They say that the measure of a fishing trip is in the fish you see and catch. In that sense, our trip to Rio Lagartos was amazing. Each morning, as we pushed off from the small dock in Rio Lagartos, the still water of the estuary a perfect mirror reflecting a sky transitioning from deep violet to a soft, pre-dawn pink. This remote corner of the Yucatan Peninsula, a labyrinth of mangrove channels and saltwater flats, is a sanctuary for wildlife and a hallowed ground for fly anglers seeking the elusive silver king.
Although this adventure was a first saltwater flats trip for several anglers, we repeatedly found juvenile tarpon rolling in the shallows and coaxed them into the air using fur and feathers (and a little bit of luck). Every tarpon we hooked performed a new and captivating aerial display with gills flashing, sun glinting off large scales, and explosions of water. Even these baby tarpon are capable of pulling line taut with indescribable power for their size.
However, the beauty of this trip went far beyond the fishing alone. Every evening, we would settle down to tell tall tales of the fish we had caught and lost while enjoying brooding clouds backlit by perfect sunsets. The food at Yuum Ha was beyond exceptional. Each dish featured local ingredients with regional flair. And the staff work diligently to make you feel welcome within their village.
We also were lucky enough to visit during a week long festival which celebrates the Patron Saint of the town. We enjoyed live music, rodeo, and festivities every day. By the time we left, we felt a great appreciation for the people of the region and their traditions.
I cannot overstate how wonderful this trip is. Although I have fished many places in the world, the town, people, and fishery in Rio Lagartos makes this destination my favorite.
Gear Essentials
- Clothing — Quick-dry pants/shorts and long-sleeve sun shirts, wide-brim hat, sun gloves, light rain shell, swimsuit. On the boat: barefoot, flip-flops, or snag-free sandals (sunscreen tops of feet!); quick-dry socks if sun-sensitive.
- Wading Gear & Boots — All fishing is from the boat; most go barefoot or in socks. Bring quick-dry pants/shorts and low-profile water shoes (no buckles/loose straps). Pick: Simms Pursuit Shoe
- Rods — 9′ single-handers; 8–9 wt ideal, 10 wt optional for wind/bigger fish. Bring two rods to rig floating and subsurface setups. Pick: Sage R8 Salt (9′ 8-wt)
- Reels — Salt-ready, machined aluminum with smooth disc drag; hold at least 150 yds of 20/30-lb backing. Pick: Ross Evolution R Salt
- Lines — Tropical floating line for ~90% of scenarios; add an intermediate or 300-grain sink tip for deeper water (Jul–Sep). Pick: Scientific Anglers Amplitude Textured Grand Slam
- Leaders/Tippet — Easiest: pre-tied baby-tarpon leaders; also bring 20/60–20/80 lb options. DIY: 10′ 20-lb taper + 3′ of 50-lb bite. Pick: RIO Tarpon Pro Leader (2-Pack)
