Pursue the Silver King with our local family guiding team
Powerful runs, spectacular jumps and demanding encounters make giant tarpon an unforgettable challenge for fly anglers.
Join Diego Núñez and the Río Lagartos Adventures team to explore the coastal waters of northern Yucatán in search of these remarkable fish. Our approach combines local knowledge, early starts and the flexibility to adapt to the sea conditions.
Río Lagartos supports a resident population of baby tarpon, while larger seasonal visitors offer a different challenge in the coastal waters.
Plan primarily around late May to September, and contact us to discuss fishing opportunities outside this period. The arrival and movements of giant tarpon vary, so we recommend discussing your dates with our team before arranging your journey.
Early Starts and a Flexible Programme
Fishing usually begins at around 05:00–05:30, making the most of the early morning conditions.
We search for giant tarpon when the weather allows. If the wind increases, we may adapt the programme to fish for baby tarpon closer to shore. Depending on conditions and fish activity, there may also be opportunities to look for jack crevalle or cobia.
The day’s schedule, including any afternoon fishing, will be agreed as part of your chosen package.
How Long Should You Stay?
We recommend a stay of at least four nights with three fishing days.
For anglers whose main objective is giant tarpon, a week provides greater flexibility to work around windy days and changing conditions. Additional days give us more opportunities to find suitable fishing windows, although catches cannot be guaranteed.
Recommended Giant Tarpon Tackle
Prepare for powerful fish with suitable saltwater equipment:
Rod: 12-weight fly rod.
Reel: Saltwater fly reel with a reliable drag.
Backing: 30 lb backing, with at least 250 yards recommended.
Lines: Intermediate and sinking lines; the original tackle recommendations include 400–450-grain sinking lines.
Please check line compatibility with your rod and discuss your equipment with us before travelling.
Suggested Fly Patterns
Tarpon Toad.
Seaducer.
Deceiver.
Suggested hook sizes are 2/0–3/0, with colour combinations including red and black, olive and brown, purple and black, and red and white.
Contact us before your trip for advice on leaders, bite tippets and current fly preferences.
Additional Tackle for Jack Crevalle and Cobia
If you would like to be prepared for other fishing opportunities, our suggested equipment includes:
A 10-weight fly rod and saltwater reel.
30 lb backing.
An intermediate line suitable for tropical conditions.
A compatible 300–350-grain sinking line.
Useful fly patterns include Clouser Minnows, Seaducers, Tarpon Toads and Deceivers on size 2/0 hooks.
Catch and Release
Our tarpon fishing is catch and release. Large tarpon remain in the water during handling and release.
Follow your guide’s instructions throughout the encounter and when taking photographs, helping us minimise handling and return fish promptly.
Plan Your Giant Tarpon Trip
Send us your preferred dates, number of anglers and fishing experience. Let us know how many days you would like to fish and whether you will bring your own tackle.
We will discuss suitable arrangements, accommodation options, equipment requirements and current rates with you.
