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FLORIDA SLIDE SHOW

The Bahia Honda Club is a handsome Mediterranean villa that serves as seasonal tarpon lodge during the peak of the Florida Key’s tarpon season. Anglers sight-fish in clear, shallow water over intertwined flats ranging from the bright sandy flats of the Atlantic to the colorful and secluded backcountry waters of the Gulf. With the two oceans in such close proximity to each other, the guides take advantage of two different tide cycles and the optimum opportunities of each. In short, this is the real deal when it comes to sight fishing for giant Tarpon and it the most practical, comfortable turn-key operation that we have come across.


Bahia Honda Club Travel:
To get to Bahia Honda Club you will need to make travel arrangements to Key West, Florida. In Key West you will be met by a transfer agent who will shuttle you approximately 40 minutes to the lodge(approx $50.00 not included in package price).
All trips include a half day fishing on the arrival day. Anglers traveling from the East Coast-should schedule their flights to arrive Key West by mid-day. West Coast anglers should arrive the evening prior to their trip and overnight in Key West. The lodge will schedule a late morning transfer.

For anglers arriving on private or charter flight there is a private airport in Marathon.

Bahia Honda Club Fishing Program:
The Bahia Honda Club’s fishing program is in the classic Florida Key’s tradition with two anglers sharing a flats skiff with a skilled guide. The lodge employs five full time guides who are skilled, enthusiastic professionals.

The average tarpon is estimated at 70 lbs. with the largest specimens reaching a realistic 120 lbs. Some spots produce baby tarpon, between 20 and 40 lbs. Most of the tarpon are migratory and different areas experience this migration at slightly different times. There are always a few resident tarpon that linger throughout the winter, then around March larger fish begin to arrive throughout July.

March and April can have great tarpon fishing, but it's often very windy, and inconsistent. But towards the end of April and early May, the winds usually begin to let up and the sun comes out, and the tarpon show up in larger numbers. This holds true through the end of June and early July, then they begin to move out near the end of July. The Bahia Honda Sporting Club operates during the best two months of this season, the prime time: May 1st - June 30th.

Anglers fish from Hell’s Bay, Mavericks, and Dolphin skiffs designed especially for the flats. After breakfast your guide will meet you at the boat dock to start your day of angling. Days are designed around the fishing conditions and you typically spend just over 8 hours fishing. Some days you will take lunch on the water, others you will come in to the lodge and return for an afternoon fishing session. Your package includes all fly fishing gear and the guide’s favorite flies. Florida Fish and Wildlife created a new law recently to protect these beautiful tarpon. Anglers may not lift the fish into the boat but rather release them while in the water.

Bahia Honda Club Accommodations and Meals:
The Bahia Honda Club is a large attractive Mediterranean style villa located on an open water bay amid a 16 acre estate, bordered by a wildlife refuge. It is exquisitely appointed with Italian marble floors, vaulted ceilings in a large living room, a swimming pool and courtyard and five bedrooms for eight anglers. Two rooms with queen beds and one suite with three double beds and a porch are located on the main level. Another room is located up an oak staircase from the living room. And there is a suite with two twin beds, a spectacular view, and a private porch located on the top floor. A flat panel television, computer area with high speed internet and an open bar complete the facility.

Breakfast is a casual affair, taken on the sunny outdoor porch landing over the pool. The lodge offers anything from a buffet style arrangement to an extravagant full English meal to accommodate the needs of their guests. Lunch plans are determined according to the fishing agenda, usually during a mid-day break back at the lodge for a few hours out of the sun. On occasion the tides require anglers to have lunches on the skiffs, prepared by the chef. A new dinner menu is prepared daily, based on guest preferences. At dinner guests dine communally at a large table with the guides and hosts. During dinner the plan for the following day is discussed. After dessert, drinks and cigars are offered around the outdoor fireplace in the courtyard under the stars.

Bahia Honda Club Climate:
Temperatures typically range from the low 70’s to the mid 90’s. Isolated afternoon thundershowers are a possibility year round. Wind can be factor while fishing and the sun is very strong.

Bahia Honda Club Season:
April – July (Prime Season being May 1st – June 30th)

Bahia Honda Club Fish Species:
Tarpon, Permit, and Bonefish

Bahia Honda Club Capacity:
8 anglers

Bahia Honda Club 2008 Rates:
5 nights / 4 ½ days fishing = $4350 per person
6 nights / 5 ½ days fishing = $5150 per person
7 nights / 6 ½ days fishing = $5850 per person
All packages based on double occupancy

Included: Accommodation, Meals, Guided fishing, flies, and gear, beer and alcohol.
Not included: All transportation and transfers, Staff and guide gratuities