Isla del Sabalo
World class fishing on ‘Tarpon Island’
Isla del Sabalo (or ‘Island of Tarpon’) offers world-class fly fishing for baby tarpon, where resident fish from five to 30lb cruise the turtle grass flats and mangrove lined lagoons, creeks, and channels. Easy to reach on Mexico’s northern Yucatan peninsula the fishing here is a pure adrenaline rush.
Fertile waters and prolific juvenile tarpon fishery
The gin-clear flats and amazing network of backcountry lagoons are highlights of the fishery and anglers can choose to sight cast to rolling tarpon on the flats or work the mangroves with a top water pattern. The waters here are also home to snook, snapper and barracuda.
Fly fishing at Isla del Sabalo is from 18 foot pangas which provide large, stable, casting desks. The closest fishing to the lodge is just a 15 minute run, though the fishery is so vast longer runs are sometimes required. Most anglers will use an 8# or 9# and one of the joys here is that these fish can be pursued with a floating line only. The fishing is organised according to tides and weather – sometimes fishing is from morning through the afternoon, other weeks anglers will fish the morning, take a mid-day siesta and then spend an evening session out on the water.
Comfortable beach front accommodation
Guests stay in simple, comfortable, beach front cottages, each equipped with air conditioning, fans and a private bathroom. The palapa (traditional Mexican shelter) on the beach is a great spot to relax and exchange stories after a day’s fishing. Breakfast is served early to maximise fishing time, lunch is taken with you in a cooler and tasty evening meals might include catch of the day, shrimp, chicken or pork.
Easy access, perfect for long or short trips
The Caribbean waters around Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula offer superb saltwater fishing. Isla del Sabalo is located in the northern part of the fishery, approximately a 2.5 hour drive from Merida International Airport. With relatively easy access, it is ideal for short trips, or for longer adventures combining a couple of fishing destinations.