Avalon Cuban Fishing Centers

Avalon Cuban Fishing and Diving Centers wish you Happy New Year Eve

2011-12-30T14:11:00.005-03:00

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR BOOKING PLEASE CONTACT:

Filippo Invernizzi: Tel: +5492615675576 or filippo.invernizzi@cubanfishingcenters.com

Booking Department:
E-mail: info@cubanfishingcenters .com

Find more information at: www.cubanfishingcenters .com

Skype me: avalonfishing

VIAGGIO IN PREPARAZIONE, CUBA ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD, 2012

2011-06-13T12:58:00.002-03:00

In preparazione per l'anno prossimo ho opzionato per alcuni amici le date dal 25 febbraio al 3 marzo 2012 a cui ovviamente vanno aggiunti i tempi per gli spostamenti aerei; ma ci sono ancora dei posti liberi per chi si voglia unire a noi.

Il luogo è una splendida isola caraibica da cui quotidianamente si parte con le tipiche flat boats per la pesca a spinning ( o volendo a mosca ) tra immense flats, labirinti di mangrovie e reef profondi di corallo, con infinite possibilità di pesca.

Si possono insidiare dal classico bonefish, presente in quantità incredibili, allo snook in mangrovia, al tarpon a vista, ai carangidi, snappers, barracuda e cernie in mille situazioni differenti. Il massimo della sfida è rappresentato dalle enormi cubere abbondantemente presenti e praticamente non pescate in quanto finora la maggior parte dei pescatori è arrivata munita di canna da mosca.

Io mi ci sono recato a febbraio scorso e me ne sono innamorato, in tre giorni di pesca abbiamo girato tantissimo materiale di documentario e preso numerosisssimi pesci; ci siamo dedicati alla pesca medio leggera, come da report: http://thevagabondfisherman.blogspot.com/2011/03/quick-report-filming-at-la-isla.html , ma una piccola esplorazione oltre il reef mi ha messo di fronte a un ambiente stupendo da affrontare per la ricerca della rossa di grande taglia.

L'organizzazione è Avalon , sicuramente la migliore in Cuba e tra le migliori su cui mi sia appoggiato in tanti anni di viaggi per il mondo; ciò significa trattamento e professionalità impeccabili e qualità della pesca ottima con un prezzo decisamente modesto per quanto ricevuto.

Contrariamente a tanti viaggi tropicali è perfetto per chi inizia, non serve comprare l'attrezzatura pesante stile pesca al GT, a meno che non ci si voglia dedicare espressamente alle cubere; basta un'attrezzatura mediterranea o poco più, la vostra canna da pesci serra e quella da leccia costituiranno una validissima accoppiata.

Per dare qualche dettaglio in più, due canne sui 7 piedi con grammatura lanciabile di 30-40 la prima e 60-80 la seconda, abbinate a trecciati da 30 e 50 libbre, permetteranno di affrontarte il 90% delle situazioni di pesca.

Se poi all'ottima pesca in ambienti stupendi aggiungete anche un ottimo albergo e la possibilità di godere della vita notturna locale, tra cibi tipici e musica caratteristica, il tutto annaffiato da dei buoni mojitos, ci sono i presupposti per una vacanza indimenticabile.

New regulations for US travelers to visit Cuba

2011-05-26T11:48:00.004-03:00

HAVANA - The forbidden fruit is once again available to U.S. travelers. New regulations promulgated by the Barack Obama will expand access to communist Cuba, already one of the favorite destinations of tourists from other countries.

Within months or maybe weeks, thousands of Americans may be shaking their hips in the nightclubs enjoying the famous tropical and pure, without having to pass surreptitiously through a third country and risking the wrath of the Treasury.

"With this, almost any American can travel to Cuba," said Tom Popper, director of Insight Cuba, which brought thousands to the island before these programs were frozen for seven years.. More info

NUEVAS NORMAS PERMITEN MAS TURISMO DE EEUU A CUBA

LA HABANA -- El fruto prohibido vuelve a estar al alcance de los viajeros estadounidenses. Nuevas normas promulgadas por el gobierno de Barack Obama ampliarán el acceso a la Cuba comunista, que ya es uno de los destinos favoritos de turistas de otros países.

Dentro de meses o acaso semanas, miles de estadounidenses podrían estar meneando las caderas en los clubes nocturnos tropicales y saboreando los famosos puros, sin tener que pasar subrepticiamente por un tercer país y correr el riesgo de provocar la ira del Tesoro.

"Con esto, casi cualquier estadounidense puede viajar a Cuba", dijo Tom Popper, director de Insight Cuba, que llevó a miles a la isla antes de que esos programas fuesen congelados hace siete años.. Mas info

Grand Slam Wizard in Cayo Largo!!!

2011-04-18T16:14:00.004-03:00

Apparently the spirits of fisheries heard the prayer of our friend Andrea, after failed attempts to realize the Grand Slam, came to our wizard to guide the energies and finally achieving its mission, the photos do not lie, no doubt the method was effective and we have a new member of the now large group of fishermen who managed the trilogy!

Havana good time - fly fishing Cuba

2011-03-30T12:28:00.003-03:00

I just got back from my first long-awaited trip to Cuba to sample the flats fishing in the Jardines de la Reina region, leading a group of UK anglers in conjunction with the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT).. see full article here

Cayo Largo, February 2011

2011-03-01T11:27:00.004-03:00

Hola Mauro & Matias!

Here is my fishing report and pictures of the grand slam attatched+picture of a jack crevalle. If you wish you can use it one your website.

"It was fantastic to arrive in Cuba and get away from the cold winter and snow storm in Norway in february. I went to Cayo Largo with my family, and we had a fantastic holiday!

The hotel grounds at Sol Cayo Largo are beautiful, the beaches lovely and the food suprisingly good for Cuba. We also had terrific days in Havana, renting an old Dodge 56-model with driver and tourist guide one of the days, driving around for hours seeing this exciting city. Wife and kids were enjoying themselves in Cayo Largo and on top of that - fishing was excellent! The flats are so full of life, and it`s almost stunningly beautiful out there. The water was crystal clear. The flats were full of sharks, rays, we saw turtles, dolphins and of course a lot of fish.

The first three days were good for bonefish and tarpon, but we hadn`t seen any permit.

On day four that changed. I think it was in zone 2. The wind was strong and we drifted with the wind looking for mud and rays with following permit. I was armed with my 10 wt Helios and Mauros "Avalon Fly" which is the main fly for permit. The first permit followed the fly, on the second one the cast was slightly to much to the left, and a big bonefish took it instead. On the third try it all came together. My guide Pedro said: "No panic, it`s permit, 50 meters 9 o`clock.

Some long seconds later the cast was spot on the ray, I twitched the fly a couple of times, and took a long strip and it was permit on! Not the biggest one, but my first permit, and it was actually the first day i had ever seen a permit! The guide was shouting and after some nervous minutes I could hold the permit up in front of the camera. We continued fishing for permit another hour or so, and then went to the mangrove for an easy baby tarpon. The smallest one of a school took the Puglisi streamer, and after a few jumps it was in the boat, and I had a Grand Slam, and before lunch! We went looking for snook, but it got really cloudy. We drifted along the shore from Punta de leste (the point of the island) but never saw a snook. After a couple of hours we tried instead to get a bigger tarpon, I jumped two of reasonable size, but lost them. Anyway I had the grand slam, and we went back to the lodge for drinks.

The bonefish were all of good size between 4 and 8 ib. There were not so many tarpon around, but I jumped several both on the flats and in the channels. The intermediate line was very helpful in the channels. The puglisi streamers worked good for tarpon. The fishing for jack crevalle was also really exciting. Sight fishing for strong jacks on the flats outside Punta de Leste was challenging. The jacks are superstrong, and to have the opportunity to sight fish for jacks is amazing! In the mangrove I caught a big jack which gave us a lot of trouble. After a long run the line was stuck in the mangrove in five places! Pedro did a heroic effort, and we finally got the fish!

All in all it was a fantastic holiday in Cayo Largo. Mauro was very friendly and had a lot of tips and knowledge which he shared willingly. The lodge was very nice, and Mauro runs a very professional organization with excellent staff and guides. My regards to guides Pedro and William who are terrific guys!

We hope to get back again!"

Best regards

Askill Sandvik

Kristiansund

Norway

MORE THAN 150 GRAND SLAMS WITH AVALON FLY!!!!

2011-02-28T12:45:00.001-03:00

Amazing, Avalon Fly continues giving huge rewards to fishermen visiting Cuban waters, and have overcome incredible mark of 150 grand slams with this awesome fly, and week after week this number increases, the fishing is better than ever, guides and fishermen continue to surprise with the results of this model. Hope to see you soon to test this unbelievable Permit fly and to enjoy our 9 different locations along the Cuban South Coast

Avalon, Cuban Fishing Centers staff

cubanfishingcenters.com
www.facebook.com/avalonfly

Avalon Welcomes Three Generations

2011-02-25T11:39:00.002-03:00

Jack Bramm, of Toronto, is seen here with his son and grandson aboard Avalon Fleet1 this February. Son John Bramm was on his third trip with Dad, while grandson James Watts experienced his first-ever saltwater angling experience. Jack first fished with Avalon on the Tortuga in 1997, and since then has visited both Jardines de la Reina and Isle de la Juventud many times.

Fishing Cayo Largo, an experience for a lifetime

2011-02-03T11:49:00.002-03:00

Hi Matias, I am Monica Gallagher's partner. Monica invited me to join her at your fishing center in Cayo Largo Cuba as a Christmas present. She has been inspired by my passion for fly fishing, and in the world of catch and release she truly is a "keeper". The trip was a complete surprise and when I was told that we were to spend the third week of January fishing there I was stoked. The experience far surpassed my expectations. As a fly fisher who lives in the mountains north of Montreal Canada I felt totally at home in what is really a Caribbean wilderness. Hunting for bonefish and permit on the vast flats surrounding the archipelago was as magical as it was amazing. I had heard that bones spook easily, actually they do not stand a chance when stalked by our guide George. We could see the fish, but only after he had smelled them I am sure. George put us on fish after fish and was relentless in his enthusiasm to do so. Whether it was from the deck of the flats boat or wading pristine white sand in the middle of nowhere...the only other living thins we saw besides fish were sea birds,.... (and iguanas who were very willing to share our lunch.) we were given the opportunity to hook up with some very strong fish. On my third cast i was into a 6 lb. bonefish and it only got better!!

Although I missed my chances on a number of shots at permit I am inspired and determined to return to "dance" with those incredible fish. They won't be so lucky next time!! I have grand slam fever, and
it feels good.

Mauro Ginevri was a most gracious and knowledgeable host who willingly shared the secrets of fly fishing in Cuba. He is a true master of hospitality and the art of fly fishing, and the facilities and boats were exceptional.
As all of your guests on Cayo Largo we stayed at the Sol Cayo Largo hotel.
Like anywhere else I have visited on the planet, the people make the difference.. even in paradise,... and that is where the Cuban people shine, I hold a heartfelt admiration and kind-ship with them.

Thank you for everything.
Good angling,
Jim Iredale
Mont-Tremblant Quebec Canada

Avalon CFC is now available also in your smartphone

2010-11-10T13:42:00.002-03:00

From this month, stay always connected with Avalon Cuban Fishing Centers, also from your smartphone. Our new and updated version, designed for all smartphones, will allow you to check last minutes, news or special offers everytime you want and where ever you are.

For more information:

cubanfishingcenters.com

AVALON FLY minisite

2010-10-05T12:37:00.002-03:00

AVALON FLY
Our Avalon Fly minisite is on line, be a fan of this site and discover the most effective patters for Permit, Tarpon and other saltwater species.
For more information: http://www.facebook.com/avalonfly

WOMEN'S WEEK

2010-09-30T15:33:00.005-03:00

WOMEN'S WEEK

March 05 - 11, we want every woman to discover our destinations, that's why we offer a very special discount of 30% on our catalog rates for groups of women looking to fish primetime aboard Tortuga floating hotel in Jardines de la Reina.

http://cubanfishingcenters.com/ask-for-lastminute.php

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR BOOKING PLEASE CONTACT:
Filippo Invernizzi: Tel: +5492615675576 or filippo.invernizzi@cubanfishingcenters.com

Booking Department:
E-mail: info@cubanfishingcenters .com
Find more information at:www.cubanfishingcenters .com

Skype me: avalonfishing

AVALON'S CRAZY OFFER FOR ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD!!!

2010-09-08T14:03:00.004-03:00

AVALON'S CRAZY OFFER FOR ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD!!!
January / April 2011

No excuses!!! Guys from Avalon are driving crazy!! They are offering unbeatable rates for Isle of the Youth, on bookings between January 02 and April 01, 2011. They bring the following alternatives, each of them guarantees same Avalon`s quality, prepare your rods and cast for tarpons, snooks, huge bonefish, jacks and other challenging reef species in this outstanding Caribbean destination.

DON'T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY OF ENJOYING AN EXPERIENCE FOR A LIFETIME ON THIS DESTINATION.
If you want to receive our Special Offers enter here
http://cubanfishingcenters.com/last-minute-special-offers.php

INTERNATIONAL FLY TACKLE DEALER 2010
Avalon will be visiting the Fly Fishing Retailer show in Denver, hope to see our fishing friends on this fantastic event, to talk about your next Cuban visits

September 9th - 11th Colorado Convention Center Denver, CO
Show Hours:
Thursday, September 9, 2010
9:00am - 6:00pm
Friday, September 10, 2010
9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday, September 11, 2010
9:00am - 4:00pm

For more information:
http://cubanfishingcenters.com/shows.php

Find more information at: http://cubanfishingcenters.com/
or contact us: info@cubanfishingcenters.com

Avalon Cuban Fishing and Diving Centers
September 7 at 3:25pm Reply

Fishing Tortuga Late July

2010-08-25T16:10:00.004-03:00

Hello Matias, we certainly had a great time… We will be back, just time and of course business will dictate when we can come back of course ;-))

Your guides and staff were great on the boat and skiff. Andreas was really great and the food accommodation was good and clean. The only thing we found is that CUBA was expensive. They have TWO currencies, and the Cuban Negotiable currency which was equivalent to a US dollar we found things to be very expensive more so than the united States…

The only thing really for us that was NEW! is that the gratuity is fairly high and is expected and is part of the package. It is already expensive for us to travel from the other side of the world to get there.. HOWEVER I note that this is your custom there and of course we understand people live off their gratuities.

We did have a great time and enjoyed every minute of it, the guides and staff were great. We will be back definitely. We would like to thank you and the staff for a wonderful trip.

