HOLBOX FLY FISHING LODGE - Kienes' Premier Destination
Destination Overview
If you are looking for trophy tarpon, you need to visit Holbox Fly Fishing Lodge! This is a place to target tarpon up to 200 lbs!
The small completely charming Puebla known as Holbox Island is a fishing community of 1500 souls that live harmoniously in the Yucatan sun. Kienes Fly Fishing Travel has been many times and travel experts Andy Guibord & Mike Powers count this as an all-time favorite!
You will instantly fall in love with the island and people. No vehicles are allowed, only golf carts on this jewel of an island. The Holbox Fly Fishing Lodge is located on the best part of an already world class, yet undiscovered beach. We have found most of the visitors here are from Europe or are native Mexicans on vacation to this remarkable setting.
The Holbox Fly Fishing Lodge is expertly managed on site by Luciano Govi. Luciano is the ultimate host and will take care of you, from feeding you a wonderful breakfast, pulling a perfect shot of espresso, creating delicious appetizers or recommending the best restaurants for your nightly dinners. Whether it is fresh fish or lobster pizza you desire, Luciano will give you all the details.
Holbox Fly Fishing Lodge is one of the best lodges we have ever visited for a non-angling spouse or guest. So many attractions, all a safe 10 minute walk, be it the quaint yet vibrant town square , the boutique shops or the endless beach, it is just so inviting. Rent a bike, rent golf cart or just stroll anywhere in this family friendly town.
Look at booking in June, July or August for the largest fish. May and September can also be great! The other parts of the year will provide ample shots at baby tarpon, but Holbox is known for it’s calm summer waters and huge numbers of big migratory tarpon!
At a Glance
Location: Isla Holbox, Mexico, Yucatan Peninsula
Target Fish: Tarpon, Jack Crevalle, Snook, Barracuda and more
Time of Year: Year-round
Lodge Capacity: 10 anglers/guests
Nearest Airport: Cancun, Mexico
Documents Required: Valid Passport. Visas not required for travelers from most countries. Fishing License
Fishing Program
At the very point of the Mexico’s amazing Yucatan Peninsula, an incredible variety of fish travel from the open waters of the Caribbean Sea to the protected waters of the Gulf of Mexico, including the mighty Silver King.
During this migration, exceptionally large trophy Tarpon, up to 200 pounds, feed on the prolific baitfish located just offshore, making them prime targets for our fishing enthusiasts. Working the schools, adjusting to the slow drift of the ocean, line maintenance and spotting your cast will be key to success.
When conditions are right, you may find yourself casting to groups of literally hundreds of one of the world’s truly great game fish, and then it’s simply a matter of “get it out there and hang on!”
Trophy Tarpon
IGFA Record 286 lbs.
Average Weight (Open Water) 70 - 100 lbs.
Trophy Sized Tarpon are found May through September. The Silver King can put on quite a show, spending most of the fight in the air rather than the water. Tarpon are able to live in both salt and fresh water and their strength and stamina are legendary.
These fish will find the weak link in your tackle. Battles of over an hour are not unusual. The guides will put you in areas where tarpon school, easily tipped-off by the fish as they roll at the surface to fill their air bladders.
“Baby” Tarpon
Average Weight (Mangroves) 5 - 40 lbs.
Small tarpon are plentiful year round and can put on quite a show for anglers, spending most of the fight in the air. While the giant Tarpon require endurance and a bit of luck, fishing for Baby Tarpon in the mostly protected waters of the mangrove lagoons will result in many hookups.
As your guide “poles” the boat through the shallow water, you’ll spot groups of fish. Along with the Baby Tarpon, Jack Crevalle, Snook, Barracuda and more readily take your flies, making each day different from the last. The Mangroves are also available during the summer time and are often a nice break from casting for the big Tarpon.
While the big Tarpon can be intimidating, the ready supply of Juvenile, or “baby” tarpon allow for less experienced anglers to experience the thrill of casting to rising fish and setting the hook in the legendary Silver Kings of the flats.
Fishing Schedule
5:00 am: Wake up to a steaming cup of coffee delivered to your room
5:30 am: Breakfast at the lodge
6:00 am: All day fishing on your boat with a partner and a guide
Lunch on the boat between casts.
3:00-ish pm: Back to the lodge after a full day on the water.
Afternoon on the beach, massage or exploring the small town.
5:30 pm: Sunset hors d’oeuvres on the lodge deck with free beer and margaritas
Evening stroll a few blocks to one of the island’s many restaurants
Boats and Equipment
The fishing boats are seaworthy 18-foot pangas, fully equipped for your comfort and safety. Since there is a limited amount of gear and fishing tackle on the island, it is recommended that anglers bring all rods, reels, flies, and terminal tackle.
Accommodations
Holbox Fly Fishing Lodge is a beautiful haven on the white sand beach of Holbox, just a five minute walk from the town square. The beachfront location affords privacy, a gentle breeze and a terrace view that will stamp your memory as one of the more unforgettable of your travel career.
The rooms are modern, upbeat and air conditioned. Comfortable lounge furniture is available for deck or sand relaxing and the hammocks allow you to siesta "Island Style.” An outside shower with a Conch Shell spout pours warmish water over sandy feet and a freshwater rod rinsing station helps you care for your gear.
The lodge accepts only a few guests each week so that staff can provide you with personal and professional service. Upon your arrival Lodge Manager, Luciano, will mix your favorite drink and give you details about your schedule, the weather, fishing, wake ups, guides and meals.
Luciano will be your concierge, personal guide to the island, bartender, alarm clock, computer guru and world travelled story teller. He will also be your "go to" guy to solve any last minute fishing issues that always seem to pop up. And he will keep the open cerveza bar well stocked with your favorites.
Dining is always an important part of any vacation and Holbox will not disappoint you. You will be able to watch the daily catch brought in to the beach. The Gulf of Mexico provides superb sea food that are on the menu at the several nearby restaurants – lobster, shrimp, calamari and the freshest of fish. (Dinner is not included in the price).
An Italian presence has been on the island for many years resulting in excellent European cuisine that provides the island’s continental flare alongside the classic Mexican food. A continental breakfast at the lodge will begin each day and lunch is served on the boats on fishing days. Happy Hour at the lodge includes signature hors d-oeuvres. All other meals are on your own in the local restaurants a five minute walk from the lodge.
Getting There
Your trip includes pickup at the airport in Cancun or at your Cancun hotel before 2:00 pm. Private van transfer to the seaport of Chicquila is about 2 - 2 ½ hours through a fascinating, rural countryside.
Once you reach Chiquila, you’ll board a private small boat for the quick transfer to the captivating island of Holbox, with beachfront dropoff at Holbox Fly Fishing Lodge. There you’ll be met by your lodge manager, Luciano.
Once at the lodge, you’ll be pampered by Luciano, who will see to every detail of your experience. Enjoy his famous shots of morning espresso, snook ceviche or lobster quesadillas.
Rates
Rates based on double occupancy
Peak Summer Season (May-September)
7 nights/6 days fishing: $3,495. per person
5 nights/4 days fishing: $2,695. per person
4 nights/3 days fishing: $2,195. per person
Winter Season (October-April)
7 nights/6 days fishing: $2,995. per person
5 nights/4 days fishing: $2,395. per person
4 nights/3 days fishing: $2,195. per person
Call about single occupancy or adding an extra person.