If we talk about wonderful places for fishing on our planet, then Cuba will certainly be one of the first on this list. There are many reefs off the coast of Cuba that are a refuge for hundreds of fish species. In addition, on this tropical island you can fish both in the salt water of the ocean and the seas, as well as in fresh rivers and lakes. The article will discuss the features of fishing in Cuba.
What is fishing in Cuba?
To better understand the question of what fishing in Cuba is, you need to consider the location of this island. Cuba (the name of the island and state) is the largest island of the Antilles archipelago, it is located in the northern hemisphere in the subtropical region of the planet. From the north-west, Cuba is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the southern coast of the island faces the Caribbean Sea, and from the north-east of Cuba is the Atlantic Ocean. If we talk about the nearest islands and territories, then to the north of Cuba are the Bahamas and the Florida Peninsula. It is famous for the Miami resort, to the south of the island is Jamaica, and in the southeast - the state of Haiti.
Since Cuba is surrounded by warm seas and oceans, its coast is always inhabited by a large number of different species of fish, whose schools make numerous sea currents to the reef coast of the island. This fact explains why fishing in Cuba and sea fishing in particular is unique and exciting.
If we talk about the diversity of the Cuban marine fauna, then here you can find fish-needles or fish-saws. Luck can also smile at the fisherman, and he will catch a swordfish. Most of the catch, as a rule, is silver carp and tilapia. On the coastal Cuban bottom there is a large number of shrimp and shellfish, which local fishermen catch and use to prepare delicious dishes for tourists.
Features of fishing in Cuba
The richness of the Cuban coast with various types of delicious fish and other marine products has led to the fact that fishing is one of the most popular activities among Cubans, which is carried out under the guidance of various companies, most of them are government organizations to meet the needs of tourists.
In connection with the foregoing, in Cuba all types of fishing are developed. Large companies work here that use modern technology for fishing, and many Cuban amateur fishermen work here, who are hired by the relevant state organizations during the tourist season.
License for fisherman
Since fishing in Cuba is a developed type of activity, it must be understood that it is regulated by relevant legislation in order to preserve the country's flora and fauna. You can fish in Cuba only under a license. Obtaining this license is as simple as possible; just contact any organization engaged in fishing tourism, of which there are a great many in Cuba. A license is issued upon presentation of a tourist passport. Also here, the fisherman receives fishing instructions in Cuba.
Sport fishing
Of course, fishing and outdoor activities in Cuba cannot be imagined without sports competitions in catching the inhabitants of the sea. Not only the Cuban, but every tourist can take part in one of these many competitions. In this case, there are two possibilities to engage in sports fishing:
- Surface fishing. It is called so because during its practice it is possible to catch only fish species that live in the surface layers of the sea. This type of fishing is carried out as follows: a team of competing fishermen gets on a boat, then the boat floats in the open sea and during this voyage fishing is carried out, that is, the boat constantly floats and does not stop.
- Bottom fishing. It is carried out in exactly the same way as the first type of sporting competition, only in this case the boat stops on the high seas. As a result, such fishing manages to catch deep-sea exotic fish, which are of greater value than surface species.
If tourists arrive in Cuba in May, they must visit or participate in an international fishing sporting competition called Aguh Ernest Hemingway. This sporting event has been held every year for 65 years and is one of the oldest traditions of its kind in the world.
When is the best time to fish in Cuba?
Since Cuba is located in the subtropical region of the Earth, it is characterized by two climatic seasons: the drought season and the rainy season. Many people believe that it is impossible to fish in the rainy season, but this is not so, since it rains usually early in the morning or in the evening for half an hour, and after 2 hours, due to high temperatures, the soil dries out almost completely. That is, the features of the rainy season also allow fishing in Cuba. For completeness, we note that the drought season lasts from April to September.
Thus, fishing in Cuba is carried out throughout the year, but it is not recommended for tourists to engage in this type of activity in October and November, since these two autumn months account for a large number of hurricanes.
Price of fish delicacy
As already mentioned, the fishing industry is one of the main tourism revenues for Cuba. Every person, whether an avid fisherman or an ordinary tourist, who flies to this paradise island to lie on its sandy beaches and swim in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, must definitely try at least one of the many fish delicacies that this island state offers.
What price will you have to pay for this unforgettable pleasure? It all depends on the type of fish and the type of dish prepared from it. For example, 150 grams of hake or tuna fillet will cost an average of 5 US dollars to a tourist.
Where is the best fishing in Cuba?
Cuba provides ample opportunity to choose a place for fishing. The main feature of fishing in Cuba is its diversity, which is difficult to find in another corner of the planet. Knowing the best places to fish will allow fishermen to enjoy the process of catching exotic diverse species of marine life.
The diverse fish organizations that are located on the island provide tourists with a wide range of services. Here you can purchase all the necessary fixtures and equipment at reasonable prices, both for fishing in the sea, and in rivers and lakes. Below is a list of the most famous places for this exciting and relaxing activity:
- Havana. Of course, the capital of the state of Cuba offers several places that are designed for fishing in peace and quiet. First of all, it is worth noting the bays of Hemingway and Tarara, in the waters of which sports are often held in fishing. There is a high probability that the fisherman will catch a needle fish.
- Varadero. This place is known not only for its wonderful beaches, but for catching some exotic species of fish, including marlin, reef shark, barracuda and some species of migratory fish. Places that are reserved for fishing are located far from the beaches, so no one will interfere with the fishermen's favorite business.
- Santiago de Cuba. What is the town of Santiago de Cuba? These are amazing beaches, underwater tourism and, of course, exciting fishing, because here the fisherman is given the opportunity to catch igloo fish, and in coastal fresh rivers you can catch specimens of goldfish.
In addition to the above-mentioned places of the main island, peerless fishing in Cuba is also noted on the smaller islands adjacent to it. Among them are the archipelagos of Jardines de la Reina (Royal Gardens), Cienfuegos (One Hundred Lights), the islands of Largo del Sur (Long South), Cienaga de Zapata (Marsh) and Romano (Roman), as well Peninsula of Guanaacabibes.
No need to think that fishing in Cuba is carried out only in the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean. Fans of fresh fish should pay attention to such lakes as Leonero, Redonda, Grande and Algodonal.
Fish tour in Cuba
Fishing, sitting in a boat, or participating in a sports competition is, of course, fascinating activities for every fishing enthusiast, however, in Cuba there is another type of fishing called the Fish Tour.
In practice, this means the following: a tourist rents a yacht for several hours, and floats on it wherever he wants, whether it is a small island or the open sea, he decides for himself. Yacht rental also includes the cost of various drinks and food that is present on it. If there is a desire, the fisherman can immediately cook independently the fish that he will catch. The Fish Tour provides an opportunity to catch swordfish, which is considered a feat among fishing enthusiasts in Cuba.
Tourists reviews
Tourists who were engaged in fishing in Cuba note the variety of fishing places, indescribable impressions when an exotic type of fish is pulled out of the water, as well as the good organization of this type of outdoor activity. So, many hotels where tourists stayed, organized fishing and related competitions for those who like to go fishing with a fishing rod.