Jardines de la Reina-January 2015
(originally posted 2/2/2015)
All of you have seen the news hearing about the new, more open relationship on the horizon between the US and Cuba. Before this latest political news, I had made plans with Avalon to travel to several of their Cuba fishing destinations on a Person to Person Visa through the Bonefish Tarpon Trust in January of this year. Joining me were anglers and shop owners from Washington and Idaho.
Our destination for this trip was Jardines de la Reina, the first and most famous fishing location in Cuba. Travel to Jardines is not for the faint of heart.....it involves an overnight in Havana, a 6 hour bus ride across the country, and a 5 hour boat ride before you finally arrive at the fishing grounds. Although we were all tired, we quickly realized the trip was worth the effort.
The Avalon Fleet ll, our home for the time in Jardines de la Reina. Unbelievable luxury, with the best staff and service imaginable.
My first ever landed Permit, on the first day of our trip, and the first of two grand slams I had for the week!
Underwater bonefish image
I thought the Tarpon fishing was excellent. My expectations were much lower given the time of year, but I caught Tarpon every day
Tarpon scales......
My crazy for Permit guide Bemba, stalking a tailing fish.
It was lobster season. This local fisherman showing his catch, represents the only commercial fishing of any kind allowed in Jardines de la Reina.
A beautiful sunset on a bonefish flat