Tapam, Nicaragua April 2025
Alex Jardine will be leading a hosted group in search of the jungle giants of Tapam in Nicaragua. The tarpon focused destination closed in 2020 due to Covid travel restrictions, and will return for its first full season in 2025.
Tapam, Nicaragua
Since 2020 we have been waiting for Tapam Lodge to become operational again, during the years of Covid the infrastructure for the operation broke down and it was not possible to get the logistical parts back in place until May 2024. Following agreements with the local villages and new infrastructure being put in place we are excited that Tapam Lodge will return for a full season in 2025.
Located a two-hour boat ride north of Bluefields, anglers are based in a small jungle village on the banks of a river home to giant tarpon. The village lies 14km from the mouth of the river as it drains into the Atlantic Ocean. With much of the fishing done in the rivers, canals and jungle lagoons, there are miles upon miles of fishable water. It is these water courses where tarpon from 10 to 200lb search out schools of baitfish, with frenzied bait-busting or gracious rolling through flat waters that show you are in the right location.
The fishing day is long and optimised to target tarpon, the day starts at 0400 with an early breakfast and heading out on the water. It is these dawn hours that produce some of the best action. As the day approaches noon, often the winds pick up and spotting fish can become more challenging so anglers return to the lodge for lunch and a siesta. At around 1430, anglers will return to the water to fish the late afternoon as the waters flatten out again and fish roll in the fading light, returning to the lodge at 1830. Fishing is done with two anglers with a guide from traditional panga style fishing boats.
As well as tarpon, anglers can also encounter big snook and jacks. These are not always present, but when they are they offer fantastic action. Be sure to still use your 11 or 12 weight as often big tarpon are never far away!
The Accommodation – Tapam Lodge
The lodge for 2025 is currently being renovated but is a simple house on the edge of the village. It will offer six single occupancy bedrooms, with two shared bathrooms. There is no air conditioning, but the structure is design to maximise a through breeze to keep the worst of the heat away and a series of fans offer additional comfort for guests. Anglers will enjoy good food and cold beer throughout their stay, and an outside connection is maintained through Starlink WiFi.
Why Alex wants to visit this destination:
The fascination of this location started way back in 2010 after the release of Tapam the Movie, where Daniel Goz and Jan Bach Kristensen travel into the jungle with float tubes and do battle with huge tarpon. The thought of hooking a fish in excess of 100 lbs from a small inflatable wasn’t quite the hook for me, but the location and experience looked fascinating. Then in 2016, the full lodge programme began making it hugely more appealing.
As well as tarpon, whilst not always present, the chance of encountering big snook also appeals to Alex along with some fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities.
For those looking for a trip extension, it is possible to build an itinerary to include non-fishing touring or short hops to the likes of Guatemala, Costa Rica and Panama where further fishing opportunities can be explored.
Trip Itinerary:
Sunday 27th April: Arrive in Managua and overnight.
Monday 28th April: Fly to Bluefields, road transfer to boat port, board boat transfer to the lodge. Fish the afternoon.
Tuesday 29th April to Sunday 4th May: Six full days fishing the waters around Tapam.
Monday 5th May: Fish the morning, return to Bluefields by boat and overnight.
Tuesday 6th May: Fly to Managua and depart Nicaragua.
This is a great week for experienced saltwater anglers who are happy to fish with heavier tackle for long periods of time with a goal to catch big tarpon.
For more information and an itinerary please contact Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.