Frequently Asked Questions
Is Holbox safe?
Isla Holbox is a very welcoming, safe place with very little crime and no cartel or drug activity. Violence is almost unheard of in the area.
Do I need to be able to speak Spanish?
No. Darwin speaks some English and it is commonly spoken in the hotels and restaurants of Holbox.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
Most people do, but Darwin can supply good quality equipment if necessary.
Will I get seasick?
If you are subject to getting seasick, it is a possibility when fishing for oceanside big tarpon and you should definitely look into getting a scopolamine transdermal patch from your doctor.
The fishing for other species is done is more protected areas and wave action is very minimal.
Where should I stay?
There are a lot of great hotels on the island and we use all of them. You can also rent a beachfront house on VRBO or similar. We can help you with this, so just drop us a line.
What else should I bring?
Holbox can be buggy, but you can buy repellent here.
Do bring Buffs, long sleeve shirts, long quick dry pants, boating type shoes, sun screen, hats, sunglasses, etc.
What are my chances? Grand slam? Big Tarpon? Baby?
This is real fishing. Your chances at any of these are pretty good, but it is very weather dependent and also depends on your skill as a fisherman or woman.
If you plan on catching a big tarpon on fly, please practice with a 12wt and 600 grain sinking line and shooting a good 75 feet of line.
For babies, 60 feet of floating 9wt line will do the trick, but plan on using a 12 to 15 foot leader. The water is often very clear and they see VERY well.
For permit and bones, 7 to 9 wt and 60 to 70 feet should work fine. but plan on using a maximum of 16#, 10 to 12 foot leader with 12# near the fly.
Darwin will do what he can to get you on the fish. Then a lot of it is up to you and luck!