AVALON “INTERNATIONAL” FLY

2010-08-17T15:15:00.001-03:00

Nuestro amigo y representante en Chile, Cristián Rodríguez de Fly Fishing the Run nos ayudo a comprobar que la mosca AVALON no solo es exitosa con los elusivos PERMIT en CUBA, es INTERNACIONAL.

Todo o nada ¡¡¡¡¡ mientras pescaba en Yucatán México, dispuesto a confirmar que toda la experiencia técnica y practica que tomo años en el desarrollo de la Avalon Fly no se limitaba a Cuba. Solo fueron necesarios unos cuantos lances para comprobarlo. Las imágenes hablan por si solas. La Avalon fly es un “candy para permit”. Los invito a probarla.

Cristián Rodríguez O.
Fly Fishing the Run

AVALON “INTERNATIONAL” FLY

Our friend and representative in Chile, Cristián Rodríguez owner of Fly Fishing the Run, helped us to verify that the Avalon fly is not only successfully with the elusive PERMIT in CUBA, is INTERNATIONAL .

“All or nothing ¡¡¡¡¡ while fishing in Yucatan Mexico, ready to confirm that all technical and practical experience that took years in the development of Avalon Fly not only limited to Cuba. Only a few cast were needed to check it. The pictures speak for themselves. AVALON FLY is a International “permit candy”. Try it ¡¡¡¡

Cristián Rodríguez O.
Fly Fishing the Run

GRAND SLAMMING CAYO LARGO

2010-08-11T16:05:00.002-03:00

Outstanding!!!!.. Between July 29 and August 04 (6 fishing days), 8 Grand Slams and 3 Super Grand Slams were achieved in Cayo Largo, every Permit was caught using the famous Avalon Fly (more than 150 permits since April 2009 landed with this pattern). Without any doubt, Cayo Largo is the only place in the world where you can make such a record, July and August are TOP months for Permit fishing as experienced anglers say. Jardines de la Reina and Isla de la Juventud are also offering great shots for guests booked there, and South Ana Maria is paradise for anglers looking to combine fly and spin fishing. Hope to see you soon in Cuba!!!!

Visit our website for more information cubanfishingcenters.com

An obsession for Palometas

2010-07-02T10:54:00.002-03:00

Giacomo and I have been severely affected by “Permit Disease” since our first saltwater experience two and one year ago respectively.

The only possible treatment has been going back to Cayo Largo and dedicate all our efforts to catch the elusive fish which was turning itself into a recurrent nightmare for both the two of us.

Day 1 was actually dedicated to tarpons in area 6 with many shots to nice fish. We were both slightly out of training and after a good number of fish jumped we were able to catch one each in the 50-60 lbs range. Some bonefish and large mutton snappers in beautiful spawning dress were also part of the catch of the day.

Weather conditions worsened on Day 2, and we started fishing for permit with an annoying South/South West wind and many clouds limiting visibility.

After several casts to little cooperative palometas, a much faster, large bonefish was the only catch, while the rising wind made it clear that there were very few remaining chances to catch a permit on that day.

William, my great guide, told me to adjust my stripping speed for a final cast to a ray he spotted upwind. After a tremendous poling into a 30 knots wind, William deserved a perfect cast on such a fish. I was completely huddled up to limit any wind resistance when he shouted: “Stand up and cast 20 meters, 11 o’clock”. I could see neither the ray nor the fish and the cast was far from perfect. “Too short, recast to your right!” he cried. I finally saw the ray and made a proper cast. A school of permit started to zig-zag following my Avalon fly and finally one took it. I could not believe it: I finally had a permit on the hook burning my backing in fire.

After the most cautious retrieve I have ever made, 15 minutes later I was able to raise my first permit.

William was then able to take me close to some mangroves and 1 hour and 3 jumped baby tarpons later, I managed to strike my first Grand Slam, which turned into a Super Grand Slam when a suicide snook ate my brownish Puglisi fly.

By 2:30 PM we were back to the lodge watching Spain playing against Honduras on TV.

Day 3 was a tough one for the wind, but Rigo and William were both able to put us in the condition to have some nice shots to permits. Bonefish were however much faster to grab the fly. My major regret was a frankly poor cast to a fantastic school of Permit in tailing: it was a once in a lifetime situation where the fish were in a high eating mood, in competition for food, but I spooked them with a slightly too long cast.

Day 4. Despite some good casting to schools of permit in mudding or single fish on rays, I caught some faster large bonefish and a fierce horseye jack. Giacomo, after a good number of shots to several palometas, finally found the right fish. First cast: nothing, second cast: nothing, last cast (probably not the best one): fish on! Giacomo finally got his much deserved permit. During the following two hours a not so small baby tarpon and a bonefish allowed Giacomo to strike his first Grand Slam.

Day 5. Off zone 1 looking for palometas. Giacomo immediately caught a nice macabi and few minutes later hooked a fantastic permit in the 15-20 lbs range. A tarpon allowed him to score his second Grand Slam in two days. William and I took quite a while to spot some rays. then suddenly we started to come across several palometas. After at least 7 shots I managed to hook one at less than 3 meters from the boat, after having stripped my Avalon fly for more than 20 meters in front of the nose of a darting and zipping 15-20 lbs fish.

45 minutes later a bonefish and a not-so-baby-tarpon completed the Grand Slam. The final cast was for a snook that seemed to really have a taste for brownish Puglisi flies.

Day 6. An approaching storm, threatening to turn into hurricane Alex didn’t let us go out for fishing, it was too risky.

What to say: one of the best fishing weeks we could ever imagine has come to an end. 2 Grand Slams and 2 Super Grand Slams in two in 5 fishing days is much more than we hoped. Despite difficult weather conditions, Cayo Largo once again far exceeded expectations.

Thanks William and Rigo for your experience, talent, suggestions, help and patience, thanks Mauro for your perfect organization and hospitality and thanks you all for making a dream come true.

See you soon

Cesare & Giacomo

Cayo Largo, 19 to 26 June 2010

7 Grand Slams with Avalon Fly

2010-06-16T13:47:00.007-03:00

Amazing!!! Avalon Fly continues surprising us, 7 Grand Slams in Jardines de la Reina and Cayo Largo, We have landed more than 100 permits with this fly in only one year of testing it, please visit our website for more information cubanfishingcenters.com

Amazing fishing week in Jardines de la Reina, Cuba

2010-06-07T11:40:00.002-03:00

Mon nom est Mario Viboux et je suis chroniqueur de pêche à la mouche pour différents magazines de langue française publiés au Québec (Canada) et en Bretagne (France). C’est à ce titre que j’ai été invité par Avalon pour un séjour de pêche d’une semaine dans les Jardines de la Reina. Cette expérience m’a littéralement subjugué et depuis, je le dis sans hésiter, cet endroit est carrément le paradis terrestre ! Malgré une météo abominable, nous avons vu des dizaines de permits, des centaines de bonefish et toute une ribambelle de tarpons chaque jour ! D’ailleurs, j’ai capturé mes premiers tarpons à vie, j’ai croisé le fer avec d’innombrables bonefish et j’ai eu des « shots » parfaites sur de magnifiques permits. Il faut dire que j’étais guidé par une véritable légende vivante, Coki, qui m’a appris sur la pêche en eau salée comme personne. Il est aussi un excellent photographe, véritable artiste de la caméra et grâce à lui, j’ai des photos exceptionnelles pour illustrer le reportage qui sera publié dans « l’Annuel du Pêcheur Québécois 2011 » que je vous invite à lire. Un dernier petit mot au sujet de la vie de château qui règne sur la Tortuga, le bateau où je résidais durant mon séjour… café au lit tous les matins, réseau WiFi, repas somptueux et chaque soir, en rentrant de la pêche, un mojito bien frais qui nous attendait sur le pont. Quoi demander de plus ?

Je veux remercier M. Filippo Invernizzi pour cette opportunité unique, mon guide Coki qui m’a enseigné tout ce qu’il faut savoir, l’équipe de la Tortuga qui m’a « traité aux petits oignons » et Norberto, mon partenaire de pêche qui a été de très bonne compagnie. Je m’en voudrais de ne pas remercier mon bon ami Pierre Manseau qui m’a mis en lien avec Avalon. Si vous voulez en savoir plus sur ce séjour de rêve, procurez-vous le prochain « Annuel du Pêcheur Québécois » (mars 2011) et d’ici là, bonne pêche !

English version
My name is Mario Viboux and I am a journalist for various French fly-fishing magazines published in Quebec (Canada) and Brittany (France). It was for that precise reason I was invited to Avalon for a week fishing trip in the Jardines de la Reina. This experience has been overwhelming and since, I say without hesitation, this place is literally heaven on earth! Despite the horrible weather, we saw dozens of Permits, hundreds of bonefish and many tarpons every day! Saying that, I caught the first tarpon of my life, I fought against endless bonefish and I had perfect "shots" on magnificent permits. As well, I must say that I was guided by a living legend, Coki, who taught me about fishing in saltwater like nobody could. He is also an excellent photographer, a true camera artist and thanks to him, I have exceptional pictures to illustrate the article that will be publish in « l’Annuel du Pêcheur Quebecois 2011» that I invite you to read. A last word about the luxurious life that dominates on the Tortuga, the boat where I resided during my stay... coffee in bed every morning, WiFi, extravagant meals and every night, when we got back from fishing, a fresh mojito awaited on the deck. What could be better?

I want to thank M. Filippo Invernizzi for this unique opportunity, my guide Coki who taught me everything there is to know, the Tortuga team who treated me like royalty and Norberto, my fishing partner who was very good company. I also absolutely have to thank my good friend Pierre Manseau, who put me in acquaintance with Avalon. If you want to know more about this dream escape, get the next « Annuel du Pêcheur Quebecois » (march 2011) and until then, good fishing!

MAY 2010, GRAND SLAM MONTH IN AVALON!!!

2010-06-04T13:15:00.007-03:00

May, as usual, was a fantastic month in our destinations, 10 Grand Slams and 5 Super Grand

Slams were achieved, Permits were really active, lots of them hooked but lost, as well as snooks.

Tarpon fishing in Jardines and Isla de la Juventud was also great, lots of them between 60lb and 80lb, large schools of more than 50 tarpons each, big bonefish, jacks and cudas. In Cayo Largo size of Tarpons has improved consistently, we predict great fishing months for June and July, hope to see you soon!!!

See the pictures cubanfishingcenters.com

Mike's Grand Slam Present

2010-05-26T12:54:00.004-03:00

Mike from Country Pleasure celebrated his birthday with a Super Grand Slam with the Avalon Fly

An amazing week in Jardines de la Reina

2010-05-19T11:13:00.005-03:00

Filippo and Pepe,

I just wanted to thank you for the most incredible service we have ever seen on any fishing trip we have ever been on.

Tony was the most incredible host as well as a super special thanks must go to Irane, Irane actually made our trip most enjoyable.

WE have never met a more personable guy in our lives. He and Tony are the reason we are coming back besides the Tarpon fishing.

I just wanted to let you know how special the people you have. Joel is an utter delight as well and must be recognized. Thank you very much

and we will see you next year. Irane is our favourite! keep up the good work!

Keep up the most incredible operation in the world and see you next year.

Sean F.

A Grand Slam, a hand caught Bonefish and more

2010-05-11T11:42:00.003-03:00

Another day in paradise started with catching some bonefish wading. As the tide came in Manson then decided to go for permit and we took a shortcut through the mangroves towards the deeper permit area. As the skiff passed through a particularly shallow cut we spooked a large bonefish which, in trying to escape the skiff, ran itself straight up on to a mud flat! The more it panicked and thrashed its tail the further it drove itself onto the mud. We couldn’t reach it by skiff so I jumped in and waded through the deep mud until I reached the fish. As I picked it up to return it to the water, Tamara the marine biologist who was sharing my skiff, quickly snapped the attached picture!

After this eventful start we soon reached the permit area and within 20 minutes I suddenly saw the biggest permit I have ever seen swimming in front of us and moving left of the skiff. I cast the heavy Del Merkin towards it and as soon as it sunk in front of the permit it (amazingly) took immediately. It went off on the most ballistic run imaginable – it was literally like being hooked up to a speed boat. Within seconds more than 100 metres of backing was gone. Behind me I could hear Manson shouting “Huge permit, yes, yes, yes!” as the line hissed through the sea. Then suddenly it was gone and I wound in the line to find a coral cut leader. Manson seemed even more devastated than I as he swore loudly and threw his pole into the water. Soon though he composed himself and came over and shook my hand and with a big smile told me that I had done a perfect shot and that it had been a really big permit. Suddenly, before I even had time to start moping about my loss, Manson yelled at me “Quick grab your tarpon rod – tarpon!” I turned to see a school of tarpon heading directly for us! I furiously ripped off line and shot the fly into the middle of the school. One strip, two strips and then suddenly the water erupted as the tarpon smashed into the fly. Luckily it didn’t jump immediately and I had time to set the hook with three really hard strip strikes before it left the water for the first time. After a few minutes of spectacular jumping the tarpon was boated and quickly released.

Knowing there were permit in the area we then spent the next couple of hours desperately trying to get a Grand Slam. We did see a couple more permit but both of these disregarded the fly in the more typical permit fashion!

As the tide changed Manson decided the chance of a permit had passed for the day and we went back to bonefishing this time catching a good number from the skiff. The time to head back to Tortuga soon came round and Manson started to head reluctantly back. On the way in he lent toward me and said that it could just be worth one quick look if I wanted to at a place he knew where he had seen the odd snook in the past – I think Manson’s desire for a Grand Slam was well and truly inflamed that day – either that or he had a premonition! Never one to turn down an opportunity for more fishing (let alone a crack at a Grand Slam) of course I agreed and a few minutes later we were poling towards some old mangrove roots.

As if it was meant to be, as we approached the very first area of roots, we both immediately spotted a beautiful Snook lying motionless just a yard away from the roots. I cast a small cockroach a couple of feet past but in front of the fish so that as I retrieved it, it would swim directly across the front of the snook. As soon as I started the retrieve the snook kicked itself lazily forward and then suddenly grabbed the fly. As I strip struck all hell broke loose as the fish made a desperate dive for the sanctuary of the roots. With Manson excitedly yelling at me to hold the fish I pulled as hard as I could with the drag clamped down really hard. The fish was so strong it still managed to take line against enormous pressure but I just managed to turn its head enough to stop it plunging into the snag. After a few more desperate struggles I got the fish well clear of the snags wherein it suddenly gave up and came quietly to Manson’s waiting hand. As soon as he grabbed the fish the three of us literally whooped with joy as we knew that, against all odds, we had got a Grand Slam just when we thought our chance had gone.

