» General Information:
Only recently discovered, the fishing in Honduras provides real opportunities for achieving the famed "Grand Slam". But it does much more. Here at our Lodge, serious fly fishermen will relish the opportunity of adding the rare Triggerfish and even rarer Parrotfish to the tantalising trio of Permit, Bonefish and Tarpon.
The Lodge is located on the stunning island of Roatan. Although part of Spanish-speaking Honduras, most of the inhabitants of Roatan are descendants of 18th century British buccaneers, and are far more comfortable speaking English.
THE FISHING:
Both the north and south sides of Roatan island are lined with vast areas of coral flats and transparent, tropical waters. With the possible exception of Belize, there are no other Caribbean destinations where the elusive Permit will provide you with an almost guaranteed daily challenge. And then if you have never cast to a Triggerfish or a Parrotfish, another order of excitement awaits you. These coral-feeding monsters may be as difficult as the permit to lure to your fly, but have the advantage of not moving too far away once spooked.
Fishing in Roatan is fairly tide-dependent. The higher tides attract the Permit to the flats, and Tarpon and Snook to the mangroves and around the dwelling areas. Lower tides allow the Bonefish to feed without fear of predators. Almost all the Bonefishing is done wading the flats. All the fishable flats " some of them less than 2 minutes from the Lodge " will literally be "alive" with tailing Bonefish at some stage during the day.
Bonefish average 4 to 5 lbs, with 8 to 10 pounders commonly available. The resident Tarpon will be found in the 20 to 50 lb range. And Permit average 8 to 12 lbs, but fish up to 30lb have been caught.
Given the proximity of the reef on both sides of the island there is a large of variety of alternative fishing available, most particularly, 6 different species of Jacks, Barracuda, Cobia, Snapper, Grouper, Wahoo and a number of other species.
» Package:
The daily fishing programme will normally commence at 6.30am to provide the best spread of tide conditions throughout the day. A light breakfast is available from 6am. Fishermen can then return for a "proper" breakfast around 9.30am. For non-anglers a normal breakfast service is provided from 8am onwards.
Depending on location, lunch can either be taken back at the Lodge (followed by a siesta if desired) or in the form of a packed lunch in the skiff, or on a beach. All fishermen are encouraged to be back at the Lodge by 6pm, with dinner being served around 7.00pm.
» Accommodation:
This is an isolated paradise. Not only is it a fishing lodge, but an ideal spot for ecotourism. There are no roads that lead to Mango Creek Lodge. Everyone is transported by boat from Oakridge, about 30 minutes drive from Roatan´s international airport.
Guests are accommodated in 4 well-appointed, double, over-the-water cabañas, each with its own deck and hammock. There are also 3 further rooms available in the main, hillside Lodge. The maximum number of anglers that can be catered for at present is 8.
The whole property is situated in lush, tropical gardens with sensational views overlooking historic Port Royal Bay. And all the woodwork throughout the main Lodge and cabañas is carved by local craftsmen, on the premises.
The Lodge is totally "eco-friendly", with its self-generated solar and wind energy and other features. Its diesel generator runs only in the evenings.
» Tackle and Equipment:
PERMIT:
9-foot 9 or 10 weight rod
Floating line (WF)
Saltwater reel with a tough disk drag system accommodating at least 250-yard backing.
10 to 12-foot leaders, 10-pounds minimum (we recommend fluorocarbon) and 16-pound test shock tippet (we recommend fluorocarbon)
Flies tied on hooks 4 or 2. Crab patterns in natural, brown and green. Del´s Merkin, Del Browns Hermit, Brown Special, Rag Head, Mc Crab, Turneffe Crab, etc.
BONEFISH:
9-foot 8 weight rod.
Floating line (WF)
Saltwater reel with a tough disk drag system accommodating at least 150-yard backing.
10 to 12-foot leaders, 10-pounds minimum (we recommend fluorocarbon).
Flies tied on hooks 8 or 6. Crazy Charlie, Gotcha, Clousers, Shrimp patterns and little crabs (olive and natural).
TARPON:
9-foot 10 weight rod.
Floating line (WF), Intermediate or Sinking Tip
Saltwater reel with a tough disk drag system accommodating at least 250-yard backing.
50 to 70-pound test shock tippet (We recommend fluorocarbon)
Flies tied on hooks 1/0,2/0 and 3/0. Black Death, Purple Death, Cockroach, Stu Apte, Gummy Minnow, etc.
» Additional Information:
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
Non-anglers will find plenty of activities to occupy you. The Lodge boasts of being more than a fishing lodge. Fishermen are welcome to bring their families and friends to participate in the many other activities available. Roatans famous reefs can provide hours of great snorkelling. Diving is available by arrangement. The Lodge also offers unlimited use of its kayaks, hoboes and canoes. Other activities include exploring the nearby mangrove canals and cays, bird watching, hill-climbing, strolling in the ample gardens or simply relaxing, reading, swimming, and sunbathing from atop the boathouse or on your private balcony.
SEASONS:
High Season as determined solely by the preferred get away months for US citizens is January to May.For fishermen, Bonefish of course are found all year round. Tarpon fishing is also year round, but they are more in evidence in the rainy season, October to January. Permit can also be found at all times of the year, but best numbers are from February to July, with the spawning period of March and April seeing the largest schools.
From a weather point of view, perhaps the nicest time to fish is June to August. This is the period of light winds, warm temperatures (Max.28 C; 82 F) and perfect tides with all fish species being found. Hurricanes are rare in Roatan (once every 22 years supposedly), and although the official huricane season is June to August, people dont start getting nervous until October or early November. November and December are the wettest months of the year.
ACCESS:
Roatan is just becoming recognised as a tourist destination. It now has an international airport, and Continental, Delta and TACA have weekly flights from Miami, Houston, Atlanta and now New York. Otherwise connections through San Pedro Sula are available.
» Rates / 2010
U$S 2,995.-
Per person double basis.
Rates include:
7 nights accommodation; 6 days guided fishing; full board, incl. open Bar; transfers between Lodge and Roatan airport; unlimited use of "Water Toys"; guided snorkelling and hiking.
Rates do not include:
International air travel; airport taxes; insurance; fishing equipment and flies; gratuities.
Notes:
Opcional: boat tour of islands, bays and canals; island tour; guided kayaking; diving by arrangement (U$S 25.-/dive); and others.
» Fishing
Report
September 2010
Good bonefish fishing with some permit and mid size tarpon also.
