Experience the Best Juvenile Tarpon Fishing in the World

Creekside Tarpon Tour: May 17-25, 2014

Here at Creekside Angling Company the passion for tropical saltwater fishing runs deep. For the past 20 years we have been exploring the finest and most exciting saltwater destinations. Our travels have taken us from Florida and the Bahamas to Belize and Ascension Bay, Christmas Island and several other fantastic locations. This year we wanted to do something extra special and unique, so we talked to the boys at Fly Water Travel and they introduced us to a one of a kind tarpon fishery in the Yucatan. By all accounts the juvenile tarpon fishing at Isla Del Sabalo and Tarpon Cay Lodge has to be experienced to be believed.

A Destination With Multiple Personalities...

Poling the mangroves in the backwaters at Isla Del Sabalo.

Tarpon Cay's expansive turtlegrass flats offer explosive sight fishing!

We have been working closely with Fly Water Travel to come up with a program that will allow us to spend a few days fishing at each lodge in order to experience the varied fisheries at both destinations. Each has its own unique personality and the best way to get the most out of the trip is to fish both!

Tarpon Cay: Sight Fishing the Flats

Tarpon Cay Lodge is located on the north shore of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, where most of the fishing occurs over very shallow flats that are covered by a dark colored, broad leafed turtle grass. Roving schools of tarpon in the 5lb – 15lb class can number just a few or several hundred. The lodge utilizes spacious 18 foot pangas with an extensive level casting deck and all fly fishing is conducted out of these stealthy, stable, and comfortable fishing platforms. The nearest boundary of the fishery is very close to the lodge and, therefore, only requires a 15 - 25 minute boat ride to arrive at most of your Yucatan fly fishing areas.

The fishing can be fast paced and explosive. On a calm day, it is not uncommon to observe pods of Tarpon rolling and slashing bait on the flats - an awe-inspiring moment to say the least ... don't forget to cast.

Isla Del Sabalo: "Island of Tarpon"

Isla del Sabalo is located off of the northern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The fertile mangrove-lined waters of Mexico’s northern Yucatan Peninsula represent the most prolific juvenile tarpon fishery in the world. Ranging in size from 5 to 30+ pounds, the tarpon here reside in environs of turtle grass flats and mangrove lined lagoons, creeks, and channels. The hallmark of this fishery is the gin-clear flats and the amazing network of backcountry lagoons and channels. These characteristics make this fishery an incredible rearing ground for these resident baby tarpon. Whether you are sight casting to rolling tarpon on the flats or working the mangroves with your top-water pattern, fly fishing for tarpon at Isla del Sabalo is a pure adrenaline rush.

Accomodations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The best way to describe the accomodations at both lodges is simple and comfortable. The region these lodges are situated in has all of the rustic charm of a traditional fishing village.

Isla Del Sabalo is on a beach front facing the open ocean. Guests stay in spacious ocean front cottages equipped with air-conditioning, fans, and a full private bath with shower (hot and cold water). There is a housekeeping service that cleans the room and replaces, towels, bottled drinking water, cups, and bar soap each day. A unique feature of the property is the beach front “palapa”. This wonderful area is perfect for relaxing after a long day of chasing Tarpon.

The accommodations at Tarpon Cay Lodge are comfortable, bright, and enriched with traditional Mexican decor. A spacious lounge provides dining areas, comfortable seating for relaxing, and a nice workspace for fly tying or working on tackle at the day's end. Upstairs, the spacious guest rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, fans, and a full private bath with shower. Rooms are bright with a nice ocean view.

The meals are another highlight of the fishing here. Hearty portions with a local flavor are an absolute culinary delight for the big appetite. Breakfast is ordered the night prior from a full menu (American and Mexican dishes). Your breakfast will be promptly served in the morning to assure you an on-time start of your daily fishing adventure. Lunches consist of made-to-order sandwiches, snacks, and assorted beverages.

Upon your return from an exciting day of tarpon-mania, dinner is served. Entrees may include chicken, pork, or the catch-of-the-day - fish, shrimp, or even lobster! Additionally, the lodge can accommodate most dietary restrictions. Let the staff know and they will prepare an appetizing alternative that is often looked over with envy by your fellow dinner guests.

 

The Program

The trip is set up so that we will have three days of fishing at each lodge. From week to week the fishing program depends largely on tides and weather conditions. On some weeks, you will fish from morning through the afternoon. On other weeks, the program may consist of fishing the AM hours, a break mid-day (lunch/”siesta”!), and then an evening session of fishing. Your guides will determine the program based on the optimum timing of tides and weather.

Itinerary

May 17: Arrive Cancun (Airport CUN)
May 18 – 20: 3 days guided fishing at Tarpon Cay Lodge
May 21: Transfer to Isla Del Sabalo
May 22 – 24: 3 days guided fishing at Isla Del Sabalo
May 25: Depart Merida (Airport MID)

Pricing

$3,595.00 per person based on double occupancy for an 8 night/6 day fishing package

There are only 5 spots available for this trip!

Call and reserve your spot today: (425) 392-3800

Included: Guided fishing, accommodations and meals at Tarpon Cay, non-alcoholic beverages, guest taxes, fishing licenses, ground transfers to and from Cancun airport.
Not Included: Airfare, gratuities, phone services, internet access, laundry service, alcoholic beverages, meals in Cancun, fly fishing gear and tackle.

"Baby tarpon weighing up to about 20 pounds and small tarpon up to about 50 pounds are a delight to catch on tackle matched to the task. Whenever you have an opportunity to do this type of fishing, whether for baby tarpon or the giants, don't pass it up. You will never have a more meaningful or memorable angling experience. In fact, as one fellow put it, 'I thought I died and went to Heaven.'"

- Excerpt from Fishing the Flats, by Lefty Kreh and Mark Sosin

Be sure to check our website and Facebook page for updates on this trip. We expect this trip to fill fast so if you want to reserve your spot or you would like more info call or e-mail the shop right away!

(425) 392-3800

info@creeksideangling.com