After several years of uncertainty and waiting, Thomas Sobirk finally reunited with Tapam in May 2024. This magical place in the Nicaraguan jungle, known for its enormous tarpon, had given him and many other fly fishermen both defeats, victories and unforgettable memories.
Tapam in 2020
In 2016 Tapam officially opened, and in the years that followed it earned a reputation as the place to go for giant jungle tarpon. The 2020 season was set to be the first at the new lodge, and the team were preparing for another busy year.
During the winter months, Thomas tied flies; some trusted patterns that had already proven their worth, and some new creations he was eager to try out. Leaders were prepared and reels rigged with new fly lines. He was ready for another Rumble in the Jungle, the 16th March, his date of departure, couldn’t come fast enough.
If you’re good with dates, you’ve probably already guessed that he never made it to the new lodge that year. COVID-19 hit, and just a few days before his planned departure, the world began to shut down and Tapam shut down with it.
Tapam between 2021-2023
Running an operation in the Nicaraguan jungle isn’t easy under normal circumstances, and it quickly became clear that keeping things afloat during a pandemic was impossible. Even in 2022, when restrictions had lifted and the global situation had improved, Tapam was still a long way from getting back on track. However, in 2023, things started to look brighter. More airlines reopened routes to Nicaragua, and by the end of that year, there was a potential new local partner and a clear plan for getting Tapam up and running again.
Tapam in 2024
The first part of that plan—and a crucial step for Tapam 2.0-was to sign a new contract with the local community for the exclusive sport fishing rights in the area. Things take time, especially in the jungle. However, by the spring of 2024, the situation looked promising enough for Thomas to return to the jungle. The goal was to be part of the final negotiations with the village leaders and, of course, to see if the big jungle tarpon were still around!
We will bring a full report over the coming weeks, but it is fair to say that on Thomas’ return to Tapam in May 2024 that the fishing is still just as spectacular. With giant tarpon smashing schooling mullet in the canal, big rolling tarpon tarpon in the rivers and spectacular baby tarpon and snook action in the shallow water.
With the groundwork now laid, we cannot wait for Tapam 2.0 to welcome anglers in 2025.
For more information about Tapam 2.0 or to be one of the first anglers to return to this wonderful destination please email Alex Jardine or Peter McLeod, alternatively you can call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.