The Tarpon Cay Lodge runs its fishing program out of a tiny Mayan fishing village named Rio Lagartos on the northwest tip of the Yucatán.

At just under three hours from Cancún, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to the middle of nowhere — quiet, not touristy, and totally authentic. If you want to get away and fish one of the best tarpon fisheries with almost no pressure, or crowds, this is the place.

With mangrove coastline, lagoons, creeks, points and drops stretching more than 120 km to the west, the 5–20 lb tarpon show up in huge numbers. Whether you’re a seasoned saltwater angler, or a first-timer wanting to cut your teeth on smaller “Silver Kings,” this trip is right up your alley.

The Hotel Yuum Ha serves as the heart of the Tarpon Cay Lodge situated right on the water in Rio Lagartos

The double occupancy rooms feature celing fans, air conditioning, and private bathrooms. A Daily maid service will tend to your room and replace linens, towels, bottled drinking water, cups, and soap white you are out on the water. After a day of fishing, anglers are invited to relax, unwind and enjoy a table at the poolside cabana, or a drink on the rooftop balcony.

The meals served at the lodge include an exciting array of local favorites like Mole, Ceviche, Smoked Pork Tacos, and a traditional Molcajete – filled with chorizo, asada, shrimp, and lobster. Couple that menu with the craft cocktails curated by the TCL staff, that include Paloma’s, Margaritas, and a bunch of variations on the Mojito, some would argue that the food is the best part of the trip.

Tarpon Cay Lodge is truly the new frontier in world-class angling for “baby” Tarpon. Ranging in size from 5 to 35 pounds, these Tarpon reside in environs of turtle grass flats and mangrove lined lagoons, creeks, and bays. This habitat is also home to Snook and Barracuda. Most significantly, this incredible fishery has been designated a marine preserve, thus protecting this Tarpon “nursery” from commercial netting and fishing. The hallmark of the fishery at Tarpon Cay Lodge is the sheer numbers of baby Tarpon that inhabit the region

Tarpon Cay Lodge utilizes spacious 18 foot pangas with an extensive level casting deck. All fishing is conducted out of these stealthy, stable, and comfortable fishing platforms. The nearest boundary of the fishery is very close to the lodge and, therefore, only requires a 15 – 25 minute boat ride to arrive at most of your fishing areas. Most anglers prefer to fish 7 to 9 weight rods at Tarpon Cay with floating lines as it is not uncommon to get shots at fish in a foot of water.