Some of the bonefish I personally took shots at while wading said secret lagoons led me to believe that a 10-pound bonefish in the Yucatan was entirely plausible. If you have spent any time on a saltwater flat with a guide, then you are always amazed by how far an experienced guide can spot fish. Bay wells producing sheepshead and black drum on live shrimp. Talk about hero to zero. overflow: hidden; We have the safest, fastest, and driest boats in the . We know you'll love fishing with . Chetumal Bay is at the far southern tip of the Yucatan, near the border with Belize. This entry was posted on Monday, March 22nd, 2010 at 3:04 am and is filed . Here in Xcalak, Mexico, we have some of the most beautiful saltwater flats for fly fishing in the world. Xcalak Bonefish (1.000) Xcalak on a Monday (1.000) Bones of Costa de Cocos (1.000) Tags: Bahia Blanca, bonefishing, Mexico, Xcalak. Snorkel, kayak, and enjoy the constantly warm weather far from the snowy north. XTC local guides maintain a high degree of knowledge on fly fishing and casting artificial lures for all species of saltwater fish found in the area. guide with great eyes, he is an enjoyable fishing companion is a great caster himself, casting equally well with both Contact david@whitestackle.com to suggest our next tutorial. [Story by Nick Roberts / Photos by Patrick Williams]. Before you head off to Xcalak, here is some advice for making the most of your trip: .jason-signup { Most hotels are self-catered. He covers the coast and inland waters. All of the guides at the lodge had lots of experience on the water (most around 15-20 years of guiding). Please check the website to learn This fly fishing service can book your tour and accommodations, and has access to a network of Xcalak guides. There was some netting going on. Shots at permit are what brought my fishing buddy Patrick and me to Xcalaka small pit stop on the Yucatn Peninsula at the southern end of Costa Maya, perfectly situated on one of the last undeveloped stretches along the Mexican Caribbean. Water temperatures are still cold. Finally, heading south of Xcalak town, the water turns coloured and offers excellent opportunities to target rolling Tarpon, as well as Snook and Jacks as they feed on Sardines and glass minnows sheltering close to the mangroves. While an 8 or 9 weight could have handled these fish just fine, all our guides suggested a 10 weight in the event that the 30-pound bruisers of the juvenile bunch decided to show upwhich they did and quickly threw our flies. There were times were we found bonefish tailing in schools of 10s and 20s in a foot of water and turtle grass. Your journey begins by flying to Cancun, where you will be whisked away from the urban hustle and bustle to the much more relaxed pace in real Mexico. Enjoy lightly fished streams and trophy lakes on one our exclusive ranch leases. Copyright 2020 American Angler. This waterbody should produce fish year-round. For years, my work has been fishing and guiding in . The walleye fishing has been good on the days anglers can get out on the water. JavaScript is disabled. These lagoons are mangrove-lined and accessible on all tidal phases. 2022 by Fly Fish Costa Maya. Come wade the warm, tropical flats of Xcalak in search of Permit, Jacks, Bonefish and juvenile Tarpon from the quaint fly fishing village of Xcalak, Mexico. /* Clear floats after the columns */ clear: both; Each is constructed with a forward casting deck . He is an excellent teacher and my choice when I send There are no guarantees when permit fishing, but we found that if we really wanted to spend an entire day getting refusals, then there were plenty of permit to accommodate us. Theyre partnered with Hotel Tierra Maya. Costa De Cocos Lodge isnt totally out in the middle of absolutely nowhere, but it is out of the way. Filters 1. As a fishing village, the vast majority of Xcalak's 400 people have earned a living from the sea for generations and that tradition continues. Dr. Mike Larkin on Bonefish The Tom Roland Podcast. These fish sneak to our minds without warning, upturn our mental tables, tip the shelves of reason, smash the windows of logic, set fire to the couch of stability, and leave without an explanation. Get away from it all on our extensive network of private access waters. Im not able to watch the video for some reason. Choose your accommodation, pack your gear, and head to what might be the last undiscovered fly fishing paradise in the Yucatan. Talk your guide about what you want to try for snook, tarpon, barracuda, or jacks. Top Fishing Charters in Xcalak. Rain has improved fishing conditions. Most of our trips include rods, flies and we rent waders. A few of us even opted to grab