CUBA: april 24th to may 2nd 2026

Cuba is definitely the best fly fishing destination in the Caribbean if you are looking for LOTS of nice bonefish, big permit, and the hungriest tarpon ever! I’ve been to numerous places/countries (Belize, southern Mexico, FL Keys, numerous islands in the Bahamas etc) and none can compete with the fly fishing in Cuba. We are going to Las Salinas in 2026, which offers great bonefish and permit, as well as more tarpon than most all other destinations in Cuba. I love this beautiful area, and the opportunity to catch more species and more of each than most anywhere else in the world. The baby tarpon fishing rivals anything in the world as you can catch double digits in a day with most over 10 pounds, but you also have the chance to catch tons of bonefish, permit, snook, jacks and more all in the same day! In late April we will also have migratory tarpon up to 100 pounds around, with plenty in the 40-60 pound range which are the most fun to me as you don’t have to spend 30+ minutes fighting them.

Las Salinas is a destination near the small town of Playa Larga on Caletón Beach situated at the southern edge of the Zapata Peninsula, one of Cuba’s most ecologically rich and protected areas. Nestled along the Bahía de Cochinos (Bay of Pigs), this region is known for its expansive flats, winding mangrove channels, and crystal-clear lagoons. As part of the Ciénaga de Zapata National Park, commercial fishing is strictly prohibited, preserving a vast and unpressured fishery. The designated fly-fishing zone spans an extensive area, ensuring each skiff has ample water to explore on any given day. The result is a pristine and biologically diverse ecosystem, unlike many other locations in the Caribbean, where overfishing has significantly impacted fish populations.

The Fishing

The Las Salinas fly fishing experience embodies the essence of an unspoiled saltwater paradise—healthy fish populations, impressive sizes, and waters that remain largely untouched by angling pressure. Set against the backdrop of lush mangroves, expansive flats, and the clear waters of the Bay of Pigs, this destination offers an unforgettable fishing adventure.

Bonefish thrive in this habitat, averaging 3 to 5 pounds, with larger specimens in the 8 to 10-pound range making frequent appearances throughout the week. Tailing bonefish are a common sight, whether in singles, pairs, or large, energetic schools cruising the shallows.

Tarpon fishing in Las Salinas is another major highlight, with juvenile tarpon holding in the mangrove-lined channels and larger migratory fish appearing in greater numbers starting in April. Anglers have lots of chances at the juvenile tarpon that range from 5 - 20 pounds, and in late April we’ll have a strong chance of targeting some migratory tarpon ranging from 30 to some over 100 pounds. In addition to bonefish, permit, and tarpon, other prized species include snook, mutton snapper, jack crevalle, cubera snapper, barracuda, and more.

What sets Las Salinas apart is the remarkable opportunity to target resident permit in the lagoon consistently, a dream for dedicated saltwater anglers. When the tides are high you will find more Permit on the interior and Oceanside flats. This fishery provides an ideal combination of good sized bonefish and daily encounters with permit, making it a true hotspot for fly fishing enthusiasts. Permit here range from 8 to 30+ pounds, and the shallow, protected waters of the Zapata Peninsula create the perfect conditions for spotting and presenting flies to these elusive fish. For anglers seeking the ultimate challenge of catching a permit on the fly, Las Salinas stands out as one of the top destinations in the world.

The flats of Las Salinas are characterized by a mix of shallow sand and turtle grass, with 8 slightly deeper channels, known as Las Bocas, running through the mangroves. This variety creates prime habitat for both bonefish and permit year-round, ensuring excellent numbers of fish regardless of the season.

The fishing grounds extend throughout the Bay of Pigs and the nearby protected waters of the Zapata Peninsula, offering an incredible range of flats and backcountry fishing. The average boat run to prime fishing areas is about 15-25 minutes, though in some cases, fish can be spotted within minutes of leaving the dock. With vast, lightly pressured waters to explore, the experience at Las Salinas is as diverse as it is exhilarating, offering endless opportunities for saltwater anglers.

Included in trip price is 8 nights hotel, 6 days guided fly fishing, all your food and most all your drinks (some alcohol is charged extra but very cheap). We’ll fly to Havana Friday April 24th and get picked up by the classic cars for a tour of Havana and then check into our hotel for the night. Later go out for dinner and drinks with a band at a local restaurant with a cigar presentation and complementary cigars all day/night from our good friend Boris. 2.5 hour private bus ride on Saturday to Playa Larga, then fishing Sunday through Friday and heading back to Havana to fly home Saturday May 2nd. If you can’t fly into Havana on Friday you’ll miss out on a really fun day/night, but can still join us on the fly fishing trip by flying into Havana Saturday late morning.

Double room and double skiff (2 people sharing a room and boat): $4550 per person.

Single room and double skiff (1 person hotel room and 2 sharing the boat): $4950 per person.

Single room and single skiff (solo in the hotel room and the boat to yourself to maximize fishing): $5690 (best price anywhere for single skiff).

All prices are all inclusive (hotel, 3 meals a day and alcohol on the boats and around dinner, although generally people who like to drink more will end up with a $100-$250 bar tab to be paid at the end of the week for better liquor and extra beers later at night.

Call Alex at the shop for more details and to get your spots reserved. 541.973.2988

The Las Salinas Fishing Program

Each morning, after enjoying a hearty breakfast, anglers depart from the sleepy beach community of Caletón to explore the diverse fishing sectors of Las Salinas. The region encompasses a variety of productive areas, including numerous islands, lagoons, and bays, providing an endless playground for fly fishing enthusiasts. Depending on the day’s guide rotation, you may venture to any number of these sectors, each offering unique and rewarding angling opportunities.

Caletón Beach serves as the gateway to some of the most diverse and productive fly fishing waters on the Zapata Peninsula, including the La Salinas flats, the Hatiguanico River, and Las Bocas. The La Salinas flats are vast and pristine, home to large bonefish and a healthy permit population, making it a premier shallow-water fishery. The Hatiguanico River provides a completely different experience, with tarpon patrolling the banks of a pristine and clear jungle river throughout the year. Meanwhile, Las Bocas offers a mix of flats and deeper waters, making it an ideal location for anglers looking to target multiple species in a single outing.

With quick and easy access to these diverse waters, Caletón Beach is more than just a starting point—this is the fishery. Whether you’re stalking tailing bonefish in skinny water, casting to permit on the sand flats, or chasing tarpon through the mangrove-lined channels, each day presents new opportunities in this incredibly productive and untouched fishery.

Caleton Beachfront Accommodations

CLEAN, COMFORTABLE & AUTHENTIC

Tucked along the shores of Bahia de Cochinos (Bay of Pigs), the Casa Particulars of Caletón Beach serves as the ideal gateway to Cuba’s legendary Zapata Peninsula. Positioned just minutes from the renowned flats of Las Salinas and the pristine waters of the Hatiguanico River, these unpretentious yet comfortable retreats offer anglers unparalleled access to one of the most productive fisheries in the Caribbean.

Accommodations along Caletón Beach are simple but private, providing a restful escape after a long day on the water. While the town embraces its rustic charm, guests can enjoy air-conditioned rooms, a beachfront setting, and the relaxed atmosphere of Cuba’s coastal villages. Evenings are spent savoring authentic Cuban cuisine at your Casa Particular and also for some added enjoyment and culture, nearby paladars—small, family-run restaurants serving up freshly caught seafood and local specialties in a warm, welcoming environment.

Just two and half hours from Havana, Caletón Beach offers an effortless transition from Cuba’s vibrant capital to the serene wilderness of the Zapata Biosphere Reserve. Whether chasing bonefish on the flats or exploring the region’s rich natural beauty, this hidden gem places you right in the heart of the action.