SW Outing: Costa Rica Tarpon Fishing Trip 10-14 October, 2024, updated 2024-06-06

Invite your friends. Even folks that don’t fly fish can join in for this trip. We are using MembershipWorks to track participants, and coordinate. See the registration link below.

It’s time again Fly Fishers, we are looking for up to 16 more anglers to go to Silverking Lodge for 5  nights lodging and 4 days of fishing at their Barra Del Colorado Lodge. SKL has offered special pricing to the club to help promote the lodge . 4 full days of fishing, all meals, bar with local beer, wine and liquor included. All of this for $3,685 ( over a $4,500 value) double occupancy. SLK has 10 rooms set aside for 11-14 October with afternoon arrival on the 10th.

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Information about the lodge:

Silver King Lodge is the finest giant tarpon fishing lodge in the world. The area has year-round resident tarpon and is one of the best tarpon fisheries in the world. The Lodge is located on the Caribbean coast at the mouth of the Rio Colorado. You will fish from 23-foot boats custom made on site.  SKL provides equipment for bait, plug and fly fishermen.  Fishing the nearby lagoons for a day or half day is also an option, giving your arms a respite from the 100lb + tarpon, and getting a chance to see more of the Costa Rican wildlife. Your stay will include all meals, beer, wine, and liquor (except call brands).  Meals are served buffet style with cooked to order dishes for breakfast. Guestrooms are spacious and air conditioned.  The lodge has a pool and Jacuzzi free for use.   If you are so sore from catching these large fish, a massage can be arranged, putting you back into fighting form for the next day.

The cost of the trip is $3,685 for 4 full days fishing and 5 nights lodging. The normal rate is much higher (double occupancy)   This trip is open to all members and friends of members who are willing to update their membership with the Texas FlyFishers:  Membership.

Payment Schedule, coordinate with the trip leaders to make sure it gets taken care of in a timely manner.

First, July 2, 2023      – $ 2,000 (deposit)

Final, September 15, 2023     – $ 1,685 (remainder)

Trip Leader – “Puck” Don C. Puckett – doncpuckett(at)gmail(dot)com, 28I(dash)865(minus)3(two)I6

Club Members, that have been to the lodge more than once, if you have questions about fishing, gear, flies, or the lodge are Jerry Brown, Raymond Lindeen, “Puck”, or Tim Stokley.

TRIP INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION

Included:

    • Ground transportation between terminals in San Jose

    • Lodging for 5 nights at SKL in spacious, air-conditioned rooms (double occupancy)

    • Professional Guide Service

    • All meals 

    • Open bar with all standard liquor, beer, and wine / Premium spirits are $5

    • Daily laundry service (only need 2 -3 days fishing clothes and 1 day of travel clothes)

    • Four days of guided fishing (two anglers per boat)

    • Free Wi/Fi

  • All local taxes

Excluded:

    • Flight from USA to San Jose Costa Rica

    • Cost of overnight stay hotel in San Jose if needed (not currently planned).

    • Personal extras, including Massages (available at SKL upon request), souvenirs, etc.

    • Tips for guides and lodge staff = Recommended $325 per angler ($200 per angler for guide and $125 for staff split according to services) if we have an odd number the trip leader will pick up the extra tip for the guide.

    • The purchase of travel insurance for this trip is encouraged.

Lodge website:

https://silverkinglodge.com/

Sunset at the Lodge

Tim Stokley with a nice Tarpon

Just a quick snap shot before release

Scale from 160Lb Tarpon and fly that caught it.

 

Tentative Itinerary

2023-10-10 – Morning direct flight IAH – SJO (San Jose Cr) arriving in the morning..

2023-10-10 – Transfer to airport, Charter flight to Barra del Colorado airport.

