We have advanced reserved the Avalon I luxury live aboard for prime dates in February for a mixed species destination. Avalon has an exclusive permit for fishing the vast Cannareos and Cayo Largo Marine Parks in this vast archipelago south of the Cuban mainland. The Cannareos program encompasses the island chain between Isla de Juventud and the tip of Cayo Largo. The pristine flats environment is nearly the same now as it was hundreds of years ago. Our group will be limited to 11 anglers plus our Montana Angler host which means there will only be six skiffs in this massive region filled with small keys and sandy flats.
Our guests will have the opportunity to fly in and head right to the boat, or to arrive early to explore Havana 2 nights prior to the trip departure. Avalon's program incorporates cultural exchange and is eligible for legal travel for US citizens. Once on the boat we will enjoy outstanding accommodations with comfortable private berths, an all-inclusive outdoor bar, and indoor air conditioned gathering and dining areas.
Fishing
Each morning 2 anglers will depart in flats skiffs with their guides. Guides will check with guests each day on what their goals are for the day and then come up with a game plan. So perhaps you want to wade some sand flats for bonefish in the morning and then chase tarpon in the afternoon. Or maybe it is a permit or bust day. The variety of species and fishing grounds ensures that there is something for everyone and that anglers can experience a rich and diverse fishing experience over the course of the week.
Tarpon
Resident tarpon are encountered throughout the archipelago. There are large tarpon in the 30-100lb class that come onto the flats around the high tides as well as juvenille tarpon in the mangroves. Tarpon are most common on the western side of the island chain.
Permit
Cayo Largo is the premier location in Cuba for chasing permit and is often referred to as the Permit Capital of Cuba. Sight casting is common and permit haven't received a lot of pressure. When you find a feeding permit and make a good cast there is a high chance for a hookup!
Bonefish
Bonefish are large and plentiful in the Cannereos fisheries. Bonefish become more and more plentiful as you move east in the island chain with the waters in the Cayo Largo area providing some of the best bonefishing in the Carribean. The fishing is somewhat reminiscent of the white sand flats of South Andros. There are great opportunities for 4-8lb bonefish with some going even larger. If all that was found on these flats were bonefish it would still be a world class destination!
Jacks
The gangster of the flats are always a hard flighting and aggressive fish to pursue. Jacks will often move onto the flats at high tide and will aggressively attack food source in their path including your fly!
Barracuda
Make sure to have a few needlefish flies on hand as the 'cuda fishing can also be exceptional. These aggressive predators can produce heart stopping takes as they attack a rapidly stripped needlefish pattern.
2026 Hosted Trip Itinerary:
Optional early arrival - if guests would like to extend their stay we can arrive 2 nights early to enjoy Havana before the trip starts (so then arrive February 12th)
February 14 - arrive Havana airport and transfer to Zapesca port, motor to fishing grounds
February 15 - guided fishing
February 16 - guided fishing
February 17 - guided fishing
February 18 - guided fishing
February 19 - guided fishing
February 20 - guided fishing
February 21 - return to Havana and fly home
Rates $8250/Person/Week
Included: transfers from Havana to port, all meals and open bar once aboard the JA1 Liveaboard, guided fishing
Not Included: Tips, fishing tackle, rod rentals (note we will coordinate fly kits for anyone interested at added cost)