a lodge kayak and head out to the oceanside flats for a little afternoon casting practice. Depending on traffic and how many stops you make, the trip will take about 6 to 7 hours. North Central Oregon/Mid-Columbia Waters: This week's report from Gorge Outfitters Supply (541-739-2222) in Rufus. Like us, theyre here to take advantage of Costa de Cocos great off-season rates. and an obscure mountain lake; Of the Sea, brothers explore the elusive Banco Chinchorro off the coast of Xcalak; Jacks, giant trevally attacking from deep ocean water; Father Nature . Jose on many occasions and I am pleased to recommend him. Mexico Cleanr theme by WPShoppe. They do not, however, command nearly the same respect in the angling world as a Permit. With clear underwater visibility, warm temperatures, and the presence of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the coast of Xcalak offers fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling. These fish are those we hold most dear. Diosa Del Mar Mahahual 25 ft 4 persons . been more beautiful or better here than they are now. Learn about getting to Xcalak. To the north, we have the the Rio Huach lagoon system, boasting consisitent baby Tarpon and Snook fishing year round. font-size: medium; Whether you are searching for the elusive permit specifically or are just looking for the best salt-water fly fishing experience in Xcalak, Mexico down in the Yucatan, The Xflats at Tierra Maya, established in 1982, is a privately-owned saltwater fly-fishing lodge that combines the luxury of a resort, yet still maintains the casualness of beach front living. Site cast to trophy trout cruising the shallows of several productive lakes. If you just have a day or two to spare, day trips are a great way to experience Montana's legendary fisheries. MONDAY-SATURDAY 8:00 am-6:00 pm The sheer power of the fish is incredible. Scuba enthusiasts should consider an overnight trip to the Banco Chinchorro atoll, an underwater paradise with a pristine biosphere, shipwrecks, and coral canyons. Permit fever is a real thing, and for those experiencing this diagnosis, Chetumal bay is a good place to seek a fix (I say fix, not cure as there is no such thing). Need a fishing charter? That image has changed with the arrival of sargassum algae in atypical amounts beginning about a decade ago ().Researchers from within the natural sciences assume that these specific algae reproduce quickly in the Atlantic Ocean due to an input of nutrients in the water, changes in currents, and warming ocean temperatures, viewing sargassum arrivals to be the new normal. Two units have generated flow nonstop, day and night. THE BEST Xcalak Fishing Charters & Tours. This proved to be a pretty exciting way to mix up the day when cuda were on the flats. I will let those with more experience and confidence continue the debate from there. I found our guides all warm and open once we got them talking about their lives and their guiding careers. The reef is a physical barrier that breaks up big ocean surge and turns it to gentle waves. After getting into the groove of casting heavier rods, we even managed a few fish including the first bonefish of the trip caught by Jim. This entry was posted on Monday, March 22nd, 2010 at 3:04 am and is filed under Locations. Xcalak has been a favorite for over ten years. Your flight is NOT included in the package and must be purchased separately. There were a few interesting flats around, some small bonefish, a decent number of cudas. While none of our group boated a snook this trip as it was a little early in the season, we still had a few shots. At XOTF, our goal is to provide you with the most personalized and all-inclusive fly fishing experience.Our packages and trips were designed by fishing-obsessed father and son duo Jim and Chase Looney with anglers in mind. Inland, the ecosystem is a fragile mix of mangrove lagoons and thick jungle. And stay open to opportunity, as you never know what you might come across while looking for something else. The jetties are still holding trout and redfish. Theres more to Xcalak than fly fishing, heres our Ultimate List of Things to do in Xcalak, https://www.josexcalaktours.com/index.html. With the scarcity of resources in mind, its not surprising that theres no air conditioninghere, youll have to count on the Caribbean breeze and ceiling fans to stay cool. It's a great read.way better then the movie of the same name, imo. Thoughts of selling all my possessions, moving into a tent on the beach, and spending the rest of my miserable existence chasing that next white whale lineerblack tail. Off Xcalaks coast is the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Your email address will