Yucatan Angler´s

Tarpon Coast Lodge

Isla Arena Campeche

The Tarpon Fishery

Isla Arena in the NW Yucatan is the world´s most prolific and exclusive juvenile tarpon fishery. Tarpon Coast Lodge is the last frontier for anglers looking to fly fish for tarpon in protected and untouched waters. Shallow ocean side grass flats, mangrove lined green rooms, tidal creeks, and deep cuts provide habitat to a tarpon nursery that rivals any saltwater destination in the world. This incredible eco-system provides anglers the opportunity to sight cast to schools of tarpon numbering in the hundreds.

During prime, morning tides it is not uncommon to witness a thousand tarpon, spread over an acre and divided into schools of 100 to 200. On falling afternoon tides, you can find hundreds of happy tarpon pouring out of the numerous creeks. It is mind boggling how many tarpon you can see and sight cast to on a daily basis.

The tarpon of Northern Campeche range from 7 to 25+ pounds, with the average tarpon running around 12 pounds. During late Summer, there is a push of migratory fish that can reach over 100 pounds. The tarpon are rarely fished and readily take a fly. Isla Arena is fantastically situated far from other Campeche destinations. We are over 100 miles from the Campeche City charter boats and 200 miles from Holbox. Truly the last frontier for fly fishing tarpon.

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“ Fantastic Fishing, Fantastic Lodge, Fantastic Time ”

- Original JZ -

Tarpon Fishing Program

Campeche's Tarpon Coast Fly Fishing Lodge is a full service tarpon fishing lodge located in Isla Arena, Campeche, Mexico. Offering top guiding services for tarpon fishing in the Gulf of Mexico on the Northwest coast of the Yucatan. We are locally owned and operated by tarpon fishing guides for tarpon fishing anglers.

Tarpon Coast Lodge uses traditional Mexican Panga boats with comfortable seats, secure rod storage, and an ample front casting deck. All pangas use waterproof UHF radios (that get updates on weather and communicate with home base, life vests and have first aid kits on board.

Fishing Days start with coffee at 5:00am, followed by a hearty breakfast at 5:30am. Whenever you are ready to go fishing after breakfast, we will be ready. Your fishing day is dictated by the tides and weather. Some days you will fish until 2:00 or 3:00pm. Other days may see you return to the lodge, have lunch and a siesta, and then head back out at 5:00pm and fish the evening set. The run to the fishing grounds is as quick as 5 minutes or as long as 20 minutes. Sleep, eat, fish, and repeat!

Without a doubt, your preferred fly rod will be a 9wt matched with a tropical floating line. Rarely will you be fishing deeper than three feet. Light unweighted tarpon flies are the go-to patterns. We will send you a list of our favorite patterns upon your booking, along with a complete packing list.

We are located on a private beach and have a brand-new two-story facility that can sleep 8 anglers in 4 oversized private rooms. Each room has a wonderful ocean view. Rooms have A/C, ceiling fans, and full bathrooms with hot and cold water. There is daily housekeeping that will clean your room, replace towels and bottled water.

Meals are traditional Mexican fare and incorporate lots of local seafood. All meals are prepared under the watchful eye of world-famous Chef. Lupita. Although we have a formal dining room, most anglers love hanging out under our beach front palapa.

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“ The best juvi tarpon fishery in the world! ”

- Larry Cohen -

Travel Logistics

A short, ninty minute drive from the city of Merida, Mexico through picturesque villages and past ancient Mayan ruins. At the end of the road lies the small, seaside fishing village of Isla Arena; the gateway to the finest tarpon fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. What you will not encounter is crowds, traffic jams, or spring breakers on mopeds and jet skis. And when you arrive, we will take your luggage to your room and help you leave your stress at the door.

Flying direct to Merida International Airport (MID) is the easiest and most direct way to travel. There are daily flights directly into Merida from Houston (Delta), Mexico City (Aero Mexico), Miami (AA), and weekly from Toronto (WestJet). All foreign nationals are required to have a valid passport that does not expire within six months of your trip dates.

You may be tempted to fly into Cancun because of cheaper flights. However, be aware that ground transfers would be 6 hours and cost approx. $750US.

Depending upon your arrival time into Merida, you can choose to overnight in Merida or take a private transfer directly to the lodge. Transfer times range between 90 minutes and two hours. If you choose to overnight in Merida, you can combine a day trip to the beautiful Mayan ruins of Uxmal on the way to the lodge.

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