Trip Report: TARPON TOWN ANGLERS & LODGE (A++++)

TARPON TOWN ANGLERS & LODGE (https://tarpontown.com/)

After years of pirate raids, Spanish settlers completed the construction of a 26-meter-high wall in the 1700s around the city that is now Campeche City in the Yucatan Peninsula. The wall still stands, but there are no modern-day pirates of any sort. Quite the opposite, in fact. With cobblestone streets, pedestrian avenues with open air restaurants, and brightly colored colonial architecture, the city is a mix of Mayan and Spanish Colonial histories. Interestingly, many of the fortifications once used to keep people out have been repurposed as museums to draw people in to learn about the city’s rich history.

Campeche City boasts a tourist friendly atmosphere. To our delight, however, the city is not solely focused on tourists like us.   When we returned from dinner at 8 pm on a recent Saturday night, the pedestrian avenues were full of locals enjoying dinner, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family. We got the impression that this is what life looks like with or without tourists.

The City Center has a large park with big trees and is surrounded by cobblestone streets, brightly colored facades with big wooden entry doors, and historic churches. Restaurants can be found around every corner. This is where you want to be. Fortunately, this is exactly where Tarpon Town’s lodge is located. The lodge – masterfully renovated and appointed with family and lodge artifacts that tell a rich history – is the owner’s childhood home. Complete with two open air courtyards adorned with lime trees and a pool, each set of anglers has their own room with air conditioning and an en-suite bathroom.   And, Raul, the owner and operator, leans into this prime City Center location. Rather than have a chef prepare dinners at the lodge, guests share a meal each night at one of the local eateries that are within walking distance of the lodge. Many evenings, Raul will accompany the week’s anglers to dinner. Finding a table isn’t difficult, especially given that Tarpon Town only takes six anglers per week.

THE SPECIAL SAUCE AT TARPON TOWN THAT MAKES THIS A UNIQUE TRIP

This is not the kind of lodge where anglers rush to get on-site as soon as possible and then only leave at the end of the week when headed back to the airport. Quite the opposite – this is a place where you get to be part of the local culture while also experiencing great fishing opportunities. Raul and his family remain involved in every detail of the operation. Like many good entrepreneurial stories, Tarpon Town is no different. Raul started this operation with a single kayak. It didn’t take long before Raul had to borrow a boat to accommodate an increasing number of anglers. Momentum gathered quickly, which is no accident.  As the company has grown, Raul has been mindful to build a team of world-class lodge staff and guides that mirror his view of hospitality and professionalism...you won't find a better team!  This is a unique experience – fantastic fishing, A+ customer service, exceptional cultural opportunities, an owner that is involved everyday, and a world-class team of lodge staff and guides.  That is a recipe for success.

THE FISH AT TARPON TOWN

The main attraction, of course, is the juvenile tarpon that abound in the local waters, although you might come across a snook or two. There are traditional flats with turtle grass bottoms. The wind can have more of an influence on these flats, but our guide expertly positioned us to work with our casting.

We particularly enjoyed exploring the system of mangroves. The wind was virtually non-existing in the mangroves on the day we fished.

There were two of us in the boat. We alternated fish-for-fish nearly all day. We were completed sated by early afternoon. On our return ride back to shore, we smiled at the thought of the fish and other wildlife we experienced throughout the day: flamingos and other sea birds, a croc, and a pair of swimming sea turtles.

We were back in time for a shower, light snacks, and short rest before setting off for dinner.

FLIES & EQUIPMENT FOR FLY FISHING AT TARPON TOWN

The equipment and flies are relatively straightforward. We used a 9’ 9 weight rod with a solid saltwater reel and a floating line. The terminal tackle consisted of a 6-foot section of 20-pound mono with a 3-4’ section of 40-pound mono as a shock tippet. The flies varied, but we got the sense that dark silhouettes are great for these waters. We used the following on the day we fished:

We are working with Raul and the Tarpon Town guides to put together a selection of Campeche flies. We will update this post when that is complete.

LOGISTICS

Getting to Campeche is easy. There are numerous direct flights to Merida from Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta. Raul and his team will meet you at the airport and take you directly to the lodge. The drive is easy along a major, modern highway.

CONTACT RAUL

To discuss availability, contact Raul directly at +52 981 133 2135 or [email protected]. There is also a “Contact Us” form at https://tarpontown.com/news/.

CONCLUSION

For us, we expect to be back as many times as possible. Raul has a special ability to connect with people. But, even if you go just once, you’ll have a lifetime of memories. In addition to the memories of fish and fishing, you’ll have memories about the Yucatan culture and the people that make this place special.