Iguana Island Recap

// Ladies week at the palometa club

All fun, and zero drama.  Did you expect something else from an all ladies fishing week at the most renowned permit fishery in the world?

With an “all for one, one for all” vibe in mind, the Ladies Club kicked off the inaugural Iguana Island Invitational down at The Palometa Club, a wildly unique tournament format that allowed for friendly competition without the austere rules or pressure.  All species, honor system rules, and awards for guides only . . . with a side of glory to the winning anglers.  The concept was a leap of faith, and it paid off.

Backed by a seriously killer roster of sponsors - we’re talking Marshwear, YETI, Turtlebox, Patagonia, Grundens, and Poncho to name a few - the tournament came together with legitimacy and high stakes for anglers and guides alike.  Ladies targeted permit when the weather was good, but kept backup rods rigged and handy for opportunistic shots at other eligible species.  Overcast and rainy days were spent in the mangroves, bending the rod on tarpon and snook. 

By the last fishing day, it was evident that the guides were just as into the tournament as the anglers.  Long boat runs for a Hail Mary shot at permit, pushing deeper into the rich maze of mangroves searching for a mondo tarpon, and “just five more minutes” at the last fishing spot…all tactics used by guides for one final opportunity to take the lead on a species.  By Awards Night, everyone was ready to relax, let loose, and celebrate a great week of fishing and camaraderie.  

The week was a huge hit and the Ladies Club is already planning to run it back next year, bigger and better than before.  If you’re interested in joining the 2026 Iguana Island Invitational, email ladiesclub@tailwatersflyfishing.com to get on the waitlist.  And join the Tailwaters Ladies Club below to be the first to know about additional ladies trips and events.