General Information
The Cayo Paredon fishery is the most westerly fishery in the Jardines del Rey (Gardens of the King) fishery and is part of a marine protected area. The fishing area is virtually untouched and represents one of the cleanest and most biologically diverse ecosystems in the Caribbean. Just offshore sits the second largest barrier reef in the world at 248 miles long and you and the other anglers for the week will be the ONLY boats in the fishery.
The fishery is divided into multiple zones, and during the week you will rotate the zone so that the fishery doesn’t receive too much pressure and all anglers are able to fish the entirety of the fishery during the week. Healthy schools of bonefish in the three-pound and up range are common, and wade fishing is plentiful. In places, you can wade on hard-pack white sand, but wading boots are recommended for wading in the interior lagoons as it is rocky.
Permit are numerous, and it is possible to target fish by wading in addition to aboard the skiff. Permit are not only plentiful, but can be found in excess of 30 pounds – however, permit in Cuba are just like permit anywhere else in that they are picky, particular, and even peculiar in how or when they eat.
A small school of residential tarpon live in the fishery, and should you catch a permit, the guide will likely try to get you a Grand Slam if desired. During the tarpon migration from late April into early July, the larger migratory fish can be found in the fishery laid up on the flats or schooled up in the deeper channels and creeks in the fishery. This may be one of the few destinations where wade fishing for tarpon is a reasonable possibility during peak migration months.
Finally, a rare opportunity anywhere in the world, this fishery has a flat where triggerfish can be found in large numbers and can be targeted. Challenging to feed and harder yet to stick, you can expect to have the opportunity to present a fly to triggerfish in addition to barracuda, snapper, jacks, and other species.
Each morning you will be met by an electric vehicle to drive you the 10 minutes to the dock and marina, where you will meet your guide and board your skiff for the day. Lunch will be had in the fishery each day; a typical fishing day is from 8 am to 4 pm. Runs are short, and the tides will dictate the best fishing plan for your day.
Boats and Equipment
The fishing boats used are Mitzhi skiffs outfitted with Yamaha 70 HP motors. Radios are carried aboard every skiff to maintain contact with the fishing managers who are on hand to facilitate any issues, concerns, and help answer any questions. As is the case with most areas in Cuba, be prepared to bring ALL your rods, reels, and lines with you and a First Aid Kit. Flies, leaders, tippet, all terminal tackle, and all accessories should also be packed, as very few items are available anywhere in Cuba. Yellow Dog will provide a complete pre-trip packing and equipment list for fishing in Cuba.
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