Alex Jardine was delighted to visit Tapam tarpon lodge after it reopened this year. His trip report gives a full account of his time there – well worth a read if you are interested in visiting this magical place in the Nicaraguan jungle.
As the Tapam 2.0 2025 season comes to a close, we are pleased to share this update from the lodge itself which takes a look back at all the excitement.
Tapam 2025 Season Report
With a refined approach, top-tier guides, and finely tuned fly fishing pangas equipped with top-quality gear, this season marked the evolution of our tarpon programme – and we were more prepared than ever for the opening.
Normally, the rains taper off before the new year, but this time they lingered unusually long—well into February. This delayed the influx of saltwater, which in turn postponed the mullet run and shrimp migrations. As a result, there were fewer tarpon in the system than usual at the start of our season—a real test for everything we had worked so hard to improve.
Despite the challenge, the upgrades proved themselves and during the very first week we still managed to hook several tarpon in the 100–130 pound range. A strong confirmation that Tapam 2.0 is built to perform.
As the season progressed and salinity levels rose, mullet, shrimp, and other baitfish began pouring back into the system—and that’s when Tapam came alive.
Before things really kicked off, the guides went out in search of new ground – and honestly, looking back, it was a blessing in disguise. We ended up exploring fresh areas, finding a few hidden gems along the way that later produced some incredible fishing. Shallow water, structure, plenty of variation – and mostly “fun size” tarpon with the bigger ones being in the 80–85 pound range. Though, we did connect with a couple of true giants – and lost several of them in classic fashion…
So although the tough start to the season with too much fresh water pushed us to adapt, we ended up with new opportunities we wouldn’t have found otherwise. Safe to say, we’re heading into next season with even more in the locker.
This new video from the lodge captures just a little of the experience fishing for these monster tarpon.
Suddenly, the silence broke. The surface erupted with chaos – tarpon crashing through schools of bait in an all-out assault. It was loud, violent, and merciless.
This is what Tapam is: raw, unfiltered action that leaves even the most seasoned fly anglers speechless – or shouting in disbelief.
When you’ve got a feeding frenzy lighting up right in front of the boat, it’s a clear invitation to put a fly in the mix – so that’s exactly what we did. The outcome? Incredible. Guests landed up to legit 140-pound tarpon that defined their entire trip. And yes, hearts were broken, reels got smoked, rods snapped and fly lines were shredded – but that’s just part of the story.
We’re not claiming world-class tarpon action every single day – it’s still fishing, and there are slower periods. But when things quietened down, we got into some solid snook in some pretty cool spots. Tarpon will always be the main event, but it’s good to know there are quality backup options when you need them.
Tapam 2.0 Availability 2026
Get in contact for the first look availability and pricing for next season.
Included: All transfers from Bluefields airport and return, full accommodation (single room), six and a half days fishing (shared boat), one hotel night in Bluefields after the trip, limited supply of drinks.
Not included: International airfare to Managua, hotel in Managua, internal flight to Bluefields (approx. $230/person), gratuities, flies & leader purchases in camp, and additional drinks.
For more information about Tapam 2.0 please email Alex Jardine or Peter McLeod, alternatively you can call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.