CFFC hosted trips offer an exceptional opportunity to experience fishing in Cuba alongside a representative from our company who is familiar with the destination. This ensures that any questions or issues that may arise while traveling to a foreign country can be addressed promptly. Rosie and I had been eagerly anticipating this week, as we were co-hosting the group. With perfect morning tides, a promising weather forecast, and enthusiastic anglers, we couldn’t wait for what this week had to offer.
We arrived in Camagüey, passed through customs, and collected our luggage. Like clockwork, our local Cuban partner and cigar aficionado, Boris, was waiting outside with a fleet of classic cars, ready to welcome us to his country and chauffeur us to our hotel in style.
After checking in, freshening up, and enjoying some ice-cold beverages, we gathered around the lunch table to get to know one another over a selection of hors d’oeuvres.
That evening, Boris hosted his famous welcome party at his family home, providing a wonderful opportunity for everyone to connect. A feast of roast pig, lobster, lamb, and a plethora of other dishes was laid out, and we happily dug in. The festivities continued with a cigar roller, live music, and dancers, creating a warm and personal welcome to Cuba. As we climbed back into the cars, we felt the weariness of travel and the satisfaction of the feast.
The first morning at the marina was filled with buzzing excitement in the air. The sun was rising, and the weather looked promising, with clear skies and light winds. Our arsenal of rods and gear, sprawled across the dock tables and rod racks. It was finally time to get started. The sounds of waves gently lapping against the boats and the chatter of fellow anglers created a lively atmosphere as we prepared for the day ahead.
I paired up with Paul for the first day as it was his first time fly fishing the flats. After going over the basics of how to prepare for that crucial first cast at a fish, I passed the rod over to him, and we began scanning the white sand for the ghostly shadows. Soon enough, we spotted bonefish cruising in the shallow water, their sleek bodies gliding just beneath the surface. With almost no wind to mask our presence, these bonefish had very nervous behavior, darting away at the slightest disturbance.
We tied on a Pascal shrimp, one of the recent custom flies designed by the guides for Cayo Cruz. Almost immediately, the bonefish began to show interest in the offering. Paul experienced a mix of excitement and frustration as he missed two eats, but with a quick strip set demonstration from our guide, Eneldo, he regained his focus. On the third attempt, Paul hooked a bonefish perfectly, and a wave of celebration erupted on the boat. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of feeling the raw power of your first fish hooked in saltwater, and in that moment, Paul’s joy was infectious as we cheered him on.
That evening, everyone gathered to exchange stories from the day and share their individual fishing reports. Overall, it was a mixed bag; each angler managed to land some bonefish, while some experienced anglers reached double digits, with the largest fish estimated to weigh around 7 pounds. The dedicated permit fishermen of the week returned with some exciting updates. Although no one managed to land a permit, there were several good shots and four solid eats. The average size of permit in Cayo Cruz is quite impressive, and two of the lost fish were due to broken leaders during the strip set.
The next day Galan and his fishing partner Reed had a notable day, catching an impressive amount of bonefish and the first permit of the week! With great success being found early on in the week, we felt confident that more memorable days were to follow.
After being spoiled with perfect conditions all week, the next day brought a stark contrast with overcast skies that made for challenging fishing. The clouds rolled in, casting a gray hue over the water, and the light flickered on and off, creating brief windows of visibility for sight fishing, followed by stretches of darkness.
As the day concluded, the reports were again mixed. Some anglers struggled to find success in these conditions. However, our guest Alex from Wyoming, returned to the marina having landed his first permit of the week. His success served as a reminder that even on challenging days, there are always rewarding moments to be found on the water.
Later in the week, Boris rejoined us at our hotel in Cayo Cruz for a special presentation after dinner. He arrived bearing an impressive selection of specialty chocolates, rich coffee, fine rum, and, of course, beautifully crafted boxes of Cuban cigars. As we settled in, Boris captivated us with stories about the rich history and cultural significance of cigars in Cuba, explaining how they are woven into the fabric of the island’s identity.
He introduced us to the various types of cigars, detailing their unique characteristics and the best ways to pair them for an optimal experience. With enthusiasm, Boris set everyone up with a delightful pairing, guiding us through the steps to enhance the flavors of each component. His passion for his craft was evident; he wasn’t just an entertainer and salesman, but a true connoisseur, eager to share his knowledge. The evening was not only informative but also a celebration of the art of cigar making, leaving us with a deeper appreciation for this iconic Cuban tradition.
Good conditions continued through the end of the week, with clear skies and light winds making it perfect for fishing. For ambitious anglers, the opportunity to wade for fish was highly welcomed, allowing for a more intimate connection with the environment when stalking fish. Fred and Tony were particularly eager to wade for bonefish that day. Their enthusiasm was rewarded as they found themselves surrounded by schools of bonefish for a majority of the day!
Their hard work paid off, and they enjoyed a productive day on the water. Fred’s Apple Watch recorded 7 miles walked on the flats, highlighting their commitment to exploring the area and maximizing their fishing experience. It was a memorable day filled with action and camaraderie.
This week, most dedicated permit fishermen averaged only 0 to 4 shots each day. However, the silver lining was that the permit they did encounter were highly receptive to taking a fly. In total, five permit were successfully landed, with a few others lost during the excitement. While the chances to cast to these elusive fish was below an average week in Cayo Cruz, the ones that were seen were very happy on the flats and would be likely to eat a fly given a good presentation– a welcomed trade-off.
When our week came to an end, we gathered our belongings and shared bittersweet farewells with the hotel staff, who we’ve come to know very well during these trips. As we boarded the bus to Camagüey, we took one last look at the mesmerizing blue waters of Cayo Cruz. The bus carried on over the causeway, where flocks of flamingos grazed in the wetlands. We felt satisfied, reflecting on a successful week of fishing, happy about the camaraderie between the group and the friendships that were made.