2023-10-10 – Fishing by that afternoon

2023-10-10 through 2023-10-13 –  4 full days of fishing

2023-10-14 – AM Charter flight to San Jose – Return to the USA that afternoon

 

Meeting: May 2024 guest Speaker, Steve Soule’

Join us to learn from our friend Steve Soule’ during the May 2024 Meeting. Meeting starts at 6:00pm but some of us get there 30+ minutes early to swap fishing stories. Trini Mendenhall Comm Center, 1414 Wirt Road, Houston, TX 77055

Or you could join us for some casting practice: Pre-Meeting Casting Practice, Instruction and Social Gathering; April, May, June and September 2024

“Let’s call it understand and catching fish” SS

About Steve:

Outing: Padre Island National Seashore, Sept 20-22, 2024, Texas FlyFishers’ SW Outing

Texas FlyFishers of Houston: 2024 PINS (Padre Island National Seashore), advance planning
Trip Description: We will take four-wheel drive vehicles down Padre Island National Seashore during the anchovy migration, and target blitzing schools of ladyfish, jacks, redfish, and tarpon.  We will beach camp Friday and Saturday nights, returning on Sunday.

When:    Sept 20th thru Sept 22nd, 2023 
Where:       Padre Island National Seashore, 20420 Park Road 22, Corpus Christi, Texas
Start Time:  1100, Friday morning, Sept 22
End Time:    Sunday, at noon, 2 days later

Meet at Malaquite about 11am on Friday to be prepared for a noon departure. Plan is to leave Malaquite around noon and run down to about MM 40+ fishing, and camp in that area.    

A quick run to the jetties Saturday morning, move back to a camp spot between the 40 and 30 mile marker and then the next day, Sunday, fish on the way back.  Showers at Malaquite, load for the return about 1400 and drive home.  

The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in.

Pop-up trip, SW Lavaca River, 2024-02-26-0800, date updated

I am looking at getting back to the Lavaca River on Monday. Weather conditions for Friday are just too windy for safe kayaking.

The conditions are looking good, and this particular fishery is at it’s peak right now. The flows have been reasonable, and the weather is helping out.

I have been advised by my best friend that it is not a good idea to go alone, so I am asking around to see of there are others out here with the itch to hit the salt.

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Kayak is my watercraft of choice.

Launch point to be sent to those ready for adventure. For some reason this fishery does better during this time of year for us fly rodders. Later in the year it is an “OK” fishery, but right now there is a chance that it may be on fire.

Weekdays at this, my favorite location, is my preference. Weekends can be problematic, as there tends to be a lot of boats on the weekends. Most of the boaters are respectful, and cause no issues with kayakers, but there is always that “one guy” that can ruin a fishing trip by putting us in danger.

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Report: Convict Corralling, 2024-02-10

7 of us met at the  Matagorda Harbor, County Road 213, Matagorda, TX 77457, and were on the water by 0815, in three boats.

Making our way across the bay was fairly easy. There was very little wind and only a light chop.

Once we got the boats anchored and got into the water, the goal was to find some structure. That was a challenge, as the water clarity was only about 9″. We saw a few sheepshead, but never got a clean shot at any. A few stingray were hanging around, so moving slowly was greatly advised.

Blind casting, and then some more blind casting. From the reports, there was one redfish and one small flounder landed. 

The wind picked up early in the afternoon, so fishing the shoals in the middle of the bay was scrapped. We made our way back, with a much choppier water, lending itself to a fine spray as we made it back into the intracoastal waterway. We did try a few casts there, but between the wind, and the current, a better decision was to head in and have lunch. The Waterfront Restaurant fed us well, and I do plan to go back.

It was a good day on the water with friends. Let’s do this again.

Outing: March 1-3 (Fri-Sun): Bolivar Marshes

Texas FlyFishers of Houston Event:  Bolivar Marshes – Stingaree Marina
The house hasn’t been reserved yet. We are looking to fill up to 8-10 spots and looking to get a head count. Please text message me at (90three)-73eight-03one8 if you would like to attend. You can also fill out the MembershipWorks sign-up link..