That evening back at Tortuga I was “King for the Day” as the other anglers got my drinks for me and let me bore them with tails of my near Super Grand Slam, my actual Grand Slam, my hand caught bonefish and the biggest permit I had ever seen. Some day!

Tony B.

CUBA. SPINNING EN JARDINES DE LA REINA - SUR DE ANA MARÍA

2010-05-07T08:52:00.007-03:00

CUBA. SPINNING EN JARDINES DE LA REINA - SUR DE ANA MARÍA
He regresado de Cuba exudando pesca por los cuatro costados. Y vengo entendiendo definitivamente porque los amigos siempre me han hablado con entusiasmo y devoción de la pesca en Jardines de la Reina. He pasado una de las semanas de pesca más fantásticas que recuerdo, 7 días pletóricos de peces, diversión, paz y comodidad. Como quiera que tan formidable hecho posee culpables identificados y responsabilidades achacables, paso a tratarlas una por una cumpliendo de esta manera con el compromiso personal de reportar la experiencia acontecida. En definitiva, yo acuso de habérmelo hecho pasar tan bien a:

La Reserva Natural Marina del Archipiélago de los Jardines de la Reina.
Más o menos a 50 millas de la localidad de Júcaro, en el sur de Cuba, la plataforma continental se eleva, se recubre de sedimentos, se tapiza de coral y mangle y crea un sistema acuático salado de aguas someras y canales que en un área aproximada a los 1000 km2 concentra la vida marina como casi ningún otro lugar de la región caribe. El lugar, bajo protección gubernamental, discrimina la actividad pesquera extractiva (excepto langosta y camarones) a favor del turismo deportivo asociado a la pesca y el buceo. Hay peces por toneladas y la salud del ecosistema es según Fabián Pina, biólogo del parque, mejor cada año. Apunten el comentario que nos dejo el doctor en el viaje de vuelta al puerto de Júcaro: “de alguna manera, el gobierno cubano ha entendido que le es más rentable la explotación de los recursos costeros de Cuba a través del turismo, el ecoturismo y el turismo deportivo que de la clásica extracción de recursos para consumo”.

La Empresa Avalon Fishing Center
Creada y dirigida por un italiano invisible, esta empresa italo-cubana gestiona de manera ejemplar la Reserva Marina de los Jardines ofreciendo los servicios de pesca deportiva, buceo y ecoturismo. Posee una maquinaria logística bien coordinada, con un amplio despliegue de medios náuticos y personal: guías de pesca, monitores, guardas, cocineros, camareros, mantenedores y capitanes que resuelven con prontitud y diligencia cualquier contingencia o inconveniente. Si vas a pescar con un guía de bigotes y se fastidia la lancha, en una hora tienes otra a disposición, si tu guía de mosca se lesiona el costillar con el palanqueo, por la tarde lo reemplaza otra persona de similares conocimientos. Son buenos estos de Avalon. Conocen el trabajo y tienen experiencia.

El Mangle, los Bajíos, el Canto
A los tres escenarios les acuso de divertir y transmitir sensaciones pesqueras de paz, belleza y naturaleza salvaje. Son los ambientes que en Jardines DLR escenifican la pesca a spinning. En los tres se puede pescar durante todo el día sin atisbo de aburrimiento. En los canales de mangle el agua ofrece por lo general una superficie lisa, interrumpida de manera mansa por hilos de corriente. En ellos se disfruta de un silencio magnifico (se navega con la corriente) que solo se rompe cuando algún pez estalla en superficie atacando tu señuelo o algún pájaro estrepitoso chilla desde las ramas. Fuera del mangle y los canales, en los bajíos, el agua transparente deja ver un damero submarino en el que aleatoriamente se alternan arena, tapiz vegetal y roca mientras que en el canto, el bajío se rompe provocando el primer escalón serio hacia el azul profundo. Pescamos las tres áreas en función de la marea y la actividad de los peces. En las tres, la diversión fue idéntica durante toda la semana.

Las Cuberas

Las acuso de no tener piedad, de ensañarse, de generar océanos de adrenalina, de tirarse al popper o al paseante con brutalidad desmedida, de reventarte contra la piedra, de buscar el mínimo resquicio, de arrodillarte llegado el caso y de ser complicadas desde la punta del colmillo hasta el más postrero filamento de la aleta caudal. La cubera grande es la gran Mamma de Jardines, el pez estrella del popping tropical cubano. En toda la semana salieron dos de tamaño mayor, las atrapo mi amigo italiano poniéndoles en contra toda su habilidad y técnica de pelea. Animales majestuosos de entre 20 y 30 kilogramos, que luego de las fotos regresaron a sus pedregales del canto con asombrosa vitalidad. Pero no fueron las únicas que se interesaron por nuestros señuelos. Servidor fue objeto de 7 picadas de cuberas grandes, Nicola otras tantas. Tuve una enganchada brevemente que se soltó, un ataque que detuvo el tiempo al final de un canal al píe de un mangle seco y un contenedor marrón cuesta abajo que se tiró a lo lejos y al que no le hizo falta sacar hilo del carrete para reventar la trenza de 80 libras contra la piedra. La marea jugó a favor de su actividad con la llenante de primeras horas de la tarde aunque al final de la semana la actividad también fue in crescendo a primeras horas de la mañana. Se lo que es pescar GT y la emoción y divertimento que generan, pero lo de la cubera es aún más extremo, es un juego de segundos y también de técnica y habilidad. Hay que ser mucho más rápido y tener todo listo para bombear desde la misma picada, virar la cabeza y alejar al animal de la estructura. Aún con esas, la mayoría de las veces no tienes opción. Popping extremo, todo o nada.

Los Pargos

Les acuso de deportividad extrema. Las dos estrellas son el Pargo criollo (Lutjanus analis) y el Pargo Jocu (Lutjanus jocu). Menudos animales. Peces de 3-4 Kg. que te ponen en un brete incluso con algo tan eficaz para la pesca mediana como la Caranx Medium. Son peleones a más no poder, sacan hilo, buscan la piedra y atacan en superficie con ferocidad superlativa. Es más abundante el Pargo Criollo pero también salieron algunos Jocus de buen tamaño. El paseante de superficie era lo suyo, el zigzag que ondula el agua y emite vibraciones les puede.

Las Barracudas

Nunca he visto una barracuda más agresiva y deportiva que la de Jardines de la Reina, desconozco el porqué. No se si se trata de una cuestión ambiental, si es por competencia territorial, forma de alimentarse o tipo de alimentación, pero tras las cuberas, las picadas más espectaculares las protagonizaron las omnipresentes barracudas. El que las desprecie o les parezca poca cosa, tiene que darse una vuelta por los Bajíos y cantos de Jardines. Incluso utilizando el equipo de popping pesado y manejando uno de esos escandalosos mega poppers, las picadas son en la mayoría de los casos, embestidas que nada tienen que envidiar a atunes, cuberas o Giants Trevallys. Salieron muchas barracudas a lo largo de la semana. La más grande de unos 16 Kg. las demás de entre 5 y 12. No hay dudas. En JDLR, la ferocidad, la picada y la pelea le otorgan a las “picuas” un copyright especial.

El Sábalo
La divinidad que los gobierna debe ser un ente avieso y enrevesado. Menudo coñazo de bicho. En su boca tienen instalado un sistema de plaquetas anti pinchazos que terminan haciendo de su pesca algo tan azaroso como adictivo y desafiante. En cualquier caso, creo que para pescarlos a spinning con un mínimo de corrección es preciso dedicarles tiempo exclusivo durante un par de jornadas. Nosotros los esperábamos en el canto al caer el sol, pero la mayoría de las veces nos sorprendían mientras lanzábamos paseantes en el bajío o la salida de los canales. Y claro, así, sin esperarlos es más difícil culminar la captura. Pegamos unos cuantos y todos terminaron sacándose el anzuelo. Y es que hay un protocolo a aprender cuando se les pesca a spinning en ese tipo de ambientes. Lo ideal es colocar un pequeño jig de Bucktail o pluma con un anzuelo robusto y bien afilado, lanzarles delante, dejarlos que tomen el señuelo y se vuelvan, luego cachetear duro dos o tres veces con la caña baja y seguirles la pelea y los mil saltos con la caña rasa y el freno del carrete colocado en la poca fricción. Así lo explicó y lo llevo a cabo mi compañero de pesca en Jardines y así me lo acabo de aprender yo. Sigo teniéndolos en el debe.

El Macabí
Aprendí tres cosas en relación a ellos. La primera es que son asustadizos y se mimetizan muy bien con el ambiente. La segunda es que sin gafas polarizadas, en los flats más que a pescarlos puedes dedicarte a venderles cupones y la tercera es que vadear en su búsqueda exige algo más que unos simples crocs. A partir de ahí, hay que reconocer que su pesca finesse en el sosiego del bajío posee una belleza que roza lo espiritual. Cañas de acción 10-20 o 10-30, carretes modelo 2000 con 8 libras de trenzado y diminutos grubs de vinilo. Al menos uno pude pelear, uno de buen tamaño que terminó abriendo el anzuelo al cabo de varias potentes y rápidas carreras.

El Caballones, La Nave Nodriza
Al día siguiente de arribar a los Jardines, tras desaparecer la lluvia, empezamos a pescar moviéndonos hacia el sureste hasta llegar a Peralta. Allí, a última hora de la tarde, fondeado y amarrado a un canal de mangle por ambas bandas nos esperaba el que iba a ser nuestro hogar durante 6 días. El Caballones, un barco de dos pisos, cocina-terraza y 4 camarotes dobles que nos proporciono el cobijo y el reposo necesarios para sobrellevar las duras jornadas de lanza y recoge. Para cuatro pescadores el barco es cómodo. Sin lujos, pero sin pegas. Aire acondicionado, baños privados y un espacio terraza superior organizado en torno a una gran mesa donde comíamos y disfrutábamos de las amenas veladas de mojitos y guasa cubana.

Felio, Eric y Diosdado
Ellos eran La tripulación del Caballones puesta a nuestro servicio. Pero en realidad, yo ni me entere. Para mi eran 3 amigos cubanos que compartían barco. Tres buenísimas personas, tranquilas y sencillas que hicieron si cabe, más agradable la pesca y la estancia. Eric el capitán, era el jefe de la operación y la logística, Felio el chico para todo que lo mismo acudía al canto a remolcar tu lancha que preparaba unos mojitos que ya quisiera para sí más de un local de fama y postín. Diosdado era el cocinero, un cocinero abundante, nada exótico pero 100% suculento y nutritivo, como debe ser. Las diferentes maneras de cocinar el pescado y la langosta definen la cocina de a bordo. Rica, rica. Gracias muchachos.

Larry, Dick y Juan Carlos
Los dos primeros eran los mosqueros con los que compartíamos barco. Dos señores mayores canadienses, tranquilotes y afables que rebosan normalidad, educación y simpatía. Sin un pero, sin un inconveniente. Por su parte, Juan Carlos, el guía en las artes del florete pescador, es el chico malo. La mente macarrilla y picante que te parte de risa tras las cena con sus anécdotas y sucedidos.

Vicente Hernández
Aquí hay que explayarse un poco más. Vicente es un señor mayor de bigote (dicho en tono de broma) que se paso la semana metiéndose y discutiendo con un servidor. Que si ponte las gafas repinga, que si tira a las tres ropero, que si paganini no repite, que ponle lo que te de la gana que total no vas a coger ni una pinga con eso…etc., etc. Vicente esta considerado el mejor guía de pesca a spinning de Jardines. Sencillamente porque le apasiona la modalidad y lleva practicándola 20 años.

Vicente conoce las aguas de la Reserva como la palma de su mano, sabe donde están los peces con la llenante, donde cuando vacía, en que lugar se ponen cuando es de noche o cuando es mediodía. Conoce los fondos, los canales, sus entradas, sus salidas y la manera de navegar por ellos. Nicola me decía que Vicente trabaja como un burro para localizar el pescado. No exageraba en absoluto el italiano. Hasta desaparecer el sol por el horizonte estábamos buscando la deriva buena que nos diera el último pez. En la pequeña lancha de pesca nos hemos reído a mandíbula batiente y en mis memorias queda como episodio de humor surrealista, algo así como un sketch de Faemino y Cansado, la mañana en la que pesqué el macabí por primera vez, caminando el bajío con Vicente a mi vera cantándome la presa; sin gafas, en crocs, tirando a las 9 cuando era a las tres o encima cuando era a un lado.

Un grande Vicente. Amistad a primera vista. Buen modelo fotográfico además. En fin, todos esos son los culpables de una espectacular semana de pesca tropical. En sus definiciones quedan expuestos los sucesos acontecidos. Por peces, humanidad y convivencia, un 10 a los Jardines de la Reina.

Volveré pronto. Tras esta, vendrá una entrada con fotografías y en próximos días y si Jay no aparece antes para liarla, quizás comente algunas impresiones puramente técnicas referidas a equipos y señuelos.

No están todas las que son, pero si las más representativas. Aunque hay bastantes fotografías en esta entrada, en lo que a mi respecta el viaje no fue prodigo en retrateras. La pesca fue tan buena e intensa que no daba respiro a la caña. Los meros, aunque por la coloración puedan indicar pertenecer a dos especies distintas, creo se engloban dentro de la misma: Mycteroperca venenosa (Yellowfin grouper) Los pargos son el Lutjanus analis, Pargo Criollo o Mutton Snapper y el Lutjanus jocu o Pargo Jocu.

Super Grand Slam at Cayo Largo April 2010

2010-05-03T13:50:00.002-03:00

I first fished at Cayo Largo in 2001 and I liked it so much that I have been back every year since. During that time I have met lots of other fishermen there from around the world including some Americans who have to make an epic around trip to be able to enter Cuba. I once said to them that as this was the only saltwater fly fishing venue that I had been to I was thinking of trying somewhere different. They said “you must be crazy this is the best place in the world, why do you think we put up with all the hassle of getting here?” I took their advice and so just kept going back.

Seven years ago I was teamed with a new guide called William Guanche who had just started for his first season. William and I both had our first Grand Slam together that year and it started a friendship that has now recorded seven Grand Slams and four Super Grand Slams ( in a total of 42 fishing days).

The fishing at Cayo Largo has just got better and better over the years and the only limiting factor to anyone’s success tends to be the weather.
The Sol Club hotel, whilst not known for its high cuisine, is a great base to relax and Mauro’s organisation and hospitality at the lodge are second to none. That cold beer and pizza when you first step ashore from a hard days fishing is always welcome.
My friends and I will certainly be back next year and William and I will be back chasing those permit.

ROBERT J.

Cuba a spinning ligero.

