer single occupancy and two bunks in the middle are ideal either for singles or pairs of rods whilst, at the aft there are two double-bedded cabins.
Most suited to six guests she can take eight without feeling cramped should the party be slightly larger. Upstairs is a large air-conditioned saloon with ample room for relaxing as well as the bar where cocktails are served and ideal for sundowners after a day on the flats; the barman will be waiting with a refreshing mojito to enjoy as you step from your skiff. For fishing, Halcon has three skiffs and guides, however, if the party is bigger than six, extra can be provided.
Beer, soft drinks, wine and rum are available on board. Guests should settle their bar bill in Convertible Pesos prior to departure. Tonic is also available, but you should bring your own gin and any other spirits that you may want.
Towels and soap are supplied and there is a limited laundry service available during your stay. All meals are included and the excellent food concentrates primarily on fish, shellfish, pasta and salad.
Rod and Reel
The ideal rod for bonefishing in Cuba is a 9ft 8 weight with a robust reel constructed from a non-corrosive metal such as aluminum with good smooth drag control. The reel should hold at least 150 yards of backing. You should ensure that you have a spare rod in case of breakage as well as a spare reel and spools in case of accidents.
If you are going to be targeting tarpon, these immensely powerful fish require a 9ft, 10 to 12 weight fly rod, outfitted with a good quality tarpon reel.
Lines
High visibility weight forward lines compensate for the ever-present trade winds and can be seen in the air or on the water in bright light. Take an extra fly line just in case the first suffers damage. For tarpon and permit fishing you should also have an intermediate line as well.
Nylon
Leaders should be 9 to 12ft, tapered clear nylon with tippet between 5 lbs. and 10 lbs. Ensure that you carry plenty with you. Most tackle stores stock excellent pre-tied bonefish leaders.
Flies
Below is a list of some of the flies we recommend:
Bonefish flies
- Pop's Bonefish Bitters
- Pop's Egghead Bitters
- To-Dy-For (small unweighted shrimp pattern)
- Gotcha, Horror, baited Breath
- Crazy Charlies - white, pink, brown
- Raghead Crab
- Various small shrimp and crab patterns
Permit Flies
- Del Brown's Permit Crab
- Raghead Crab
- McCrab
- Various other crab patterns
Tarpon Flies
- Apte style tarpon flies
- Cockroach, black & purple, orange & black, red & black
- Dark colors tend to be better in the early morning and brighter colors work best when it is bright
The list is endless and will depend to a large extent on the kind of flat you are fishing, its background colour and depth.
Other Items
Polarised Sunglasses
Lightweight long sleeved shirts
Lightweight long trousers/shorts
Wide brimmed hat
Wading shoes with socks
Lightweight sweater or fleece
Lightweight rain jacket
The city of Havana offers a great insight into the mixed colonial past of the island. 'Colonial decay' is the best way to describe it and a tour of the old quarter in either a horse-drawn carriage or on foot is a must. Cigars, chrome plated cars and the last vestiges of Castro's empire are experiences that should be at the top of any traveller's wish list.
Halcon is fully equipped for diving and this is included in the package. A fully qualified dive master is onboard, able to take guests both snorkelling and diving and to give lessons to those who want to see first hand the vast wealth of marine life that abounds in the park.
The reef is truly stunning and the number of wrecks along the seaward coast provide a refuge for every colour, shape and size of fish.
Season
The season for fishing in Cuba runs from October until the end of July each year.
Time Difference from GMT
- 5 hours
Electricity
Halcon has both 220 and 110 volt 2 prong plugs so Europeans will need converters and an adapter.
Currency
The national currency is the Cuban Peso (pesos cubanos) however, most, if not all of your transactions will be in Convertible Pesos (CVP's). It is now illegal to use US$ Dollars in Cuba to purchase anything from bars and shops. You can only obtain CVP's in Cuba, the best place being at the exchange counter at the airport or from branches of CADECA (CASA DE CAMBIO) which are located in Havana and around the country. It is advisable to take UK Sterling or Euros to exchange as there is a penalty for exchanging US$. 1CVP is equal to US$1.
Most travellers cheques and credit cards are accepted at the hotels except those issued by American banks i.e. American Express and Diners Club.
Tips
Whilst in Havana, you will find that the majority of hotels are all-inclusive and additional gratuities are at your discretion. Tips are discretionary and should be regarded as a bonus for exceptional service. As a guideline we recommend approximately 100 CVP's per person to the guide and 75 CVP's per person for the boat staff. It is usual if you are fishing on your own to double the amount for your guide. If you dive or night fish then a gratuity to the dive master or guide would be most welcome (CVP20 is normal)
Visa Requirements
Tourist card available through Roxtons. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your return home. A tourist visa is compulsory for entry to Cuba. This is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival. You need to hand in your Tourist Card on check-in along with your tickets and passport. Whilst you are in Cuba you must retain the tear-off part of the Tourist Card given to you by customs as you will require this on departure from Cuba.
Medical Requirements
At present there are no mandatory vaccination requirements for those travelling to Cuba. However we recommend that you check with your doctor prior to departure to receive the most up to date health information.
Insects
Whilst on the flats you are unlikely to encounter mosquitoes. However, when pursuing tarpon in the mangroves and aboard Halcon in the evening or on a still night you may find mosquitoes early on in the season, we would advise that you carry insect repellents such as Jungle Formula.
Recommended Reading
- Fly fishing in Saltwater by Lefty Kreh
- Fishing the Flats by Lefty Kreh & Mark Sosin
- Bonefishing with the Fly by Randall Kaufman
- Fly fishing for Bonefish by Dick Brown
- Fly fishing the flats by Barry and Cathy Beck
Depart London, UK for Havana
On arrival in Jose Marti International airport, a representative of Avalons will meet you. You will then transfer to your hotel and will be required to cover the cost of the taxi.
On departure from the International airport you will be required to pay departure tax of 25 Convertible Pesos.
Enquire now
Call one of our consultants to book now:
+44 (0)1488 689 788
Or alternatively fill in this short enquiry form and we'll get back to you shortly:
Our View
Perfect for groups of friends or families wanting privacy and a fantastic fishing and diving holiday.
Price Guide
Prices start from £17,250 for the entire boat for 6 people with 6 days fishing excluding international flights.
Availability
Please contact us regarding availability for this venue
