Journal Page 1
Photos From Isla Holbox, Mexico
The following photos were taken during my August 2007 trip to Isla Holbox, Mexico. Isla Holbox (pronounced HOL-BOSH) has become the latest tarpon "hot-spot" where it is not uncommon in the spring and early summer months to see schools of several hundred tarpon rolling along the surface in what seems to be an annual spawning ritual. These huge schools can normally be found within 5-10 miles from the beach. In addition to open water fishing for 100+ pound tarpon, there is also wonderful sight fishing to baby tarpon and snook in the mangrove backcountry. In many ways, this style of flyfishing can be much more enjoyable than casting 600 grain shooting heads on 12wt rods all day. One unexpected highlight of the trip was spotting a young whale shark near the surface. It is unusal to see one this close to shore. We motored closer to this gentle giant and got a few blury photos before it swam away.
The panga shown below, "Mr. Sandflea" was featured on the cover of the book, Fly Fishing in Mexico.
This was the typical size of the tarpon that we encountered in the shallow, mangrove backcountry. There were usually plenty of fish around, but they were not easy to catch. A careful presentation was still required.
The close quarters and the shallow water make for some great excitement when you hook one of these ten-pound "babies".
A view of the lodge from the beach. We booked through Frontiers and were very happy with the accomodations.
