Lee Haskin
08-22-2005, 11:33 AM
Our "Kiene" group just returned from the Yucatan, and had a great trip!
We encountered baby tarpon in most of the rivers, and they probably averaged 7 lbs.
We usually caught 3-5 fish each, in the morning and then 3-5 each in the afternoon session (with lunch and siesta in between-Very cool!!)
On two days we traveled a bit further to intercept larger tarpon, but for some reason they were not available in good numbers and only a few were hooked, with none boated.
With the largest population of flamingos in the western hemisphere, we were constantly treated to their graceful presence each day, along with other bird species, as well.
The lodge, and staff was incredible, and the food was a seafood lovers paradise.
We were greeted by our guides, in front of the lodge, each morning, and a short ride put us in the fish.
If the wind was down we explored more off-shore areas, and if the wind blew we moved into the protected rivers and estuaries.
Although we could generally find a few fish in each river, we did encounter the ocassional large group, eager to eat our Tarpon Neutralizers and Sliders. Since we fished many shallow areas, flies that suspended, or floated, were most effective. It seemed that lighter colors were preferred, as well.
To add to the excitement sometimes we would push, and pull, the panga up into the narrow river chanels where stealth was the game. Short roll casts, or even bow-and-arrow casts, were necessary to avoid the tangle of dead mangroves that choked the narrow rivers, and put the fly in front of rolling tarpon. Once hooked, straight-lining the fish was the only way to subdue them in the dense trees and brush. What a kick!
Tarpon, regardless of size, are truly amazing with their explosive strike and multiple high flying jumps, and make them unique and perfect for the fly fisherman.
The last two days were spent in Isla Blanca, near Cancun, where we had shots at permit, bonefish and bigger tarpon. I was fortunate to boat a 10# permit and several tarpon around 15#.
We had great guides at both locations.
Thanks again to Bill, Keith and Jim, for making this trip a huge success!
I can't wait to return!
Cheers,
Lee Haskin
We encountered baby tarpon in most of the rivers, and they probably averaged 7 lbs.
We usually caught 3-5 fish each, in the morning and then 3-5 each in the afternoon session (with lunch and siesta in between-Very cool!!)
On two days we traveled a bit further to intercept larger tarpon, but for some reason they were not available in good numbers and only a few were hooked, with none boated.
With the largest population of flamingos in the western hemisphere, we were constantly treated to their graceful presence each day, along with other bird species, as well.
The lodge, and staff was incredible, and the food was a seafood lovers paradise.
We were greeted by our guides, in front of the lodge, each morning, and a short ride put us in the fish.
If the wind was down we explored more off-shore areas, and if the wind blew we moved into the protected rivers and estuaries.
Although we could generally find a few fish in each river, we did encounter the ocassional large group, eager to eat our Tarpon Neutralizers and Sliders. Since we fished many shallow areas, flies that suspended, or floated, were most effective. It seemed that lighter colors were preferred, as well.
To add to the excitement sometimes we would push, and pull, the panga up into the narrow river chanels where stealth was the game. Short roll casts, or even bow-and-arrow casts, were necessary to avoid the tangle of dead mangroves that choked the narrow rivers, and put the fly in front of rolling tarpon. Once hooked, straight-lining the fish was the only way to subdue them in the dense trees and brush. What a kick!
Tarpon, regardless of size, are truly amazing with their explosive strike and multiple high flying jumps, and make them unique and perfect for the fly fisherman.
The last two days were spent in Isla Blanca, near Cancun, where we had shots at permit, bonefish and bigger tarpon. I was fortunate to boat a 10# permit and several tarpon around 15#.
We had great guides at both locations.
Thanks again to Bill, Keith and Jim, for making this trip a huge success!
I can't wait to return!
Cheers,
Lee Haskin