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Large Tarpon in Shallow Water - Tarponville
Tarponville Fly Fishing Lodge is Costa Rica's southernmost fishing lodge located on the Caribbean coast within the Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, just above the border of Panama. Tarpon weighing over 200-pounds have been landed on both lure and fly.
Fishing Tarponville - Costa Rica
Tarponville is a full-service fishing lodge located on the border of Panama and Costa Rica on the Caribbean side. The lodge is located on the coast on the upper river mouth in
the middle of the Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. They have beautiful reefs out in front. Shallow reefs with fish on them. There are cuts in the reef and beach that
you can swim and snorkel. They specialize in large tarpon in shallow water primarily fishing from a Panga using floating or intermediate sink lines and casting to pods of working
fish. There are also opportunities for bonefish, permit, triggerfish and other species on a few nice flats in the area. Other fishing opportunities include tuna, dorado, and
sailfish offshore and snook and snapper in the lagoons.
The lodge has been around for fifteen years and has recently changed ownership. The new owners are making improvements and
additions to the fishery so that anglers can pursue more than tarpon. With shallower waters and lighter lines, you have more of a true-style tarpon
fishing experience.
A Tarponville Fishing Day
English-speaking, local guides employ 24' to 28' super pangas. A day of tarpon fishing begins with breakfast at 6:30 a.m. followed by meeting with your guide at 7:00 a.m.
for a short panga ride to the Sixoalo River mouth, about a 20-minute ride. Keep your eyes peeled as the tarpon can be seen feeding on bait or rolling anywhere between the lodge and the river mouth.
Once you are in the area of the river mouth, the guide will scout the area looking for signs of tarpon (rolling fish, bait, birds and boils).
You return to the lodge at 11:00 a.m. for lunch and a
"siesta" and return to fishing at 2:00 p.m. Water depths targeted are between five and 20 feet deep with the color line being at the top four feet of water. This allows you to fish with intermediate
tarpon lines and even floating lines on days with calm conditions. When the tides start to turn and the fish turn on the "feed button," be ready. They will eat any fly you put in front of them.
This typically lasts up to an hour.
About Tarponville Lodge
Tarponville Lodge is located in the jungle under the canopy, a short hike from the water. Three hot meals are
served each day. There are four double-occupancy guest rooms. The lodge accommodates up to eight guests. Each room has a private bathroom, two beds, a ceiling fan encourages fresh coastal breezes in to cool each room. The lodge is only a few yards from the water's edge on a beautiful beach perfect for fishing,
swimming, snorkeling . . .
In the morning and evening, there are opportunities to see howler monkeys, sloths, a large number of bird species, and other wildlife all from the lodge's front porch.
Complimentary Happy Hour from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., which includes a beer and rum bar.
Getting Here:
From the Juan Santamaría International Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica, you’ll fly into the Limon International Airport, in the city of Limon, Costa Rica. Upon arrival at the Limon International Airport, you will be greeted by your shuttle driver. You'll take an air-conditioned and very comfortable one-hour shuttle ride to Tarponville. On foot, your guide will lead you along a jungle path paralleling the beach, approximately 200 yards to the Lodge. Your shuttle ride will be a short ride south along the stunning Caribbean coastline in an air conditioned and very comfortable shuttle. Your final destination is the southernmost village of Manzanillo. Driving through Manzanillo, to the end of the road, you will be met by the staff of Tarponville at the entrance to the Gondoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. You’re guided on foot the last 200 yards down the jungle path paralleling the beach, until you reach Tarponville Lodge.
2018 Rates: Two anglers per boat and room
8-nights and 7-days guided fishing $4,650.00 p.p.
Non-angler companion $1,975.00
7-nights and 6-days guided fishing $4,100.00 p.p.
Non-angler companion $1,750.00
6-nights and 5-days guided fishing $3,565.00 p.p.
Non-angler companion $1,500.00
5-nights and 4-days guided fishing $3,050.00 p.p.
Non-angler companion $1,250.00
4-nights and 3-days guided fishing $2,580.00 p.p.
Non-angler companion $1,175.00
Single occupancy room with shared boat - Add $100.00 per night to angler rates above.
Single angler rates are also available.
Packages include:
Airport reception, private shuttle to and from airport in Limon, lodging at Tarponville as specified in your package, all meals at the lodge, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, daily happy hour (beer and rum), guided fishing, use of boat per specified fishing days in package, and laundry service.
Packages do not include:
International airfare, airfare to/from San Jose and Limon, accommodations outside of specified package dates, meals during travels to lodge, fishing equipment, gratuities (guides, staff, and shuttle driver), beer and rum outside of happy hour, phone use, travel insurance, and airport departure tax (approx. $25.00 to be paid at airport if not included in the price of your ticket) and anything not mentioned under inclusions.
Sample itinerary:
Day one: Arrive in san Jose and then fly to Limon. Take a shuttle to Tarponville. Check-in.
Upon arrival and after a quick orientation, you will get settled into your room, have lunch, and
prep your gear for fishing.
Day two through the day before your departure: Enjoy full seven to eight-hour fishing days on the
water.
On your last day at Tarponville, have breakfast at the lodge before the shuttle returns you to the
airport in Limon for your departure home.
