ISLA HOLBOX
AN ISLAND SURROUNDED BY TARPON

At the very northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula is a small island that was kind of overlooked when tourists took over the Cancun/Cozumel area. Beautiful sand beaches line the northern, Gulf of Mexico, side of the island. The south side is a mangrove lined baby tarpon/snook nursery, where they, along with assorted snappers, triple tails, sheepshead, some permit, barracuda and speckled trout (spotted weakfish) spend their time feeding and growing for a lifetime or until it is time to migrate to the ocean waters to continue maturing and growing to monstrous sizes at a ripe old age. Tarpon have been caught on the Gulf side of the island in the 200 pound range. Recently a 70 inch by 49 inch was landed (210 pounds by formula), here. Isla Holbox (pronounce eesla ol-bosh) is surrounded by tarpon.

It is still a relatively new fishery, being “discovered” in the late ‘90s. Very little sport fishing was going on there before then. The fishing is still about the same even though there are a few more boats and guides. The outfitter/guide service is Alejandro Vega-Cruz. He is a tarpon-savvy, fun-loving double hauler who knows the waters of the Yucatan and how to guide and fly fish them. He has trained his guides accordingly. He has guided and taught guides how to fly fish from Xcalak to Holbox. All that was really needed on the island to make it truly fly-fisher friendly was a lodge where anglers could be assured of good service and a comfortable lodging. This came about a few years ago with Holbox Fly Fishing Lodge. Under excellent management, it has proven to be the best bet for anglers and non-anglers alike (this is an excellent venue for those wanting a non-angling vacation). They use the services of the only fly fishing guides service that truly know the fish, the waters and what it takes to catch the tarpon of Holbox.

It is still not on the tourist hit list, but is slowly being discovered. Whale shark watching has put it on the tourist map and hotels are slowly constructing and providing the kind of lodging tourist expect for this kind of vacation. When I first went there in 1996, there were no air-conditioned rooms for rent on the island. Now, there are probably over 250 – 300. There are no high-rises, with structures held at a two story maximum at this time, so it still looks quaint and has the fishing village feel to it.

It is changing, but is still “the good ‘ol days.” It is a good destination for anglers and non-anglers alike.