2010-04-30T14:49:00.003-03:00

Los Jardines de la Reina después de 5 años de ausencia
….sigue. Y podría seguir hasta el infinito pero tampoco estamos aquí para aburrir al personal, solo ponerlo algo cachondo, nada más
Lo dicho en el post anterior, ha sido un viaje espectacular, como no tenía desde hace tiempo creo, sobre todo porque pudimos practicar un spinning ligero de altísimo nivel, ambos por la dificultad de las capturas y por el ritmo que llevábamos, y porque el popping pesado a las Cuberas se ha demostrado una vez más como historia para hombres.

Nuestro nodriza en el "parking"

Nuestro nodriza en el "parking"
Vamos por partes, empecemos por la pesca ligera/mediana. Mi compañero ha pescado con una Caranx Medium y un Stella 4000 con trenza de 30lb para los bichos medianos y una Lamiglas Travel XTS704 para los Macabí. Servidor con dos Lamiglas travel, una XTC7025 de casting que lanza hasta una onza y medio, acoplada a una Team Daiwa Fuego con trenza de 20lb y una XTS704 con un Daiwa Bradia 2000 y trenza de 10lb que en principio era la caña de Macabí y que al final estuve utilizando mucho, también con vinilos, para bichos de mayor talla.

Hay un antes y un después en la vida de un paseante que se atreve en los bajíos de los Jardines

Hay un antes y un después en la vida de un paseante que se atreve en los bajíos de los Jardines
Los señuelos que hemos utilizado más han sido los paseantes, sin duda los más efectivos en esas situaciones. También se han aprovechado los vinilos sin plomo, bucktails para los Sábalos y algún que otro minnow o popper. Para el Macabí el no va más han sido unas cabecitas de plomo de 5 a 10g con pequeños grubs. Decir que la masacre de señuelos ha sido notable. Además de las roturas y líneas cortadas por las barracudas, ha habido algún que otro señuelo que no ha vuelto en muy buenas condiciones, vamos que les entra agua por todos lados y ya están destinados para el museo.

¿Casting en agua salada? Porque no?

¿Casting en agua salada? Porque no?
La especie más abundante ha sido el Pargo Criollo (Lutjuanus analis), seguido por las Barracudas (Sphyraena barracuda), Pargo Jocú (Lutjanus jocu), Cojinúa (Caranx bartholomei) y otros Jureles menores. Pocos han sido los Jureles (Caranx hippos) empeñados en sus labores de reproducción allá por el canto más profundo, no puedo ni imaginarme la cantidad de picadas que podríamos haber sumado de haber estado ellos en aguas bajas.

Pargo Jocu de buen tamaño pescado con equipo ultra ligero y vinilo

Pargo Jocu de buen tamaño pescado con equipo ultra ligero y vinilo
Para los que nunca han pescado un Pargo les diré que, aún con la Caranx Medium y un freno apretadito, son capaces de poner al pescador en dificultad, siempre intentando meterse en la piedra, cosa que tienen muy clara y grabada en el ADN desde hace miles de años. Imaginad pelearlos con una cañita de 3/4 oz con hilo de 10 libras… Vicente, nuestro guía no daba crédito de que se podían sacar peces de ese tamaño con semejante equipos, y de hecho las picadas que tuvimos en los equipos ultra ligeros (con vinilos sin plomo), acabaron todas en la piedra, y con un poco de habilidad, suerte y paciencia se lograron rescatar.

Finalmente rendida, la Barracuda se deja acercar al barco para ser devuelta

Finalmente rendida, la Barracuda se deja acercar al barco para ser devuelta
Las Barracudas, ambos con equipos ligeros y pesados nos entretuvieron muchísimo. Posiblemente son las protagonistas de las picadas más espectaculares y de carreras emocionantes. Pena que a este bicho no se le valore por lo que realmente es, un señor pez deportivo. Su único defecto, si así lo podemos llamar, es de ser demasiado abundante y poco difícil de provocar para que ataque el señuelo.

Fantasma de los bajíos, el Macabí

El fantasma de los bajíos, el Macabí
Tarpon picamos algunos pero al final solo uno salió, siempre a causa de la dificultad de clavarle el anzuelo en la dura boca. Sigue siendo una pesca emocionante y caótica, cuando se encuentra el bando es una enganche tras otro, y por supuesto el correspondiente desanzuelamiento. Diferente es la historia de los macabí, que para mi sigue siendo un pez bastante fácil de sacar a spinning. Si eres capaz de verlos y lanzar correctamente, de lo demás se encargan ellos y comen con alegría el grub. Luego la pelea que sigue es como siempre muy emocionante, con fugas rapidísimas en un palmo de agua.
Luego ha habido unas cuantas sorpresas con las Cuberas que entraron al equipo ligero donde no las esperábamos pero de ellas hablaremos en otro artículo….

by on APRIL 27, 2010

filed in REPORTS DE PESCA EN EL EXTRANJERO

Cuba: de vuelta a casa

2010-04-28T11:04:00.002-03:00

Ya en casita después de un largo viaje de vuelta (¡y de ida!), llegué ayer a primera hora de la tarde y aquí van las primeras impresiones de mi retorno a Cuba.

Spinning ligero entre piedras, arena y dos dedos de agua
El viaje se proponía como una exploración de la zona más al Sur-Este del Los Jardines de La Reina, la parte más extrema del golfo de Ana María. Nuestro punto base, donde estaba anclado Caballones, el nodriza, era Pedregal una zona donde había llegado solo una vez en mi docena de visitas anteriores, y que es la sede de una base de almacenamiento y distribución para los profesionales de la pesca de la langosta. Desde allí estuvimos pescando toda la zona que se extiende hasta el faro que delimita el final de los Jardines. Arrecifes más o menos profundos, bajíos, canales: tocamos todos los palos de la pesca disponible en la zona ambos a spinning ligero que pesado. Esta zona no está marcada dentro del parque, con lo cual todavía mantiene una cierta presión por parte de los pescadores profesionales, aunque, a juzgar por los resultados no lo hemos podido notar. De todas maneras, los pocos que quedan están a punto de ser jubilados definitivamente porque hay un proyecto muy avanzado de cerrar completamente toda la zona de los Jardines a la pesca profesional y dejarla en exclusiva para los deportivos.

Spinning ligero entre piedras, arena y dos dedos de agua

Tarpon al atardecer. Flashazo a 1/6 de segundo.....
Anticipo, con gran alegría que los Jardines siguen en forma espectacular, y una vez más me pregunto porque he dejado de viajar a Cuba por tanto tiempo. Volver a cruzar los canales a primera hora de la mañana, me ha impresionado como la primera vez, hace 15 años, y desde luego ha vuelto a colocar este lugar en el TOP 3 de mis favoritos del trópico ambos por belleza y por calidad de pesca. Una infinidad de picadas, más de 120 peces sacados entre dos pescadores, varias Cuberas, Tarpon, Macabí y una infinidad de especies menores pero no por esto menos interesantes. Hemos gozado de la pesca ligeras, hasta MUY ligera, así como de la pesca pesada en búsqueda de las Cuberas y señores, lo siento pero que se quiten los GT del medio cuando se habla de dificultad de capturas, pero esto lo volveremos a hablar más adelante.

Tarpon al atardecer. Flashazo a 1/6 de segundo.

7 Grand Slams and 4 Super Grand Slams

2010-04-26T15:11:00.003-03:00

Our friend Robert J. came fishing with Avalon in Cayo largo 7 times, always with William as a guide.

Full package of 6 days each for a total of 42 fishing days.

He has got a total of 7 Grand Slams and 4 Super Grand Slams . An unbelievable average of 1 Slam every 3.8 days almost 2 slams per trip, guaranteed! Congratulations Rob! and thanks to William and Mauro for the great job and the best fly ever, the Avalon Fly!

CAYO LARGO 2010

2010-04-21T13:03:00.005-03:00

Arriving at CL was like a journey home to see friends and Mike and I were met at the airport by Mauro and William. We established our selves in our room and later Mauro took us to the lodge to tackle up for the next day. The lodge is fantastic with the new clubhouse and everything organised for the clients week ahead. Jorge was our guide for our week which pleased me as I had fished with Jorge on a previous visit. The first day, despite freezing water and 25mph winds we saw and cast to 8 Pemit, had 3 follows but no eaters and the rest were beaten to the fly by Bonefish. After the first day we only saw Permit occasionally but we did catch some Tarpon, Snook and some very big Bonefish, so the unseasonal weather did not stop us catching fish and by way of variety I also caught big Jack Crevalle, very big Mutton Snapper and Yellowtail Snapper all on the fly. It was great to be back seeing my friends of many years, Mauro, William, Boris, Jorge and Villa. As all Avalon operations are, this is a wonderful experience in a pristine location and I can't wait to go back, preferably sooner rather than later.
R. W.

QUEL PARADIS - WHAT A PARADISE

2010-04-20T11:59:00.004-03:00

QUEL PARADIS
apres avoIr peché pendant 10 ans un peu partout a CUBA j ai enfin trouvé l endroit de mes reve
la mer des caraibes de cuba située sur le coté sud de l ile a l abri des grands fronts froid de la cote nord avec ses multitudes de teintes de bleue et de vert ses flats presque vierge protégés
des pecheurs commerciaux nous voici aux JARDINS DE LA REINE
la peche y est extraordinaire un des meilleur endroit au monde pour realiser le fameux GRAND SLAM du a la diversitée des especes les bonefishs,permits,tarpon y abondent
c est d ailleur dans ces eaux que j ai eu la chance de réaliser en 2007 (3) GRAND SLAMS la meme année
AVALON qui a les droits de peche dans ces eaux est un pourvoyeur pour qui le service et la qualitée autant de la peche, la nourriture ainsi que l équipement est primordial et que dire des guides.... je recommande fortement AVALON a tout pecheur qui aimerais vivre une experience exotique et inoubliable

WHAT A PARADISE

after fishing almost everywhere in CUBA for 10 years i finally found my paradise

CUBA CARIBBEAN SEA located on the SOUTH coast where there is a lot less wind and cold fronts then on the north coast with the incredible shades of blue and green and the almost virgin flats protected from poaching

HERE WE ARE AT THE JARDINES DE LA REINA fishing is incredible one of the best place in the world to realise the élusive GRAND SLAM
big bonefishs permits and tarpons are plentifull
fishing these water in 2007 i had the chance to réalise (3) IGFA GRAND SLAMS in one single year....
AVALON the outfitter who has the fishing rights in this area is SECOND TO NONE
everything is imortant to them
SERVICE AND QUALITY ARE top on their list
the food ,boats and guides everything is excellent
if you want to live an exotic saltwater fishing trip and an unforgettable expérience i strongly recommend AVALON
N.L.

Jardines de La Reina marine habitats

2010-04-19T14:15:00.008-03:00

The Archipelago of “Jardines de La Reina” comprises the whole set of islands, keys, islets and banks located south the Gulf of Ana Maria at the southeastern section of the Cuban shelf. This system is located between the 21 08.101' N; 079 27.700' W and 20 30.479'N; 078 19.955' W, and has a longitude of 74km approximately. The Gulf of Ana Maria is one of the largest and most habitat-diverse shelf areas of Cuba and the insular Caribbean. The Gulf is the deepest in Cuba (20-25m in some areas) surrounded by the main island in the north, and the Jardines de la Reina Archipelago (hundreds of mangrove islets and keys) spreading from east to west. The gulf is covered by extensive seagrass beds and muddy areas as well as numerous patch reefs; an array of islands and barrier reefs separates the gulf from the Caribbean Sea. Mangroves fringe the islands and mainland. All these conditions combine to provide abundant populations of seabirds, reptiles and the Caribbean’s richest marine biodiversity and biomass.

This is one of the most important marine and coastal wildlife areas of the country, containing many species of fish, corals, gorgonians, sponges, polychaetes, mollusks, crabs, ascidians, sea urchins, asteroideans etc. Some emblematic species are found in the region such as the crocodile Crocodylus rhombifer) which inhabits the wetlands and near shore areas. Some, such as the green turtle (Caretta caretta) and the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), nest in the beaches of the Jardines Archipelago.

The reproductive strategies of the fishes (Tarpons, Bonefish, Permits, Jacks, snappers and groupers, mainly) and the presence of nursery zones make this Archipelago an important source of larvae to downstream areas.

Three different major mangrove formations are found in the site and they comprise the greatest of the country and the largest of the insular Caribbean (mangrove trees can get over 10-m tall).

The coasts are rocky and accumulative with a relief that goes from coastal plains to the wavy and sandy ones.

The distribution of the marine ecosystems along the Cuban platform shows a regular pattern around an imaginary line perpendicular to the shoreline (reef profile) as shown in the pictures below:

Ecosystems profile. The different zones are described:

Some variations occur from place to place around the Archipelago; this general scheme shows the position of each element (zone) of the platform’s profile.

A: Shallow Reef (Crest)

The crest of the main reef generally emerges at low tide, but may be below the surface. The seaward edge of the reef crest takes the brunt of the incoming wave energy. The reef can reduce incoming wave energy by up to 97%. As waves break, water is washed across the reef crest and into the lagoon, driving lagoon circulation.

Because of the modification of wave forces across the reef crest, the back reef is an environment of totally different physical processes, ecology and sediment characteristics. Sediments and rubble from the reef crest are dumped behind the crest, widening the back reef flat through time. Caribbean reef flats have only recently reached sea level and are narrow. There is a general transition from branching corals Acropora and the hydrozoans Millepora near the front of the crest to sand flats and seagrass landward. The shallow back reef may have a shallow Porites (hard coral species) reef flat immediately behind the crest and numerous small patch reefs in a sand apron. The corals are generally well adapted to the high levels of sedimentation to which they are regularly subjected. In the Caribbean, the dominant corals include Porites porites and several head corals, especially Montastrea annularis, Porites asteroides and species of Diploria.

B: Fore reef

The fore reef extends seaward and downward from the reef crest. It is the most complex of the reef zones, owing to the large depth gradient over which it occurs. In many areas, the fore reef is organized into a set of en-echelon reef promontories and sand channels, termed "spur-and-groove" topography.

B1 and B2: Fore reef Slope and Deep Fore reef

The fore reef slope is the least consistent of any of the reef zones, in either its occurrence or character.

Where a fore reef slope is present, the deep area usually occurs as a well-defined ridge near the platform margin. Otherwise, it is simply a down-dip extension of the fore reef. When occurring separate from the shallower reef zones, the location of the deep fore reef is probably controlled by both the break in slope and the existence of an antecedent high left by a previous reef.

C: The Reef Wall

Perhaps the most dramatic feature of the deep fore reef is the "reef wall". At depths ranging from 30 to 50 meters, the fore reef slope rolls over to a vertical or, in some places, overhanging precipice. This is spawning area for Tarpon.

