Located on the Western Yucatan, sits the quaint historic city of Campeche. Virtually an unknown destination in today’s world of global angling, this region features more that 80 miles of mangrove coast, hundreds of inlet creeks, and numerous channels, making it Mexico’s, if not the world’s, most prolific baby tarpon fishery. With flats style sight fishing for high numbers of feisty tarpon in the 5 to 30 pound class, skilled kind hearted guides, and a wonderfully quaint town with Mayan and Spanish history, Campeche is bound to become a staple for avid saltwater anglers. Each day anglers depart their hotel early, meet their guides, board the pangas and venture out into the vast and varied waters of the Los Petenes biosphere preserve. Typical days will have anglers seeing hundreds of tarpon that range in size from five to thirty pounds with opportunities to cast to 20 or more. Depending on wind and tide conditions anglers will either fish out on the open flats, along the edges of the mangroves, or in the creeks. With standard packages guests stay at the Ocean View Hotel (comparable to a Best Western) or have the opportunity to upgrade. Light breakfasts are served at the hotel and ample lunches are served on the boat. Guests have evening meals (not included) at various restaurants in the charming historical city. Located on the Western Yucatan, looking toward the Gulf of Mexico sits the town of Campeche. Currently a virtually unknown destination to the world of global angling, this region features more that 80 miles of mangrove coast, hundreds of inlet creeks, and numerous channels, making the region Mexico’s most prolific baby tarpon fishery. With flats style sight fishing for high numbers of fiesty tarpon in the 5 to 30 pound class, skilled kind hearted guides, and a wonderfully quaint town with Mayan and Spanish history, Campeche is bound to become a staple for avid saltwater anglers. The town of Campeche has a population of 400,000 and because of its rich Mayan culture and Spanish conquest it has been labeled a UNESCO world heritage site. Three blocks in from the bay the 17th century colonial city was constructed behind stone walls built to protect it from attack. Once completed there was never another attack on the city and accordingly, it has been well preserved.
“Campeche is a really special place and fun for everyone, anglers and their non angling spouses as well. As a matter of fact, I don’t know who enjoyed Campeche the most, the fishermen or their wives. The Hotel Plaza was top notch in every way. Alejandro, Alex, was the best host I've ever encountered, period. He went out of his way every single day to make our stay the most pleasant possible. I can’t say enough about him and his whole staff, he treats his employees with kindness and respect and the whole town loves him. If you like old world charm, history and great fishing then this is your best choice, period. I'll take another group next year and can hardly wait to return.” M.I., OR
Campeche Travel:To get to Campeche you will need to make travel arrangements to and from Merida Mexico. In Merida you will be met by a driver who will take you to your accommodation in Campeche approximately two hours away. Your head guide will meet you at your hotel to help you check into your room and explain the fishing program. On your departure day your driver will take you back to Merida two hours before you scheduled departure. Note: Guests may also choose to fly in and out of Cancun. For an additional fee our outfitter can make arrangements for the five hour shuttle.
Campeche Documentation:You must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Mexico. This will be used to obtain your Mexican Tourist Card. Keep your copy of the card with you during your stay. No inoculations are required. Expect to pay a $12 (US) departure tax when leaving Mexico.
Campeche Guide Staff and Fishing Program:The fishing takes place in the biosphere reserve of Los Petenes. Each day anglers depart their hotel at approx 5:45AM and meet guides who motor the Mexican pangas in the pre sunrise light from 15 min to 1.5 hours to start the fishing day. Once the day’s fishing grounds are reached the guide will cut the motor to reveal the spectacular sounds of hundreds of species of birds coming from the mangroves. Anglers and guides will then start looking for rolling fish while the guide poles the boat. The first sight of feeding tarpon breaking the surface of the mirror like water with the sun just peaking over the mangrove coast will have even the most seasoned angler’s heart pounding. Although the fish are always present sightings range from seeing fifty to literally thousands a day. The most significant factor that will determine success in finding the fish will be the wind or the lack there of. Typical days will have anglers seeing hundreds of tarpon that range in size from five to thirty pounds with opportunities to cast to 20 or more. If ten of these fish are jumped and 2 or 3 are landed it should considered a good day. Depending on wind and tide conditions anglers will either fish out on the open flats, along the edges of the mangroves, or in the creeks. In all the areas the experience is very visual. Whether the tarpon are rolling out in the open or cursing the mangroves and creeks you will see them. The hardest part of the experience is to keep from pulling the fly out of the tarpon’s mouth as it rushes the fly in the clear water.
Campeche Accommodation and Meals:
Currently there are no "fishing lodges" in the area so guests stay in a number of local hotels. With standard packages guests will stay at the Ocean View hotel. It is located one the bay and could be compared to a local Best Western. It is possible to upgrade to --- please contact our office for details. Light breakfasts are served at the hotel and ample lunches are on the boat. Guests have evening meals(not included in the package) at various restaurants in the charming historical city.
Campeche Climate:
Temperatures typically range from the low 70’s to the mid 90’s. Isolated afternoon thunder-showers are a possibility year round. Wind can be factor while fishing and the sun is very strong.
Campeche Season:
Prime months, April - September
Campeche Fish Species:
Juvenile tarpon
Campeche Lodge Capacity:
6-8 anglers
Campeche 2008 Rates:
5 night / 4 day package $2500 per person, based on double occupancy.
6 night / 5 day package $2850 per person, based on double occupancy.
Included:
Accommodation at selected hotel, breakfast, and lunch, ground transfers from Merida to Campeche (2 hours), fishing license, local taxes.
Not Included:
International air fare to and from Merida, Mexico, evening meals, guide gratuities and any additional activities.
Mexico