Pick my spot

[HatTrick]

i was given a 3-4 day flats bonefish, tarpon, permit etc. fishing trip anywhere I want to go in the carribean or central america. I have caught bonfish before but never a tarpon...hmmmm.
If you could pick any spot where would you go?

[Bonecrusher]

Just curious...how were you 'given' this trip and how can I get one!!

For numbers of tarpon, you're probably going to get recommendations for Mexico or Belize.

The FL Keys are closer and easier to get to but tougher fishing and fewer shots at fish.

[n1gdo]

For Tarpon... Costa Rica ...

On a short hop... maybe Puerto Rico... San Juan Lagoons

[widdoes]

but I won't pick your seat!
For tarpon, Belize is a good option, but better for Permit! --126-3-
Time of year is a factor. I think the fish in San Juan are "residents" so they are there most of the year. Others are more migratory. Isla Holbox and Campeche are decent bets in MX, and Boca Paila has always got some tarpon rolling around (and sometimes lots), as well as decent snook and permit.
Keys tarpon (and bonefish and permit) are the Ivy Leaguers of the bunch- big, smart, and frustrating as hell if you aren't really on your game.

[HatTrick]

Thanks for the info.
Bonecrusher: I turn 50 in early june so my wife surprised me with a "pick your spot trip". I've fished in Ascension Bay, MX and the upper Keys, so at this point I'm leaning towards Turneffe Flats. The time of the year is pretty wide open but it's awful nice fishing and good weather at home in the summer so I'm thinking May to mid June so I can get a little warm weather infusion and a shot at a decent tarpon???

[loon]

I'd go to the Everglades National Park. It's an incredibly unique and historical wilderness hidden in our own back yard.

[Cheju]

The Florida Keys are great for Tarpon in May and June. They are migrating from the ocean to the back country. There are lots of them and they are big. Lots of accomodations, good guides and it is easy and reasonable to get there.

Cheju

[sweet+salt]

So many great places but as you are leaning toward Turneffe Flats Lodge in June, I say go for it. A great place, they will take good care of you and your wife. Tarpon should be primo from now in May trough June and then there are the permit. Big ones are a real possibility and the flats there are perfect for them. Just forget about bonefish; small and on pretty but coral-covered reef flats, you just don't want to be destroying all that live coral by wading and for what - 1 1/2 lb. to 2 1/2 lb. baby bones? Enjoy the 'fry jacks' with breakfast...

[Albula]

HatTrick,

Sorry for the late reply, and Happy Birthday! For my money, Boca Grande is the place to be in Florida for the bite on big fish. You can PM me for details if you haven't already made plans.