F,D : Back Reef and Lagoon (Flats)

The Lagoon includes the seagrass beds, shallow water flats, mangrove formations; this is an important nursery zone with high productivity waters. Nutrients, food, larvae, are carried all over the area in different movement patterns determined by the geography of the flats, tides, currents and weather conditions, a whole system of complicated relationships and movements of fish populations occurs in this zone. The seagrass beds and mangroves also work as a huge filtering system for the water that goes to the reef with the outgoing tide. These are feeding grounds for Permits, Tarpons and Bones. The export of plant detritus and faunal biomass to support offshore consumers is an important function of mangrove swamps, which is a strong argument for their conservation. Mangroves provide refuges for adult and larval stages of fishes and crustaceans, many of which are commercially important.

Some important areas of the Archipelago.

Boca Grande Cannel called “pasa“ by local fishermen The area stretches out from the south western coast of Jardines, to a shallow-water area sheltered by a string of keys and shoals. It is a documented nursery area for reef fish and spiny lobster (the latter is a major fisheries resource in Cuba and is particularly abundant in the gulf of Ana Maria. Coral reefs and mangroves of high aesthetic value and high biodiversity harbor an abundant fish community. The reef slope is an important habitat for large-sized fish. The site is also an important fishing area, where anglers can see huge schools of tarpon, with resident populations.

One of the most interesting and mysterious species that inhabits the Jardines.

Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) feed in the highly productive waters of Jardines de La Reina Archipelago before making their journey offshore (near reef wall) to spawn. Their spawning season is from April to June, when large groups can be observed swimming in a circular, rotating motion pattern. Once tarpon have spawned, they return to coastal waters again to feed (lagoon).

Little is known regarding the factors that affect the population dynamics of this species and precise spawning sites have not yet been identified also the patterns and mechanisms of onshore movement toward the estuarine systems that have been identified as nursery habitats are unknown.

Tarpon thrive in a variety of habitats. They can often be seen patrolling the southern and northern coral reefs. During and after settlement of larvae, numerous processes act to influence the abundance and distribution of juvenile fishes. These processes include site selection at settlement priority effects, competition, predation, food availability, shelter, and physiological requirements. For species that move into different habitat types as adults, the requirements (e.g. food and shelter) and risks (e.g., predation) will change.

BsC. Andrés Jimenez.

NEARLY!!!

2010-04-16T13:57:00.005-03:00

Having fished for the past nine years with Avalon at three destinations, Isla de la Juventud, Jardines de la Reina and Cayo Largo, I have still to hook let alone land a Permit, but in this my tenth year I arrived at Cayo Largo full of optimism. I was fortunate enough to have a great boat partner, Richard Ward. Mauro the manager at Cayo Largo advised us they had already this year landed no fewer than 69 permit, and was looking to us to break the 70 mark. Mauro had advised us to concentrate on spotting sting rays, as they are often accompanied by Permit and with diagrams showed us how to approach our quarry. He also provided us with one of his special Permit Flies which have proved to be so successful at Cayo Largo.

Day one saw us being guided by Jorge, unfortunately the wind was freshening from the NE, the skies were overcast and the water temperature was very low following a succession of cold fronts, nevertheless Jorge soon had us over the prime Permit area, and it was not long before the first ray was spotted, sure enough with a Permit for company. Richard was up front and made his cast across the wind and we all saw the permit follow the fly before it was snaffled by a 'bone' of approx. 7-8lb. Now it was my turn, my first attempt was way off the mark, but the subsequent cast was right on the head of the ray, there was an explosion as the acompanying permit dived toward the fly, my line went tight and then fizzed off the reel as the fish took a run of at least 75 yards before slowing and then taking a further 50 yards of backing off my reel. Richard clapped me on the shoulder and said 'well done', but my delight soon turned to frustration as it became clear that a big 'bone' had once again grabbed the fly immediately in front of the Permit. The frustration did not last long, the bone was a beautiful fish of around 8 pounds plus, how can one be disappointed with a fish of that quality.

This was the nearest I have ever come to hooking a Permit, and for me that one moment of bliss had made the whole trip worth it. We fished happily for the rest of the week, having the odd shot at permit without success, we caught Tarpon, Snook and bones, the majority of the latter being specimens in excess of 8lb. Quality not quantity was the order for our week and two tired but happy anglers have vowed to return when the water is warmer and those wonderful flats full of permit and big bones. Next trip just maybe!!!!!

M. C.

WORLD CLASS TARPON FISHING

2010-04-12T14:21:00.005-03:00

I have fished the Isle of Youth since Avalon Fishing Centers opened their operation on the Isle but usually in the months of March through to June. I was curious to see if the season of catching good sized fish on the flats would continue on in July. So, geared up for a solo trip I made my way to Havana and with all my internal travel arrangements expertly dealt with by Matias at Avalon I arrived at El Rancho de Tesoro Hotel July 11^th to begin my week of flats fishing for Tarpon.

El Rancho is a small friendly hotel with air conditioned rooms, good sized bathrooms, T.V. fridge all kept very clean by the maid (who will also do your laundry the same day!!!) The food is excellent, with first class service provided by the staff. Every effort is made by the Head Guide Coki, the managers Tony, Andres and Rolando to ensure everything goes to plan and the client has a memorable fishing adventure.

My guide for the duration of my visit was Ranier who I had fished with on a few other occasions. He is an excellent guide with fantastic eyes and a natural instinct for locating fish ( you can’t teach that to someone it’s a talent, a gift) and a great understanding of where fish are located on incoming and outgoing tides.

During the week we explored several regions I had never been to before as well as some areas which were familiar to me and as I said at the beginning we tried to concentrate our efforts on flats fishing. I know there are plenty of large Tarpon in the many channels around the Isle of Youth resident throughout the year so we avoided them and focused on the flats. With a new moon and high tide at 2 in the afternoon for the first day (high tide is plus 1 hour on subsequent days) this meant that most days we would be fishing a falling tide in the morning and incoming in the heat of the day so I did not expect to set the world on fire. Ranier found us fish at every state of the tide on northern flats and southern flats and although I did not make contact with the giant Tarpon of May and June the fish we caught were all good fish in the 50lb to 75lb bracket and were all taken on clear intermediate or floating lines and bleeding sardine pattern or chartreuse toad flies.

My companions for the week were Miguel from Argentina, a really nice guy on his first saltwater trip who managed to boat Tarpon every day as well as dozens of Bonefish. With Theo and brothers Arjen and Ronald from Holland being experienced saltwater anglers and very good company making up our group the results were very good.

I ended the trip with 45 Tarpon in 6 days plus Bonefish,Jack Crevalle Mutton Snapper and Snook and Barracuda. Averaging more than 7 Tarpon per day weighing between 50lb and 75lb I give my thanks to my guide Ranier who has the heart of a lion and is a man possessed with a deep passion and love for his work (his words, not mine) and the Avalon Fishing Centers organisation that made it all possible. As I look back on the experience I realise that for most of the time I was there, I was actually playing fish which proves that this protected marine sanctuary is a true world class Tarpon destination. I will return as quickly as possible, I promise.

Incidentally , I saw the catch returns for Ranier fo this season, in 20 weeks fishing he caught for his clients 656 Tarpon!!! Now believe it, truly WORLD CLASS.

TARPON PARADISE

2010-04-06T11:20:00.004-03:00

As anglers we all dream of one day finding a fishing paradise where boats are not competing for space on the flats, where fish abound and are totally uninhibited in taking flies. Clear blue skies, crystal clear ocean flats and you. If you don’t believe in paradise stop reading now, if you are intrigued please, continue.
Lying in the lee of Cuba there are archipelago’s stretching roughly north east to south west encompassing Isla de la Juventud, Cayo Largo And Jardines de la Reina ( Gardens of the Queen, named by Christopher Columbus). All these area’s have been designated by the Cuban authorities as protected marine parks incorporating many thousands of square miles with a strictly enforced no commercial fishing allowed policy. Here, there are chains of desert islands untouched by man, inhabited only by Iguana, Hutea ( a vegetarian rodent) and a few crocs. Mangrove systems cover the islands separated by channels, feeding flats and bays and its all inside one of the longest reef systems in the world which protects the nurseries and feeding grounds for a variety of predators. If this were a mathematical equation these factors would add up to Tarpon.

Due to the diligence and vision of two men, Giuseppe “Pepe” Omegna and Filippo Invernizzi, Avalon Fishing Centers are the only organisation with access and permission to operate in all this vast area of water.
Inspired by the desire to create a unique opportunity for visiting anglers they have developed a true angling Eldorado.
I have been privileged to fish these locations since their inception and year on year I have witnessed the improvement and increase in Tarpon size and numbers. Today Avalon Fishing Centers in Cuba offers the very best Tarpon fishing for the discerning angler in three distinctively different locations offering hotel or live aboard options to cater for all tastes and requirements.
If there is one fish that captures the imagination of fly fishermen it’s the Tarpon, so contemplate locations where Tarpon roam in a pristine environment, where their only threat is you, the person wearing the polarised specs armed with a fly rod. At Avalon Fishing Centers they are operating in Cuba to ensure your wildest dreams can be realised.

Tarpon fishing in Jardines de la Reina, Cayo Largo and Isla de la Juventud is unpressured due to the vastness of the area and the managed approach of limited numbers of anglers being regulated by Avalon Fishing Centers.
Tarpon here range from small 20lb fish right through to fish well in excess of 100lbs and they all regard the expansive flats as huge dining tables. All the well known usual flies work here, tied up with 100lb tippets ( more on this later) because these fish are not shy and generally inhale any thing in front of them. There are Tarpon here all year round in all the locations, however, high season is when the very big Tarpon migrate to the flats from March to August in abundance. Add to this lots of Bonefish and Permit and in the case of Isla de la Juventud and Cayo Largo there are also lots of Snook and all this tallies up to world class fisheries. So for anglers who like a challenge this is a fantastic place to try for a Grand Slam ( I’ve had 9) or even a Super Grand Slam, you will not have a better opportunity than here.

At all three locations the guides have a wealth of knowledge of flats, tides, moon and fish location and with the enormous amount of ocean at their disposal they can always locate fish and the chances are you may not see another boat all day.
A typical day starts by being served with Juice and coffee before going to breakfast. Once breakfast is over your guide will be waiting for you, he has already stowed your rods and equipment plus lunch and copious amounts of drinks on board and then you set off on another Tarpon hunting adventure. On the flats your guide will silently pole until he sees fish, then, positioning the boat into the optimum position for you to make your cast, he will give instructions on how far to lead the fish, how fast to retrieve and then, as they say, the rest is up to you. This procedure will be repeated all day, being interrupted only for lunch and drinks breaks until you arrive back at base for cocktails and pizza to be followed later by an excellent dinner where you and your fellow anglers will recall the stories of the day. Tomorrow you will awake in paradise and have to do it all over again!!
As for tackle I prefer a 12 weight rod teamed up with a very good reel loaded with 350 yards of backing to which is attached a clear intermediate line with a 2ft. To 3ft. 50lb butt leader knotted to it and finished off in a double Surgeons Loop so that I can change flies quickly (I keep flies and leaders already made up in a stretcher case) as sometimes this is needed when the fish are coming thick and fast. This set up probably takes care of 90% of my flats fishing and for the remainder a floating line with similar backing and leader butt just about covers it. There is no need for ultra-long leaders for these unsophisticated fish, the leader butt plus leader to fly need not exceed 9 feet in total. It is imperative that your reel has a very good, reliable drag system because these Tarpon will test the angler and tackle to the limit. Remember, please make sure all your knots are tied correctly and are sound, if you are unsure or not confident about them, ask your guide to tie them. It’s gut wrenching to see your 100lb tippet looking like a pigs curly tail where your fly used to be and a large Tarpon spooking away with it. I keep as many as 60 flies tied up on leaders in my stretcher case. These consist of 4ft. Or 5ft. Of 25lb breaking strain hard line (I use Tynex or Mason) terminated in a double Surgeons Loop. This is attached loop to loop to the butt leader and the other end of the hard line is joined to 1ft of 100lb tippet with a Huffnagle knot and the business end is tied to the fly using either my own version of a Rapala knot (similar to Lefty Kreh’s) or a Brubaker knot, if tied correctly these knots won’t let you down. Balanced tackle and the all important ingredient – confidence and you’re all set.
When handling Tarpon for photographs, please try to support all of the fish as you take it from the water. Use your guide or boat partner and lift and slide the fish out of the water supporting the entire length of its body between the two of you. Sit with the Tarpon on your laps or lay the fish on a wet deck next to you for photo’s.

The fish is easier to control like this and is easier to slip it back into the sea should it decide to flip. Do not hold the fish up by its mouth or gills, remember, that in the water, the water supports the weight of the fish which is only a fraction of its weight in water compared to when its lifted out and with all that weight stretching it’s spine and organs it does absolutely nothing to aid the fishes recovery and only encourages the fish to thrash causing it to be dropped, which in a flats boat is very dangerous causing injury to the occupants, death or injury to the fish and lots of smashed up tackle. In fact, it’s best if they are not taken from the water at all because let’s face it, some of the best shots are taken in the water.
Never leave a Tarpon until you are sure it is fully revived, after all it is the most noble quarry, lets treat it with respect, remember it has just given you the ultimate thrill in angling and taking care of them today and tomorrow means they will be bigger next year.
Once hooked, your Tarpon will do everything it can to destroy you ,your tackle and your competence as an angler so don’t wear items such as loose forceps clipped to your clothing, zingers, cell phone pouches on your belt or anything that could get caught up in your line as it leaps from the deck, because sooner or later it WILL cost you a fish. The odds are already stacked against you, why increase them. Anticipate each move the Tarpon makes and work the fish all the time. When the fish is running the reel drag is working, don’t point the rod directly at the fish as it runs, keep some bend in the rod. That bend is your compensation and buffer for when you have to bow to the leaps or the fish ,head shakes as it tries to throw the fly. The instant the Tarpon ceases to run you have to work that fish hard, using all the fibres in the rod to pull the fish back to the boat keeping your rod tip below your waistline “down and dirty”, if your rod is pointing upright it is being used ineffectively and as the fish comes closer to the boat if the rod is pointing skywards it’s a recipe for disaster with fish lost and a broken rod. Fight the fish as quickly as possible to a standstill, I have no time for people who play Tarpon for hours, it does the fish no good at all increasing the chance of fish mortality and is wasting fishing time. Using the tackle described a 100lb fish should be boated in less than 30 minutes.

