Zapata – Fly Fish the Run - Castaway Flyfishing

The live-aboard operation in the Zapata peninsula combines excellent permit, bonefish and tarpon fishing with a congenial onboard atmosphere.

Located in the Zapata National Park in the south of Cuba, this unique pristine and totally unspoilt area has always been protected by the Cuban government. The area – which is remote from the well known existing operation at Las Salinas – was not available for fishing until the first concession was awarded in August 2012. As of 2016, the new operator has exclusive rights to fish this area, and is providing a brand new, and enhanced service – based on a luxury live-aboard yacht – to anglers wishing to take advantage of this still virgin fishing destination. Castaway Flyfishing is proud to be one of the first organisations to promote this very special fishery.

The Fishing:

The Zapata area will be your base for the week. Based on the live-aboard yacht, Georgiana, you will have plenty of time and the best daily schedule to fish the tides, that are the key for a good saltwater trip. Since there´s no need to leave the flats, you stay in the fishing area for the whole the week, and you are able to select your options based on which species you are targeting. For example, everyone knows that an incoming tide is an excellent time to wait for the bonefish push on the flats.

You will focus on specific fishing areas, and in skiffs which will be rotated so that you can fish 4 days with a single skiff/guide, and two days with a double skiff/guide. With this we ensure that you have the access to the best areas of our fishing zone. For skinny waters flats you will be fishing from flat bottomed single skiffs, so that you can access the best areas for bonefish and permit, and with our dolphin double skiffs you can fish the best waters for tarpon and travel in deeper waters further from the yacht.

The Georgiana will be located on the east side of the Canarreos, where after an intensive research we have assigned 10 different fishing areas, and have introduced a rotation system, similar to the one used in Cayo Largo. This is designed to reduce fishing pressure on each area, encouraging non-spooky fish, and increasing chances of success. Guides are trained under this method.

The Accommodation:

Accommodation is provided on the live-aboard yacht, Georgiana. This luxury yacht, is an exceptional and exclusive 100 feet vessel used for weekly trips inside the Marine Park of Zapata Peninsula. It has 6 comfortable air-conditioned cabins, each with a private bathroom, and plenty of hot water. Each cabin can accommodate up to three people, although the maximum capacity for the yacht is 8 people – ie 2 double cabins and 4 single cabins

Cuisine on the Georgiana is gourmet but simple. Fresh fish of the day or lobster is utilized for most meals, together with salads and fresh vegetables, and a variety of fruits are always available and provide a good alternative to a daily diet. In addition, you’ll have excellent pork and chicken entrees during the week, fresh sashimi and italian style pizzas for appetizers and some of the finest frozen Daiquiris, Cuba Libres and Mojitos to make your afternoons and nights an enjoyable culinary experience.

The Programme:

The Georgiana yacht is available for a full charter of 8 people for the week. The Programme includes: Reception at Havana Airport; Return Transfers between Havana and the yacht; 7 nights’ accommodation on board the yacht – 2 Doube Cabins, 4 Single Cabins – including, full board; 6 full days guided fishing, 2 Double Skiffs, 4 Single Skiffs