The silver king is not just restricted to the salt flats and mangroves, they will move into brackish and even fresh water to feed when conditions and environments allow. This allows anglers to target this special fish in unique jungle environments. The tarpon in these settings can far outsize the those in the mangrove lagoons, with fish ranging from 5 to 200lb in the smallest of jungle streams.
Here are two of the most exciting jungle tarpon destinations you can find.
The Jungle Tarpon Reserve, Costa Rica
Nestled between Nicaragua and Panama Costa Rica lives up to its name the “Rich Coast”. Its progressive environmental policies have allowed both land and sea to flourish making it one of the finest fishing and eco-tourism destinations in the world. The Jungle Tarpon Reserve is a vast system of freshwater rivers, creeks, and flooded lagoons surrounded by verdant rainforest and swampland. The tarpon journey many miles inland to reach the lagoons. At the time of their arrival, seasonal rains flood the immense lagoons to create an inland sea surrounded by volcanoes and rife with other primeval creatures like tropical garfish, sawfish, and freshwater bull sharks.
This collection of archaic predators explosively feed on the many species of baitfish flushed into the lagoons by the heavy annual deluge, much to the delight of adventurous anglers. From their time in the tannin-stained freshwater the tarpon have lost their silvery hue and are very dark in colour. Battling these beasts confined by the river’s lush banks is at once an explosive and awe-inspiring experience. If you need a breather from throwing large streamers on your 12-weight outfit, the surrounding forest brims with monkeys, wading birds, spectacled caiman, and other interesting rainforest creatures including the majestic jaguar.
Anglers stay in a private house set right on the river, it comprises four bedrooms and three bathrooms set across two floors. There are two living areas with TVs and comfortable seating, and a small swimming pool. The property is air-conditioned and there is WiFi. The private dock is just a two-minute walk down the floating ramp. Food at Jungle Tarpon Reserve is a combination of gourmet cuisine prepared by cooks from the local community and relaxed home-cooked meals from local families and small businesses.
Tapam Lodge, Nicaragua
Since 2020 we have been waiting for Tapam Lodge to become operational again, during the years of Covid the infrastructure for the operation broke down and it was not possible to get the logistical parts back in place until May 2024. Following agreements with the local villages and new infrastructure being put in place we were delighted that Tapam Lodge returned for a full season in 2025.
Located a three-hour boat ride north of Bluefields, anglers are based in a small jungle village on the banks of a river home to giant tarpon. The village lies 14km from the mouth of the river as it drains into the Atlantic Ocean. With much of the fishing done in the rivers, canals and jungle lagoons, there are miles upon miles of fishable water. It is these water courses where tarpon from 10 to 200lb search out schools of baitfish and shrimp, with frenzied bait-busting or gracious rolling through flat waters that show you are in the right location.
The fishing day is long and optimised to target tarpon, the day starts at 0430 with an early breakfast and heading out on the water. It is these dawn hours that produce some of the best action. As the day approaches noon, often the winds pick up and spotting fish can become more challenging, so anglers return to the lodge for lunch and a siesta. At around 1500, anglers will return to the water to fish the late afternoon as the waters flatten out again and fish roll in the fading light, returning to the lodge at 1830. Fishing is done with two anglers with a guide and boatman from traditional panga style fishing boats. The fishing is hardwork, casting heavy weight rods for long periods of time. Catch rates can fluctuate from week to week as the fish seem to switch on and off. Most weeks will see multiple small and medium sized fish landed between the anglers and an average of 1 to 2 big tarpon per angler per week.
As well as tarpon, anglers can also encounter big snook and jacks. These are not always present, but when they are they offer fantastic action. Be sure to still use your 11 or 12 weight as often big tarpon are never far away!
The lodge was renovated for the 2025 season and will have more works ahead of the 2026 season, but it is a simple house on the edge of the village. It offers six single occupancy bedrooms, with two shared bathrooms. There is no air conditioning, but the structure is design to maximise a through breeze to keep the worst of the heat away and a series of fans offer additional comfort for guests. Anglers will enjoy good food and cold beer throughout their stay, and an outside connection is maintained through Starlink WiFi.
For more information about jungle tarpon fishing please contact Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.
