This is our latest onsite report for tarpon fishing Isla del Sabalo Lodge, which is located in a very remote region of northern Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. The fishery in this region offers incredible opportunities for tarpon. If you are interested in tarpon fishing Isla del Sabalo Lodge in the Yucatan peninsula near Campeche Mexico read on:
A fine Campeche tarpon, up close.
It’s just after dawn and I’m sitting under a thatch-roofed palapa looking out onto the calm-as-glass water in a fishing village just north of the town of Campeche Mexico. After breakfast, we will load up the van and make the drive back to the International Airport.
It does not take long for your senses to adjust to the solitude and the vast open spaces of the northern Yucatan. The sky so blue, layers of clouds moving different speeds, and the clear waters carve a setting unlike any you have set eyes on.
Tarpon fishing Isla del Sabalo Lodge
I have enjoyed a wonderful week of tarpon fishing Isla del Sabalo Lodge and I am reflecting on the things I have seen, the fine people I have met and of course the great fishing.
Isla del Sabalo until recently, wasn’t on the chart of many anglers. The lodge is located in a remote region on the western side of the Yucatan Peninsula north of Campeche.
The tall thick mangrove forests found here are reminiscent of the heart of the Florida Everglades. And like the Everglades, there are many pristine rivers flowing out of the mangrove jungle. It’s a beautiful area with abundant wildlife. You will find many species of birds, turtles, fish, two species of crocodiles, but most importantly, the area is home to lots of small tarpon.
Marco and Edward with a double hook-up to tarpon.
The fertile waters of Mexico’s northern Yucatan Peninsula are one of the most productive juvenile tarpon fisheries on the planet and the local waters here are abundant with tarpon. The grass flats are crystal clear and will remind the seasoned angler of the classic tarpon fishing at Homosassa or perhaps places in the Florida Keys or Biscayne Bay. The peak season at Isla del Sabalo is like most other tarpon destinations is May through August, although there is a good tarpon fishery in the many unspoiled rivers here year-round.
Each morning we would turn out of bed before sunrise. Hot coffee and a Mexican breakfast would be waiting for us in the main dining palapa. After breakfast we would load our fishing gear into the spacious 18 foot panga’s and make the run to the prime fishing zone. We did not have any trouble finding the fish. Each morning the “poons” were there, rolling, jumping and smashing bait fish.
An 8 or 9 weight fly rod is all you need here and the tarpon are eager to consume a well-presented fly. The great thing about this vast undisturbed fishery is that you should have plenty of opportunities to hook fish.
Marco and Edward with a fine pair of tarpon
You will find some additional photos on our Facebook page which will give you an idea of the size of the Yucatan tarpon.
The accommodations at Isla del Sabalo are situated on the beach facing the Gulf of Mexico. The clean guest rooms are comfortable and well appointed with plenty of room for two guests sharing a cabin. There is a full private bath with shower and hot and cold water.
Housekeeping service cleans the room daily and replaces towels and bottled drinking water.
If you have been there then you know already, if you haven’t been, then go now! Just remember, Edward Johnston told you so……….Book now for the rest of this year and/or reserve your spot in 2013. Call us now at 800-771-2202 or 352-795-3474.
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Fly-fishing the Yucatan for tarpon is as good as it gets. The rate for a 7N/6D combo package is $3,965.00 per angler (double occupancy). This will include all transfers in a new air-conditioned Ford Super Van (seats eight including our bilingual host and driver), Hotel accommodations, meals and guided fishing. Not included is airfare to Cancun, alcoholic beverages, and tips for the guide and staff.
Additional rate information is located here.
Please feel free to call us with any questions you may have.
Edward Johnston
Leisure Time Travel – Your best and most knowledgeable choice for fishing the Caribbean
531 N. Citrus Ave.
Crystal River, Florida 34428
352-795-FISH (3474) 1-800-771-2202
Cenote near Isla del Sabalo – I was informed by my guide that this particular cenote drains directly into one of the little creeks where we fished.
