Brad Staples'
2024 Hosted Trip Report
Tarpon Town Campeche
Brad's Tarpon Town Report
I had another great trip to Campeche, Mexico, fishing for baby Tarpon. I am delayed in reporting on my fabulous fishing adventure. I am a Steelhead guide on the lower Deschutes River in Oregon. I started Scenic Jet Boat trips on June 11th, three days after I returned from Mexico on June 8th. Steelhead season started for me on July 15th. I just had my 101st day on the river this past Tuesday, then off to Christmas Island; I will report about my trip when I return.
I was in Campeche from May 8th to June 8th, fishing for four weeks with five anglers each week. The fishing was outstanding, as it normally is. It was interesting for me to have been there for a month and fish during the different tide phases. There were some days when the fishing was a challenge, but then other days, the number of baby tarpon that were hooked was very good. It is hard to predict the best time to fish in in Campeche, there are tides and weather conditions that can affect where the Tarpon are located at and if they are going to be in the mood to eat.
We were with Raul Casteneda, the owner of Tarpon Town Anglers, and his guide team, Jaun, Fernando, and Roberto. All three of them are excellent fishing guides. They all have different guiding skills, which is good. I like to rotate guides on a daily basis so that you can experience the three of them. We stayed at the new Tarpon Town Colonial Lodge in the Historic District of Campeche. Last year, my group was the first to stay at Raul’s remodeled family home. It’s a special place and conveniently located near great restaurants that are within walking distance.
The Lodge can accommodate six anglers in three rooms, each with its own bathroom. In the office, there is a futon for the host (me). In the back of the Lodge, there is a nice swimming pool in the courtyard to hang out in at the end of the day. Raul has bottled water, soft drinks, wine, beer, and alcohol for your consumption at no extra charge. Breakfast is provided in the morning by Fernando, the cook, not the same Fernando as the fishing guide. Alicia cleans the Lodge daily and is available in the afternoons if we need anything. Victor is the shuttle driver and an all-around good guy who is there to help with the operation of the Lodge. Raul’s brother-in-law, Braulio, shows up in the late afternoon to help if there is anything else that we need. He speaks excellent English.
We walk to different restaurants every night. They are able to provide separate checks, and everyone pays for their own meals. The restaurants accept credit cards, so it's easy. Bring less than $100.00 in US dollars to convert into Mexican Pesos in case you want to buy something at one of the smaller stores. There are ATMs nearby, which is what I do to get my Pesos. The guides and staff accept US dollars for tips, so there is no need to bring Pesos for them. I can always be the "bank" to convert US dollars to Pesos for you if needed.
We usually eat breakfast at 5:00 in the morning and load up in the vehicles at 5:30 for a 7–10-minute ride to the marina, where the three guides are waiting for us. We have lunch on the boats, which is provided. We return to the marina between 2:00-3:00 in the afternoon. It’s a full day of fishing. Somedays, we can fish within 15 minutes of the marina; others, we might run 1 ½ hours. Its best to let the guides decide what will be our best chance for success. Raul does not limit them on how much fuel that they can use. The guides do their best to get us on Tarpon. New for the 2024 season, one of the boats had a lean bar installed on the front deck of the boat to help anglers with stability when casting.
We will fish in the many rivers and creeks north of Campeche. Sometimes, while in the Mangroves, a 15-20 foot roll cast is all you can do, but the Tarpon can be there, and it's exciting to see them eat your fly that close to your rod tip! Other times, we are in the lagoons or fishing along the coastline. If the weather conditions are good, we can go offshore a few miles. Somedays, you can expect to hook only a couple of Tarpon, other times, it's possible to hook 20-30. The baby Tarpon will average from 5 to 15 pounds, sometimes smaller, other times, they could be larger.
My birthday was June 1st, and I was in between clients, so Fernando and I left the marina at 5:30 and returned by 10:00. I believe that I hooked thirteen and landed eight. I could have not asked for a better birthday celebration. I was fishing at one of my favorite places (Campeche), casting to and hooking my favorite saltwater species.
Throughout my fishing career, I have been to over 100 destinations, including the city of Campeche, and spending time with Tarpon Town Anglers is one of the best.
I schedule my trips for six nights with five days of fishing. It's best if you fly into Merida, and then Victor or another driver will transport you to Campeche, which is about one hour and 45 minutes. United Airlines, American Airlines, and Aero Mexico fly into Merida from the States. I fly from Portland, Oregon, to Houston, then two hours to Merida. It's an easy flight. You can arrive a day early, and we can arrange a tour with an experienced guide and tour the Mayan Ruins at Edzna. I normally go to the ruins at least once a year; they are amazing every time I go.
Fly Fishing or Light Tackle
Los Petenes Biosphere Reserve
Downtown Colonial Tarpon Lodge
6-nights and 5-days guided fishing
$4,200.00 per person
For my hosted weeks, I supply all of the flies and can loan 8 and 9-weight rods, reels, and lines if needed. If you enjoy tying your own flies, I can mail samples.
I hope that you can join us on this very fun fishing adventure in 2025.
2025 Hosted Weeks:
• May 4-10, 2025:
2 SPOTS - Brad Staples hosts
• May 11-17, 2025: SOLD-OUT
Brad Staples hosts
• May 18-24, 2025: SOLD-OUT
Brad Staples hosts
• May 25-31, 2025:
Brad Staples hosts
• June 1-7, 2025: SOLD-OUT
• June 8-14, 2025:
Brad Staples hosts
Learn more about TARPON TOWN
If you have any questions,
Brad Staples
1-800-205-3474 ext. 3
I can always be reached on my Cell (503) 250-0558
Email: brad@fishingwithlarry.com
Guy Schoenborn
1-800-205-3474 ext. 1
Email: guy@fishingwithlarry.com
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Information Packet