Fly fishing here at Xcalak, a picturesque town nestled in the southern part of the Mexican Caribbean, offers a unique experience with its crystal-clear flats, abundant game fish, and cold beverages at the bar. Whether you’re drawn to the challenge of Tarpon, the elusive bonefish, or simply the romance of the sport in these exotic waters, each seems like a scene printed in the words of a good book. So here are three recommendations of books that capture the imagination when it comes to fly lines and tropical waters.
1. Lords of the Fly – Monte Burke
Monte Burke’s Lords of the Fly is both a history lesson and an adventure story, delving into the golden era of tarpon fishing in Florida and the Caribbean. The book focuses on the legendary fly-fishing boom in Homosassa, Florida, during the 1970s and 80s, where some of the best anglers in the world gathered to chase world-record Tarpon. Burke explores the obsessions, rivalries, and personalities that shaped this unique period, offering an insightful look into the drive and passion that fuels the sport at its highest level.
While much of the book centers on Florida, its themes and stories extend to the broader Caribbean, where many of the same anglers, techniques, and species thrive. Burke’s writing captures the essence of what makes fly fishing for Tarpon such a thrilling and sometimes maddening pursuit, with tales of legendary fishermen like Tom Evans and Billy Pate pushing the limits of the sport. The thrill of the chase, the intense battles, and the ultimate triumphs are all vividly portrayed, making ‘Lords of the Fly’ a must-read for any angler.
Lords of the Fly is an essential read for anyone interested in the history and culture of elite fly fishing in the Caribbean and beyond. Burke’s storytelling is immersive, and his insights into anglers’ obsessive natures make it a fascinating exploration of both the sport and the people who define it.
2. Islands in the Stream – Ernest Hemingway
Few writers have captured the soul of the sea and an angler’s life quite like Ernest Hemingway. Islands in the Stream, published posthumously in 1970, is one of his lesser-known works but an essential novel for those who love fly fishing and the Caribbean. The book follows Thomas Hudson, a painter and fisherman living in the Bahamas, as he navigates the complexities of life, loss, and adventure on the open ocean.
Hemingway, an avid sportsman himself, brings his firsthand experience with big-game fishing to life in vivid, gripping prose. The novel is filled with evocative descriptions of the sea, fish, and the intense struggle between man and nature. While not exclusively about fly fishing, Islands in the Stream captures the deep, almost spiritual connection between an angler and the waters of the Caribbean.
The book also serves as a window into Hemingway’s own experiences in the region, where he spent much of his later life fishing for marlin, tuna, and other game fish. The novel’s second act, set in the Gulf Stream, is especially powerful for those who understand the thrill of the chase and the raw beauty of the sport.
3. A Passion for Tarpon – Andy Mill
For anglers looking for a deep dive into the technical side of fly fishing for Tarpon, A Passion for Tarpon by Andy Mill is the definitive guide. Unlike the other two books, which focus more on storytelling and history, this one is a detailed instructional book filled with insights from one of the sport’s most accomplished anglers.
Mill, a former Olympic skier turned competitive tarpon fisherman, shares everything from fly selection and casting techniques to understanding tides and fish behavior. The book is filled with stories of Mill’s experiences in Florida and the Caribbean, making it an instructional manual and a highly engaging read. His interviews with legendary guides and anglers provide unparalleled knowledge on targeting these powerful fish on the fly.
For those serious about fly fishing in the Caribbean, A Passion for Tarpon is an indispensable resource. It’s a book that both beginners and seasoned anglers will return to time and time again, whether they’re preparing for their next trip or simply dreaming of the flats. The practical advice, the detailed instructions, and the wealth of knowledge it provides will leave you feeling informed and prepared for your next fly fishing adventure.
Now, experience it.
Now that you’ve read through these amazing scenes of chasing Tarpon on the flats or just enjoying the lifestyle of a little town by some tropical waters, you should come to experience it first here at Xcalak on the fly! Who knows, a few days with us might even inspire you to write a book that will end up on this list one day!
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