Having fished for Tarpon for more than 25 years in different locations and countries you get to judge success by the average returns of yourself and other anglers, typically, say 3 Tarpon jumped and 1 boated would be classed as good for most destinations. At Avalon locations in Cuba my average is between 5 and 6 fish boated per day so I will leave it to you to estimate how many jumped fish were encountered during 6 days. Other species of fish also abound here but for me however, these flats offer Tarpon hunting at its very best, sighting fish on the flats, making your cast. Watching intently as the fish tracks your fly strip by strip, all your senses alive, tingling with the rush of adrenaline as the fish accelerates, opening a huge bucket like mouth to inhale your fly and turn down with a flash of silver shoulder as you strip strike the hook home. Instantly the fish resorts to all the tricks in its armoury, raw power, blistering speed punching holes in the ocean. Bars of silver in the sky, captured in a millisecond in your minds eye and committed to remain in your memory forever. In that same instant all your fingers turn to thumbs as you try to control your reflexes and attempt to pre-empt the Tarpons next move. You win often enough to want more. You loose often enough to make winning an obsession. Tarpon anglers understand this perverse logic so fishing these wonderful flats in Cuba definitely gives you greater chances to win more often. The number of fish you can encounter here is phenomenal. My boat partner of many years, Jack Simpson and I have lost count of the double hook ups we have had, sometimes both playing fish of 100lb plus at the same time because the angler on the front has hooked up then the guide sees another fish so the two anglers change places then the second angler hooks up and bingo, you have to be nimble and quick in order to avoid knitting a sweater but it’s great fun and often both fish are boated. Not for the feint of heart though it does indicate just how good it can get.
Pepe and Filippo have proven that sustained quality and quantity of the Tarpon fishing is being maintained and improved and yet they are are still researching and investigating new areas with a view to the future, can’t wait!!!

Richard M. Ward

Avalon, Cuban fishing centers, will be attending the US-CUBA Travel Summit

2010-03-03T11:21:00.006-03:00

Avalon, Cuban fishing centers, will be attending the US-CUBA Travel Summit, this coming 24-26 March in Cancun.
This is a unique opportunity for executives and representatives of U.S. travel sector companies and organizations to learn about the business potential in Cuba directly and personally from Cuban travel officials and specialists.

Will he beat the record?

2009-12-18T10:50:00.002-03:00

Third Permit for Ricky this week!

Look out, Javier! He may just beat your record in Cayo Largo of 2 Super Grand Slams and 2 Grand Slams in one week!!!

CFC Team

Avalon Fly is a Good Luck Charm!!!

2009-12-15T11:45:00.003-03:00

This week, 12-19 December, Permit number 50 has been landed with our Avalon Fly in Cayo Largo!!!

Our friend, Richard, started his week in Cayo Largo like this:

Day 1: wind at ESE 35km: Grand Slam

Day 2: wind at NNE 20km: Super Grand Slam

We can't get him to stop smiling.

Pictures to come end of this week.

Cayo Largo in December

2009-12-14T16:34:00.001-03:00

Thank you, Lee, for some great photos of your week in Cayo Largo!

Happy Holidays!!

CFC team

Article in The Complete Flyfisherman magazine

2009-12-02T15:49:00.001-03:00

Click here to read article

November - Grand Slam - Week 28 NOV 2009

2009-11-28T15:17:00.003-03:00

HALCON IN NOVEMBER - 7TH GRAND SLAM THIS SEASON

2009-11-20T13:51:00.004-03:00

Thought you might like a short story to support my November grand slam.

There are no guarantees when it comes to taking a permit on the fly, you need perseverance the ability to stay cool even when the adrenaline is putting you in the ultimate fishing high, and above all you need a good guide. Day 3 of our November week at Jardines de la Reina and with my good friend Richard, and our long term Cuban friend and guide we were on our quest for our 6th Cuban grand slam.

Days 1 and 2 had given us at least 9 good shots at permit all to no avail, not hungry, dont like the fly, casting to close and spooking the fish. With permit you just have to take all of this in your stride.

So on day 3 at 8:30am when we all saw permit number 10 tailing and feeding in the shoreline among a mass of coral heads and with me at the front of the skiff, i took some deep breaths to steady my nerve and (our guide) positioned the skiff to give me my best shot.We could clearly see the permit 40ft away,head down grubbing and feeding in the coral. (Our guide) instructed me to cast as close as possible to the head. The first cast was to much to the right, ":hit, cast again" he urged, and this time the Mureo shrimp was right on the button."slow strip, stop" I saw the fish move onto the fly and when slowly i striped again and felt the tension on the line i strip struck and we were hooked up. With the permit now screaming away and (our guide) calling to me "Jack rod high wind wind" as he poled after the permit. I have been in this situation before and knew that the permit would head for the coral heads so i released the drag to minimum tension to avoid being cut off. My hopes of landing the fish sunk as i felt the backing rubbing on the coral and the tension on the line going tight.

Without hesitation (our guide) leapt down fro the poling platform, threw of his hat, kicked of his shoes and has he dived over the front of the skiff he called for Richard to drive the skiff !!

Three times he dived to free the snagged line and with Richard expertly driving the skiff we soon were back in control and we had (our guide) and a 20lb permit in the skiff. We all gave a cheer of relief.

Then we realised we did not have the $2000 carbon composite Stiffy Pole in the skiff, fortunately they float and we recovered it some 70 yds away!

When I started this story I overlooked that in a situation like this it helps a hell of a lot if you have a fishing buddy who stays calm and can drive a skiff!

Two hours later we had the bonefish and the tarpon, grand slam done and dusted.

And for the rest of our 5 man group, Barry on only his second saltwater trip got a baby permit, a bonefish and a tarpon for a grand slam and Bill got a 15lb permit and just failed to get his tarpon to get him a grand slam.

And on our last morning, 40 minutes before we were due to get back to the Halcon for our return to the Cuban mainland, with me again at the front of the skiff, I got anther permit of 15lbs.

Great fishing and great team work at a wonderful location, thank you Jardines de la Reina, thank you guide and Richard, we will be coming back.

Jack

Halcon group 14-20 November 2009

2009-11-19T15:22:00.004-03:00

Bill's shots:

November Grand Slam in Cayo Largo!

2009-11-12T12:16:00.006-03:00

After 5 years of intensive chasing for permit and grand slam I finally made it! The goal was achieved in Cayo Largo where I brought my family to the fantastic resort of Hotel Sol Cayo Largo. The place has residences scattered in an oasis of tropical plants and flowers, situated on the coral sand beaches and turquoise coloured sea. There are lots of different facilities like restaurants, bars, swimming pools, tennis courts, training centre, jacuzzi etc. - the perfect place to park your family while you are out fishing!

Everything was perfectly arranged by the Avalon personnel. I want especially to thank the camp manager Mauro, who with his experience, advice and his specially made shrimp fly gave me the cure to defeat the hard-to-catch permit. Mauro is managing the fishing in Cayo Largo in an excellent way with restrictions for the skiff boats not to travel across the flats more than necessary, thus giving each of the six zones a regular rest. This is my explanation to why it was easier to catch a permit there than in Jardines de la Reina. I am also very grateful to my guide, Everardo, who relentlessly poled through the flats for hours giving me the chance to spot and cast my fly to a permit. The week I fished was marred by the hurricane Ida, so on the first two days fishing was impossible. The third and the fourth day the sun broke through and the wind slackened. Then the guide could spot the grey clouds of coral sand that the sting rays make when they dig up the bottom looking for food. It is just on top of this cloud that you can find permit who feast on those crustaceans. This technique of spotting permit has been developed by Mauro and his guides. On the 11th of November the guide spotted sting ray feeding with permit above twice. At the first attempt I somehow scared away the permit. The second chance was like written in a fishing manual: I saw the sting ray and around it three permit fins sticking up waving at me. That made it easy for me to accommodate my cast and just like Mauro said I put my fly one metre in front of the permit, so that it would chase it. I clearly saw the fins of three permits turn around towards me and the fly. At that point the guide told me to strip faster. So I did and felt the marvellous pull of the line in my left hand, and I made a gentle strike setting the hook properly in the mouth of the permit. The guide cried out: "You got it, you got it - let him go, let him go!" In only a couple of seconds the permit took out 80 metres of the backing and the guide asked me anxiously: "How much backing do you have?" "Don't worry, I have plenty, over 250 metres in my Charlton reel", I answered. The battle went on for half an hour with steady runs and me gently pulling in. During all this time I prayed that the fish was well hooked... When the guide landed the permit I saw that the fly was properly hooked inside the mouth. This was one of the happiest fishing moments in my life. The next thing to do was to catch a bone fish and a tarpon in order to accomplish a grand slam. The bone was easy to spot on the flats and the Crazy Charley made the job; I hooked and landed a 4 pound bone just after the permit. Then we made a short trip to the mangroves where the guide knew there were baby tarpon swimming around. We saw a shoal of baby tarpon and the guide poled me into position. I cast my red and black cockroach and a tarpon struck directly. I landed a ten pound tarpon - and the grand slam was completed!
My family and I returned back home satisfied with our holiday and the fantastic fishing.

Regards,

Eddi

November on Tortuga with Mauro and Coki

2009-11-06T17:48:00.001-03:00

Mikko with monster Permit on Tortuga 2009

2009-11-06T13:24:00.000-03:00

NEED FILLERS FOR PEROLA - 13 MARCH 2010

2009-10-16T13:51:00.002-03:00

ALWAYS WANTED TO FISH ON OUR LUXURY YACHT PEROLA, BUT COULD NEVER FIND A PARTY OF 6 TO BOOK IT?

WE ARE LOOKING FOR 4 RODS TO FILL A PARTY ON OUR PEAK PEAK - NEW MOON - WEEK, 13-19 MARCH 2010.

or on Skype at "avalonfishing"

for more information.

Tight Lines!

CFC

WE NEED 3 RODS TO HELP FILL HALCON ON 12-18 JUNE 2010!!!

2009-10-16T11:21:00.003-03:00

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN FLY FISHING IN CUBA ON WEEK 12-18 June, WE ARE LOOKING FOR 3 RODS TO HELP FILL THE YACHT (1 SHARED SKIFF AND 1 SINGLE SKIFF)

WE WILL BE GIVING ENTIRE PARTY A FREE UPGRADE TO OUR NEWEST LUXURY YACHT, AVALON fleet I, FOR THAT WEEK.

CHEERS,

CFC

AVALON CUBAN FISHING CENTERS ON FLY FISHING RETAILER, DENVER CO

2009-09-09T16:14:00.000-03:00

FlyFishing Retailer World Trade Expo.

Between September 10 - 12, Avalon, Cuban Fishing Centers will be at the FlyFishing Retailer World Trade Expo. This well known event is where brands are launched, innovations are unveiled and connections are made.

Designed for the specialty FlyFishing industry, FlyFishing Retailer World Trade Expo connects a targeted audience to conduct business in a professional yet friendly atmosphere.

Since 1998, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, buyers, guides, outfitters, distributors, importers, exporters, press and industry influencers have converged at FlyFishing Retailer to chart the future of their business.

EXPLORATORY TRIPS TO SOUTH ANA MARIA

2009-08-28T11:39:00.002-03:00

South Ana Maria is the eighth Avalon destination. We plan to offer this new endeavour as a fishing alternative for those looking to broaden their angling horizons, while discovering a completely unpressured natural marine environment for salt water fish.

The area is completely untouched and is part of the marine park that is already protected by the Cuban Ministry of Fishing, and exclusively maintained and chartered by Avalon. Commercial fishing is strictly prohibited, which allows for infinite sport fishing potential. Species found in this area are: tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook, jack crevalle, snapper, large and aggressive barracuda as well as several other powerful species. Avalon’s goal is to offer another destination to unexplored, virgin waters, as we once did in other areas now well known and protected in Jardines de la Reina. In recent seasons we have visited these waters with guides and clients, with spectacular reviews. The results have been so positive that we are proud to spread the word on how unique and abundant this marine ecosystem is. The rich flora and fauna in this area also make it perfect for diving, as the waters are so clear and the species inhabiting the area, so abundant.

The fishing method we will use at this new location is the same as we are applying in Cayo Largo, with a rotation of the fishing areas, so that each skiff has as an assigned daily area to fish. This structure ensures that anglers are at ease, knowing that their sector has not been fished by others on that same day. This guarantees that the fish are not pressured, leaving them eager to take all manner of flies.

In this new location, we will be using highly experienced guides with expert knowledge of the fishing areas. Dolphins Skiffs with Yamaha 70HP motors will be used to fish the area, which ensures Avalon’s high standard of quality and security. These same standards are applied throughout Avalon equipment found at all our destinations. The quality of food and service offered will be identical to those in Avalon’s other programs in Jardines de la Reina. The menu will be abundant with fresh fish, seafood, seasonal fruit and vegetables. Also on the menu are red and white meats and vegetarian dishes, available on request. A great deal of priority will be placed on the quality of meals served on board and the attentive service will be second to none.

This program is completely independent from the other Avalon trips to Jardines de la Reina, in the sense that anglers will arrive at Jucaro Port, where they will board the yacht, for a short transfer to the first fishing area. The program can be booked for 4 to 8 anglers in exclusivity. Those staying aboard the yacht will be in 4 double rooms, all with air conditioning and private bathrooms. The guides, crew and wait staff have a separate sleeping area aboard and will be at guest’s beck and call throughout the week. Excellent food and service along with long days on the water in a scarcely explored marine eco system, is what this new and exciting trip is all about!

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

SUR DE ANA MARIA: VIAJES DE EXPLORACION!!

Avalon, Cuban Fishing Centers continua expandiendose, y buscando brindar nuevas opciones de pesca, adaptables a las posibilidades y los gustos de cada pescador, ampliando los horizontes de la pesca en agua salada, buscando nuevos puntos donde tentar a las especies que nos apasionan.

Es por esto que a partir del 01 de Enero de 2010, comenzaremos nuestra operacion en la zona denominada SUR DE ANA MARIA, un nuevo destino en el golfo de Ana Maria, cerca del famoso archipielago de los Jardines de la Reina, donde podra pescar las especies que acostumbran habitar este area, como los tarpons gigantes, el bonefish, permit, jack crevalle, snapper, barracudas y snook, entre otras. Ideal para la pesca con mosca, brindando a los huespedes un amplio espectro de posiblidades dependiendo de la tecnica y la temporada.

El barco en que hospedaremos a los pescadores sera el Caballones, apto para alojar grupos entre 4 y 8 pescadores, con tripulacion y guias exclusivas durante toda la semana de pesca. La ventaja de tener un barco y tripulacion exclusiva, estiva principalmente en que podran pescar mayor cantidad de horas cada dia, con extensas jornadas de hasta 12 horas de pesca si lo desean, pudiendo dormir cerca de los mejores puntos de pesca, con menor cantidad de tiempo de navegacion desde el yate hasta el primer punto de pesca. Otro valor agregado es la inigualable gastronomia, mariscos, pescado obtenido minutos antes, variedad de ensaladas y tipicos platos de la cocina cubana. El Caballones cuenta con 5 habitaciones, 4 de ellas con literas y la restante con cama matrimonial, todas con bano privado y aire acondicionado.

