Obtaining a Fishing License in Cuba

All foreigners, including tourists, temporarily or permanently residing in Cuba require a license to engage in sport fishing or recreational fishing. The process of obtaining a fishing license in Cuba is straightforward. You can get it by simply presenting your passport. Your operator will take care of everything for you; all they need is a copy of your passport to get you a license.

Contact Information for Fishing Licenses

  • Website: Cuban Fishing Centers
  • Email: info@cubanfishingcenters.com
  • Phone Number: +53 7 2042777

Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is popular in Cuba, with common species including bandit, harvestfish, barracuda, sea bass, and shad. The best locations in Cuba to consistently find permit, a popular species for fly fishing, are in Cayo Largo and Jardines de la Reina.

Deep-Sea Fishing

Deep-sea fishing is the most common type of fishing in Cuba. This type of fishing requires more advanced equipment and is typically done in open sea depending on the location of the shoal. Common species for deep-sea fishing include needle, blue marlin, golden, tuna, peacock wrasse, barracuda, and sawfish.

Best Fishing Locations and Seasons in Cuba

Cuba offers a variety of fishing locations, each with its unique species and optimal fishing seasons.

Cayo Largo

Cayo Largo is known for its permit, with 15 to 25 pound permit commonly found feeding on the backs of rays. The optimal times to fish for permit in Cuba are between March and July, as well as in the month of November, when the tides are high.

Jardines de la Reina

Jardines de la Reina offers some of the best and most varied fishing in Cuba. Migratory Tarpon is a big draw, with the prime months from mid-March to the end of June. Good-sized Permit are available all year round, and there are numerous Bonefish Flats.

Other Locations

Other popular fishing locations in Cuba include Hanabanilla and Zaza dams for fly fishing, and the north-western coasts of Cuba from July to September, and the south-eastern Cuban coasts from March to June for deep-sea fishing.