Tailwaters Travel Brochure | Tarpon Town Anglers - Campeche

TARPON TOWN ANGLERS CAMPECHE, MEXICO

DESTINATION BROCHURE ALL CONTENTS © TAILWATERS FLY FISHING 2014-2015

[ CAMPECHE - TARPON TOWN ANGLERS ]

CONTENTS 4 6 12 16 18 24

DESTINATION DESCRIPTION

THE FISHING

ACCOMMODATIONS

TRAVEL & ITINERARY

WHEN TO GO

RATES

OUR TRAVEL SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE! You the client don’t pay a penny for our travel services! Our destination recommendations, organization, and pre-trip planning services are completely free of charge – and oftentimes less expensive than booking direct with a lodge or outfitter. We can assist with every question, concern, or special request related to your adventure at zero cost!

BOOKING INFORMATION TRAVEL DEPARTMENT

2416 MCKINNEY AVE

DAVID@TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM

DALLAS, TX. 75201

WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM

(888) 824-5420

CAMPECHE QUICK HITS +

LOCATION & TRAVEL

CAMPECHE, MEXICO (CPE) Campeche is located on the western side of the Yucatan Peninsula on the Gulf of Mexico and the Sea of Campeche. Visitors typically travel from the USA non-stop to Merida or Ciudad del Carmen from Houston (IAH) with United Airlines, or make a connection in Mexico City with Aero Mexico directly into Campeche. +

TYPE OF FISHING & SPECIES

Campeche is more or less exclusively a baby tarpon fishery. While the odd snook, barracuda or jack crevalle is a possibility, prospective anglers should understand Campeche’s fishery is limited to high numbers of 5-40 pound tarpon – with an average size of ten pounds. Anglers target tarpon in the mangrove wetlands and backcountry or on turtlegrass flats for schooling fish. +

SEASONALITY & WHEN TO GO

Campeche is a year round fishery, however there are idiosyncrasies to consider with each season. The late Spring, Summer, and early Autumn provide the most stable weather, however winter months, while a little riskier with cold fronts, can offer most comfortable air temperatures and awesome opportunity on the turtlegrass flats for schooling 20-40 pounders. +

IS CAMPECHE RIGHT FOR YOU?

Campeche is perhaps the most consistent juvenile tarpon fishery in the world. It is an awesome destination to consider for folks interested in high numbers of tarpon averaging ten pounds on light tackle. It is also a fantastic city to visit for all its historic and cultural aspects – making it a destination to consider for non-angling companions. If you are looking for a multi-species fishery or a remote “lodge”, this is not the place for you. +

COST & EXPENSES

5 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS FISHING IS $2050 PER PERSON (BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY).

Shorter and longer visits are available. Additional expenses include, but are not limited to, airfare to the Yucatan, dinner meals and alcoholic beverages, and guide gratuity.

(See RATES) for details.

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT:

MATT JONES, DAN ARMSTRONG, ISAIAS MICIU, BRIAN O’KEEFE

THE

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DESTINATION

TARPON TOWN ANGLERS - CAMPECHE

The old Spanish colonial town of Campeche is located on the western side of the Yucatan Peninsula on the Gulf of Mexico and the Sea of Campeche. With approximately 350,000 inhabitants, Campeche offers a cultural experience unlike any other in the Caribbean angling community. The area is rich in both Mayan and Spanish colonial history, and the city has been named a UNESCO world heritage site. Stunning 17th century architecture, lively markets, incredible hospitality, great seafood, little tourism, nearby Mayan Ruins, and a remarkably clean and safe city make Campeche a delightful place to explore between fishing sessions. Tarpon Town Anglers is owned and operated by Raul Castaneda. Raul is the consummate host who ensures every aspect of your time fishing and experience in Campeche exceeds your expectations.

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THE

FISHING

The fishing features more that eighty miles of mangrove coast with hundreds of creeks and channels.

Campeche is exclusively a juvenile tarpon fishery, and is considered on of the world’s most consistent and prolific baby tarpon destinations. There are very few tarpon exceeding 30-40 pounds… but lots of juvenile fish! The two main venues are the shore or backcountry mangrove fishing for 5-15 pounders on 7-8 weights, and turtle grass flats (8-12 feet deep) for schools of cruising fish in the 20-40 pound range. The backcountry tarpon fishing is extremely productive and lots of fun with topwater, tons of fish, and good sport on small rods. The turtle grass

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TARPON TOWN ANGLERS - CAMPECHE

flats are a bit of a boat run and you need good conditions to pull it off, but this is really a special part of the fishery if it comes together. It is really cool to hop on the boat right in the heart of a busy city built on the waterfront. When you get the right conditions you will get exhausted with catching little tarpon.

