JON COVICH
JON COVICH
Jon Covich has been immersed in the fly fishing industry for the past 35 years as a tackle rep and travel advisor. He had the travel bug from an early age. As an angler, he traveled the world, always with a camera in hand. This gained him a reputation as someone who had both experience and expertise in international fishing travel.
About a dozen years ago, Jon started hosting trips, mostly to Cuba and South America. He soon realized that this was something he really enjoyed, and clients gave great feedback about the trips and Jon’s work ethic and expertise.
Jon first went to Cuba in the 1990’s, and has now traveled there for more than 40 weeks. He has been to every one of Cuba’s fishing destinations numerous times. He made learning Spanish a priority, and with that language skill, combined with all his time on the island, Jon made many great contacts and friends all over Cuba.
World Fly was started out of what Jon saw was a gap in so many hosted trips. He wanted to create a new norm, where “Hosts” were more than just fly fishing experts, but instead had intimate knowledge and experience in the destination. This means having been there many times, knowing the people, the language and every detail pertaining to the trip. Secondly, he wanted to make sure to always offer experiences for non-anglers as well, so that couples who had different interests could travel together.
ARMANDO GIRALDO
ARMANDO GIRADLO
A fisherman at six years old, Armando became impassioned with fly fishing and fly tying as a teenager. With this passion, Armando early on explored waters in Colombia where fish had never seen an angler. Eventually, his expertise in tying flies for these fish lead him to found Orinoco Flies; a company focusing on providing flies for predatory jungle and ocean fish.
Armando came on our radar when we were constantly recommended to buy his amazing flies. Jon ended up on a trip to Akuani River Lodge with him, and they fished together most every day. They soon became friends, and it was logical that with Armando’s lifelong experience fishing all around Colombia, his incredible flies, not to mention impeccable english, that he should join World Fly. Clients will learn much with Armando, not just about Colombia’s fishing, but the country and culture as well.
CARLOS RAMON
CARLOS RAMON
We were introduced to Carlos Ramon several years ago when one of our groups was doing some cultural activities in Havana. He guided us around the old city, enlightened us to its important historical past, all the while melding that with the current realities of present-day Cuba.
Carlos has a university MBA, as well as a degree in Food Science. He has been guiding travelers since 2015, as well as co-hosting Airbnb Experiences. Guests having spent time with him gain an insight into life in Cuba from someone who is living it himself. This is invaluable and is not something a non-native host could provide.
Carlos is passionate about helping visitors see the real Cuba, and conscientious regarding the wants and needs of his clients. His friendly vibe and deep local knowledge make him an amazing asset to anyone visiting Cuba.
FELIPE RODRIGUEZ
FELIPE RODRIGUEZ
We have known Felipe now for many years, as he has guided many of our groups to the Zapata Peninsula and the fishing near Playa Larga. Felipe is very sought after, and well-known from his many years of guiding. As well, Felipe has gained acclaim from his philanthropy which has deeply affected the people in his community and benefited foreign visitors.
Felipe started guided fly anglers in the early 1990’s, making him one of the first fly fishing guides on the island. Along the way, he noticed children in his community who need attention, and found introducing them to fly fishing as a way to give them a focus and passion. That small act evolved into a fly fishing school, and nearly every guide in this part of Cuba has come through his program. Like Felipe, his students speak English, and are professional and knowledgeable.
Felipe will host some of our groups fishing the area of Las Salinas and the Rio Hatiguanico. In addition to Spanish, Felipe speaks English, French and Italian so he can help clients from most of the world. His knowledge of fishing, of life in Cuba, and his friendly demeanor make him an amazing addition to our team and a valuable asset to visiting anglers.