En cuanto al area de pesca, al ser una zona practicamente inhospita, se encuentra sin explorar, por lo que es ideal para pescadores que aman la naturaleza, la repentizacion, ya que podemos encontrar tarpons nadando tranquilamente en flats mientras buscamos bonefish, sin siquiera inmutarse con nuestra presencia, por lo que el cambio de vara y posterior lanzamiento debe ser instantaneo, igualmente puede suceder con algun jackcrevalle que podremos tentar al buscar barracudas con poppers en la superficie, lo fascinante de este tipo de pesca es no saber que saldra desde las profundidades cuando lanzamos nuestra mosca al agua. Por supuesto que la clasica ¨pesca vista¨ sera el comun denominador, ya que la zona cuenta con numerosos flats de arenas blancas, fondos coralinos, arrecifes, etc.....siempre con la habitual transparencia del mar que es signo distintivo de toda la costa sur de Cuba.

En cuanto al precio, esta primer temporada sera sensiblemente mas economico que en otros destinos del caribe con tarifas que varian entre, con tarifas que permiten a todos los pescadores interesados el disfrute de este paradisiaco destino.

2 Super Grand Slams and 2 Grand Slams in one August week!!

2009-08-21T14:24:00.007-03:00

The week in Cayo Largo has been fantastic. Regarding fishing, the first day we landed a grand slam, the second day a super grand slam, the third day we lost a permit after 15 minutes of having it hooked and we also had more opportunities to hook others. On the fourth day another grand slam and on the fifth day another super grand slam. The sixth day we had bad weather and could only fish for 1 hour and a half. I should also highlight that we landed ver good sized permit, bonefish and tarpon.

Besides this, I can only congratulate the Avalon team for a magnificent organization and reception. Mauro and of course William, the guide with whom I have been fishing with many years now, have been magnificent, but also the rest of the members of the team have offered excellent service. I can only thank everyone for services granted and congratulate Avalon for the magnificent organization.

I have been fishing many years in Cayo Largo and I swear that for me it is one of the best fishing destinations (if not the best) I know. As always, and God willing, I will be back in June next year and as always in August.

Many thanks again.

Best,

Javier

=============================================

La semana en Cayo Largo ha sido fantastica. En cuanto a la pesca el primer dia conseguimos un grand Slam, el segundo un Super grand slam, el tercero perdimos una palometa después de 15 minutos de tenerla clavada y además tuvimos mas oportunidades de clavar otras, el cuarro dia otra grand Slam y el quinto dia otra super grand Slam. El sexto dia hizo mal tiempo y solo pudimos pescar 1 hora y media. Ademas debo resaltar que se consiguó con palometas, sabalos y robalos de muy buen tamaño.

Con independencia de esto no me queda mas que felicitar al equipo de Avalon por la magnifica organización y acogida. Tanto Mauro, como por supuesto William el guia con el que llevo ya varios años pescando, han estado magnificos, pero tambien el resto de los componentes del equipo han prestado un servicio excelente. No me queda mas que agradecerles a todos por los servicios prestados y felicitar a Avalon por la magnifica organización.

Llevo ya bastantes años pescando en Cayo Largo y puedo asegurar que para mi es unos de los mejores destinos (si no el mejor) de pesca que conozco. Como siempre y si Dios quiere, volveré a Cayo Largo en Junio del año que viene y como siempre en Agosto.

Muchas gracias de nuevo.

Un Abrazo,

Javier

Grand Slam on Tortuga - 09 August 2009

2009-08-12T15:47:00.001-03:00

Destinations Workshop 2009 - Fly Fishing the RUN, Chile

2009-08-12T14:28:00.003-03:00

Difficult to put into words how Chilean fly fishermen were in awe at the sight of monster Tarpon trying to jump free of a fly, the run of Bonefish, and the alien form of Permit. Without a doubt, the fly fishing in Chile has taken a new path towards the world of fishing salt water and CUBA as a unique destination.

Those who attended the Destinations Workshop 2009 had different impressions when presenting them with the fishing destinations of Avalon, Cuban Fishing Centers. Despite the fact that the majority of the participants were avid visitors of Patagonian waters, what they experienced last Saturday, 08 August, will reorient angler’s attention towards salt water. Thus discarding the antiquated idea that fly fishing is only for the months in the salmonides season, and discovering that during the winter months not only can you find the best sea fishing, but also the ideal time to enjoy tropical climate.

The interest was so large that the first fishing week offered by Fly Fishing The RUN in association with AVALON resulted in a sold week for 6 anglers in Jardines de la Reina. Today, we find ourselves offering yet a second week in the unique AVALON destinations, to satisfy the demand of anglers yearning to fish in CUBA.

We must thank our sponsor TACA Airlines for their support in our Workshop 2009, and for offering a free round trip airplane ticket Santiago-Havana-Santiago. The winning ticket, though unbelievable, was won by Dr. Eugenio Fantuzzi A., only minutes after he reserved his fishing week. What luck!!!

Without a doubt, something is changing in Chile, and it is in the hands of Fly Fishing The RUN and Avalon, Cuban Fishing Centers.

Tight Lines,

Fly Fishing The RUN

AUGUST 04, 2009 -- TORTUGA -- GRAND SLAM

2009-08-11T15:10:00.003-03:00

Week 2 August -- Cayo Largo

2009-08-05T11:33:00.000-03:00

FLY FISHING REPORT - ISLA de JUVENTUD - JULY 12 – 19 2009

2009-07-28T12:50:00.007-03:00

Our first fishing day started at 10.30 in the morning. Guides Michael and Osmani were assigned to us. Together with Michael and Osmani we prepared the rods, lines, leader and chose the right flies. At the end of the first day the first results were delivered…………….some Bonefish were landed and several Tarpon between 40 – 80 pounds ! Also some more fish were jumped. We caught the Tarpon in the channels between the mangrove islands and in mangrove lagoons. During the rest of the week the emphasis was on catching Tarpon although we managed also to catch also some nice Bonefish between 8 – 10 pounds. I think that we , 5 fly fisherman together jumped more than 100 Tarpon between 10 – 100 pounds, and landed about 25 – 30 small and medium sized Silver Kings.

We have experienced the meals as very good and various even for Cuban means. We have heard from Tony in what way he try to manage every day to get a good meal on the table. Our compliments ! Also the lunches on the boats were sufficient and there were enough drinks.

The Dolphin Skiffs are true fishing machines. Perfect for Isla Joventud circumstances. Rubbers that hold the rods in the boat need to be replaced. Please check the boats. We have found especially in the boat of Michael.

FISHING

The emphasis is on Tarpon and Bonefishing. We have experienced both fishing as very good. The first fishing spot are within a transfer of 30 minutes. The Tarpon fishing comparing with neighbouring Cayo Largo is much better. It was the best Tarpon fishing we have ever experienced. During the week we were with 5 fly fishermen and together we landed more than 25 Tarpon between 40 – 80 pounds, besides numerous Tarpon between 10 - 20 pounds. Bonefish were located on the flats, muds and in the lagoons. Due to the heat there was not much Bonefish in the flats but on the other hand we saw many Bonefish swimming together with Tarpon in much deeper lagoons, and managed to catch most of the Bonefish during this week in these specific locations. Our biggest Bonefish was around 10 pounds. In 2006 I have visited Cayo Largo in the same period and experienced superb Bonefishing. It was an experience to see how these two destinations can be so different, as Cayo Largo is just a 3 hour distance from Isla Joventud. Isla Joventud has many mangrove forrests and Cayo Largo has more islands with sand and coral. I think that explains also the difference of the Bonefishing. We did not see any Permit. I have heard good news about the Perola yacht. The advantages are very clear. Fish on the best times and tides of the day and not wasting any time due to transfers to the the fishing spot to another fishing spot or up and down the marina where the dolphin skiffs are based.

GUIDES

All guides speak very good English, know how tie knots, fish with fly rod, see and can even feel the fish. We were very pleased with our guides. o how

SERVICE AND MANAGEMENT

Tony and his staff are doing an excellent job for guests and manage every day under sometimes difficult unpredictable Cuban circumstances. Our compliments !

GENERAL

Isla Joventud is an excellent fishing destination. Avalon did a great job to protect the whole fishing area. On the fishing part everything is well organized. Isla Joventud is a really a huge area that need more to explore. I have heard that the guides are on “ holiday “ between August – December. Do they explore new fishing areas between August – December ? This can be very useful, if they find new areas in order to avoid long transfers from one fishing spot to another. Also reef fishing is a subject that needs more to explore. Arjan and Ronald experienced very exciting fishing along the reef and they were very enthusiastic about its possibilties. The reccommend for this fishing to use 300 – 400 grains of flyline.

Theo

Grand Slam by 12 year old - 2 Permits in 2 days - Cayo Largo

2009-07-23T17:33:00.006-03:00

On July 20 and July 21, a little 12 year old, Thomas, landed 2 consecutive Grand Slams in Cayo Largo, Cuba, with guide Alexi, the second one with a Permit over 30lbs.

This confirms once more that Cuba is the best place in the world for fly fishing Grand Slams, as well as other species as Tarpons, Bonefish, Jack Crevalle, etc.

=======

En los dias 20 y 21 de Julio el pequeno Thomas de 12 anos de edad, logro 2 grand slams en Cayo Largo, Cuba, con el guia Alexi, el segundo de ellos con un Permit que supero las 30lbs.

Una muestra mas de que Cuba es el mejor lugar del mundo para pescar permit con mosca, al igual que otras especies tales como Tarpon, Bonefish, Jacks, etc.

Halcon, Jardines de la Reina -- July 2009

2009-07-23T14:15:00.001-03:00

6th Grand Slam on Client week 11 July 2009

2009-07-20T12:45:00.005-03:00

[English Translation to be posted soon]

Durante la semana que comenzó el 12 de Julio y siendo el 5to día de pesca, se habían realizado 5 Grand, en el grupo éramos 8 pescadores (2 pescaban base doble y 4 en base single).

Como todas las mañanas partimos a las 8:20 am, 3 de las 6 lanchas nos dirigimos al sector # 1 pues en Cayo Largo las zonas de pesca se dividen en 6 sectores y los pescadores nunca repiten el mismo sector. Era nuestro último día de pesca y mi última oportunidad de pescar una palometa, si bien había tenido algunas chances los días anteriores no había logrado pescar ninguna. La palometa es una de las especies mas difíciles de pescar, es muy nerviosa, tiene excelente vista, es sumamente selectiva y desconfiada. En Cayo Largo se las pesca, en general, cuando van montadas sobre las rayas aprovechando cuando esta mueve el fondo en busca de alimento (cangrejos y camarones), a veces sigue por un rato a una misma raya, otras se mueve de una raya a otra.

El día era luminoso, con pocas nubes, estaba bastante ventoso y hacia mucho calor. Cuando llega mi turno de estar en la proa del skiff, a eso de las 10:15 am , Rigo (nuestro guía) me marca un turbio (fondo movido por una raya) con una posible palometa en ella. Nos acercamos a pesar del viento y ya unos 20 yardas me preparo, Rigo coloca con esfuerzo el skiff para que el viento no moleste y facilitar mi lance, y casteo, la mosca (un camarón ideado por Mauro) cae sobre la raya, comienzo a moverla y la palometa que estaba dando vueltas alrededor de la raya no le presta atención y se aleja a rápidamente, posiblemente por la proximidad de algún tiburón (de los que vimos muchos ese día). Seguimos avanzando en busca de algún otro pequeño turbio, a los 10 minutos aproximadamente Rigo me marca otro turbio y asegura que la raya tiene palometa. Se me acelera el corazón, no son muchas las oportunidades de encontrar palometa, y menos las probabilidades de pescarlas. Rigo se acerca a unas 20 a 25 yardas y me pregunta si estoy listo para castear y si veo las palometas, en principio parecían 2, se les veía la cola negra y las aletas dorsales fuera del agua, pero en realidad eran 3 ó 4, le respondo que sí las veo, coloca el skiff en posición y me pide que lance. Realizo un lance que me quedó un poco corto, pero con la mosca ya en el agua y cerca de las palometas comienzo a moverla, veo 2 de las 4 palometas se dirigen rápidamente hacia mi mosca y siento una leve tensión, sin dudarlo un instante clavo (al mismo tiempo que Rigo me grita: “clava”). La palometa está clavada y sale disparada llevando línea y backing (calculo que no menos de 80 yardas), la trabajo con delicadeza ya que muchas palometas se pierden cuando los pescadores tratan de apurarlas. A los 10 minutos de lucha aproximadamente coloco a la palometa ya cansada al borde del skiff y Rigo rápidamente la toma por la cola. Había logrado una linda palometa de entre 11 y 12 libras, no tan grande como otras pescadas en la semana, pero palometa al fin. Nos sacamos varias fotos y la libero.

Como era nuestro último día de pesca habíamos acordado con mi compañero de lancha (Raúl de Chile) que de todas maneras pescaríamos los 2 equitativamente, pues en general cuando uno de los pescadores logra una palometa, hasta que no se completa el Grand Slam, se le cede todo el tiempo a este último. Cuando me toca el turno vamos por los tarpons, en Cayo Largo los hay pero no en la cantidad y tamaño que se los encuentra en Jardines de la Reina ó en la Isla de la Juventud, así que nos acercamos a unos manglares en el sector # 1 donde suelen encontrarse baby tarpon. Rigo no demora en verlos pero están muy metidos bajo los mangles, de vez en cuando algunos se asoman y cuando lo hacen les coloco la mosca frente a ellos (en este caso estaba usando una caña # 10 con línea de flote y una mosca Black Death), nunca se interesaron por la mosca y tampoco estaban nerviosos, a veces pasa que no quieren tomar la mosca y no se puede hacer nada al respecto. Por mas de media hora nos movemos cerca de los manglares y vemos pasar pequeños grupos de baby tarpon pero ninguno se interesa por la mosca, entonces decidimos cambiarla por una Black Death más pequeña y afinar el shock tippet colocando uno de tan solo 40 libras de fluorocarbono. Al no obtener ningún resultado y ya casi dándonos por vencido, Rigo sugiere colocar una mosca roja y amarilla de rabitt para hacer un último intento. Con esa mosca realizo un par de buenos tiros y al segundo un baby tarpon la toma, lo clavo pero lamentablemente la línea se traba en una maraña de algas, no puedo controlar al baby tarpon y este se suelta. Limpio la línea y la mosca que se habían cubierto de algas y limo y me preparo nuevamente. Cuando se asoman unos baby tarpon del mangle realizo un tiro colocando la mosca frente a ellos, muevo, y uno de los baby rápidamente, lo clavo y lo fuerzo con la caña siempre baja, para sacarlo de los mangles, del limo y las algas hasta acercarlo al skiff, Rigo toma el shock tippet y con una red atrapa al baby tarpon que pesaba unas 8 ó 9 libras. Luego de sacar las correspondientes fotos lo liberamos.