Raul’s guiding team consists of five native licensed captains who are very familiar with the fishery. Some guides speak better English than others, but they will all put you on fish. Their fleet consists of 21-23’ pangas equipped with new 60-90hp Yahama and

Honda 4-strokes. Guides provide flies and leader

Campeche tarpon range from to 5 to 30-pounds av-

material for those who don’t want to bring their

eraging 10 pounds and are typically found in three

own. Guides usually fish up to 9-hours per day. De-

different scenarios depending upon conditions and

pending on conditions and the time of year, anglers

the weather:

can also split the day. If there is more fish activity during evening hours, guides will fish 4-hours in the

OFF-SHORE TURTLEGRASS FLATS: Located 2 or 3

morning with the first light and 4-hours in the eve-

miles offshore, casting 50-80 feet, some blind cast-

ning with the last light of the day. Guides will adapt

ing needed. With lack of wind, rolling schools can

their day to the weather conditions – as weather

be spotted from 100-yards away. You can expect

has a high impact on tarpon behaviour.

long fish runs and many jumps.

The Biosphere Reserve of Los Petenes is a vast sys-

MANGROVE SHORE: Sneaking around creek mouths

tem of mangrove and wetlands. This environment

and the bay shore casting 20 to 50 feet underneath

brings constant streams of freshwater into the Gulf

hanging branches will produce explosive hook ups.

of Mexico, making it the perfect brackish water for

Very visual casting.

baby and juvenile tarpon, snapper, jacks and barracuda. There are many different habitats and fishing

CREEKS & INLETS: They’ll take you back through the

scenarios that may play out over the course of a few

channels where you’ll be casting under a beautiful

days with Tarpon Town. All fishing is focused on the

mangrove canopy. Casting range 10-30 foot with

mangrove coast that runs northeast from the city’s

lots of roll casts. As the whole bay bottom is soft

coastline: mangrove shore, creek mouths, open

and shallow, you’ll be fishing 2 to 8-foot water with

bays, and deep backcountry mangrove rivers and

no wading.

inlets. The goal is to find rolling, tailing or finning tarpon and find the best approach for sight fishing.

Depending on the tide condition sometimes you’ll be 100-yards offshore and other times in the middle of a creek – dictating many different scenarios and techniques depending upon the day. If the wind is blowing from traditional trade wind direction of east or southeast, the mangrove shore is always very calm and productive. When the wind changes to west or northwest, the breeze starts rippling the water and that is when sight fishing gets difficult. This usually happens after noon, so more blind casting may be necessary as the day goes on while fishing in open bays.

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THE

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ACCOMMODATIONS

TARPON TOWN ANGLERS - CAMPECHE

Nearly all our clients who visit Campeche stay at the Ocean View Hotel. The Ocean View is a no frills kind of place, however is very clean and comfortable and is located only a few paces from where Tarpon Town Anglers moors and launches their boats.

This Ocean View Hotel has sixty air-conditioned rooms, 24-hour coffee, pool, tennis court, spa, gym, free wired/wireless internet service and serves early American breakfast for fishermen. It’s just 12-minutes walking distance from downtown on a safe oceanfront walkway (malecon). The hotel does not have its own restaurant but all anglers will desire to go downtown for a delightful seafood or regional dish dinner. The hotel offers a free shuttle to restaurants for those who don’t want to walk – and Raul is almost always available to act as escort as well.

The convenience of the Ocean View cannot be matched for anglers, however we can easily have Raul make reservations at more upscale and centrally located hotels in the downtown area only a few minutes walk from the boat launch.

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TRAVEL & ITINERARY CAMPECHE (CPE), MERIDA (MID), CIUDAD DEL CARMEN (CME) & CANCUN (CUN).

There are many ways to travel to Campeche. Most American anglers travel through Houston (IAH) with United Airlines in route to Merida (MID) or Ciudad del Carmen (CME), however we will help determine the best routing depending upon seasonality and flight availability. When all else fails, the Mexico City routing is very convenient and affordable. The following is an overview of typical flight options: MEXICO CITY (MEX) TO CAMPECHE (CPE) Guests travel to Mexico City (MEX) and make a connection with Aero Mexico non-stop to Campeche (CPE).

There are three flights daily from Mexico City to Campeche.

