Tarpon are notorious for heroic leaps and reel screaming runs. Nicknamed the silver king and found everywhere from the southern Caribbean up to the United States and as far east as the west coast of Africa, they have a real following in the angling world. Baby tarpon average five to 20lb and often hold in mangrove lagoons, larger resident fish come in at the 20 to 60lb mark while giant migratory tarpon can reach up to 200lb plus.
Among several great places in Mexico to target these spectacular fish are Tarpon Cay Lodge and Isla do Sablo. On the northern Yucatan Peninsula, they are relatively easy to reach, but far enough away from the region’s busier hotspots to feel comfortably remote. Both have a maximum capacity of six anglers and seasons that run from May to September.
Tarpon Cay Lodge
Tarpon Cay Lodge sits on a marine reserve close to the small coastal port of Rio Lagartos and offers anglers targeting baby tarpon one the best fisheries in the world. The tarpon are plentiful and range from five to 15lb with the odd fish in excess of 20lb. Migratory tarpon are occasional visitors and fishermen will also find barracuda, jacks and snook. The fishery is primarily in shallow water, often with surface flies, and utterly captivating. If you’re looking for a multi-centre fishing holiday Tarpon Cay Lodge combines easily with other lodges in Mexico or across the border into Belize.
2024 availability
June 22 – 29, 2024: 6 rods
August 17 – 24, 2024: 4 rods
September 7 – 14, 2024: 4 rods
September 14 – 21, 2024: 6 rods
September 21 – 28, 2024: 6 rods
September 28 – October 5, 2024: 6 rods
2024 rate:
7 night/6 day package: $4,895 per person (based on double occupancy)
Included: Full board accommodation, guided fishing, non-alcoholic beverages, guest taxes, fishing licenses, Internet access, ground transfers to/from the Cancun airport.
Excluded: Flights, accommodation and meals in Cancun, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, fly fishing gear and tackle.
2025 availability
May 3 – 10, 2025: 6 rods
May 10-17, 2025: 4 rods
May 24 – 31, 2025: 6 rods
May 31 – June 7, 2025: 4 rods
June 7 – 14, 2025: 2 rods
June 14 – 21, 2025: 4 rods
July 5 – 12, 2025: 6 rods
July 12 – 19, 2025: 6 rods
July 26 – August 2, 2025: 2 rods
August 2 – 9, 2025: 6 rods
August 9 – 16, 2025: 6 rods
August 16 – 23, 2025: 4 rods
August 23 – 30, 2025: 4 rods
August 30 – September 6, 2025: 4 rods
September 6 – 13, 2025: 6 rods
September 13 – 20, 2025: 6 rods
September 20 – 27, 2025: 6 rods
September 27 – October 4, 2025: 6 rods
2025 rate
7 night/6 day package: $5,140 per person (based on double occupancy)
Included: Full board accommodation, guided fishing, non-alcoholic beverages, guest taxes, fishing licenses, Internet access, ground transfers to/from the Cancun airport.
Excluded: Flights, accommodation and meals in Cancun, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, fly fishing gear and tackle.
Isla del Sabalo
The hallmarks at Isla del Sabalo, (locally translated as ‘island of tarpon’), are gin clear flats and an amazing network of backcountry lagoons and channels. These characteristics make an ideal rearing ground for resident baby tarpon and the fish here range in size from 5 to 30lb plus. Whether sight casting to rolling tarpon on the flats or working the mangroves with a top water pattern the fishing here is always exciting.
2024 availability
October 5 – 12, 2024: 6 rods
2024 rate
7 night/6 day package: $4,895 per person (based on double occupancy)
Included: Full board accommodation, guided fishing, non-alcoholic beverages, guest taxes, fishing licenses, Internet access, ground transfers to/from the Merida airport.
Excluded: Flights, meals and accommodations in Merida, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, fly fishing gear and tackle.
2025 availability
April 5 – 12, 2025: 6 rods
April 19 – 26, 2025: 6 rods
July 5 – 12, 2025: 6 rods
July 19 – 26, 2025: 6 rods
August 16 – 23, 2025: 4 rods
August 30 – September 6, 2025: 6 rods
October 18 – 25, 2025: 6 rods
2025 rate
7 night/6 day package: $5,140 per person (based on double occupancy)
Included: Full board accommodation, guided fishing, non-alcoholic beverages, guest taxes, fishing licenses, Internet access, ground transfers to/from the Merida airport.
Excluded: Flights, meals and accommodations in Merida, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, fly fishing gear and tackle.
For more information Mexico tarpon and about the various other tarpon destinations we offer please contact us or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.