not be published. If you are looking for world class fishing in a pristine and wild place, Xcalak is the town for you and Xcalak Fishing is your guide service! For unknown reasons, Scheepstra broke away from his fishing partner and headed back toward the rental car. Quintana Roo, Mxico - Xcalak is a village of 375 inhabitants in the municipality of Othn P. Blanco, Quintana Roo, on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. This isn't a trip for everyone but for those looking for a trip off the grid a bit, I would like to introduce you Xcalak Mexico. Join International Living Today and Get the 2023 Global Retirement IndexFREE with This Special Offer. It's just that I've heard so many different reports about what rods to use there and you, having done it yourself, may be able to give some insight on what you liked about having the 10 weight vs a lighter weight in that situation. One of those lucky ones was me. Our drive led us past the gringo tourists on rental bikes, past food carts unadvisable for visitors, and past the multi-million and mega gaudy resort entrances. The added bonus of these lagoons is that they offer excellent shelter during windy days or inclement weather, allowing our anglers to have great fishing, whatever the conditions, just like you can see in the video. Not just a fishing and diving lodge, Costa de Cocos boasts a restaurant, brewery, and distillery. Click here to receive the sport of fly fishing's most authoritative magazine. .fullwidth-signup{ Xcalak on the Fly is the Yucatan Peninsula's newest fly fishing lodge based out of Casa Paraiso. When I wrote my first article on bonefish fishing in Xcalak, Mexico, I mentioned that I was currently planning another trip back to pursue bonefish once again. My name is Jose, I live in Xcalak, and I am here to help you. The flats all along Xcalak's coast are fair game for fly fishing, with some of the best found at Chetumal Bay, only 30 minutes away by boat. Looking at the case now10 years removedis like trying to investigate a crime that was never actually a crime. I recently returned from Southern Mexico after my first salt water trip. You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. The resort also offers half- and full-day fishing trips (US$175-350), in case you want to fish while in Xcalak without making it a full-on fishing vacation. I have had wonderful days fishing for bonefish color: white; We loved it so much, that we are even planning to head back November 16-23, 2019, and we have a few spots still available. Xcalak is an out off the way destination that may lack the big-name draw of places like Ascension, but for the price, it may be the best deal in saltwater trips out there. The fresh (but slightly salty) water in the lagoons hosts an entirely different species of wildlife than the saltwater flats. Quiet about Xcalak! If you can picture all that, you will have a good idea of what life is like out on the Xcalak and Chetumal Bay flats! The place is far nicer and mainstream than led to believe in the pictures. If you are interested, you can read more about our 2019 trip here OR shoot me an e-mail and we can talk Mayan adventure. His place is right in town where the fishing guides pick you up. Feel free to send me an email with any questions you After 5 minutes or so the fish was getting closer to the boat. In part one, Jesse and Waypoints host Jim Klug discussed the southern Yucatan fisheries of Xcalak and Chetumal Bay, the challenges of owning a saltwater lodge, Jesse's personal obsession with permit, and how to build a career in the fly fishing industry. They are opportunistic eaters and as picky as permit. Welcome to Permit Paradise! Go far enough, and its not that you forget about the worriesits that the worries forget about you. Nathan Bolerjack. Speaking of accommodations, here are the most popular accommodations for fly fishers in Xcalak: Home of the Fxcalak (fish-ka-lak, get it?) Some days it was permit, some days it was tarpon, but the constant was of course bonefish. The front side of Xcalak, or 'out front' as we like to say, is an expansive coastline fishery that offers a little bit of everything, regardless of the conditions. reefs, islands, lagoons and bays of the beautiful Xcalak National This special guide covers real estate, retirement and more in Mexico and is yours free when you sign up for our postcards below. @media only screen and (max-width: 600px) { EN C Change your measurements Xcalak is located within a National Park, designed to protect the worlds second largest barrier reef. Hotel Tierra Maya also offers fly-fishing packages for 6-7 nights (US$3,496-4,237 s, US$2,243-2,760 d), though they don't include all the perkslike airport transportation, open bar . He rents boats and can give you advice. Xcalak is an out off the way destination that may lack the big-name draw of places like Ascension, but for the price, it may be the best deal in saltwater trips out there. Targeting the plentiful bonefish is always an option. Xcalak, with a present population of around 350 people, was the largest city in Quintana Roo until it was . Simply enter your email address below and well send you a free special report Mexico: The Perfect Close-to-Home Retirement Haven. Anyway, long story short, we did visit. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site. We came to fish, not be pampered with warm bathrobes and spa treatments. a bit about my services and your options for exploring the Xcalak Both Victor and Nick are great guys to fish with. Choose from over 20 fabled blue ribbon rivers that we target. Stay in a cabaa or a small casa, and spend the rest of your time on land in the palapa-topped lodge preparing for the next day and boasting about your triumphs. Plan for your Montana fishing trip. .signup-column { Plan for overnights in Cancun on June 9 and June 18. I landed the fish, a bit disappointed, but happy nevertheless at putting a good fish in the boat. I have fished with Captain Running south, we have a maze of grass flats, sandy shorelines and coral bommies, all of which are home to Bonefish, Permit and Triggers, along with the occasional Shark and Cuda. Again, I really enjoyed your report. If you liked the story above, check out these stories below. @Glenn, I dont know why the video isnt playing for you it played for me straight off. Xcalak is one of the towns that has been maintained over time in its most natural state. What would it take to help others find Xcalak? Traveler favorites. Would love to see more pictures! For me, this fish is permit. Traveler favorites. Map. 20-40 lb leader is perfect and when they're in the mood to bite they will eat a variety of bait fish patterns in sardines and mullet intimations and og tarpon flies like tarpon toad, black death, gummy minnows and ep minnows, in black and . Cell coverage is non-existent in Xcalak, so make sure you have an offline map before making the drive. Maybe you are very serious about Our blog offers a vast collection of useful articles that include topics related to hatches, seasons, rivers, destination trip reports and more, Helpful checklists to make sure you include the proper clothing and gear for your Montana fishing trip, Information on rates for Montana and Yellowstone National Park fishing licenses. One thing I did notice was that, depending on the day and tides, the tarpon spots could be limited. We enjoyed another day eating lunch in town and drinking beers sitting by the sea. American Angler magazine covers fly-fishing tactics, tackle, destinations, news, and fisheries conservation for a national readership of more than 40,000 fly fishers of all levels. Xcalak (I have no idea how to pronounce that) is waaaay down there in Mexico past Cancun, past Ascencion Bay, almost to Belize. While staying at El Pescador Lodge in Belize, weve seen boats from there flyfishing in the Bacalar Chico Reserve. display: block; Bonefish and all that relates (maybe a bit about tarpon too). The fishing. And he can also keep up Ilana and David Randall founded Costa de Cocos over 25 years ago on an idyllic 350-foot stretch of oceanfront property a half mile north of town. clients down who are beginners. Work now, play later as they say. And again. Michael Graham was in Xcalak in the Spring of 2009 on a self-described walk-about. We fished for Permit, tarpon and Snook here also but I considered . Our guides at Costa were no exception, often spotting permit 300 yards away or more. For years, my work has been fishing Palometaalla, he whispers, pointing into the glare. DIY Saltwater Fly Fishing - Etiquette on the Xcalak flats. It was amazing fishing in a fantastic place with bones and permit caught right off the dock. Of the 30 plus eats I had with Marty on the second day, we managed to jump 4 and land 1. Bring the basics and you are good to go. Night time temps were pretty cool, so having an AC was a non-issue and the showers were hot! Great report Kev,and IMHO you did everything right re your rod choice mate.As this was your first experience of this kind you didn't take knives to a gun fight. This package includes transportation from Cancun International Airport, accommodation and all meals. Im not far behind. The permit are still there, about 20 yards out. I toss the Rag Head Crab into the air, load my 9-weight, and aim a couple feet in front of the lead fish. The area we were in was very shallow, so Alberto began poling us in