Tarpon Fly Fishing in Campeche: A 3-Day Adventure in the Petenes Biosphere
- Beto Avila
- Feb 26
- 3 min read
Campeche, Mexico, is a tarpon angler’s dream, and the Petenes Biosphere Reserve is its crown jewel. This 3-day fishing trip was a rollercoaster of emotions—slow starts, heart-pounding action, and unforgettable moments on the water. From battling the elements to landing our first tarpon, every day brought new challenges and triumphs. Here’s the story of our adventure.
Day 1: A Slow Start Amidst Stormy Skies
We woke up to gray skies and choppy waters on the first morning. The weather had turned overnight, and the forecast wasn’t promising. Still, we were determined to make the most of it. By 7:30 AM, we were on the boat, heading into the labyrinth of mangroves and creeks that make up the Petenes Biosphere.
The tarpon were sluggish, likely due to the weather, but we managed to get a few bites. Around mid-morning, one of the anglers hooked into a feisty tarpon. The fish exploded out of the water, shaking its head violently before throwing the hook. It was a brief but thrilling moment that reminded us why we were here.
Despite the slow action, the day wasn’t a total loss. We spent hours exploring the biosphere’s hidden channels, marking promising spots for the next day. As we headed back to shore, the sun broke through the clouds, casting a golden glow over the water. It was a sign of better things to come.
Day 2: The Early Bite and a Hard-Fought Victory
We weren’t taking any chances on Day 2. By 4:30 AM, we were on the water, fueled by coffee and anticipation. The early start paid off. As the sun rose, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange, the tarpon came alive.
By 8:00 AM, we were in the middle of what can only be described as a tarpon frenzy. The fish were aggressive, attacking our flies with reckless abandon. We hooked into multiple tarpon, but these acrobatic giants proved why they’re one of the hardest fish to land. Two tarpon put on an incredible show, launching themselves out of the water multiple times before throwing the hook.
Later that evening, as the sun dipped low on the horizon, we switched to spinning rods for a change of pace. Almost immediately, we hooked into a nice tarpon. After a grueling fight, we finally boated the fish—a hard-fought victory and the highlight of the day. For one of the Ryan, it was his
first tarpon ever, making the moment even more special.
Day 3: Tight Creeks and Fly Fishing Triumph
On the final day, we decided to mix things up. We launched the boat at 5:30 AM and headed deeper into the Petenes Biosphere’s tight, winding creeks. These narrow waterways are a tarpon haven, but they require precision casting and nerves of steel.
The morning started strong, with three tarpon launching themselves out of the water after taking our flies. Each jump was a heart-stopping moment, but landing these fish in such tight quarters was a challenge. Finally, after several near-misses, James managed to land a tarpon on a fly rod. It was another first tarpon for the group, and the excitement was palpable.
As we made our way back to the dock, we reflected on the trip. Despite the slow start, we’d managed to jump 6 tarpon and land 2 over the three days. It wasn’t just about the numbers, though. It was about the sunrises that took our breath away, the thrill of the fight, and the camaraderie that comes with sharing a boat with fellow anglers.
Why the Petenes Biosphere is a Must-Visit for Tarpon Anglers
This trip reinforced why the Petenes Biosphere Reserve is one of the best destinations for tarpon fly fishing:
Abundant Tarpon: The reserve’s unique ecosystem is home to a thriving tarpon population.
Stunning Scenery: From winding creeks to dense mangroves, the biosphere is as beautiful as it is productive.
Year-Round Fishing: While the peak season runs from March to August, tarpon can be caught here throughout the year.
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