Fly and Spin Fishing for Tarpon, Permit, and Snook
Just 45 minutes north of Cancun International Airport, Isla Blanca is one of the Caribbean’s most accessible and productive saltwater flats fisheries. Guided by Captain Miguel Encalada and his team, anglers explore the Isla Blanca Flats. This year-round fishery is renowned for tarpon, permit, and snook, with crystal-clear waters, light fishing pressure, and world-class sight-casting for fly and spin anglers.
Quick Facts - Fin Chasers
2025 Rates: Start at $3,995 p.p. for 7 nights / 6 days fishing
The Isla Blanca Fishery is often called the northern Quintana Roo backcountry, often called the northern Quintana Roo backcountry, spans 50 nautical miles from Río Manatee (just north of Cancun) to Cabo Catoche, where the Caribbean meets the Gulf of Mexico. This vast network of shallow saltwater flats, turquoise bays, and mangrove lagoons provides ideal conditions for sight casting to tarpon, permit, and snook. Compared to heavily fished destinations like Ascension Bay, Isla Blanca offers lighter pressure and quieter backcountry waters, making it especially appealing for anglers seeking a more intimate experience.
Target Species and Fishing Seasons
Target baby and larger tarpon, permit, snook, barracuda, jacks, and more. Sight casting from the bow of a skiff with occasional wading, depending on tides and conditions. Season: The fishery is open year-round. Tarpon: Year-round, bigger tarpon June through September. Permit: March through October, with peak fishing from May through August. Snook: Year-round, peak late spring to early fall Travel Time: Boat rides to the fishing grounds take 20 to 45 minutes, with a variety of habitats—open flats, sheltered channels, and mangrove edges—providing diverse opportunities throughout the day. Best known for its prolific baby tarpon.
Brad Staples with Isla Blanca Tarpon
A Typical Fishing Day • 6:00 a.m. Breakfast at the Lodge, then transfer to the marina.
• 20-45 minute boat ride to the fishing grounds.
• Full day of guided fishing with a cooler lunch and non-alcoholic beverages provided on board.
• Return to the Lodge between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. to relax, swim, or enjoy the beach.
• Dinner at the beachfront restaurant in the evening
(Restaurant meals and beverages are not included.)
The Fishing Program
Boats: 23-ft pangas equipped with quiet 50-HP Yamaha four-stroke engines, large casting platforms, and lean bars (available on request). Designed for two anglers per boat, with one casting at a time. Guides: Led by longtime saltwater guide and outfitter Captain Miguel Encalada and his experienced team of English-speaking guides. Methods: Sight casting with fly or spin gear from the bow of a skiff, targeting fish in crystal-clear flats and sheltered mangrove lagoons. Anglers may pole shallow turquoise flats for permit, explore backcountry channels for snook and baby tarpon, or pursue tarpon in open water. Most fishing is done from the boat, but short wading opportunities are possible depending on tides and conditions. Fishing Equipment: Loaner fly rods, reels, and basic flies are available, but guests are encouraged to bring their own gear and terminal tackle. Recommended: 7-, 8-, and 9-weight rods for general use. Fishing License: Included in the package.
Punta Blanca Beach House
Punta Blanca Beach House sits on a quiet stretch of beach in Costa Mujeres, just 40 minutes north of Cancún. For fishing packages, anglers will have a single-occupancy air-conditioned room with a private plunge pool. With its laid-back atmosphere and direct beach access, Punta Blanca is an ideal retreat for anglers fishing the nearby flats while also providing a relaxing space for non-angling companions.
Single-Occupancy Room per Angler
Meals: The package includes only boxed lunches + non-alcoholic beverages while fishing. The Lodge has a full-service beachfront restaurant and bar serving fresh seafood, Mexican specialties, and international dishes. All meals and drinks at the restaurant are billed to your room and settled at checkout (please add a 15-20% gratuity). Beverages: Beer, wine, cocktails, bottled water, and soft drinks are available for purchase at the restaurant and bar. Communications: The Lodge has complimentary Wi-Fi access for light browsing. Cell Service is generally reliable at the Lodge, but may vary in remote areas. Check with your provider for coverage, roaming rates, and international plans before travel.