search of Plan B. Fishing season here is year-round and the fish are abundant. It is an old borrow pit and features largemouth bass, panfish such as bluegill, and a few trout. It also happens to be one of the best places to DIY saltwater fly fish. All rights reserved. Were pleasantly surprised to learn from the bartender, Jos, that Costa de Cocos not only brews and bottles it own beer but also distills its own bourbon and corn liquor, which could double as fuel for the pangas anchored out back. I hadnt caught anything the day before and now I was blowing a great Permit shot. We flew into Cancun on a Friday the 6th of December, overnighted at the Cancun Airport Marriott, and then were picked up the following morning for a 5-hour drive south into the Mayan jungle. This trip was with Bahia Blanca. position: relative; It was like a rustic cabin right on the . I booked Nick for this April and he comes highly recommended, out of Mahahual. The scenic, 250-mile drive from Cancn to Xcalak takes about five hours. Rates and terms for some of our standard trips. padding: 1.25rem 1.25rem 1rem; These "ghosts of the flats" swim about 27 miles per hour . Uncategorized. The upside is the permit fishing is consistently good through June and July (Julio notes that May is typically the best month), and June is also when big migratory tarpon begin to show up along the reef. }. Welcome to Xcalak. Montana is home to some of the most productive wild trout rivers on the planet. Its cheaper to stay at one of the non fishing lodges down there and book guides on your own and DIY. Last updated 3/1/23. +52 983 186 6112. It depicts a good summary. /* Create three equal columns that floats next to each other */ I found this video fresh off the internets. While beach destinations in Mexico, such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen, are well-known for their long, beautiful stretches of sand, theres another perfect spot along the Caribbean Sea that receives far less tourist attention: Xcalak. The reef runs from Cozumel all the way to Honduras, and is quite close to the shore in Xcalak. We emerge from the jungle after a couple hours, and when I spot a stand of mangroves sprouting in a pool of water along the road, I know were almost there. } Build lasting relationships with your best clients or reward your key employees with one of our custom built corporate fishing retreats. Our packages and trips were designed by fishing-obsessed father and son duo Jim and Chase Looney with anglers in mind. Renting a car from Cancun is the most common way to reach Xcalak. Were on our way back to Costa de Cocos resort, idling down the outside edge of a long expanse of turtle grass, when suddenly our guide, Julio Gomez, cuts the engine and plants his bamboo pushpole, bringing the panga, aptly named Permit Me, to a halt. I personally felt it was incredible, but I am partial to anything coastal, and anything Mexican. For over 20 years, underwater visual census survey data has been collected periodically at 36 spawning aggregation sites, and grey literature is available since the 1940's, yet managers and conservation practitioners report that abundance tendencies for 48% of grouper and snapper spawning species across the 36 sites are 'Unknown', despite . Shorelines action is heating up with a few speckled trout, redfish, and decent numbers of black drum, and sheepshead, all on live shrimp. The town is remote, and so far south, it's only six miles to the Belize /Mexico border. 970-385-4081 A Beginners Guide to San Juan River Fly Fishing, Duranglers 2018 Xcalak, Mexico Trip Report, shoot me an e-mail and we can talk Mayan adventure, Tying Big Flies with Snowrunner, aka Nayat, 3 Lesser Known Fishing Spots Around Durango, CO, Winter and Springtime Fly Fishing and Tying Classes, Clinics, and Events, Duranglers is now an Orvis Endorsed Outfitter Fly Shop. This way of thinking might sell them far to short, however, because bonefish are extremely fun. After suffering several hurricanes, Xcalak maintains a small population dedicated to fishing and tourism, maintaining its . Originally started as a diving and snorkeling lodge to cater to tourists wishing to explore the Mesoamerican barrier reef 400 yards from shore(more on that later), the owners of the Lodge quickly realized the immense potential of the fishery in front of and behind their lodge. If you have fished in the Bay of Ascension you can expect fewer but larger fish in Xcalak, the average being 3 to 4 pounds. Its a Maybe you are very serious about fly fishing maybe you are very excited about snorkeling or maybe you are just very ready for a vacation to explore the reefs, islands, lagoons and bays of the beautiful Xcalak National Park.