Cuba was the first destination to steal our hearts…. and 2023 marks 24 years of fly fishing travel to Cuba. The past 15 to Salinas. We were very fortunate to be able to host 4 different trips this past season post pandemic-closures. Our Cuban friends were very happy to see us, and truly appreciated the help we were able to provide. We have spent more time in Cuba than in any other country. Cuba's people and flats continue to pull us back.

For the past several years our Cuba trips have been primarily to the south coast and Las Salinas (Bay of Pigs) area within Zapata National Park. The area is home to some of the most productive bonefish flats in terms of numbers and average size fish (3-5lbs) that we’ve been to. 

If you put in the time, you will likely see permit in Salinas. This past season saw permit highlights for several clients. Permit are the most challenging flats fish around but are oh so rewarding when it all comes together. S

Dec 2021 Trip Report Instalment 3, Instalment 5, Instalment 6

A Permit 12 years in the making story!

The specialized flats skiffs at Salinas allow access to a broad range of fishing areas including ocean-side flats for chances at large Barracuda, and a variety of other species. Boat Pic**

Another highlight of this destination is “The Rio” – the river is home to a VERY health population of tarpon of all sizes, and some large specimens were hooked during the 2022 season, with some landed. The anglers who did battle with the tarpon will never forget those grueling grudge matches! 12wt’s are very beneficial! Link to Felipe Video of Tarpon in Rio and bent rod pic

Bottom line – Zapata is a great choice for anglers who enjoy the thrill of a screaming run, want the chance to catch decent bonefish while wading or hunting from the boat, and want a good opportunity at tarpon and other species. You will have more than enough fishing time as our trips are 1 to 1 guide/angler ratio. You get a lot of "on deck time!" When compared to the “single supplement” pricing from other operations Las Salinas is a very good value!

For the 21/22 trips we stayed in local Casa Particulars in Playa Larga. Nancy & David have spent several years on personal holidays staying at a friend's Casa and wanted to help the local people as much as possible. Staying at the Casa's with our angling groups added to everyone’s experience and enjoyment of the trip and was the best way to maximize help within the local economy. Our Cuban friends and families were very appreciative.  We have booked all the same houses for 2023. Anglers get single rooms.

Lunch is provided daily while on the flats. Dinner is provided by the Casa’s and was a highlight of the evenings along with all the day's fishing stories.

The Casa’s we have confirmed for the various weeks are the top-rated Casa’s in Playa Larga. Check them out on Trip Advisor

Our primary trips run from Saturday to Saturday in and out of Varadero, Cuba due to "typical" flight availability from both Calgary & Toronto. 

We are happy to help you with information regarding booking extra days in the area if you want to visit Havana, stay longer at Playa Larga or elsewhere for an extra week. Bird watching, large mouth bass fishing, crocodile tours, or any other of the numerous things Cuba offers are all possibilities. There are many interesting areas within the Zapata National Park worth checking out.

Trip Costs $4,695 USD

Spring 2024 Las Salinas/Playa Larga

ALL Single Room/Single Skiff

 Fish Tales’ standard trip for a week in Salinas includes:

• Return transfers from Varadero (VRA) to Playa Larga
• Daily Fishing Transfers (30-40 minutes depending on road conditions) to Salinas OR 60 minutes to Rio.
• 7 Nights Single Occupancy Casa room and all meals
• 6 Days guided fishing single angler

Not Included:

• Drinks at Casa (water and pop provided for fishing days)
• Gratuities
• Flights

(A little bit of Spanish can go along way for you at this destination.)

Trip deposit of $3,000 CDN required to hold booking.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT CALL US AT (403) 640-1273 OR EMAIL SALES@FISHTALES.CA