A Fly-Fishing Dream in the Caribbean

Once again, this year took us back to Cuba – more precisely to the tropical paradise of Jardines de la Reina, the “Gardens of the Queen.” As in previous years, the trip was organized by Helmut Zaderer – experienced, reliable, and with a great instinct for what makes a fly fisher’s heart beat faster.

Our group: twelve passionate fly fishers from Austria, Germany, Lithuania, and Switzerland. Meeting point: Havana. The journey via Frankfurt and Madrid went smoothly. After an evening in the heart of the capital – with mojitos, cigar smoke, and a touch of revolution in the air – we headed off early the next morning. A seven-hour bus ride with a few short stops brought us to the harbor in Júcaro. From there, our mothership took us on a further seven-hour cruise deep into the protected marine area of Jardines de la Reina – far from Cuba’s mainland, and even farther from everyday life.

Accommodation, food, and organization on board? As always – top notch. The only hiccup: our first day greeted us with strong winds and heavy rain. But after that, the Caribbean treated us to sunshine, crystal-clear water, and perfect conditions for what we came for – tarpon, bonefish, and permit.

Jardines de la Reina isn’t just a natural wonder – it’s a hotspot for dedicated fly fishers. Anyone who’s watched a tarpon take the fly and leap with wild energy knows: this isn’t just fishing. It’s pure adrenaline.

Tight lines and see you next time – in the Queen’s Garden!