CUBA: april 30th to may 8th 2027

We are super pumped to announce our 2027 Cuba trip! As always hosted by Alex Rachowicz, as I don’t miss out on this incredible fishing and amazing country full of great people.

Cuba is definitely the best fly fishing destination in the Caribbean if you are looking for LOTS of nice bonefish, the hungriest tarpon ever, permit, snook, barracuda, big jacks and more! I’ve been to numerous places/countries (Belize, southern Mexico, multiple destinations in Cuba, 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 2027, 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 15 pounds, but you also have the chance to catch tons of bonefish, permit, snook, jacks and more all in the same day! We will also have migratory tarpon up to 100 pounds around, with plenty in the 30-50 pound range which are the most fun to me as you don’t have to spend 30+ minutes fighting them. My group of 12 last year hooked at least 150 tarpon, with at least 8 being over 70 pounds! Biggest one landed was on the flats at about 45 pounds, as all the true sea monsters found a way to shake a hook or break 60 pound test.

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 the highlight to me, with juvenile tarpon holding in the mangrove-lined channels and larger migratory fish appearing in greater numbers starting in April. We’ll see some bigger migratory tarpon on the deeper flats, as well as get everyone who wants to go out on the jungle river that has the best tarpon fishing I’ve ever seen (as well as snook). We hooked most all of the 70 plus pounders in the river, and several of the days had 40+ tarpon hooked between 2 boats. 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.

This is an all inclusive trip, so the price includes everything except your flights to Havana and tips for the guides. We have different options depending on how many days you want to stay, and whether you want to include an amazing day and night in Havana or just head straight to the fishing. For those wanting the best experience you’ll fly with me to Havana Friday April 30th and get picked up by the classic cars for a tour of Havana, and then check into a famous Old Havana hotel for the night. We’ll have an afternoon cigar presentation and complementary cigars all day/night from our good friend Boris who will escort us around the city with his crew. I like to take an early evening tour in the classic cars of all the famous places Hemingway and others used to eat and drink at, and then go out for a very special dinner that night. The next day we’ll take a 2.5 hour private bus ride to Playa Larga, then fishing Sunday through Friday and heading back to Havana to fly home Saturday May 8th. 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 6 day fly fishing trip by flying into Havana Saturday late morning. There is also the option of coming into Havana Sunday for only 5 days of fly fishing and staying 6 nights.

6 days fly fishing and 7 nights hotel:

Double room and double skiff (2 people sharing a room and boat): $4995 per person.

Single room and double skiff (1 person hotel room and 2 sharing the boat): $5695 per person.

Single room and single skiff (solo in the hotel room and the boat to yourself to maximize fishing): $6495 (best price anywhere for single skiff).

Non Angler: $1500 if your wife wants to come down and relax on the beach

All prices are all inclusive except for tipping the guides and a $300 Marine Conservation Fee per person. The night in Havana is an additional $500 but WELL worth it to experience this amazing city full of history.

5 days fly fishing and 6 nights hotel:

Double room and double skiff (2 people sharing a room and boat): $4195 per person.

Single room and double skiff (1 person hotel room and 2 sharing the boat): $4795 per person.

Single room and single skiff (solo in the hotel room and the boat to yourself to maximize fishing): $5455 (best price anywhere for single skiff).

Non Angler: $1250 if your wife wants to come down and relax on the beach

All prices are all inclusive except for tipping the guides and a $250 Marine Conservation Fee per person. The night in Havana is an additional $500 but WELL worth it to experience this amazing city full of history.

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.