Plunge Pool Outside your Room - Beach House
Beachfront Accommodations
Brad Staples with Permit and Fishing Guide Danny
Getting to the Lodge:
Fly to Cancun (CUN); included 45-minute ground transfer to Punta Blanca Beach House.
Fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN), which is served by all major U.S. airlines. Upon arrival, a lodge representative will meet you outside the terminal and provide a private, air-conditioned ground transfer to Punta Blanca Beach House, about a 45-minute drive north of Cancun. This ground transfer is included in your package. Late Arrivals: If your arrival in Cancun is delayed by more than two hours past the scheduled pickup time, an additional $100 USD transfer fee applies. Departure Day: Enjoy breakfast before your scheduled return transfer to Cancun. Staff will confirm your transfer time the night before. The drive takes about 45 minutes, and guests should arrive at the airport two hours before departure. If you have an afternoon flight, relax at the Lodge in the morning. Please settle any outstanding charges before leaving.
2025 USD Rates
Season: The fishery is open year-round.
Rates are valid throughout the year, with the exception of December 6 to January 6 (rates for this period are available upon request).
Please note that rates are subject to change. Double Occupancy: Two anglers will share a boat, but each angler will have a private room featuring a king-size bed. This rate applies to couples, whether both are fishing or if one is a non-fishing companion. Single Occupancy: A private room and a private boat.
7 nights / 6-days guided fishing $3,995 p.p. double / $6,295 single
6-nights / 5-days guided fishing $3,395 p.p. double / $5,395 single
5-nights / 4-days guided fishing $2,485 p.p. double / $4,595 single
4-nights / 3-days guided fishing $2,345 p.p. double / $3,395 single
3-nights / 2-days guided fishing $1,895 p.p. double / $2,795 single Day Rate: $650 per day ( 1-2 anglers) Daily Guided Fishing Includes:
• Roundtrip ground transfers from your hotel in the Cancun Hotel Zone or Costa Mujeres to the marina
• Guided fishing from 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (or 6:00 a.m. if preferred)
• Packed lunch and non-alcoholic beverages on the boat
• Use of fly-fishing outfits Note: Ground transfers outside the Cancun Hotel Zone or Costa Mujeres will incur an additional fee, depending on hotel location. Request an Isla Blanca Information Packet.
Packages Include:
• Round-trip transfers between Cancun Airport (CUN) and the Lodge
• Transfers between the Lodge and the marina
• Single-occupancy room at the Lodge • Wi-Fi access at the Lodge • Daily housekeeping
• Guided fishing
• Cooler lunch on the boat with non-alcoholic beverages
• Fishing license
• Loaner fly outfits, lines, and basic flies
Packages Do Not Include:
• Airfare to and from Cancun, Mexico • Meals and beverages at the Lodge • Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
• Terminal tackle, leaders, and tippets • Additional off-property tours, activities, or meals/snacks
• Travel insurance • Global Rescue coverage • Mexico Departure Tax $35 p.p. • Mandatory Tourist Tax (Visitax) $14.00 per person • Any items not mentioned under inclusions.
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Fishing with Larry Payment Options: 1.) Credit card (a 2.5% convenience fee applies) 2.) Check. Please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to Fishing with Larry P.O. Box 419 Columbus, MT 59019. 3.) Wire Transfer (Send money electronically – typically a $15 to $30 fee for domestic transfers and $45 - $50 for international transfers.)
Please email Toni at toni@fishingwithlarry.com for wire instructions.
FIN CHASERS' POLICIES:
Deposit Policy: A 50% deposit is required to confirm your reservation. The balance is due 90 days prior to arrival. Cancellation Policy:
• 60+ days prior to arrival: Refund or credit toward a future trip, minus a 10% administrative fee.
• 30-60 days prior to arrival: Refund or credit minus a 50% cancellation fee.
• Less than 30 days prior to arrival: No refund or credit; all payments are non-refundable.
• Unused services: No refunds for unused portions of packages.
