Trip Report: Cayo Largo, Cuba (Feb. 21-28th, 2026)

There is a lot happening in the world right now and Cuba certainly has no shortage of headlines in the news. In the months leading up to this trip there were daily articles and information pieces coming out with a wide range of updates regarding the current state of affairs on the island. From wide spread power outages (which were already an issue) from lack of fuel and failing antiquated power structures, to cut off oil imports and food shortages, the situation in Cuba is as tough as it's been in a long time. This would certainly be the most complicated trip there compared to my previous ones. Throughout my readings and many conversations with various people about economics/politics and the viability of traveling to Cuba, there were certainly mixed emotions. I would be remiss to not acknowledging the many challenges that Cuba is facing from an economic standpoint. Does traveling to Cuba under Humanitarian Projects and participating in sustainable environmental conservation projects seem logical/safe/worthwhile/etc.? What's the best thing to do right now? Would it be any different than in years past? As the group host, responsible for my clients wellbeing and to provide the best experience possible, I had a lot to consider. I had a second week group who was planning on joining me after this one, but decided as a whole to try again next year. After what seemed like a whirlwind of events and newly presented variables within just days of departure, my first group still decided to proceed. One of the factors within this decision was also that our trip would be providing much needed help to the Cuban people during this time. Travel to this island was extremely limited with various countries completely cutting off air travel and most hotels within Cuba being closed due to lack of tourism.

A few days before we were scheduled to depart, I saw a news flash that all Canadian airlines had cancelled their flights to Cuba. Cuban airports did not have jet fuel to supply planes. So all of the long distance flights, including those from Canada, Europe, and beyond had been paused. I also paused, as one of my clients in this group was coming from Canada. I texted him to check in. A couple of hours later he received a message from WestJet explaining that indeed his flight had been cancelled. But, to his credit, that did not stop him. A workaround was established and onward we proceeded. With members of this group coming from Canada, Colorado, California, and Maine, our flights were a mixed bag of departures. But, our final flight destination of Havana was the same. We were all able to arrive in the capital city other than two members who ran into flight delays due to weather. They would be spending the night in Miami and then taking the next available morning flight. So, in the meantime, the rest of us settled into our house in Havana to rest after a long day.

(Far Left: balcony shot from our house. Remaining three: driving through Havana)

Later that evening we headed out to dinner at the same restaurant that my group had visited last year. After food, drinks, and some group bonding conversation, some went back to the house to sleep. However, three of us continued the night grabbing some drinks at a well known bar and listened to an impressive singer which easily convinced us to have more cocktails.  

(Havana shots. Second from left was our restaurant)

The next morning I got a message that the last remaining group members were successfully on the early morning flight to Havana and would be arriving shortly. I arranged a taxi for them and planned on meeting them later, with the rest of the group, in order to board the bus to the dock. After coffee and breakfast we converged at the meeting spot. Stuffing our bags in the storage under the bus, we took or seats and made our way down to the southern end of Cuba.

Once we boarded the mothership, our home for the next week, it's about a 5 hour ride to Cayo Largo. Originally the trip was planned to cover the entire Canarreos Archipelago, however due to fuel shortages we ended up anchoring at Cayo Largo for the week to conserve. This legendary area (and home of the "Avalon" fly pattern) is extensive all its own with plenty of water to cover so there were no shortages of fishing or fish to target. 

(The mothership at anchorage in Cayo Largo)

The first day of fishing we had good weather. Sunny with a slight breeze, it was near perfect conditions to start the week. Members of the group reported many bonefish with some hitting 7 and 8lbs. Other catches included a fat Mutton Snapper and tarpon. I caught a couple bonefish in the morning and then proceeded to do my normal permit hunt the remainder of the day. I didn’t see any permit until lunch. Literally. But, as I sat eating, my guide Frank said “here they come,” so I dropped my sandwich and jumped up to greet them. I got a couple of casts to them at the lunch spot, including plunking one cruiser right on the forehead sending it in the opposite direction. The rest of the afternoon we saw quite few permit and I had good shots with receptive follows and a couple tails up on my fly, but no hookups. Overall it was a good way to start the trip. Smiles were visible as everyone reboarded the mothership later that evening.

(The first day brought sunshine and fish)

The following day was the start of the cold front that came in overnight. Chilly wind from the north dropped the temps of not only the air but the water as well in quick order. The wind was peaking around 30mph at times which made things tough. Casting and line management was certainly more difficult, but the bonefish and tarpon still seemed to hang around. However, the clear difference for me was the permit fishing. They seemed to outright disappear when things got cold. But other species still hung around and guests were kept occupied and their drags zinging for the next few days until the weather turned for the better. 

It was during this mid week chill that some memorable fish were caught however. Most notably, one of the best sight fished Cubera Snappers I've seen was brought to hand. We got a call on the radio from one of the other guides that a large fish was hooked and that they were currently wrestling with it. They happened to be very close to us, so we headed over to see what was going on. After rounding the corner and seeing a very bent rod battling with this monster, we headed over to spectate. We ran our skiff onto the flat and I jumped out with my camera in hand. After about ten minutes, she was able to swing the Cubera towards the guide and cheers erupted. "A lifetime fish!" the guide said. He was right.

(Toothy smiles all around)

(A "good morning" bonefish and a good bonefish in the morning)

The true consistency within this fishery (Cayo Largo and the greater Canarreos Archipelago) is the bonefish. This held true as the cold front started to slowly dwindle mid week and clients were still able to keep their lines tight and fish to hand with less than "ideal" conditions. The fish were still around. Regular reports of 5 & 6lb bonefish with some odd 7-8lb fish were talked about in the evening. As the cloudy skies opened up a little and the wind changed directions, it only got better.

(The consistency of the bonefish in this area is always impressive)

(One of this client's better days was spent on a white sandy flat spotting bonefish in the rolling waves on foot)

The tarpon fishing that week also did not disappoint. Many anglers jumped and/or landed nice fish. Most of these were caught in the deeper channels that run throughout this area. A few of them, including some of mine, were hooked while sight fishing to rollers. One of the days where I jumped 6 tarpon, a couple of them were in an incredibly beautiful clear-turquoise area which had some active fish schooled up.