Casa Batida Fishing Club - Cuba

Casa Batida Fishing Club is situated on the island Cayo Largo, a 40 minute flight south west from Havana, Cuba. Cayo Largo is located at the eastern end of the Canarreos Archipelago which consist of some 350 small islands and cayos covering an area of 240 km2 of Caribbean submarine shelf as well as flats, cays and channels. These shallow and wonderfully clear waters are home to an abundance of marine wildlife. The island of Cayo Largo covers 35 km2 and boasts a dozen resorts scattered along the coast line. Cayo Largo is famous for its fine grained white sandy beaches.

Casa Batida Fishing Club has exclusive fishing rights on the designated Cayo Largo Natural Reserve which encompasses some 360 km2 of saltwater flats and channels. The fly-fishing grounds extend 45 to 60 minutes boat ride westwards and eastwards and the different sections are rotated daily between guides. The club rules dictate for barbless hooks (for bonefish flies only) while fishing, and a catch and release policy for all species.

Bonefish: These are the most abundant and popular of the flat species. The average weight is about 3 pounds but bigger specimens are caught, especially in the winter months. Fishing is either from the skiff or by wading. Whilst on the vast expanses of firm sand flats, there is nothing more exciting than stalking and catching a “ bone “ while wading knee-deep in lukewarm water.

Permit: Quite abundant indeed in Cayo Largo where they are up to their reputation of being the most frustrating fish of the flats. Lots of skills and patience are required but a fair number of “ grand slams “ have been achieved by Casa Batida anglers. They can be spotted very often around bone fish schools or as “singles” on several well-known areas.

Tarpon: Tarpon rate as the strongest, most acrobatic and most exciting saltwater species on the fly. A large number of tarpon are resident year round in Cayo Largo tidal channels and flats with migrating fish showing up in April until August. Their average weight is from 15 to 30 pounds, but fish up to 120 pounds maybe encountered and, indeed, some large fish have been caught over the past seasons. They are in the area all year long but tarpons over 50lbs are more usually found from March to August.

Jack Crevalle: These fish are noted for their speed and aggressiveness to grab popper flies. They are mostly found from March onwards on the sandy flats around the main island. They are considered a primary target for sight-fishing.

Other species: Barracuda is another regular of the flats and reef species like Snapper, Grouper and Cubera are also worth a try.



A Season From December to August.
The climate is warmer than in the Bahamas with an average temperature of 23.6 C in January. These fair weather conditions during the mid winter months are suitable for flyfishing the Cayo Largo flats. August, with an average temperature of 28.2 C, is the hottest month in Cuba. There is invariably a pleasant sea breeze but, occasionally, stronger winds can be experienced. The fishing season runs from December till August, thus avoiding the cyclone period from September till November.

December / January
The beginning of the season from Dec to Jan is very good with plenty of bonefish (especially big ones) on the flats and mangrove areas. Fishing for tarpon and other species can also be excellent. It is a very pleasant period to plan a trip to Cayo Largo as the weather is much warmer in Cuba than in Europe or Northern America.

February – June
Peak Season is from February to June when all species are present in the area such as tarpon, permit and jack. Migratory tarpon, up to 800/100lbs (average 15/30lbs) are regularly spotted and casts to permit are very frequent. This period is the best to try the Gland Slam. Many Grand Slams are made each season and also some Super Grand Slams (Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit and Snook).

July – August
In the late season the weather gets hot but the fishing is still very productive, especially for tarpon and permit. Fishing for bonefish is also very good in the morning and in the evening. The statistics are very interesting. They show that the same number of fish are caught during the hot months, however, by half the number of rods.

Services & Facilities

Comfortable accommodation is provided in one of the several resorts. Twin bedrooms with en suite bathroom, shower and WC, TV and refrigerator. All drinks (soft, wine, beer, cocktails) and meals are also included in the Hotel package. There are a number of separate restaurants on the island.

The non-fishing companions can enjoy the wonderful beaches, boat excursions, tennis, snorkelling, diving, horse and bike riding.

Cayo Largo; Hotel Sol Club Cay Largo (4 Star) is a brand new hotel, the best available in Cayo Largo. It has several bars and restaurants offers good food, excellent services, satellite TV, en-suite bathroom and air-conditioning. Your stay at Cayo Largo is all inclusive of drinks and food

The Cayo Largo marina is a 5 to 10 minute minibus ride from the various resorts. Next to the marina, the Casa Batida Fishing Club is located in a villa with a private swimming pool. The Club House is well stocked with fishing videos and literature, tying bench and flies as well as extra fishing equipment. Guests can conveniently store their fishing tackle in the Club House between fishing sessions.

The Club provide six flat boats (Hewes 16’ and 17’ with Yamaha 75 to 90 HP). Each boat is equipped with a First Aid kit, life jacket, radio and cooler.

All guides have an excellent knowledge of their fishing grounds. They are experienced boat-handlers and have basic skills with the English language.

Costs