Cayo Cruz, Cuba: 24 November - 2 December 2023

As a novice fly fisherman of a little over 12 months, I considered I was doing pretty well. Taught by an ex-England team member, I was shown the basics of casting, and began catching some decent trout on a regular basis, really taking to this new style of fishing. I had watched a guy fly casting years before and was struck with the technique and skill of it all. “One day…” I said to myself and continued with my pursuit of carp. 

The watercraft and fish playing skills learned over the years certainly played a part in my new venture, as they translate to any style of fishing. I began to explore saltwater fly, as having miles of coastline almost on my doorstep it seemed the next logical step, but locating fish was a whole lot more difficult, with ever changing conditions of tides and wind to contend with. 

Searching Google for information led me to a perfect solution, an Orvis ‘beginners’ weekend’ with talks, coaching, guided fishing and like-minded people to share information and also to learn from. That completed, I entered a 3-day competition in saltwater locally. This was another great learning experience, which led to a text message offering me a chance of joining a hosted trip to Cayo Cruz, Cuba. 

This would be very different indeed, tropical saltwater flats, fly fishing for bonefish, permit, jacks, barracuda and tarpon. Would this be a ‘step too far’ for me in my fledgeling, inexperienced new pastime? 

I declined the offer, concluding it really would be ‘too much too soon’ for me… Ten minutes later I sent another message, “Cancel that, I’m in…” 

My initial fears of being too much of a novice to be jetting off to a far-flung land and attempting to catch these only ‘heard of species’ were quickly met with reasoned experience, and assurances from the host of the trip, Colin Macleod. He explained he would take me out on the first day, settle me in properly, and show me how it’s done. The trip was quickly paid for, further information arrived, which included ‘kit lists’ and requirements for the trip. 

My passport was valid, the relevant visas sorted, packed my gear, and drove to the airport. Go Fishing Worldwide take care of everything for you. For a relative novice heading off on his first overseas trip, it’s very reassuring to have it all booked for you, everything taken care of, just turn up and take part. I met up with a couple of guys at the airport, on the same flight, and quickly felt like I was a part of something special. 

Overnight in Canada, then the relatively short flight down to Cayo Coco, Cuba. Meeting the rest of the group, it became apparent they had all done this sort of thing before, some as many as 10 trips! And here I was for my first… 

The hotel was comfortable, all-inclusive and the staff very friendly and helpful. I took the liberty of booking a single room, as snoring, myself and others, plays havoc with sleep patterns, so take that out of the equation right from the start. Once checked in, it was time to head to the bar and find out what would be in store for me. 

I quickly felt at ease with the guys in the group, and never once felt like the ‘novice’; everyone was more than happy to answer all my questions and share their knowledge and experience. The first day of fishing came quickly, and true to his word our host Colin Macleod did a brilliant job of showing me the requirements of fishing from a skiff for the first time. 

At the end of my first day, I had caught 4 bonefish, and lost 2… a steep learning curve for me, but a day I will never forget. Oh my god, the speed of those fish is nothing short of incredible, down to the backing in a heartbeat… just amazing! And a further 5 days to come. 

My week continued, with more bonefish, some snappers, with a decent one completely bitten in half by a Cuda. I later had a decent Cuda, with everyone in the group also catching good fish daily. More than happy with my fishing, and spoilt with perfect surroundings and so many options for fishing different locations, flats, wading, deeper ‘blue holes’ chancing your arm not knowing what is coming up next… 

The guides do an amazing job getting you on the fish, with anglers taking turns up on the front deck. They quickly work out how far you can comfortably cast and do everything possible to position the boat for you to aid your casting…”20 yards 11 o’clock - cast now… wait…. strip strip…” is all you need to be into a fish. Again, as a ‘newbie’ they tie your flies, select flies for you, and do a great job of making the experience as straightforward as possible for you. 

Before you know it, the final day of fishing comes around, feeling so much more at ease now, the routine of sharing a skiff with your boat partner for the day, becomes second nature, taking turns to fish, helping where you can with tangles, mishaps, photos, enjoying the experience and having fun along the way. 

I shared my week with some great guys, a few who live close to me, I will hopefully meet up with again at some point for some fishing and a beer. 

The experience of it all, for me, was nothing short of amazing. 

The wildlife alone, was a pleasure to see, turtles, rays, sharks, fish everywhere. Pink spoonbills one day kept flitting along a line of mangroves we were slowly edging past, the birds kept taking flight, moving to the next clump, balancing on thin branches, till eventually there was not enough mangrove left to support the flock, and they all took flight… I’d guess at 200 pink spoonbills turned the blue-sky pink in a fantastic fly by for us… just stunning.

Bidding farewell to the place I found quite difficult, I had enjoyed the trip so much. Friends made, lessons learned, as an experience, it can’t be beaten…would I go again? 

Let me consider that for a moment… Yes, I would… I’m going back in March 2024… 

Might just see you there…