If you’re a seasoned tarpon angler or a traveler looking to experience the migration, chances are your mental calendar points squarely at the Florida Keys—April, May, and June—for that heart-pounding experience of casting to silver kings on the flats. But there’s another destination, just a short flight south, that deserves a closer look: Ascension Bay, Mexico. 

From May through August, Ascension Bay (and its sister bay to the south, Espiritu Santo Bay) offers a legitimate—and often overlooked—shot at migratory tarpon in a setting that delivers world-class fishing with fewer crowds, exceptional lodge options, and an extended window for chasing big fish on the flats. 

It’s not just theory. In June 2024, Frontiers Mexico Expert Ben Hoffman landed the biggest tarpon of his life—a fish estimated by local guides to exceed 120 pounds—on a black and purple toad pattern, the same fly that’s fooled all his prior tarpon. The fish broke his 10-weight rod as well as his personal record for size. Days later, while wading a quiet flat along the edge of an island, Ben hooked and landed his first-ever permit. Though modest in size, the fish earned him the time-honored encouragement: “A permit is a permit.” The moment became even more memorable when fellow angler Santiago hooked a permit from the same school for a true doble. That week turned into something remarkable: seven permit landed across three anglers, a four-permit day for Santiago, and a grand slam for Hank on Day 4. You can read more about Ben’s experience here. 

In July 2025, I had the chance to return with my wife, Kami. Over the course of five fishing days, we had migratory tarpon eats four out of five days, landing two fish over 100 pounds and several more in the 40–60-pound range. We also saw exceptional permit activity—eats or hookups on four out of five days, with one fish landed and a handful of afternoons so rich with opportunities we lost count. If that sounds unusual, it is. These Ascension Bay tarpon seem to cooperate more than their Florida cousins—likely due to less fishing pressure, or maybe because they’re off the main migratory path and actively feeding. Whatever the reason, if you can make a reasonably solid presentation, expect an eat. 

Trophy Tarpon Fishing in Ascension Bay

Tarpon encounters here echo the best of Florida-style fishing. On some days, you might find singles or small schools gliding across light-bottomed flats, offering classic sight-fishing opportunities in crystal-clear water. Other times, you may encounter tarpon cruising troughs and edges along ocean-side flats or casting into near-feeding–frenzy fish around weed-lined tannic water where tarpon gather in greater numbers, feeding aggressively on shrimp, crabs, baitfish, and even small squid. These are the moments when Ascension Bay feels raw and alive, with fish ranging anywhere from 20 to well over 100 pounds. 

Permit Fishing in Mexico: Second to None

While tarpon may be the headliner, Ascension Bay’s permit fishery deserves equal attention. The diversity of water here means permit are often encountered throughout the day: on deep flats in larger schools, riding current lines near weed patches, or tailing alone or in pairs closer to wave breaks where the crabs gather. Given the right conditions, a well-planned day often brings multiple quality shots, and many anglers choose to split their focus between permit and tarpon depending on light, wind, tides, and of course, their guides’ recommendations. There are also opportunities for bonefish, snook, jacks, and barracudas, among other flats and reef species in the area. The potential for variety is part of what makes this place so rewarding. 

A Note on Lodging and Season

This window—especially during the summer—tends to see relatively lighter traffic on the water, generally leading to less-pressured fish and at times, a more remote feel. Lodges like Mayazul offer a thoughtful setup for this type of fishing, with experienced dual guides per boat, attentive service, and pangas equipped to cover both ocean-side and bay-side water efficiently. The food is excellent, the pace is unhurried, and the energy is focused on maximizing your time both on and off the water. 

Service at the lodge often rivals the fishing. During our 2025 stay, Victoria handed out bug spray without being asked as we stepped off the boat for the final transfer—a small gesture, but one that spoke volumes. Chef Mauro created flavorful alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions, while David somehow sourced a full Dominoes set—wrapped and gifted within 24 hours—after overhearing a guest’s casual request. Thoughtful touches, like a pillow menu and multiple charging stations for camera gear, helped turn a great trip into a memorable one. 

Why Mexico’s Tarpon Season Deserves a Spot on Your Calendar

Florida might always hold a special place for tarpon anglers, but Ascension Bay offers a compelling alternative—and, for many, an addition worth making room for on the calendar. With migratory fish pushing through in good numbers from May into August, Mexico offers a rare combination: the thrill of targeting large tarpon, the chance to pivot toward permit when conditions call for it, and a lodge experience that knows how to support both. 

If the idea of spending long summer days on expansive flats, chasing fish that can change your pulse with a single turn, speaks to you—Ascension Bay might be the place. Let Frontiers help you plan a world-class fly fishing trip for trophy tarpon—and make every cast count. 

Mexico Lodges to Consider:

• Mayazul Lodge is a boutique beachfront property with a two-guide-per-panga format, offering high-touch service and direct access to the heart of Mexico’s famed Permit Alley.

• Casa Blanca Lodge combines 20+ years of experience with exclusive access to both Ascension Bay and Santa Rosa Lagoon, fishing from traditional flats skiffs.

• Playa Blanca Lodge offers remote access to Espiritu Santo Bay, a revitalized and uncrowded fishery known for species variety and excellent wading.

• Palometa Club is the only lodge in the area with a permanent two-guide-per-boat setup, creating a focused permit experience in a relaxed, communal setting.

• Grand Slam Fishing Lodge pairs luxury, resort-style accommodations with easy access to Ascension Bay, ideal for anglers and non-anglers alike.

Other Tarpon Programs to Consider:

• Bahia Honda (Florida Keys) specializes in sight fishing for big migratory tarpon, with custom tide-based days and a luxury villa near Key West.

• No Name Lodge (Puerto Rico) offers consistent action for resident tarpon and tailing permit in protected lagoons, with easy travel and English-speaking guides.

• El Pescador Lodge (Belize) features seasonal migratory tarpon on the flats, combining classic Grand Slam fishing with resort-style amenities.

• Turneffe Flats Lodge (Belize) targets tarpon in deep channels and mangrove edges, set on a remote atoll with diverse flats and reef species.

• Blue Horizon Lodge (Belize) offers year-round shots at resident tarpon in the Placencia lagoon, alongside prime permit flats in Permit Alley.

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