Nicaragua Fly Fishing Lodges

In the mid-1970s, W.E. Lanford established Karawala Tarpon Camp, Nicaragua's first fishing camp dedicated to tarpon. During its five years of operation, anglers caught tarpon over 150 pounds, with a few exceeding 200 pounds, and exceptional snook fishing. However, Lanford lost the camp when the Sandinistas overthrew General Somoza, forcing him to leave Nicaragua.

Years later, the 2011 film Tapâm showcased incredible tarpon fishing in a remote Central American river, sparking global curiosity. The film’s title, the Miskito word for tarpon, hinted at the location along the Miskito Coast. In 2014, Dutch guides Jeroen Wohe and Jaap Kalkman rediscovered the same area and established a tarpon camp near Lanford’s original site. Partnering with Getaway Fly Fishing, they built a lodge, but challenges with ownership led to Getaway taking full control in 2020.

COVID-19 halted operations three weeks into the first season, delaying the camp’s reopening. By 2023, new partnerships and plans revitalized the operation, and in May 2024, a successful exploratory trip marked its return. With a refurbished lodge and upgraded boats, Tapam is set to welcome anglers back for an unforgettable tarpon fishing experience.