There is a place called the Miskito Coast and extends from eastern Honduras into coastal Nicaragua. It is home to several indigenous tribes including the Miskito Indians from which the area draws its name. The name itself is derived from ambiguous meanings but it is believed to have come from the words mosquito and mystique. This is truly a place that time has passed. And for those looking for pristine waters to wet a line, you've found it here along the Miskito Coast!
On the Honduran side of this region is a vast series of lagoons eventually emptying into the Caribbean via the Caratasca Inlet. It is here in one of these lagoons called the Warunta where you will find a very unique fishing outpost. Warunta Lagoon Lodge was built by natives and funded and managed by Americans who ventured here for unexplored fishing opportunities. What was found is some of the best backwater and inlet fishing to be found in Central America.
Come see a place that was thought to be long past. A destination that is as mysterious as its name. A place where no one is in a rush and the cries of macaws and monkeys are the only thing you hear at daybreak. Warunta Lagoon and its surrounding waters are indeed one of the last pristine fisheries in the Americas.
The main species at Warunta are snook and tarpon and unlike other destinations, you do not have to wait for a perfect weather day to catch fish. No need to dodge breaking waves as you make a cast or hoping a fish will bite amongst twenty other boats. You are casting to these fish in fresh water that is basically a nursery and never muddies from the rain. In fact snook have been caught right from our docks and can be heard crashing baits beneath your cabin. Those looking to tackle some real monster tarpon, can head out to the inlet that is 45 minutes from our lodge. You will also encounter snook and huge jack crevalles right from the surf.
The fishery here has yet to be fully established, as there are over 300 square miles of water yet to be explored. Our range is far as our 70 horse, 4-stroke Evinrudes will push our 20-foot center consoles on a full tank of gas. While we certainly know many great fishing spots, by no means do we have it all figured out. But what can be more appealing than to catch fish where no one has done so before. Warunta Lagoon is such a place.
There are three different species of snook at Warunta and they are: the "fat snook", swordspine and common. It is not unusual to catch all three in a given day. Whether it's flipping a "DOA" amongst the lily pads, retrieving a Ratt'L Trap from the many floating islands or bouncing your jig off the bottom of a river, you'll be hooked on the snook fishing at Warunta. As for the tarpon, they can be lurking most anywhere. You'll be astonished when a 150 tarpon crashes your bait in three feet of water shaded by huge canopies of trees that are still in place here. Flyrodders will also see lots of opportunities at Warunta. Sinking tip lines using big streamer patterns have been successful for snook and Clouser Minnows work on the tarpon especially at lagoon mouths. While this is not sight casting that you see in the Caribbean or the Bahamas, it is mostly fresh water and clear enough that you'll see the strike.
Are you tired of a rigid schedule that is in place at some of the other lodges you visit? Would you like to get up at dawn and fish until dark? Do you want to play a real active role on your vacation instead of being just another guest? Then Warunta is the place for you.
Warunta Lodge is situated entirely out on the water and anchored by sturdy Santa Maria pilings. Its dock is connected to the jungle where jaguars, ocelots and deer are known to roam. There are four thatched-roofed cabins that will house only eight guests a week with each having its own private lavatory. Shower stalls (with hot water) are situated just outside your room that will allow you to view the lagoon and the sunset each day as you lather up. Despite its remote setting, Warunta does generate is own electricity. While we must operate it during the evening, it is shut off for bedtime. Its open-air design and the fact that we are on the water, takes advantage of an easterly sea breeze that blows most every day. Battery powered fans are in each room should you need them. There is also an extended dock entering a gazebo area where one can catch machaca (bream) by the hundreds or try your luck under the fish lights for snook and tarpon. Or you may wish to just relax and gaze at the millions of stars that can be seen each night under the brilliant sky.
There is a central dining and lounge area where all meals are taken and is the epicenter of the complex. The "Kayuka Bar" is in place for all who wish to partake. While we can't guarantee your favorite spirit is stocked, we hope you'll appreciate some of the local rums and beer. The food here is as good as the fishing and at times we are able to improvise with nice additions like prawns and lobster. But mostly our staff will use what is available to them, which is good cuts of meat, pork and chicken as well as pasta dishes. And snook will be served at least once every week. Our cook will not accept complaints on food, and so far there have been none!!
