Bonefish/Tarpon Fishing Lodge Recommendations

[Andy Leach]

I am planning a fishing trip for 2010 with a few friends and would like some advice - destinations/lodges & best fishing months.

Target quarry -bonefish & tarpon. Not all are experienced fly fishers, so we need a lodge that can accommodate conventional tackle as well. Plan is for 4nights/3days fishing. No wives or children on this trip - just tired, out of shape men celebrating/commiserating a milestone of four decades of existence. Looking for a turn-key operation within a few hours travel time from Houston.

I did a quick search and found the following lodges.

Bahamas
- Abaco Lodge
- Bair's Lodge
- Bonefish Paradise

Belize
- Turneffe Flats Resort
- El Pescador Lodge

Mexico
- Costa de Cocos

I would appreciate feedback on these lodges or suggestions of others, best months to fish, and any other recommendations.

Thanks,
Andy

[Animal Chris]

Andy, for an easy trip, El Pescador in Belize certainly fits the bill. a 2 1/2 hour flight to Belize City, a short commuter to Ambergirs Caye and a one Belikin boat ride to the lodge is all it takes. The rooms are clean, comfortable and, while Belize has gone green, have good A/C. While the size of bonefish don't rival those in the Bahamas and Florida, there are plenty of them, along with good numbers of permit, tarpon and barracuda, and they have no problem taking a fly. The guides are friendly, hard working and have good eyes. After a hard days fishing, there is a pool that over looks the water and just a few short steps from Caesars Bar, where icy cold Belikin and great rum puches can be had. The dining room serves up a hearty breakfast and a varied menu in the evening and, if you'd like a change of fare, a short water taxi into town get's you to several fine restaurants, like Elvi's Kitchen.

More more information on El Pescadore or the other spots you have listed, check with club members Marcos Enrizuez at Orvis (Westheimer at Chimney Rock), Andy Packmore at Fishing Tackle Unlimited (Gulf Freeway Store) or or Chris DeLosSantos at the I Fly, the Anglers Edge.

Tight lines, Chris

[Andy Leach]

Hey Chris,

Thanks for the excellent info - and pics.  Looks like you had a successful trip down there.

Good idea about the contacts ref below-I will follow up with them as well.

I appreciate the help.

Andy

[Ralph_H]

Andy,

You could also look at Silver King Lodge in Costa Rica.  That still just over 3 hours and nonstop from Houston, but of course you have the local charter from San Jose.  I don't know how good it would be for Bonefish, but I do know they can accommodate the conventional tackle.  They also do some offshore stuff for Sailfish, Wahoo and the like.  Cannot speak from experience, but they have been in business a long time.  I was down there (Costa Rica) about 2 years ago on an “Old Folks” tour and we went by the in our launch, taking us to “Tortugia National Park.  I wanted to jumped ship.  I still might make it down there before I die!……Ralph