Explore the untouched beauty of the northeast shore of the Bay of Campeche, a thriving mangrove preserve teeming with tarpon ranging from 5 to 40 pounds, averaging between 10-12 pounds year-round. Diverse casting opportunities await, from encounters with baby tarpon against the mangrove to schools of juvenile tarpon on offshore turtlegrass banks. Proximity to the mangrove shore reveals smaller fish, while deeper turtlegrass banks host larger juvenile schools.

All fishing occurs from the boat, with no wading necessary, despite the seemingly feasible depths. The water is crystal clear, but the soft multilayer sediment on the bottom turns murky if stirred up.

Campeche Bay, a shallow bank extending from the coast to 120 miles offshore, showcases a smooth, gradual decline of about a foot per mile. Within the 25-mile coastal range, there’s no sign of the big tarpon migration, but vast numbers of juveniles gather nearby during the winter and spring, while baby tarpon populate the mangrove shore year-round.

On a typical day, witness 50 to hundreds of tarpon, with a successful day seeing 2 to 5 landed out of 12 jumped. Finding the fish is heavily influenced by wind, or lack thereof, tide, and their interaction.

Fishing Grounds:

Off-shore grass banks: Situated 2 to 3 miles offshore, these banks require 50-80 feet casts, with some blind casting needed to rolling schools. With calm winds, schools can be spotted from 100+ yards away, promising long fish runs and numerous jumps.

Mangrove Coast: Experience exciting moments amidst shaded slots during the high sun, sneaking around creek mouths, bays, and lagoons. Mid-distance casting from 20 to 50 feet against mangrove branches yields explosive hook-ups. Sight casting to cruising fish and blind casting to shaded slots is the key.

Creeks & Inlets: Freshwater streams flowing into the Gulf of Mexico, flooded with saltwater tides, provide shelter for fish. Cast under a beautiful mangrove canopy at ranges of 10-30 feet.

Season:

Yes, we fish year-round. While baby tarpon are resident, Winter and Spring bring larger juveniles in decent schools to the game.

First Period (May-October): Considered the rainy season, bringing fresh water into the Gulf of Mexico. Lowest wind season with temperatures ranging from 85 to 100 F. Expect more active fish along the shore during the first and last hours of daylight.

Second Period (November-December): Transition to winter with steady weather, occasional slow-running cold fronts. High expectations for big schools of juveniles chasing pinfish outside the offshore banks. More intensive action during the middle of the day.

Third Period (January-April): Prime time for travelers looking to escape the cold. Bigger fish and more for returning anglers with the presence of big schools of juveniles. Weather may play tricks, with chances of cold fronts. We adapt plans based on current conditions.

Gear Up:

Remember, you’ll be in a remote area with no sporting goods stores. Purchase what you need before departing. Bring rods that are easy to carry on overseas trips, either 3 or four pieces.

Note about carry-on policies: When traveling outbound from Mexico, rods/cases/pliers/lines are required in checked baggage.

Flyfishing:

• Flies: Classic tarpon flies, seaducers, minnows, cockroaches, gurglers, EP’s, bunnies, classic Stu Tarpon Fly, Gary Merriman Tarpon Toad. No longer than 3 inches.
• Line: Floating line WF, 100 yards backing, 10 Wt with sinking tip or slow sinking line.
• Rods: Four Piece Rods on 8/9 and 10 wt. Fast action.
• Leader Spools: 20# Monofilament leader, 40# Fluorocarbon tippet, or 9 ft tapered to #40 bite tippet.
• Backing: At least 100 yds required.

Spinning:

• Line: Tests 8, 10, 12-lbs, mono, braided, or nanofil.
• Rods: Light spinning rods of 6’6″ to 8-feet length with medium to heavy action; two or more pieces rod for easy storage.
• Leader: Monofilament spool for leader of #40. Wire for Barracudas.
• Lures: 1/8 – 1/4 Oz. Marabou or bucktail jigs, leadheads with softbaits such as shads/tailed grubs in bright and dark colors.
• DOA LURES: Effective in lightest versions of the Terror-eyz model.
• HARDBAITS: 3-4 in. poppers or surfwalkers with single hooks. Any brand