HOUSTON (IAH) TO MERIDA (MID) Guests travel to Houston and make an evening connection to Merida (MID) and arrive Merida around 9:00PM. These flights are offered 3-5 times per week depending upon the season. The drive to Merida to Campeche is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. Note that the flight from Merida back to Houston departs around

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TARPON TOWN ANGLERS - CAMPECHE

7:00AM, so guests must spend the last night in Me-

FISHING DAYS

rida at a convenient airport hotel. Anglers still fish

After an early breakfast at the hotel the fishing day

a full last day before heading the Merida, and the

starts with the first light of sunrise and ends around

hotel is included in the trip package.

2:00 to 3:00PM. If the fish are biting they’ll stay longer - or you may split up the day into a morning

HOUSTON (IAH) TO CIUDAD DEL CARMEN (CME)

bite and evening bite with a siesta in between. Din-

Guests travel to Houston and make an evening

ner on the town in Campeche.

connection to Cuidad del Carmen (CME) and arrive Ciudad del Carmen around 4:00PM. These flights

DEPARTURE DAY

are also offered 3-5 times per week depending

Guests are returned to the proper airport for inter-

upon the season. The drive to Cuidad del Carmen

national flight home.

to Campeche is approximately 2 hour 30 minutes.

Note that the flight from Ciudad del Carmen back

NOTE ABOUT MERIDA FLIGHT SCHEDULES: The flight

to Houston departs around 12:00PM Noon, so

from Merida back to Houston departs around

guests will not be required to spend the last night

7:00AM, so guests must spend the last night in Me-

in Ciudad del Carmen.

rida at a convenient airport hotel. Anglers still fish a full last day before heading the Merida, and the hotel is included in the trip package.

CANCUN (CUN) Travel from your nearest gateway into Cancun (CUN). There are many flights from the US serving this airport with affordable rates. The drive back to Campeche is 5 hours 30 minutes in a private shuttled van, and a surcharge applies for choosing this route.

Possible Charter Options from Cancun: Depending upon availability and seasonality, Raul can often source charter flight options from Cancun to Campeche. This is most affordable with a larger group considering the charter costs.

SAMPLE ITINERARY ARRIVAL DAY After flying into any airport serving the area, anglers are met by a Tarpon Town representative holding a sign (your name and Tarpon Town logo), and transferred to Campeche and assisted with check-in to the hotel.

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WHEN TO GO Campeche is a year round fishery, however there are idiosyncrasies to consider with each season.

The late Spring, Summer, and early Autumn provide the most stable weather, however winter months, while a little riskier with cold fronts, can offer most comfortable air temperatures and awesome opportunity on the turtlegrass flats for schooling 20-40 pounders.

60 to 70F. Late spring and summer months can be very hot! Daytime temps as high as 90-100F with a lot of humidity are the norm. Rainy season starts in early summer with the possibilities of heavy showers during the evening, but are usually coupled with beautiful crystal clear mornings.

NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES Fishing is the predominant activity while a guest of

Campeche has a tropical climate, like the other

Tarpon Town Anglers, however the beautiful city of

three states in the Yucatan Peninsula, and is warm

Campeche is a fantastic town to explore. If you are

most of the year. Winter temperatures range from

a history buff, Campeche and the surrounding ar-

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TARPON TOWN ANGLERS - CAMPECHE

eas make for a really interesting and educational holiday when not fishing.

HANDICRAFT MARKET: Three blocks from the Ocean View hotel you can shop and take back home part of their traditional artwork pieces of jipi hats, silk and cotton hammocks, wood and bull horn different arts and jewels, local candies and liquors, Mayan shirts and dresses, and much more.

HISTORICAL DOWNTOWN: Seven blocks from the Ocean View hotel there used to be a wall that surrounded the city. This is a delightful place to walk around and visit the old style architecture with a Baroque influence. Don’t forget to take pictures of each different style of doors. Every building has a different design. A contrast of colors and lights helps you picture how old Campechanos lived. The cathedral and main square plaza and arc buildings are the most representative sites.

CASA 6 MUSEUM: Across the main plaza an original old lifestyle construction furnished with original designs has been open like a living museum of a rich family lifestyle.

FORTS AND WALL: While touring the city don’t forget to visit the fort and wall that was built to defend the city from pirates. Fortifications built on top of two hills of the city and others on the valley are now Mayan museums and art galleries.

The remains of the original old wall still stands south of the historical downtown with a length of more than 100-yds and 20-ft tall. The Land Gate and Sea Gate are the main entrance to the city and are facing each other on 59th street.

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MAYAN CITY OF EDZNA:

An amazing Mayan city

well preserved and restored is a huge part of the

ing by fortifications, traditional neighborhoods, churches and some other interesting sites.

