Campeche Mexico fly fishing guides for Tarpon.

If you catch a ten pound bonefish, it is considered a huge trophy and perhaps the fish of a lifetime. But if you catch a ten, even a twenty, pound tarpon, it's termed a "baby" tarpon. How can this be? How can you call ten pounds of jumping, gill rattling excitement, a baby? Maybe we should call these babies something else like immature or perhaps, chronologically challenged. But whatever we call them, baby tarpon are one of the world's great gamefish and as such, have a loyal following. In fact, many anglers prefer to catch baby tarpon over their more mature brethren of 100, 150, even 200 pounds. They like the multiple shots and the non-stop action these juveniles provide. These anglers are content to pursue baby tarpon almost exclusively... and equally eager to explore new areas.

On the outside, extensive lush flats extend out for miles and can only be crossed using narrow channels. These areas are a maze of undulating shallow bars blanketed with thick turtle grass. Acres of sardines school in these shallows and the tarpon gorge themselves not only on this bounty, but also on the many shrimp and crabs that live hidden in the shag of this undulating turtle grass carpet.

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Depending on the stage of the tide, tarpon prowl the edges either way out or close to shore depending on water levels. Often the bigger tarpon, 20+lb. fish, are found on these outside flats. Sight fishing here means rolling, tailing or flashing tarpon.

The second major tarpon habitat on this prolific coast is the many bays, creeks, rios and lagos that bring the ocean into the Yucatan’s coastal interior. Here, tarpon are found either by sight fishing to rolling tarpon in the channels, or by blind casting to unseen fish in likely holding spots. Some of these lagos and rios are hidden, their entrances known only to local guides.

The third habitat is the mangrove edge that lies between the turtle grass flats and the interior cuts, lagos and creeks. This edge provides perhaps the finest sight fishing for baby tarpon found anywhere in the world. It is classic and reminiscent of bonefishing in the Bahamas. Find a fish as it weaves in and out of the mangroves, make an accurate cast and you’ll most likely jump a tarpon. Tarpon found here eat with gusto and fight like champs, often tail walking across the blond and beige hued flats. To hook an 8-12lb. tarpon in this skinny water is what sight fishing is all about.

To fish this spectacular area involves a short flight from the states to Merida, Mexico. Going from Merida to our home base at Campeche takes just under two hours and involves a pleasant drive through the humid forests of the Campeche District.

Upon arrival in Campeche, anglers are often surprised by the unexpected charm of this ancient city. With monuments, statues, forts and one of the largest flags in Mexico flying in the harbor, Campeche is a clean, beautiful city. Locals stroll along the Malecone Boulevard all hours of the day and night. The city sits perched overlooking the Bay of Campeche. Campeche consists of two major districts: old town and new town. At 7:00 a.m. sharp, anglers are met for breakfast in the hotel’s dining room. A choice of fresh fruits, yogurt, cereal, eggs, omelets and of course, juices and coffee will keep you going until lunch. Then it’s off to the pangas to chase Mayan tarpon.

Head guide, "Neko" Pastrana, works with his cousin Cameron. They are both skilled tarpon fishermen who know this coast intimately. Neko and Cameron maneuver their 24-foot pangas with the best of them. These pangas are powered by 65 hp. Johnson engines and are well-outfitted for the fly angler. Pangas may not be as pretty as the new high-tech flats boats, but they are far more versatile in rough water conditions and can navigate some truly skinny water with ease.
Lunch will be taken when anglers wish usually around 11:00 in the morning. Lunch consists of sandwiches, wraps, fruits, cookies, chips and snacks. The cooler will be well stocked with water and beverages.

Depending on anglers’ wishes and of course, the tides, the fishing day will run to about 3:00 p.m. Generally, anglers are thoroughly sated by this time. Anglers will very rarely see the same water twice.

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Dinners will be a cultural and culinary delight. The Yucatan is famous throughout Mexico for its spectacular foods. Anglers can take dinner at the hotel or they can choose The Tarpon Coast's gourmet food tour. We have chosen the best restaurants in Campeche. They offer a good sampling of regional dishes and traditional favorites for hungry anglers. We will start with La Pigua which is a small, locally run restaurant that serves fresh seafood often in traditional Yucatan sauces. La Pigua also has the best ceviche on the Yucatan. Another night, you’ll sample delectable offerings from La Parilla, Also locally owned and operated, La Parilla serves everything from grilled meats to burritos, fajitas, enchiladas and much more. La Parilla is famous for its delicious spicy red and green chili sauces… and the best guacamole in the Americas. Anglers will also dine at a small cafe in the historic district of Campeche where you’ll find traditional Yucatan favorites like panuchos, empanadas and tamales. After a succulent carne asada smothered in delicious Mayan salsa or pollo tamales slathered with fresh guacamole.

So if you like remote destinations, comfortable, classic accommodations, great regional food and terrific tarpon fishing, you should consider this area for your next adventure. We think this coast offers some of the best opportunities for baby tarpon found anywhere in the world. On another note... given the level of amenities and the opportunities for non-fishing activities such as shopping, night life and Mayan ruin tours, we consider this destination also appropriate for non-angling friends and family.

We invite you to call us for more information and a spectacular DVD slideshow on this pristine area.

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