Cuba travel

[old geezer]

So am I correct in thinking we finally will be able to fish Cuba without a fine.

Philip

--127-3-

[backwater]

I'm not quite sure. I hope that this is going to get clarified. At first, I thought it sounded like the travel restrictions were lifted for everyone. But then, I heard a reporter state that the restrictions were being lifted for travel to Cuba to visit family members. So, can anyone go, or is it just allow if you are going to visit family? Seems like everyone should be able to go, but Obama also said that the trade embargo was NOT being lifted so I don't see how you could travel there, spend money, and not violate the embargo....unless the exception is that you're visiting family.

[old geezer]

Well after further info released it appears travel for non Cubans visiting might be lifted down the road. I hope so. I have been licking my chops after listening to Henry and a few others who have enjoyed the trip.

Have good one and flat lines

Philip

[Cheju]

I certainly hope that restrictions for fisherman will be relaxed as what the Cuban economy needs is an influx of US Fisherman's tourist $s. I understand that the cost of sport fishing is quite cheap there and in the past only the European and Canadian anglers have been able to take advantage of the cheap guides and accomodations.

Understand that one of the itemthat Obama is taking off the embargo list is fishing equipment.

Cheju

[bowbonehead]

While there are some very good bargains as far as guided flats fishing is concerned keep in mind you will not be fishing out of newer model flats skiff and you will likely have more knowledge than your guide about fly fishing. Of course there are exceptions to this so do your homework. There is some great DIY locations for the experienced angler but again do your homework as there are some areas where you are not allowed without a guide(cayo largo,las salinas, and the Jardinas areas) The Italian group Avalon has these areas locked up as their private fishing spots and there a lot pricier than the Bahamas. On the good side there is some great fishing but things are done differently in Cuba

[Henry]

Hope you and your lovely wife are doing well. One aspect to ponder with the possible (iminent?) opening of Cuba to US tourists and investors; is the impact to "other" Carribean/Tropical fishing operations.

Cuba has more shallow water/flats habitat than the Florida Keys and Andros Is. combined. I forsee a mad rush by US anglers to get in on the cheap action before the Cubans wise-up and raise their prices. I firmly believe that this fact alone will result in reduced rates just about everywhere else. That's a positive thing for budget minded anglers but it may spell economic ruin for lodges and operations that are just barely hanging on in these tough economic times.

We'll see I suppose.

Best regards bud,

Henry