CAYO CRUZ
World Class Permit Destination
Getting There: US guests fly through Havana, then commuter flight to Cayo Coco, and finally overland about an hour to accommodations
The Fish: Exceptional Permit fishery, excellent Bonefishing, migratory Tarpon during the season. Many predator fish like Cuda, Jacks and Snapper
Notable: World class Permit fishery wth excellent Bonefishing as well. Many wading opportunities. New, well appointed resort houses guests
These can be stalked from the boat, or while wading, and many fish are seen in the 6-7 pound range. The guides, however, are fanatical about the Permit fishing. And for good reason. With the open ocean so close to these flats, Permit can comfortably go to deep water for rest and safety, but creep back to shallow water on the tide change. Often, Permit on the flats nearer the open ocean are in the company of rays. This makes them much more willing to eat the fly. There are as well many areas on the back-country, where anglers can also find Permit. In fact, guides will often ask to carry your Permit rod while wading for Bonefish, and it is not unusual go have a shot at a Permit from your feet. The Permit around Cayo Cruz are larger than average, most being in the 15-25 pound range.
Spring and early Summer provide exciting fishing at Cayo Cruz. With Bonefish and Permit still abundant, adult Tarpon join the mix. Cayo Cruz borders the deep water of the Bahamas Channel which is a major migratory pathway for adult Tarpon. Anglers will find 40-100 pound fish cruising the flats, rolling in channels, and patrolling the ocean side reefs. These are very willing fish, and provide unsurpassed fishing action.
CAYO CRUZ is one of two fishing operations Avalon operates along Cuba's north shore. Located northeast of Camaguey, Cayo Cruz is an island in the Jardines del Ray archipelago (Gardens of the King). The island is connected to the mainland by long causeways. There are two main routes guests use when coming here. The first is to fly directly to the town of Camaguey. After, the trip overland is about two hours to the resort. For guests coming through Havana, they will generally take the short commuter flight to Cayo Coco. New roads have recently connected this resort area to Cayo Cruz, and the drive takes about an hour.
In the past, guests stayed an hour away, in the small industrial town of Brazil. This made the days long, and ended up adding a full two hours to the time it took to go fishing. A long time in coming, there is now a resort built that houses anglers on Cayo Cruz itself. Getting to the marina in the morning to meet guides now takes only a few minutes. This resort is all inclusive, so meals and drinks are part of the week-long package. There is also a pool and a beach for those wanting to come along, but just to relax while others are on the flats.
The fishing around Cayo Cruz can be exceptional. All months of the year provide great opportunities for larger than average Bonefish.
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS