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Known locally as Isla de la Juventud, the Isle of Youth is an island situated off the south western coast of Cuba.  It is almost due south of Havana and is easily accessed by a 40-minute flight.

Fishermen stay at the Hotel Rancho El Tesoro set on the outskirts of Gerono, the largest town on the island with 75,000 inhabitants.

There is also the option of a live-aboard boat, Perola, which can comfortably accommodate six fishermen.

While the fishing for bonefish, and even permit, is extremely good, the Isle of Youth is perhaps best known for its tarpon fishing.

Fishing

The habitat is similar to the Jardines de la Reina with mangroves, channels and deep flats and most of the tarpon caught are 15lbs to over 120lbs. It is probably one of the best tarpon fisheries in the world.  From February until the end of June, huge tarpon are out on the flats and are ready to offer an unforgettable tarpon experience.

The bonefishing is similarly excellent with fish averaging around 5lbs with double digit fish quite possible. The fish are some of the least spooky you can imagine with many fish being caught within 10 feet of the skiff.

The permit fishing is almost as good as the tarpon fishing making a grand slam or even super grand slam a real possibility. In addition, there is exciting fishing for mutton snapper, jack crevalle and barracuda.

Food and Lodging

Hotel Rancho El Tesoro

The Hotel Rancho El Tesoro is located on the outskirts of Gerona, the Isle of Youth's biggest town. Hotel Rancho has been recently renovated and offers basic but nevertheless comfortable accommodation with large single rooms for each person.

Each room has air-conditioning, plenty of storage space and good showers. There is telephone service available to anywhere in the world as well as internet connection for hotel guests.

Meals are superb, a combination of classic Cuban dishes like smoked pork, chicken, black bean soup, rice and beans, but also fresh fish like mutton snapper and grouper. The chef is even happy to prepare sashimi from freshly caught fish.

Fishing guests have their own private dining room with a chef and waiting staff. The dining room is air-conditioned and is not only used for meals, but also as a place to relax before dinner with a perfect Mojito and perhaps a classic Cuban cigar.

Perola

For those who want to be close to the action and prefer to stay on the water then Perola, a 75-foot yacht that can access the more remote areas, may well be the one to choose.

There are five very comfortable air-conditioned cabins below deck, most having their own private bath, with good showers and plenty of hot water, and ample storage space for anglers. This is an impressive yacht, with highly-polished hardwood floors and teak paneling. The top deck is covered and always remains in the shade but open to the sea breeze.

Why we rate it

It is the place to go if you want to chase large tarpon.

Price

Land packages are from: Hotel Rancho 1,790-3,980 Euros and Perola 3,560-5,260 Euros for a weeks fishing package.