Campeche history and culture. It is a short and safe 40-minute ride southbound through the state

MALECON: That is the word in Spanish that describes

on well paved roads. There are travel agencies of-

the oceanfront drive. It was built a few years ago

fering transportation services or you can ask their

and brought a new look to the city. Lighted tracks

head guide to set up a visit to the site.

for jogging or biking and a separate track for a relaxing walk of more than 4-kilometers.

SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS: There are various seafood restaurants in town that you cannot miss. Most of

MAYAN CITY OF CALAKMUL: This city was discovered

them are in downtown area and are a convenient

in the early 50s and has been declared as the larg-

stroll, while others are a bit further and require a

est Mayan site of the world. It is in the middle of

taxi. Morgan Cocktails, La Pigua, Chac Pel, Margan-

the Mayan jungle and its main building is taller than

zo, Sole, Chez Fernando, Dioniso’s and Langosti-

any other Mayan structure; including Chichen Itza.

nos are our suggestions where you can enjoy fresh

Its dimensions are not well appreciated until you

seafood like fried snapper or pompano, cobia fil-

are on top of it – where you can see the border of

let, shrimp salad or dish, octopus, squid, sea snail,

Guatemala and Howler monkeys jumping from the

stingray, etc.

tops of trees. It is the largest biosphere reserve in Latin America after the Amazon and has been titled

LAND GATE LIGHT AND SOUND SHOW: Some week-

by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is a long

days and all weekends there is a light and sound

five-hour ride. There are hotels and eco villages to

show with a 30-minute piracy representation at

stay, but you can take a camping service from oper-

night where the history and stories are told under

ators in the region and spend a night in the jungle.

the magic influence of the 40-foot tall Land Gate.

Please note that you may need an extra day or two to visit the area.

CITY STROLL: An easy way to get a glimpse of the city is to take a one-hour tour on the motor strollers (representing the old railway) and tour the city pass-

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TARPON TOWN ANGLERS - CAMPECHE

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RATES Based on Shared Room / Guide

»» »» »» »» »»

3 NIGHTS / 2 DAYS - $1300 4 NIGHTS / 3 DAYS - $1600 5 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS - $2050 6 NIGHTS / 5 DAYS - $2490 7 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS - $2990

Based on Private Room / Guide

»» »» »» »»

3 NIGHTS / 2 DAYS - $1990 4 NIGHTS / 3 DAYS - $2550 5 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS - $2990 6 NIGHTS / 5 DAYS - $3300

»» 7 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS - $3850

WHAT’S INCLUDED Accommodations at the Ocean View Hotel Campeche; Full days of guided fishing; Flies & Terminal Tackle; Ground transportation to/from hotel; Ground transfers to/from Merida Airport and Campeche; Breakfast and Lunch; Non-alcoholic beverages; Mexican VAT tax WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED Commercial air to Campeche, Ciudad del Carmen, Cancun or Merida, Mexico; Dinner Meals and all alcoholic beverages; Guide and hotel staff gratuities; Organized eco-tours or other activities in Campeche; Fishing Equipment; Laundry Service; Departure Taxes; Ground transfers from Cancun (if applicable) TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Tailwaters Travel must adhere to the cancellation policies of the guides, outfitters and lodges which it represents. Tarpon Town’s policy follows: A refundable 50% deposit is required to secure all reservations. Final balance is due 60 days prior to departure. Within sixty days from departure deposit becomes non-refundable. Cancellation with 60 days from scheduled departure will result in full loss of applicable land and commercial air costs- no refund will be made unless replacement clients are found. Trips maybe rescheduled for no penalty if rebooked during the same season. Refunds or credits cannot be issued for fishing time lost due to inclement weather. Refunds of deposits/payments made on credit cards will be charged a 3.5% service charge to fully compensate Tailwaters Travel for all bank charges incurred. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses.

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TARPON TOWN ANGLERS - CAMPECHE

TRAVEL INSURANCE! Given the inherent strict refund policies associated with nearly all fishing packages, we cannot stress

We will provide you with more detailed information

the importance of obtaining travel insurance to

about travel insurance from our sponsored provider,

protect your investment.

Travel Guard, when you book a trip with Tailwaters Travel.

Travellers can obtain coverage for pre-existing

We can conveniently process a very comprehensive

health problems (related to yourself, your family,

insurance policy for you in-house after asking a few

business partners, or your travelling partners),

simple questions.

emergency evacuation, lost baggage, delay, life insurance packages; even “no questions asked” or

CALL TODAY TO PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT:

“for work reasons” coverage.

(214) 219-2500 OR (888) 824-5420

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TAILWATERS FLY FISHING CO.

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TRAVEL DEPARTMENT

2416 MCKINNEY AVE

DAVID@TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM

DALLAS, TX. 75201

WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM

(888) 824-5420

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