The Weekly Five - 44
Puerto Rico's Tarpon Treasure
EXPLORATION ANGLING — TWF:44
Welcome to The Weekly Five, Issue 44, where we celebrate Puerto Rico’s tarpon & permit fishery, the arrival of Cox Outdoors, more 2026 trips to isolated Fanning Island, mid-priced rods from St Croix, and Patagonia solo by pack raft.
Following their US$10 million donation to American Rivers noted in The Weekly Five - 42, Cox Enterprises is continuing its push into the outdoor sector with the launch of Cox Outdoors. The new division brings together Kuiu Ultralight, their latest acquisition, and Loop Tackle, purchased in 2024. With the pieces now under one roof, expect Kuiu to roll out a dedicated fly-fishing apparel line in 2026.
Puerto Rico is quickly emerging as the next major hotspot in saltwater fly fishing. Anglers are finding tarpon pushing 60–80 pounds before they migrate to spawn, all alongside a genuinely world-class permit fishery. Consistently light winds, pleasant weather, and frequent nonstop flights into San Juan (SJU) from major U.S. hubs mean exploring this destination is an easy decision.
St. Croix continues its return to fly-rod prominence with the launch of the Legend Elite Freshwater and Legend Elite Saltwater series. Priced at US$595 and US$650 respectively, these new-for-2026 rods strengthen the mid-price category — adding even more pressure to an already embattled US$1,000-plus premium segment. Have any readers tried these yet?
For those looking for a remote saltwater fly fishing adventure, Isolation Outfitters has announced a second 2026 hosted trip to Fanning Island after strong demand for their two-week April 2026 expedition.
Endless Equatorial Flats — photographed by Winston Weyborn
64-year-old Perry from the UK demonstrates that Argentine Patagonia can be fished DIY — and even with a pack raft. Stay tuned to Exploration Angling for more on each of these pristine river systems in the coming months.
Missed us?
Heading to the Yucatan?
Xcalak
If you’re looking to catch the trio of Permit, Tarpon and Bonefish, consider Xcalak south of the Mexican ‘Riviera Maya’ for a reasonably priced destination.
Welcome, Tail Inn
A new fishing lodge has announced its arrival on the plentiful flats of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Destination anglers seeking a Super Slam will be pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food and lodgings here.
