Cayo Romano, Cuba
Fly fishing at Cayo Romano
On the north shore of the eastern province of Camaguey, the Cayo Romano (formerly Cayo Cruz) fishery is an enormous system of flats, lagoons and pristine estuaries. The sport fishing area covers some
366 sq km allowing each skiff over 50 sq km to itself on an average day. The fishing area is virtually untouched and represents one of Cuba’s cleanest and most biologically diverse ecosystems.
Great wading in virgin fishing territory
The flats at Cayo Romano are an inviting combination of hard packed white sand and a semi-firm mottled bottom that still provides good wading. This great wading destination is similar to Los Roques in terms of the amount of area that’s wadeable, and there are places here where you can wade for several hours without heading back to the boat. Cayo Romano demonstrates all the characteristics of a recently discovered, virgin fishing territory – large numbers of good sized fish which haven’t been overly exposed to flies and leaders. Add to this the natural beauty of the cays and of the water and you have a truly memorable place to fish.
Bonefish tend to average around four pounds but it is not unheard of for guests to land a fish or two in the ten pound range during the week. Tailing bonefish are typical, and you are likely to see bonefish in singles and doubles, all the way up to schools of several hundred. The fishery is particularly notable for excellent permit fishing and guests can expect to encounter, and get shots at, plenty of permit each day. In fact, there are very few destinations where guests can fish for big bonefish each day and get shots at tailing permit with such consistency. It is a rare day when you don’t get good shots at permit ranging from an average size of eight to 30lb.
Two locations within the Cayo Cruz offer excellent tarpon fishing, with fish ranging from 30 to 90lb. The guides generally save these areas for anglers who are looking for a Grand Slam. Besides the fishing for permit, bonefish and tarpon there is also an abundance of other challenging species such as mutton snapper, snook, cubera snapper, jack crevalle, barracuda.
Friendly hotel just metres from the fishing marina
The ROMANO is a stunning new hotel in Cayo Romano just an hour away from Cayo Coco airport. It has a lovely location close to the fishing marina, and features a swimming pool, bar, lounge, a variety of signature restaurants, bowling area, and more. This lodge features several activities for anglers and also for non fishing guests.
The lodge is built right on the water, overlooking a beautiful channel visited daily by schools of tarpon and jacks. Some of the best fishing takes place right off the marina before dark.
All rooms are spacious and well appointed with air conditioning, tile floors and nice showers. The Romano has a private block of rooms in a quiet area specially assigned to the Avalon anglers.
In the open-air main lodge there are comfortable chairs and friendly bar where you can exchange stories of a day on the flats over an ice-cold beer with fellow anglers. The chef serves up daily specials in the dining room where you will find a friendly ‘lodge atmosphere’. The main lodge has wireless internet for guest use. Come down and enjoy yourself at Cayo Romano.