Exploratory Trip: Migratory Tarpon in Ascension Bay

The purpose of this June trip to Ascension Bay was simple: get boots on the ground and evaluate the developing migratory tarpon fishery. While Ascension Bay has long been known for its world-class permit fishing, reports over the past five to six years have hinted at the arrival of migratory tarpon in numbers large enough to target consistently. Our goal was to assess the quality of this fishery, particularly in comparison to the gold standard - Florida's famed tarpon migration.

Florida remains the benchmark for sight-fishing migratory tarpon. Still, heavy pressure and complex conditions often make success elusive for all but the most seasoned anglers. We're constantly on the search for alternatives: destinations with clear water, low pressure, and a realistic chance of connecting with fish. Ascension Bay offered promise, although we were met with less-than-ideal weather: persistent east winds ranging from 8 to 15 mph and inconsistent light throughout the week.

The Lodge & Hosts

Kay Fly Fishing Lodge, located in Punta Allen, is owned and operated by longtime partners Jose and Lily, who remain close collaborators. Jose is a highly accomplished guide and tournament-permit angler with numerous wins in Florida; yet, he'll tell you himself, he'd rather be chasing tarpon. Lily is earning her reputation on the tarpon scene, recently having success in Florida's competitive tarpon tournaments. In terms of hospitality, organization, and local knowledge, we consider their lodge among the best in the area.

However, it's important to note the density of lodges in the region. Within a short stretch of coast, nearly half a dozen operations compete for space on Ascension Bay's productive waters.

The Fishery: Migratory Tarpon

While Ascension Bay is expansive, migratory tarpon are typically found along the beachside flats near the reef, which drastically narrows the zone where fishing pressure concentrates. On tarpon-focused days, it wasn't unusual to see 8 to 12 boats in visual range, which impacted fish behavior.

When undisturbed, tarpon swam high in the water column, slow and "happy" - and would aggressively eat a well-placed fly. However, pressured fish were noticeably different: they swam faster, deeper, and were far less likely to commit. Sargassum (floating seaweed) added another layer of difficulty, disrupting casting lanes and obscuring fish.

The first two days of the week gave us the best weather. Under partly sunny skies and lighter winds, we encountered fish during short 1- to 2-hour windows. On those days, anglers reported 4–6 quality shots at singles and small groups. When the fish were happy, they ate quickly and confidently. Hook-up rates dropped below 50% with more cautious fish, but this still compares favorably to Florida. Experienced anglers could reasonably expect 2–5 hook-ups per day under these conditions, while novice anglers had fair chances at 1+ encounters.

After Day 2, the wind and clouds intensified. Fish became scarce, with many boats going hours - or full days - without a single sighting. These were classic "grind" days, familiar to any tarpon angler. Long periods anchored or slow-cruising in search of fish defined the second half of the week.

Logistical Realities

One stark contrast to our experience hosting trips in Cuba was the time spent in transit. In Cuba, our liveaboard operation puts anglers minutes from the flats each morning. In Ascension Bay, it was common to spend 45 minutes to an hour each way getting to and from fishing zones south of the lodge. Additionally, moving between flats during the day often required an extra 30 minutes or more per transfer. Total boat time could easily reach 2 to 3 hours per day, and given the prevailing easterly swell, conditions were often choppy. Pangas (rather than skiffs) are the right boat for this fishery, but waterproof gear was essential. Most rides were wet.

A Quick Look at the Permit Fishery

While our primary focus was on tarpon, we also took the time to assess the permit opportunities. Compared to Cuba, where anglers during our May hosted weeks had 10–30 legitimate shots at quality permit per day, Ascension Bay felt limited in scope. On one afternoon, three boats pursued several schools of small permit (5–8 lbs), but these fish were circling and disinterested. Cast after cast was refused. It was classic "frustration fishing" - not the dynamic sight-fishing on rays or tailing fish we routinely enjoy in Cuba.

There was one flat that matched our ideal permit setup: long, white sand, excellent visibility, and fish moving slowly. We encountered a group of approximately a dozen fish on multiple occasions. One setup was perfect - fish approaching at 12 o'clock - but a poor cast ended the opportunity. On another attempt, the guide tried to reposition the boat ahead of the fast-moving fish. Still, again, the shot was lost due to execution issues.

Bonefish & Other Considerations

Bonefish were present, though not as plentiful as expected. The average size was 1–2 lbs, and while one could find them with dedicated effort, they didn't compare to the larger, more accessible fish we typically target in Cuba (typically 4–6 lbs, with occasional fish exceeding 10 lbs). Some juvenile permit schools were mixed in with the bonefish during these outings.

Final Impressions

For the week, most anglers who focused on tarpon landed zero or one fish. That doesn't qualify as a productive week in our book. In contrast, our hosted anglers in Cuba this past May typically landed 10–20 tarpon each during their week. Tarpon on fly is never easy - it requires skill, timing, and a good deal of luck. However, it also requires a setting where opportunities are numerous and accessible.

Only one small permit was landed during our stay in Ascension Bay. A few others were hooked but not landed.

Summary

There is definite potential in Punta Allen for a viable migratory tarpon fishery, particularly for more experienced anglers with realistic expectations. On good weather days, a skilled tarpon angler can expect to hook most "happy" fish they see, with 3–5 opportunities possible. On tougher days, even one shot may be a gift. Less experienced anglers should find themselves with a fair number of chances across the entire week, if their casting skills are up to the challenge.

The fish themselves become aggressive when conditions are favorable. Still, sargassum, boat pressure, and long travel times to the fishing grounds present challenges. Compared to our operations in Cuba, the contrast is clear: better access, greater diversity, and more consistent productivity.

In a perfect scenario, with light winds and clean water, the fishery along the beach directly in front of the lodge would likely shine. Unfortunately, that wasn't an option on this trip due to the water being choked with weeds.

We'll continue to monitor Ascension Bay's potential as a supplemental destination. However, for now, Cuba remains our premier tarpon fishery, both for the quality of the fish and the overall angling experience.