Como solo faltaba pescar un bonefish para realizar el Grand Slam y eran las 11:30 am, resolvemos buscar una playa con sombra para almorzar. Luego del almuerzo nos dedicamos a buscar algunos baby tarpon para Raúl en aguas abiertas y canales, como pasamos un buen tiempo sin suerte para Raúl, pues no vimos ningún tarpon, Rigo propone pescar el bonefish de una vez así completar el Grand Slam. La marea estaba baja y era muy difícil buscarlos en los bajos, así que nos movimos a aguas mas profundas, vimos algunos bonefish a la distancia pero estaban muy nerviosos, había mucho tiburón limón y algunas barracudas grandes acechando. A mi no me gusta la pesca bonefish en los turbios, prefiero vadear o pescarlos a pez visto, pero se estaba haciendo tarde, el viento estaba más fuerte y le había prometido a Raúl que volveríamos a los canales a buscar tarpon antes de regresar, así que accedí a pescar un bonefish para el Grand Slam en un turbio y así fue, Rigo vio un gran turbio y aseguró que había bonefish, nos acercamos a unas 15 yardas y se los veía en cantidad en el borde del turbio, lance mi Gotcha y apenas comienzo hacer el strip un bonefish me toma pero se suelta apenas presiono para clavarlo. Hago un segundo lance y otro bonefish me toma la mosca apenas la mosca cae al agua, lo clavo y en pocos minutos lo subo a la lancha, pesaba unas 3 libras. El Grand Slam estaba logrado, el 6 de la semana y el 8vo para mí.

Debo agradecer a Raúl por su paciencia, su sentido del humor y caballerosidad, quien además resulto ser un excelente compañero, así como a Rigo (Rigoberto) el guía, por su profesionalidad, soberbia labor, buen ojo, y pasión por la pesca.

-Daniel

Grand Slam numbers for February-July 2009 in Cayo Largo, Cuba

2009-07-18T13:16:00.005-03:00

35 Grand Slams
7 Super Grand Slams

Fine July days in Cayo Largo

2009-07-17T15:48:00.009-03:00

Between 13-16 July, 6 Grand Slams were landed in Cayo Largo (Tarpon, Permit and Bonefish). The fly used in all cases was "The Avalon", handmade by Mauro, manager at Avalon Cuban Fishing Centers in Cayo Largo - exceptional angler in these waters. The guides who aided anglers on their successes were Rigoberto, William and Jorge.

This only confirms that Cayo Largo is the best fishing destination in the world if you are looking for Grand Slams, and the outlook is even brighter on coming months, thanks to care and conservation on behalf of Avalon of this valuable natural reserve. The clients celebrated this unusual acheivement with cocktails and hors'dourves in Villa Marinera.

To date this year, more than 60 grand slams have been obtained and Avalon has an average in Cayo Largo, of more than 1 grand slam per week.

Also this week, 4 grand slams were landed in Jardines de la Reina, Cuba! We will have more information on this shortly.

- Avalon Cuban Fishing Centers

TORTUGA GRAND SLAM - JULY 2009

2009-07-10T12:10:00.005-03:00

[ENGLISH TRANSLATION COMING SOON]

Salimos de La Tortuga como todos los días a las 8:00 am. El día estaba soleado, caluroso, con algunas nubes dispersas y brisa. Los días previos habían sido ventosos y más nublados, y nuestros dos intentos anteriores de pescar palometa habían sido infructuosos ya que habíamos visto pocas palometas y no pudimos interesar a ninguna con nuestras moscas. Nuestro guía, conocido por Chinito, nos propuso ir primero por palometa ya que la marea estaba en bajante, para luego seguir buscando tarpon. Mi compañero de pesca Carlos y yo aprobamos la idea.

Llegamos a la zona de pesca alrededor de las 8:30 am, a la zona conocida con La Saura. Le propuse a Carlos que comenzara él primero, nuestro acuerdo era de hacer turnos de 20 minutos cada uno y si alguno pescaba en seguida le dejaba el turno al otro. El mar estaba un poco movido y el fondo, de arena en unas zonas y “turtle grass” en otros, estaba con algo de material en suspensión. El Chinito comenzó con su push pole a mover la lancha lentamente mirando cualquier sombra que pareciese una palometa, durante el turno de Carlos no se nos cruzo ninguna y el Chinito propuso cambiar de zona. Llegamos a la zona de El Flaire y me toco el turno de estar en la proa. Chinito comenzó a mover la lancha y a los pocos minutos me indica palometa a las 11 a unos 70 u 80 yardas. Me costo un poco verla, cuando la vi ya estaba como a 40 ó 50 yardas viniendo lentamente hacia nosotros, parecía estar comiendo y mantenía mas o menos la misma dirección. Me preparé para castear con mi caña 10 Wt y línea de flote, para la ocasión había elegido una mosca que imita un cangrejo blanco ideada por Pablo Calvo atada en anzuelo # 4, a cuyo diseño le hice unas modificaciones, esa misma mosca me había dado resultado en Cayo Largo en el mes de Febrero pasado donde tambien realice un Grand Slam. La palometa estaba como a 30 yardas y realice un primer tiro, la mosca cayo frente a la palometa unos 6 ó 7 yardas y dejé que se hunda para comenzar a moverla lentamente, con pequeños e irregulares strips, la palometa ni se fijó en la mosca, así que levante lo más rápido y suave que pude y lancé unos 20 ó 22 yardas las 9, a unos 5 ó 6 yardas adelante de la palometa, deje que se hunda y cuando más o me nos la palometa estaba en el lugar de la mosca comencé a moverla, solo me bastaron un par de strips para que la palometa se girara y encarara la mosca, paré el strip por unos segundos y comencé a mover de nuevo sentí una leve tensión en la línea y la estire con presión, la palometa se había tragado la mosca ¡!!!, de inmediato una veloz corrida hizo sonar mi reel, que sonido fantástico pensé para mí. Corrío más de 150 yardas y se planó, comenzó la pelea pense. Eran las 8:59 am según el Chinito. La tensión del reel estaba bien, el leader de 22 libras estaba entero, los nudos eran los adecuados (perfection loop), la unión del backing con la linea era un nudo Albright, en fin todo estaba en orden pero a uno siempre le salta la duda. La palometa se resitió bastante tiempo con el backing fuera del reel, la pude traer cerca de la lancha unas cuantas veces pero reaccionaba y salía corriendo nuevamente. Al cabo de 35 minutos la pude colocar junto a la lancha ya vencida, el Chinito la tomó de la cola y todos festejamos ¡!!! se trataba de la palometa más grande que había pescado hasta la fecha, mi palometa número 27, y pesaba según el Chinito entre 25 y 30 libras. Nos acercamos a la playa, baje con mi palometa y nos tomamos unas cuantas fotos para luego liberarla. Ya teníamos la pieza más difícil para lograr un Grand Slam, asi que el Chinito prometió que hasta que no lográramos pescar un bonefish y un tarpon no regresaría a La Tortuga.

Siguió el turno de Carlos y fuimos por los baby tarpon, luego el mío y así llegamos a la Laguna de Boca Grande. Carlos estaba al frente y tuvo la oportunidad de tirarle a unos baby tarpon, cuando llegó mi turno a las 12.00 hs. y continuábamos buscando baby tarpon, en eso el Chinto me indica un pequeño grupo de bonefish a unos 40 yardas, hago un rápido cambio de caña mientras Carlos me ayuda recogiendo la línea de la de tarpon. El Chinito se aproxima a unas 20 ó 25 yardas y hago un tiro que cae perfectamente a entre los bonefish, la mosca era una Gotcha en anzuelo # 6, hice un par de movimientos y uno de los bonefish toma la mosca. Comenzó a correr y pasó lo que más temíamos, se metió entre las raíces de unos mangles a pesar de mi presión con la caña y la línea para evitarlo y se desprendió la mosca (por suerte porque podía haber cortado)¡!!!, el Chinito me indica otra escuelita de bonefish en el mismo sitio donde clavé al primero, así que me preparo, revizo el leader y la mosca y al ver que estaba todo en orden, y lanzo mi mosca. Apenas cayó la mosca al agua uno de los bonefish la toma rapidamente y sale disparado, pero esta vez con más suerte y en pocos minutos logro subir el bonefish a la lancha, ya eran las 12:25 hs. Solo me faltaba el tarpon.

Cruzamos el canal de Boca Grande, almorzamos, continuamos buscando tarpon y siendo el turno de Carlos, en la zona del verde (como le llaman en La Tortuga), este clava y realiza un tarpon de 100 libras ¡!!! todos festejamos la hazaña y por sugerencia de Chinito nos movemos a Cayo Bretón.

En las lagunas de Cayo Breton vimos algunos tarpon rolar pero sin suerte, no pudimos clavar ninguno. Ya eran cerca de las 3:00 pm Chinito resuelve que nos ubiquemos en el Canal de Bretón, una vez allí vemos rolar algunos tarpones, era un buen augurio. Era mi turno, yo tenía preparada mi caña # 10 Wt con línea Intermedia, leader de 40 libras y “shock tippet” de 80 libras de fluorocarbono, la mosca era una “toad tarpon” modificada, lastrada, color roja y negra con azuelo TIEMCO 600SP tamaño # 1/0. El Chinito ancla la lancha en el veril, el canal de Breton es ancho y profundo, cuando sube o baja la marea parece un rio por la velocidad con que corre el agua. Los tarpones rolaban fuera de alcance, de repente Chinito me pide que lance paralelo al canal, cerca de los mangles sobre el veril. Hago un lance de unas 20 yardas, espero que la línea tome profundid y comienzo a hacer el strip, de pronto veo un flash y siento una tremenda tomada, clavo si pensarlo y un tarpon de entre 50 y 60 libras salta y se desprende ¡!!! el Chinito me pide que rápidamente vuelva a castear al mismo lugar, hago lo que me pide y apenas le mosca cae al agua otro tarpon la toma con violencia, lo clavo varias veces, salta, y hace una corrida sacando linea y backing hasta que salta nuevamente, yo estaba preparado para el salto, mantengo mi caña baja y el tarpon no se desprende, eran las 3.20 pm. El tarpon gira hacia la costa y casi se vara en la hierba, salta varias veces, se coloca bajo la lancha, yo mantengo la presión y comienzo a forzarlo llevando mi caña de un lado al otro. Al final de 20 minutos de pelea logro vencerlo y el Chinito con habilidad lo sube a la lancha. El tarpon pesaba unas 60 libras y el Grand Slam estaba cumplido ¡!!! sacamos las fotos testimoniales que corresponden y liberamos al tarpon. Eran las 3:50 pm. Era el 7mo Grand Slam de mi vida, y fue celebrado con los guias y tripulacion esa misma noche en Tortuga.

- Daniel

June on Perola, Isla de Juventud

2009-06-26T13:28:00.002-03:00

just a few words to say thank you to the avalon team specially the crew on perola

they were fantastic and looked after us in a first class way. hope to revisit in the

future.

regards IT

May on Halcon

2009-06-23T16:41:00.003-03:00

Just back from JDR where Bemba & I had a really fantastic day - the first SUPER GRAND SLAM in JDR History!!! A permit, a bonefish, a tarpon AND a snook in one day! When they told Pepe in Havana, he said it was impossible!

I've attached a few shots - more will follow - but just wanted to say thank you for one of the great days in my fly-fishing life! Absolutely knocked out & will be forever grateful to Bemba, who is a genius!

I'm not sure he liked me kissing him, but otherwise I've never seen a happier guide! I also managed 6 tarpon in the boat in less than an hour with Bemba on our last morning - how good is that?!!! Wish him good luck with his imminent baby & thank all the guys on Halcon for making our time so great. Pepe will remember that I fished with Keko ten years ago on his first week in the job & it didn't go too well - I think Keko is now excellent & I really enjoyed fishing with him. Juri was superb and despite being new to the job, made us feel right at home. Peachey's food was fantastic as always & Delbiss was as cool as ever. Joel bought me over a bottle of Santiago de Cuba the night after I caught the slam, & it was great to see Pedro, Jimmy, Junga, Arcellio & all the guys again. I called them all a bunch of "Maricons" as usual!:0)...

Best wishes,

June Super Grand Slam

2009-06-17T16:12:00.003-03:00

Our good friend, CR from Chile, made a Super Grand Slam on Isla de la Juventud last Sunday, with his very first Permit, first Snook, a great Tarpon and a Bonefish as dessert.

Isla de Juventud---- Tarpon Paradise

2009-06-16T15:31:00.004-03:00

This is the fourth year the Isle of Youth fishing has been operating by Avalon Fishing Centers and I have been hosting weeks there right from the beginning so I have now a very clear picture based on my fishing there on how the fishing has changed and the new areas that have been discovered.

This year I once again took a group of English anglers to the Isle based at Hotel Rancho, near the capitol Nueva Gerona.

My group including myself were mainly interested in tarpon fly fishing and we were certainly not disappointed in the number of big tarpon that we encountered every day we were fishing. These were tarpon from 60lbs to over 100lbs and they were not just in the channels as in the past. We found them Florida Keys style cruising the many large flats in pods of 6 to 10 fish and singles which were nearly all in the 80 to 100lbs plus size. But unlike the Florida Keys tarpon that are now very angler-shy, these Cuban fish, if the fly was presented correctly one yard in front of them, 99% of the time we got a hook up.

My fishing partner, Richard, and I were hooking up to 14 big tarpon a day and some of these were 100lbs plus fish as you can see from the photographs.

Most of the big tarpon we hooked on the flats made spectacular 200 yd plus runs plus of course some heart stopping jumps which makes tarpon on the fly so special and exciting. The successful fly was a new sardine pattern that Richard I have designed and I have tied and this has also proved to be deadly for big snook, mutton snappers and jacks in fact every thing we cast these sardine flies at ate them as if they were the real thing.

This was undoubtedly one of the best tarpon fly fishing trips I have experienced and I have been fly fishing for tarpon for nearly 30 years. So, if you want some great ‘Classic’ fly fishing for big tarpon where you may not see another angler all day, I have no hesitation in recommending the Isla de Juventud (The Island of Youth) Cuba.

I may see you there, because I certainly will be going back!

Jack

[Photos to be posted soon]