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In the middle of the north coast of Cuba in the province of Santa Clara is the area known Santa Maria. It forms part of the Jardines del Rey archipelago which stretches along much of the north coast.

Fishing

The fishing area of Santa Maria and Las Brujas is a series of cays, mangrove channels and open lagoons with acres of perfect flats. The area has not been explored until recently, but it would appear that large migratory tarpon frequent the area, perhaps on their way to Florida.

There are two principal areas in which to fish. The flats, where you can sightfish to tarpon cruising in just a few feet of water, and deeper channels where you blind-cast to rolling tarpon. On a calm day it is possible to see hundreds of tarpon rolling in the deeper channels waiting to return to the flats on an incoming tide.

A 30lbs tarpon would be considered a small one and generally fish are in the 40lbs to 60lbs bracket, with fish between 80lbs to 100lbs being a realistic prospect during the course of a week. The tarpon run in schools of similar-sized fish and on occasions you only see the very largest fish showing. The largest fish caught on fly in the area stands at 150lbs.

A 12-weight rod is necessary to land tarpon of this size and guides favour leaders of between 60lbs and 100lbs breaking strain. Traditional tarpon patterns, such as the cockroach, tarpon bunnies and black death seem to work well.

The area was fished commercially but with the area now protected, it is expected that bonefish and permit will quickly return to what is ideal habitat teeming with shrimp and crab. Commercial fishermen have never targeted tarpon as they cut through their nets, plus the tarpon only pass through on their migration. It is suggested that fishermen take a lighter rod for the occasional bonefish and permit, but for now Santa Maria is really a specialist tarpon fishery with barracuda and snapper being other possible species caught.

Food and Lodging

Accommodation is at the all-inclusive Melia Las Dunas Hotel. Rooms are well-furnished and air-conditioned and the hotel provides a comfortable base from which to catch the tarpon of a lifetime.

The hotel has all the facilities expected of a large hotel including four swimming pools, six restaurants and live music each evening, so non-fishers have plenty to keep them amused during the day. There is a stunning beach just a short stroll from the rooms.

Why we rate it

Simply fantastic fishing for large tarpon.

Price

Land packages are from 2,900-3,700 Euros for a weeks fishing package.