Robson starts his Cuban adventure in Havana, where he elects to stay in the famous Nacional Hotel – past host to such legends as Frank Sinatra, Rita Hayworth and Ant and Dec. His first fishing expedition of the trip takes him to the Malecón, an esplanade stretching alongside the city's coastline. Joining a number of locals fishing for their dinner, Robson clambers onto the sea wall and casts his line – but is soon hit with the first of many waves. "This is like fishing in a washing machine!" he cries.
Having landed just a solitary sardine from the Malecón, Robson moves on to the watery wilderness that makes up much of Cuba. An hour’s drive south-east takes him to the Rio Hatiguanico, one of the country’s biggest rivers, where he hopes to catch the elusive tarpon. Renowned for their ability to jump high out of the water, these fish are notoriously tough to land. To increase his chances of success, Robson hooks up with local guides Lazaro and Philippe and journeys up river.
Before long, Robson gets his first tarpon bite. True to form, however, the slippery fish shakes free of the hook. The Geordie tries again, but the same things happens. "Just how many tarpon am I going to hook and lose today?" he asks. "This is torture!"
In fact, Robson manages to miss a tarpon some twelve times, before eventually taking on the advice of his guides and mastering the art. When he finally brings in his quarry, he is elated. “How about that for a beautiful-looking fish!” he exclaims. The experts are pleased for their guest’s success, but clearly less impressed with his histrionics. "What a drama queen!" observes Philippe.
After another drive through the beautiful Cuban countryside, Robson arrives at his next angling destination – the remote island of Cayo Romano at the north-east of the country. Sparsely populated and rarely fished, these waters offer excellent angling opportunities. Robson’s prey on this occasion is the fast and elusive bone fish. With expert guide Eddie Valdez by his side, it is not long before Robson catches his first glimpse of the bone fish.
Owing to the animal’s sensitivity to noise, the anglers turn off the boat’s engine and step out into the shallow waters. Robson gets his first bite, but is unprepared for the fish’s incredible speed. It
races away, taking all of Robson’s line with it. "I've never known anything like this," he says. "That fish went off like a torpedo!" Armed with a bigger reel, the Geordie lad tries again, and this time is ready for the fight. After a ten-minute struggle, Robson brings in his first bone fish. "Now I know why every angler in the world talks about this species," he reflects.
Having landed some impressive game fish, Robson’s next expedition is all about food. He hooks up with a pair of local fishermen at Trinidad marina and heads out to a nearby reef. Owing to the strict control of boats in this area, the seas are reported to be very rich with fish. Just minutes into the trip, Robson learns that the rumours are true. He lands a large barracuda, then pulls in another four within minutes. "Blimey, that didn’t take long!" he says. To vary his catch, he then changes tactics – and has soon netted a colourful grouper. "That is the best-tasting fish in Cuba!" he enthuses.
Back on dry land, Robson enjoys the fruits of his labour, settling down to a large dinner of fish and chips – Cuban style – in a pretty town square. But he will need to make the most of the peace and quiet, since the following day brings with it the toughest challenge of the trip. Before returning to Blighty, Robson intends to catch a true colossus of the Cuban seas – the giant tarpon.
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Comments (40)
1 year ago
TonyV
Brilliant series again....would you like someone to carry your bags next year...Please!!!
almost 2 years ago
sam manchester
fantastic show more of the same please!
2 years ago
fiona manchester
I am 43 mother of 5 and I LOVE this programme!!! Its better than a pie. FANTASTICOL I have taped over kids films for you. I just can't wait for the next episode.
