Thomas M. has returned from a week aboard the Avalon IV mothership in Jardines de la Reina, and his trip "exceeded all of my expectations."
Read his thoughts below!
Did you find the trip booking process through Yellow Dog enjoyable and useful? If not, please share why.
- The booking process was very efficient and properly executed.
Was the Yellow Dog pre-trip planning packet(s) and travel itinerary you received for your trip helpful and accurate? If not, how could it be improved?
- Yellow Dog's pre-trip planning packets, YouTube videos and suggested flies, equipment and clothing were extremely helpful. That is where Yellow Dog "earned their keep". There were flyfisherman on the trip who clearly did not read the packets or watch the YouTube Videos and experienced difficulties during the trip. Had they read the material, they wouold not have experienced any issues. Kristen Tripp's YouTube videos were extremely informative and helpful. Kristen was also helpful in addressing several questions I had regarding flight times and bus connectrions in Camaguey. I found out the Avalon's literature was a little outdated and that Yellow Dog's travel affiliate correctly booked me on the flight to Camaguey and that I would be able to connect with the bus to Jacaro.
Do you have any comments or constructive feedback based on the overall lodging (rooms, dining area, social area, etc)?
- I have no comments for Yellow Dog but I do to the fisherman who will be booking the trip. READ THE MATERIAL! There were two fishermen who clearly did not read the material sent to them and had problems during the trip in making transportation connections, not bringing the right gear and not knowing that all fishing gear had to be packed in the suitcase when returning to the USA.
Do you have any comments or constructive feedback based on the service, friendliness, etc of the lodge staff?
- Avalon Outdoors is a first class outfit. The Staff, Crew and Guides were professional, friendly and very helpful.
Did the food (breakfast, lunch, dinner) match what you were expecting? If not, please provide additional comments or constructive feedback.
- The food was very good. It was somewhat repetitive but the variety of their selections at each meal along with the two special dinners made for perfectly acceptable meals. I was very pleased with the food service.
Were you pleased with your guide(s) customer service, communication skills, professionalism, work ethic, and general fishing knowledge? If not, please share why.
- Leo was an exceptional Guide! He spoke excellent English, had eyes like an Eagle and raised my skill level another few notches with his suggestions. I could not have asked for a better Guide. The teamwork we developed over the week rewarded me with an average of 10 bonefish (avg. 60-62cm), 5 Tarpon, 3 Jack Caravelles and a number of other species. Failure for not landing a Permit rests squarely on my shoulders!
What key pieces of gear or flies made your trip successful?
-Â Â I brought an 8, 9 and 10 weight rods with WFF line and a terminal tackle for:
Bonefish 9'- 10 and 12 lbs leader and tippet Permit 9' 16 + 20 lbs. leader and tippet Tarpon 10' 30lbs. Tarpon Pro leader and tippet
Flies:
I bought the Yellow Dog selection of flys for Cuba to add to what other Caribbean saltwater flies I had. My guide was pleased with my selection but the clear winners were the Cuban Avalon and Mantis shrimp.
I forgot my sinking line that could be added to my WFF line to fish deep for Tarpon.
What piece(s) of equipment would not leave home without for this trip , or your next, with Yellow Dog?
-Â Pack like it is a DIY trip. Yellow Dog's suggestions are comprehensive and an excellent guide. There was a stomach bug going around the Guides and a head cold going around the fishermen. A well stocked First Aid kit is a must. Because you are drinking lots of water, adding electrolytes will help keep you healthy.
Would you return to this lodge destination? Please share why or why not.
- I would repeat this exact trip in a heartbeat!
How would you briefly summarize your overall trip experience?
- My trip to JDR on the Avalon IV last week was, in a word, epic! Avalon runs a first class operation and deliver as advertised in every area. The Staff and Guides were very professional, accommodating and knowledgeable. Yellow Dog's, Kristen Tripp has accumulated a wealth of information and commands an indepth understanding of Cuba. She addressed every question I had and offered suggestions on how to improve my itinerary. Because of Kristina, I was fully prepared and equipped and made this trip extremely memorable.
