A Tarpon Tale to Remember: May-hem in Punta Allen

We all love returning to the fishing lodge with a story to tell. For Maximus Nye, his story was still unfolding out on the flats as we gathered beneath the thatched roof of Punta Allen Fishing Club for appetizers.

It was the first evening of our second annual hosted adventure to Punta Allen, Mexico. Just an hour earlier, we had passed Max and his dad, Sanders, with their panga positioned on the migratory tarpon grounds. Even from several hundred yards away, it was clear something was happening on their boat. Our guide, Miguel, tapped me on the shoulder with a grin.

“Tienen un sábalo grande.”

They had a big tarpon on their hands.

 

 

Two hours later, they returned triumphant, exhausted, and one 11-weight fly rod lighter. On his first-ever day of saltwater fly fishing, Maximus had landed the tarpon of a lifetime—despite his fly rod breaking midway through the battle.

The resourcefulness of fishing guides was on full display as his guide, Alfonzo, managed to splint the broken rod back together with 100-pound fluorocarbon. The left-handed Max then fought the fish by reeling upside down and backwards, slowly recovering the 350 yards of backing the tarpon had taken. Eventually, the massive fish tired in the shallows, allowing them to release the largest tarpon landed by any angler in Punta Allen in three years. The unlikelihood that a first-time saltwater fisherman would accomplish this feat cannot be understated!

 

 

Max’s fish set the tone for an unforgettable week in late May during the migratory tarpon run.

Every angler in the group jumped multiple tarpon on the fly and landed at least one. Three anglers added permit to their tally, while Bill O. from Missoula landed personal bests on jack crevalle, snook, and tarpon.

I did my part to help keep the camp fed, making sure every boat was equipped with an ALLROD rigged with wire for when opportunity came knocking. On day three, our boat experienced a truly epic session of sight fishing for barracuda with surface lures—one of those unforgettable days that reminds you why we travel to places like Punta Allen.

 

 

Every detail of the trip—from the food and accommodations to the lodge and guide staff—exceeded expectations. Travel was seamless, which was especially notable given the complicated itineraries bringing anglers from across the United States to Punta Allen’s remote location at the tip of the peninsula within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere.

Most importantly, everyone left with more confidence, sharper fishing skills, and new friendships forged through a shared passion for adventure. Punta Allen remains one of the most diverse and rewarding shallow-water fisheries in the world, and this group walked away with memories that will last a lifetime.

If you’re looking for dates, suggestions, or just general information about this experience or other destinations, our team would love to help you. We are a trusted partner of Punta Allen Fishing Club with extensive knowledge of the fishery and program. You can call us directly at (208) 271-9653 or email us at info@gotfishing.com.