This comment was removed by a moderator
over 2 years ago
CODFATHER JNR
love the show as love my fish but robson does take the mik out of the gordie culture the blokes a big girls blouse and he knaz it n all!av seen me da pull a huge dog fish up a massive scottish jettie with his bear hands(pouring of blood)when his reel shattered then let it go as thats the sport, hmm wonder if wor robbo would have ..or just got one of his croneys to do it??propper sea dog gordies are hard as rocks!!
over 2 years ago
john
robson you are a fantastic fisherman you put a smile on all our faces
over 2 years ago
david rogers
robson is a fantastic watch ,thanks robson,bonnie,lad
over 2 years ago
lloyd gregory fox
he is the best of anglers not like im in england side i should have his programme
over 2 years ago
scouse
caught a "cuda" just off turqesa cuba awsome experience
over 2 years ago
Matt Hayes's biggest fan
Alex. Don't hate on Matt Hayes.
over 2 years ago
jimmyboy
top programme when catching fish show as your rod and reel set up type of reel ,rod and hooks to give us novices some tips
over 2 years ago
alex
this is a good show. it may not be every ones knd of fishing but it brings fishing in general to the attention of non fishermen. im a carp fisherman and enjoy this show massively/ His passion for catching, nature and food is incredible. I want his job :)he is who he is and its nice not to see someone saying something is good just because they get it free (ie every famous carp angler)
over 2 years ago
james
good fish but has no rythm at all
over 2 years ago
Snowy
ola Robinson,you always bring smile(Cuba)episode apsolutly brilliant,real show to watch any time all over again.rob you know how to do it.No everyone will be so charming and funny with that kind of show-THANK YOU
over 2 years ago
sparks
love the fishing robson ur a lucky guy but a real moaner
over 2 years ago
Becky
Robson doing the lawnmower was brilliant had me in stitches. Please say someone else found this amusing. His humour is fantastic lol.
over 2 years ago
jord
i love this programme but i hate watching the really long intro at the start :]
over 2 years ago
Robson A
What a legend love the show!!!!!!!
over 2 years ago
chris
fantastic program watch over and over again......big catch fish,can get better than that......what a beauty...
over 2 years ago
ANGIE
wasn`t interested in fishing till i watched robson ABSOLUTLY BRILL!!!
over 2 years ago
scottytohottie
great program,...wicked!!!!
over 2 years ago
Matt Harvey
Deary me - Robson please get it right it's trolling when you are pulling lures behind a boat. Trawling is done with nets. And stop jerking your rod round from side to side when you have a fish on, that's a good way to lose a fish. Aside from that, nice insight to Cuban fishing and culture.
over 2 years ago
Miles
Pretty much the best episode ever! Apart from maybe the manta ray episode. Had everything! From Robson's terrible jokes, dancing and completely inappropriate chat-up lines to one of the best fish he's caught yet! Good to see the rod and line being used more this series - too :) Keep it up, Robson...but it'll be a hard episode to match next week!
over 2 years ago
Silly Carper
I agree with the England trip! Some extreme large water carp fishing (I'm thinking The Monument...Oxford Linear etc?). Anywhere where we are looking at 50lb+ fish. That's extreme for England, Robson! You know it makes sense, Rodders!
over 2 years ago
Guy
Superb programme, supemely enthusiastic Robson Green. That's what fishing's all about.
over 2 years ago
JOSH LYNCH
I WISH I HAD HIS JOB
over 2 years ago
Anonymous
shame, love the fishin but cant stand the carry on.!
over 2 years ago
Pinko
1st classssss
over 2 years ago
graham n
dont like swearing shouting dont know any anglers like this, but he gets fishing on the tv great
over 2 years ago
phil
robson makes a fishing programme into the best fishing programme thats ever been on tv , hes brilliant and the prrogramme is also , keep em coming , first class tv .robson is an excellent presenter .
over 2 years ago
robson green
i want to catch a fish that size cant wait till next episode
over 2 years ago
Anonymous
cracking programe
over 2 years ago
Fisherman's Friend Mike
mmm...fisherman's friends
over 2 years ago
geoff
so much enthusiasm ,the joy and shear pleasure cannot be hidden
over 2 years ago
martin
love robson green but england should be added to the world tour
over 2 years ago
lenny
cant use a rod and reel to save his life
over 2 years ago
andy
some quality fish
over 2 years ago
lee
love robson and love extreme fishing great show hope there's lots more to come.
over 2 years ago
Amanda
Fantastic programme which has enhanced my interest in all aspects of fishing and worlwide cultures.
over 2 years ago
graham
love this stuff