With endless shallow flats, coral beaches, mangrove channels and crystal clear ocean, Cuba without doubt has everything to rightfully be known as one of the finest destinations to pursue Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit and so many other interesting species. The first time you see the sunlight glint on bonefish tails waving like sails in the warm breeze, as with nose down they unearth shrimps and small crabs from the sand, it will change you forever. You must keep low and get as close as you dare without spooking, before making a perfectly aimed, delicate cast. Your small lightly weighted crab pattern lands so close you cringe, closing your eyes for a split second. You got away with it, they’re feeding hard and don’t yet realise you’re there. With one slow short pull of the fly, the nearest tail shakes and darts forward – strip strike and he’s on! After the momentary pause of not knowing which way to run, the fish heads for open water and only then do you realise just how many fish you were casting to. The shallow water comes alive as they all tear off at amazing speed, and in seconds you are way into your backing as this bonefish makes his first long run.

As you look around, you quickly realise, this is truly, flyfishing paradise.

Preparation is key to any destination fishing so before you embark on your trip, always read up on the subject. There are many great books, packed with information on flats fishing by leading authors such as Randall Kaufmann, Dick Brown and Chico Fernandez.

Having the right clothing is crucial; the constant sea breeze can mask the harmful effects of the sun and sunburn can spoil an otherwise idyllic trip. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers made from sun-protective fabric are the answer, as well as lip balm and a good waterproof factor 30+ sun block. Use of good flats boots with wet wading socks is also advisable.

Spotting the fish is part of the thrill when flats fishing, so do choose a comfortable pair of polarised lens glasses. Although very dark lenses are soothing on the eye, most veteran flats fishers opt for copper or brown lenses which offer better colour definition to aid spotting. Take at least one spare pair! A large peaked cap with dark underside will help with stalking, while hats with flaps protect the back of the neck and ears.

As with most good fishing, bugs will be a problem at times. In Cuba this very much depends on the time of year and the weather (in particular the humidity) but it’s always worth carrying a good repellent. Day bags and wading packs make it easy to transport your precious fishing gear when in the boat or wading the flats, and a waterproof camera case is an obvious option.

Tackle for your trip should, to get the best out of the fishing, include at least two fly and one sturdy spinning outfit. For bonefish, fast action rods in sizes 7 to 9 are used, although as an all-rounder most choose the 8, with a leader and tippets tapered to 8lb-15lb. For permit, a 9 or a 10 weight rod is the choice with slightly heavier leaders, 16lb-20lb. For tarpon, strong saltwater rods in sizes 10 to 12 are an absolute must in order to bully these strong and acrobatic fish. Shock leaders must be used, and, although floating lines are fine for tarpon, much of the time a slime line will outfish these. Reel choice is, if anything, even more important. A strong saltwater fly reel holding at least 200 yards of backing and a tropical, weight forward flyline with a good smooth drag system is essential. For spinning, use heavy-duty wire traces, take large poppers with a rod stiff enough to work them and strong enough to fight the monstrous fish you can encounter. Jacks, snapper and barracuda can grow large and pull very hard, so be prepared.