TARPON CAYE LODGE
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Destination Overview
Not far from Cancun on the north shore of the Yucatan peninsula is the Tarpon Cay Lodge who’s fame centers around the fabulous world class fishing for “baby Tarpon”. Don’t be fooled by the term “baby” as these 5 to 25 lb “baby’s” that will eventually grow to as big as 100 lbs, are trophy’s by any other standards.
Close by mangrove estuaries, are loaded with huge populations of fish. The large numbers of these juvenile Tarpon is amazing and from June through August you will have the added opportunity to stalk 50 to 100 lb migratory Tarpon that travel through the area during the summer months.
You will be fishing within a huge government protected preserve, that has been established to protect the prolific aquatic life from commercial fishing that would greatly degrade the populations of fish. The greatest adrenalin rush you can have in saltwater fishing is the take and fight of a Tarpon, and at Tarpon Bay Lodge your chances are excellent.
Guests of Tarpon Bay Lodge are housed in Hotel San Felipe which sits on the edge of the harbor in the small fishing village of San Felipe. The panga’s (boats) are docked only a few feet from the hotel. The hotel is air conditioned, clean and comfortable. It’s very reminiscent of a central American resort prior to discovery by the sport fishing world, yet offers a modern quality environment and service that international guests expect.
One of the reasons that we at Kiene's Fly Fishing Travel recommend Tarpon Bay Lodge is that the headquarters at San Felipe is only 3 hours on a well maintained road from Cancun so for most guests getting there only requires one direct flight from the US and a relatively short drive from the airport. Another reason is that once you arrive you will embark on a week of absolutely fabulous fishing for what is considered the king of tropical salt water fish.
At a Glance
Target Fish: Juvenile Tarpon, Snook, Jacks, Snappers and Barracudas
Location: San Felipe, Yucatan MX
Seasons: April through November
Lodge Capacity: 6
Nearest Airport: Cancun
Electricity: 110 volts
Documents needed: Passport
Fishing Program
Large schools of Tarpon that run from 5 lb to 15 lb cruise the shallow flats, coves and mangrove lined estuaries near San Filipe and most fishing locations only require a 15 to 20 minute boat ride from the Hotel. Guides scan for rolling fish and quietly guide the boat to a point ahead of the school so you will be in the perfect position to make your perfect cast. You will fish from 18 ft pangas, which are a flat bottom boat that is very stable to stand on. The panga will motor to the fishing area and then be poled by the guide to the vicinity of the schools of fish.
Tides and weather conditions determine each day’s fishing itinerary. Some days you will fish morning through afternoon and on others you will fish a few hours in the morning then break about lunch time and resume fishing later in the afternoon. The split days are a blessing in disguise as being able to siesta for a couple of hours after a delicious Mexican style lunch is a luxury that most of us never get to do in our normal busy lives.
Best Fly Fishing Seasons
May through August
Accommodations
Hotel San Felipe is a traditional Mexican hotel that specializes in the comfort of its guests. Once you walk into the door you will appreciate the Mexican décor and comfortable furnishings. A large lounge is where you will dine, and kick back enjoying a margarita or drink of your choice after a day fighting Tarpon. An area is set aside for fly tying.
Each of the air conditioned rooms have an ocean view, and private baths. Housekeeping tends to your room each day with fresh linens, towels and bar soap and they will also replenish your supply of bottled drinking water. The rooftop balcony is open for guests and is a great way to enjoy the view of the surrounding area and the last hours of daylight.
On Site Amenities and Activities Include:
Satellite TV
Wi-Fi/internet access
Bar
Gourmet Food
Non fly fishing activities
The chefs in the hotel kitchen specialize in both Mexican and American dishes. They serve large portions that you will enjoy after a day of burning calories fighting the area’s Tarpon. Expect lots of fresh fish, chicken, pork and shrimp to be on the menu.
You will order breakfast the night before so that it can be served to you the first thing in the morning which will allow an early start to your day. Lunches created to your specifications are also custom ordered ahead of time and along with the beverages of your choice will be ready to load into your panga prior to your departure for the day’s fishing . Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Getting There
The lodge’s air hub is the airport at Cancun where daily flights are available from most major US airports. Flights should be scheduled to arrive no later than 4:00 PM. Upon arrival you will be met by a lodge representative just outside the door of the airport at the area reserved for ground transportation, and drive you approximately 3 hours to San Felipe. When you depart you will be driven to back to Cancun to pick up your flight home. It’s important that your return flight home leaves no earlier than 1:00 PM.
Rates
Rates are based on double occupancy
7 night/6 day package: $4,665 per person
Inclusions: your room and meals at the lodge, guided fishing, non alcoholic beverages, taxes, fishing licenses, ground transfers and Wi-Fi.