MUST HAVE:  Kayak and/or Boat (or ride with someone in their boat)

When:     Friday, March 1 – Sunday, March 3

The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in.

Where:
* Launch at Stingaree Marina 1295 N Stingaree Rd, Crystal Beach, TX 77650
* Beach house – TBD (near Stingaree Marina)

Start Time:  Friday, March 1 morning (if possible. Otherwise, you can meet at the house Friday evening and start fishing on Saturday morning).  Launch whenever you want.  The rental house will likely not be available until approximately 2-4 PM.
End Time:    Sunday, March 3, 4 PM.
Trip LeaderPlanner:  Taylor Guest  Trip Lead:  TBD
Phone/text:   Taylor G. (90three)-73eight-03one8
E-mail:           taylorguest(at)msn(dot)com

Trip Description:

This is not a wading or fish from the bank trip.  It is a kayak and/or boat event.

The house is TBD right now. I’m looking for to get a head count of those that would like to attend the outing and stay at the house. Please text message the number above if you would like to attend.

MEALS
Dinner Friday night will be POT LUCK (BRING A DISH)
Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday will be a group effort with food provided by TFF.  Sat: Eggs; Sun: English muffins and bagels
Saturday dinner is hamburgers and the fixings.
Please pitch in to help with prep, cooking and cleanup.   

ATTENDANCE IS LIMITED TO 10 PEOPLE – each person will have their own bed or futon. See costs described below.
PLEASE TEXT ME AT THE NUMBER ABOVE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING AND STAYING AT THE HOUSE. THE HOUSE IS TBD. ONCE WE HAVE A HEAD COUNT, I’LL UPDATE THIS EVENT POSTING.

HOW TO SIGN UP
Text the planner (Taylor G) at(90three)-73eight-03one8 or fill out the link below.

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Required Waiver of Liability, filled out and signed, along with emergency contact information.  How to get waiver forms: Download Waiver form

Area Description:
Most of us will launch from the Stingaree Marina and fish within a 1 to 2 mile radius.

Entry to Marshes – The nearby marsh should have redfish and flounder and even large black drum for those who wish to go on a Texas sleigh ride!

Straight out from the marina launch then left into the marsh 1/3 mile

Take a right (half circle) from the launch and stay to the right side on the intracoastal .5 to 1.5 miles

Cross the intracoastal directly across from the marina and going NNE 1 mile (Yates Cove) or another marsh entry .7 miles further.

Stingaree Marina Google Map – Marsh Area    https://www.google.com/maps/@29.4759584,-94.616932,1571m/data=!3m1!1e3

North and East 

https://www.google.com/maps/@29.4939075,-94.5826384,3138m/data=!3m1!1e3

More details will be posted as they are available.

About the area:  There are donuts, gas, groceries, and fishing stuff nearby. There are a few places to eat on Bolivar, but the group is planning to eat together at the house.

Important items: 

  • Member dues are current!
  • Waiver of Liability, filled out and signed, along with emergency contact information. (Can be downloaded here )
  • Extra change of dry clothes
  • Wind and/or water proof jacket
  • Lunch, Water, snacks
  • Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellent
  • Hat, Polarized Glasses
  • First Aid Kit
  • Drinking water!

Recommended Equipment:
Handheld VHF (Channel 69)
7-9 wt. rod
Food and Drink – You will be responsible for your own lunch. Remember to bring plenty of water with you.

Recommended Flies:
Redfish crack
Bendbacks
Quans
Seaducers

Recommended guidelines for participants:

  • Notify the trip leader if you have any potential concerns • If inexperienced, then buddy up.
  • Have proper safety equipment.
  • If you are boating or kayaking, inform the trip leader of your float plan if planning to fish alone or longer than the designated times.
  • Sign in and sign out at the launch site. Inform the trip leader if you will be launching in a different place.