Four days fishing, five nights lodging, Breakfast and Lunch.
Last year's Trip - Holbox Mexico Fly Fishing Report
June 2008
Holbox Revisited-
Yes, we're back from our favorite Mexican Island. I still didn't have a chance to go to all of the great little seafood restaraunts that line the beach on Isla Holbox. I could eat pescado frito (fried fish) every day. I actually tried to several years ago when I lived on Isla Mujeres Mexico. Fried snook, cold beer and a daily Mexican sunset. Priceless!
Our goal was to catch tarpon -- we did -- just not the big ones we planned on. The schools of big tarpon hold just offshore in 20-60 feet of water and when it's windy they're deeper, they don't roll and you just can't find them.
Fortunately tarpon fishing in Holbox is not an all-or-nothing proposition, there are alternatives! We rigged up our 8 and 9 wt rods and hit the backcountry. We still had the wind to contend with but there were plenty of shots at tarpon, snook and cudas.
Holbox happens to have a pretty good snook population, I think just about everyone caught at least one. I missed two very large fish for two really good reasons. One, the fish hit at the end of my strip and two, the other one came out of nowhere and I just missed him. Damn they're fast!
The baby tarpon loved our toad selection, mostly the yellow & chartruese combinations. The small red & white traditional tarpon flies worked very well also. Baby tarpon flies have to be small and right in their face. If it's very calm and shallow, pick a popper, you'll love the topwater action.
Don't forget the 2009 trip is scheduled for June 26 through July 1st. Let us know if you want to go. We will need a 50% deposit no later than January 15, 2009. If we don't have at least 7 anglers the trip will be canceled and monies will be returned. The lodges have cracked down on their policies regarding reservations so it's important to reserve your space now and commit by the January 15 deadline. There are a total of 9 spaces available for the trip. Make sure you invite your friends to come along.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Isla Holbox, an island with just one village and less than 1500 people, is located on the northern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo, México. Most of the people who call the island home make their living fishing. Holbox is 43 Km long and its white sand beaches are decorated with countless shells washed to the shore from the sea. Since ancient times, Isla Holbox has been known as a highly beautiful area and was used as a relaxing and resting place by the Maya. Today, it is known (although not by many!) as one of the top tarpon destinations in the world.
THE FISHING
Isla Holbox is blessed with one of the world's outstanding tarpon habitats. Holbox is a small and virgin island with beautiful white sand beaches, surrounded by a magnificent turquoise colored sea. Here in the shallow mangrove lagoons, creeks and flats you will find baby tarpon (5 to 15 pounds) and snook throughout the year. However it is the migratory fish that make Holbox a unique flyfishing destination. In April, migrating fish begin to arrive to feed in the clear water of the shallows. During June, July and August, the fishing for large tarpon in the 75 to 190-pound range is fantastic. In addition to the tarpon and snook, bonefish, barracuda, snapper, permit, and jack crevalle area also occasionally found in area waters during the spring and summer months.
Each morning, experienced guides will pick you up in front of the lodge. Breakfast will be served early at the lodge so you get a jump on the fishing. The guides are fully trained professionals that have years of guiding and fishing experience in this area. Each morning you will run between 20 and 50 minutes to fish the shallow waters surrounding the island. Typical fishing days will include eight hours on the water, although extra time can be arranged. Guides are native to Holbox Island and all have been tarpon fishing the area for many years. Language is not an issue while fishing, as all guides speak some degree of "fishing" English. Some guides are completely fluent in English.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Holbox Fly Fishing Lodge is the only property on Holbox Island dedicated to fly fishing enthusiasts and their non-fishing partners. The beachfront location affords privacy, a gentle breeze, and a terrace view that will stamp your memory as one of the more unforgettable of your lifetime travels. The rooms are modern, upbeat and air conditioned. Comfortable lounge furniture is available for relaxing on the front deck or the beach, and hammocks allow you to siesta "Island Style" at any time of the day. An outside shower with a Conch Shell spout pours warmish water over sandy feet - or sandy fishing equipment. Holbox Flyfishing Lodge is located on the main Isla Holbox beach, only a short walk from the town square. All of the rooms feature air conditioning, and each is finished in a comfortable and tasteful manner. There are rod racks outside of each room, and there is a freshwater cleaning rack on the side of the building.
Food is always an important part of any vacation and Holbox will not disappoint you. You will be able to watch the daily catch brought in, as the Gulf of Mexico provides superb seafood such as lobster, shrimp, calamari and the freshest of fish. An Italian presence has been on the island for many years resulting in excellent European cuisine that provides the island's continental flare alongside the classic Mexican food. A continental breakfast at the lodge will begin each day and lunch is served on the boats on fishing days. Happy hour includes signature hors d' oeuvres, and all other meals are on your own in the local restaurants, an easy five minute walk from the lodge.
CAPACITY
Isla Holbox Flyfishing Lodge can accommodate a maximum of ten anglers and guests per week.
LENGTH OF STAY
Standard package is a six fishing day / seven night package (Saturday to Saturday) although shorter packages can be arranged.
SEASON
Year-round
PRIMARY SPECIES
Tarpon and some snook, with occasional area opportunities for bonefish, permit, barracuda, jacks, and snapper. Tarpon range in size from small "baby" tarpon to giant silver kings well over 100 pounds.
BOATS AND EQUIPMENT OFFERED
The fishing boats are seaworthy 18-foot pangas, fully equipped for your comfort and safety. It is suggested that you bring all of your own gear and fishing tackle.
HOW TO GET THERE
All guests should book flights to Cancun, Mexico. Guests making their own flight reservations must plan to arrive in Cancun no later than 1:00 p.m. Arriving around 12:00 PM is ideal. Be sure to schedule the return flight no earlier than 12:00 PM as well, in order to make connections with the boat shuttle from the island. Transportation is included from Cancun to the lodge at Isla Holbox. This service includes pick up by a private van at Cancun’s airport or at any of Cancun's hotels with ground transport to the small coastal town of Chiquila (about 2 1/2 hours from Cancun.) From Chiquila a private boat will take you across Yalahau lagoon to the beachfront of the lodge. This water transfer takes about 30 minutes.
NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES
As good as the fishing is at Isla Holbox, most tourists come here to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere on an island that features one small village, streets of sand, and the friendliest people in the Yucatan. Non-fishing travel partners can enjoy viewing the large amount of flamingos and other birds that call the area home. The island’s “Laguna Yalahau” is a mangrove-filled lagoon full of dolphins, flamingoes, and many different species of fish. Isla de Pájaros (Bird Island) is located in the Laguna Yalahau and is home to over 140 different species of birds. This Island is a protected natural area which can be reached only by boat. Although snorkeling and diving are not great, the beaches on Holbox are splendid and swimming is easy. Non-anglers can also enjoy horseback riding, kite surfing, golf carts for exploring the island, bicycle rentals, and much more.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
All U.S. citizens are required to have a valid passport that does not expire within 6 months of trips dates. Please be sure that your passport has at least two blank, unstamped pages remaining in back, and that it is not torn, delaminated, or damaged in any way. No visas or inoculations are required for U.S. citizens. A Mexican departure tax is payable at the airport when leaving Mexico. Some airlines include this as a prepaid part of your ticket. Please check with your travel agent or carrier to verify this.
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