“FLY FISHING IN HATIGUANICO RIVER, ZAPATA PENINSULA” Tour

“FLY FISHING IN HATIGUANICO RIVER, ZAPATA PENINSULA” Tour

Ciénaga de Zapata National Park

Ciénaga de Zapata National Park in Matanzas province, also known internationally as the Great Montemar Natural Park, covers more than 4,300 km2, including the Zapata Peninsula and an extensive area east of the Bay of Pigs. It is one of the most important and relevant places for the conservation of nature in Cuba, due to the great variety of species of birds, reptiles, fish and vegetation that inhabit it. The Ciénaga de Zapata is considered since 2000, Reserve of the Biosphere by the UNESCO, (one of the six that there are in Cuba), is the biggest wetland of the insular Caribbean region and declared officially Site RAMSAR, constitutes without a doubt one of the places of the Island with bigger biodiversity, beauty and unquestionable historical and natural values.

Ciénaga de Zapata National Park encompasses over one million acres and is part of the biosphere preserve, is one of the largest protected area in the entire Caribbean. It is home to 31 types of reptiles (including the famous Cuban crocodile), some 175 bird species, plus 65 others that visit the national park during their seasonal migrations. This region constitutes one of the most important forest areas in Cuba, it is home to 78 species of plants endemic to the island and 6 endemic species typical of there, For all this, it represents a place of great interest for its conservation.

Fishing area Hatiguanico River

The Hatiguanico River originates from the land of a gigantic spring of fresh and crystalline water in the southern zone of the province of Matanzas and is today one of the best conserved hydrographic basins in Cuba. The Hatiguanico River, with depths that oscillate around 4 meters and a length of 32 km, is generally made up of three tributaries: Rio Negro, Guareira and Gonzalo rivers which give rise to the Rio Hatiguanico, this is located at the western end of the Cienaga de Zapata and discharges it's waters into the Ensenada de la Broa, it is the most important river system in the entire Zapata Peninsula. It's conservation is due in part to the remoteness of the place, since the nearest settlement, Hato de Jicarita, is seven kilometers away. In addition, access to the river is controlled by the Park Rangers. The protection of the river is essential because of it's high ecological value, since more than 70 percent of the water that runs off in the marshes passes through it to go to sea.

It also has the largest population of red mangrove in the insular Caribbean. In the winter it also serves as a refuge for migratory birds. In it's areas you can find the "cabrerito de la ciénaga", the "gallinuela de Santo Tomás", since the river has channels that communicate with these distant places. Species like the tarpon (sábalo), snook (robalo) and Cuberas are characteristic of this area. There are also specimens of manatee, manjuarí and other species, some of them in danger of extinction. The sport fishing activity consists of the method of catch and release of the above mentioned species, with fishing gear conditioned not to damage them. The carrying capacity of the area is 8 fishermen per day and the fishing area comprises only the Hatiguanico River and it's tributaries Rio Negro, Guareira and Gonzalo. Small boats propelled by outboard motors and the use of specialized sport fishing guides are used.

With the utmost respect for the conservation of the environment and the species, Cuba offers fly fishing fans the possibility of practicing their favorite sport in the best conditions, within an authentic, hospitable environment and always accompanied by professional fishing guides.

What´s included in the tour?:

• Professional bilingual fishing guide.
• Skiff up to two anglers.
• Fishing license.
• Ice on the boat
• 8 hours aprox (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM). Note: The fishing day will not exceed 8 hours, nor will it end after 4:30 pm.
• Box Lunch on board (fruits, 2 sandwiches + 5 liquids).

The tour does not include:

• Round trip transportation.
• Tips for the guide.
• Lunch.
• Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Fishing equipment and flies.
• Health insurance.

Professional Fishing Guides: Felipe Rodriguez and Lázaro Viñola, both fluent in English, well-versed in the traditions, area’s cultural and natural history of the Zapata Peninsula, and with excellent knowledge of fly-fishing techniques and nature conservation acquired over two decades of work as fishing guides in the area.

Very important note: In the fishing areas we exclusively practice the Fly Fishing style with the Catch & Release method. No other type of fishing is allowed.

Maximum capacity of fly fishing boats: The boats have capacity for the guide and up to 2 fishermen. They have coolers, seats for both fishermen, life jackets, communication equipment, as well as the necessary safety and comfort to provide the client with a successful fishing day.

Available boat types by area: Rio Hatiguanico: 4 Bass Tracker Pro 160 and 170 with Mercury 40 and 50 ELPT engines.

Number of fishers per area in each fishing day Rio Hatiguanico:

• 4 fishermen in single occupancy (1 fisherman per boat)
• 8 fishermen in double occupancy (2 fishermen per boat)

Recommended to bring:

• Gravel guards to keep out the sand.
• Copper or Bronze Polaroid Sun Glasses.
• Long sleeved UPF rated shirts.
• Quick dry fishing shorts and pants.
• Light socks to keep the sun off of your feet.
• Buff or bandanna.
• Sun gloves.
• Sunscreen and hats.
• Rain coat and pants. Just in case.
• Waterproof camera.
• Dry bag/knapsack.

Main fly fishing species in the Peninsula de Zapata National Park:

• Bonefish: An abundance of 3- to 4-pounders found in large schools or packs of 4 to 8 fish throughout Las Salinas flats. Larger 5- to 6-pound bones also widespread.

• Tarpon: Lots of 5- to 20-pounders found in schools of 12 or more fish in Las Bocas and Rio Hatiguanico. Larger adults of 60 to 100 pounds available in the deeper parts of the river.

• Snook: Mostly found as singles and in small packs of up to 6 fish averaging 8 to 10 pounds in backcountry lagoons. Trophies exceeding 15 pounds also available in the lagoons and Hatiguanico River.

• Cubera Snapper: Good numbers of 5- to 10-pounders available in mangrove lagoons and deep holes. Trophies of 20 to 40 pounds often found in Las Bocas.

• Mangrove Snapper: Lots of 1- to 3-pounders found in packs of 6 or more fish along the mangroves and in potholes throughout the flats. Larger 5- to 8-pounders often found in Las Bocas and backcountry lagoons.

• Permit: Mostly 12- to 20-pounders found as singles, in pairs or small packs of 3 to 6 fish on outer flats and Oceanside shorelines near Las Bocas. Larger fish also found periodically.

• Mutton Snapper: Singles and pairs of 3- to 8-pounds found occasionally on Las Salinas and oceanside flats, as well as in Las Bocas. Larger fish sometimes found in Las Bocas.

• Barracudas: Packs of 3- to 5-pounders often found over sand holes on Las Salinas flats. Much larger fish of 15 to 30 pounds found regularly in Las Bocas and oceanside flats, and now and then on Las Salinas flats.

• Sharks: Lots of lemons of 30 to 100 pounds and blacktips of 20 to 75 pounds patrol Las Salinas and oceanside flats. Other shark species also frequent Las Bocas.