CUBA
One of the top saltwater flats variety (bonefish, tarpon, permit, snook, barracuda) fisheries on the globe are the miles of flats in the protected waters of Cuba. Protection is the key that has kept these waters pristine and productive. In the early 90’s, Cuba/Castro realized that their reef systems and shallow, saltwater environments were special and an important asset of the country. Castro was an avid scuba diver. They established five giant national marine parks where killing any marine life (the exception being an annual lobster season) was made illegal. For the critical element in enforcing laws designed to protect fish and marine life (i.e., enforcement) each of the marine parks has two full time guards that are constantly on patrol. From my personal experiences, the richness of the marine life in Cuba is only rivaled by the protected waters of the spectacular Alphonse and St. Francois atolls in the Seychelles. See reports below...
BAHAMAS
The Bahamas provided the proving ground for the early
development of bonefishing. The “Crazy Charlie”
bonefish fly was originally created for fishing Andros
Island and has withstood the test of time as one of the
flats most productive flies.
Today, Bahama bonefish lodges come in many different
forms from the basic, traditional, “Bahama bonefish
experience” to combination lodges/resorts where a fly
fisher can combine some bonefishing with a family or
couples experience. Regarding the Bahamas, we tend to
be most excited about the “higher end” operations. Two
of the best are Mangrove Cay and Flamingo Cay.
Andros Island is one of the top bonefish destinations in the
world. There are many and varied lodge options, but one
of the favorites is Mangrove Cay. Located on the north
shore of the middle bight of Andros Island, Mangrove Cay is
situated to access many of Andros’ top bonefish flats.
Mangrove Cay was designed with the discriminating flats
fisherman in mind. Attention to the details is evident
providing a relaxed and comfortable lodge environment.
Each of the flats available to Mangrove Cay has the
opportunity to cast to trophy Bahama bones as well as
schools of 3-4 pounders. A 16 foot dolphin flats skiff with a 90 hp outboard will get you to the different areas quickly. For those who are looking for an occasional change to the excitement of the flats, they also have a larger craft for fishing offshore in the nearby Tongue of the Ocean for a variety of species including mahi mahi, yellow-fin tuna, dorado, and barracuda.
Located on the north shore of the middle bight of Andros Island, Mangrove Cay is situated to access many of Andros’ top bonefish flats. Mangrove Cay was designed with the discriminating flats fisherman in mind. Attention to the details is evident providing a relaxed and comfortable lodge environment. Each of the flats available to Mangrove Cay has the opportunity to cast to trophy Bahama bones as well as schools of 3-4 pounders. A 16 foot dolphin flats skiff with a 90 hp outboard will get you to the different areas quickly. For those who are looking for an occasional change to the excitement of the flats, they also have a larger craft for fishing offshore in the nearby Tongue of the Ocean for a variety of species including mahi mahi, yellow-fin tuna, dorado, and barracuda.
Click on the following links for additional information and/or client comments about this destination:
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Cuba - Client Newsletter Reports:
Don Muelrath
Fly Fishing Adventures
888-347-4896