Anyone Successfully Fish Varadero?

[TripleTTT]

Going to Varadero and was wondering what rigs have been successful in catching fish?

I have friends that live there, and they only still fish with shrimp or drift fish with live bait.

Figuring on trying the end of the peninsula for ? and the mangrove canals for cuda. Mainly using poppers, plugs and artificial baits. And I am aware of extra large groupers and snappers in certain areas.

My rig is bait casting 9' surf rod. 90lb braid, 30lb leader and 30lb steel leader.

Any tips or tricks before I go?

Thanks,
Terry

[HoytCRX32]

I've only fly-fished Cayo Coco and Las Salinas, but it seems you have good gear...barracuda and snappers and maybe even a tarpon...be ready for a massive strike

Good luck!

[yetiseeker]

I have had quite a bit of success fly fishing with clouser minnows - black and white, tan and white, and blue and white. I'm sure given the right light other colors would work too. Spin casting could be done with a weight in front of the clouser to get you out farther.

Just make sure you use a steel or titanium leader as the needle fish liked the clousers' as well and the cut you off every time. At least a couple of inches long.

Best fish off shore fly casting was a Mutton Snapper about 6 lbs or so.

Caught a few more species but nothing really of note.