This entry was posted on Monday, March 22nd, 2010 at 3:04 am and is filed under Locations. These lagoons are mangrove-lined and accessible on all tidal phases. As to your Appalachian Trail adventure, have you read the book "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson chronicling his Appalachian adventure? 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. you. Buy it online or buy it when you arrive, just be sure to buy it before you start fishing. Night time temps were pretty cool, so having an AC was a non-issue and the showers were hot! Walleye fishing should start picking up now that we are into March. Spring creeks offer the ultimate challenge in the fly fishing world. 2022 by Fly Fish Costa Maya. Very well done Kev, glad you had a great trip. After 5 minutes or so the fish was getting closer to the boat. I look for alternatives from time to time, but didnt on this post. Your email address will not be published. You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. While staying at El Pescador Lodge in Belize, weve seen boats from there flyfishing in the Bacalar Chico Reserve. DIY Saltwater Fly Fishing - Etiquette on the Xcalak flats. Spend your days fly fishing the saltwater flats, snorkeling the coral reefs (just steps from your door), or simply eating too much local food and napping in the dappled shade of a palm. The town of Xcalak, Mexico sits at the end of the road. clients down who are beginners. It would be my second trip chasing saltwater fish on the flats, while Tony is a fairly experienced saltwater angler and licensed Captain. For years, my work has been fishing
The rivers, streams and lakes of Yellowstone National Park hold a special place in the hearts of many anglers. 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. Costa de Cocos, Only 2 kms from town, this accommodation is the closest thing to a resort youll find in Xcalak. 1 INSTITUTIONAL AMNESIA. TRAVEL There are several flights a day to Cancn, Mexico. The walleye fishing has been good on the days anglers can get out on the water. Options include unique fishing lodges, exclusive ranch stays, riverside vacation rentals, and affordable hotel packages. Xcalak Fishing is a fly fishing guide service located in the remote Mexican fishing village of Xcalak, Quintana Roo. On windy days, the lagoons behind Xcalak provide shelter and productive fishing for baby tarpon and snook. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The flats all along Xcalaks coast are fair game for fly fishing, with some of the best found at Chetumal Bay, only 30 minutes away by boat. reefs, islands, lagoons and bays of the beautiful Xcalak National
Xcalak. May 9, 2022 May 9, . I looked back at Alberto, and the look on his face said it all. WordPress. Even if the wind is howling out of the east, there are plenty of sheltered places to fish in Chetumal Bay, which is as large as Espiritu Santo and Ascension Bays combined. of Jose, myself, and a nice permit. Weather in the Northern Rockies can be fickle and it is always a good idea to come prepared regardless of the season. Had a great trip to Xcalak, fishing out of Casa Paraiso. [Story by Nick Roberts / Photos by Patrick Williams]. On spectrum of cost, Xcalak is on the low end for lodges and guides, although its location makes it a little difficult to get to. Home to jaguars, howler monkeys, and the deadly fer-de-lance pit viper, this land, along with the rest of the Yucatn Peninsula, was ruled by the Maya for centuries. But maybe it's good for you. Youre sitting at your computer, dreaming of fly fishing, and wondering what your next destination will be. The guides in Xcalak really know their stuff. With clear underwater visibility, warm temperatures, and the presence of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the coast of Xcalak offers fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling. Permit: the holy grail of flats fly fishing species for many (maybe white whale is a better analogy). Fly Fishing in Xcalak, Chetumal Bay, Mexico. 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. Search, book & review the best deals online with us! Some of the most exciting underwater experiences include seeing manatees and diving with schools of yardstick-long tarpon. March 3, 2023. I was also an unlucky one when I managed to hook and lose a permit pushing the 20-pound mark the next day, solidifying the fact that I would probably have said fever haunting me for the rest of my life. a bit about my services and your options for exploring the Xcalak
Its early June, the official start of hurricane season, and the only other guests of the resort are pairs of anglers from Argentina and Texas. Maximize your time on the water and make great memories on one of our deluxe overnight river camping trips. And stay open to opportunity, as you never know what you might come across while looking for something else. Bonefish - Bonefish live on both hard and soft bottom flats so fly fishing will be wading and boat casting. Its a quaint statement that can be applied to many situations in life. 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. 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. Contact david@whitestackle.com to suggest our next tutorial. Park. Copyright 2020 American Angler. } Headwear to keep you dry, cool, sun free, warm, or whatever you need! Be it status, financial security, or even something as fleeting as comfort. One of those lucky ones was me. Our group boated everything from 3-pound babies to 15-pound juvies. THE SUN IS SETTING OVER THE SLEEPY FISHING VILLAGE OF XCALAK, MEXICO, casting the barrier reef in amber light and bringing out the vibrant green and blue hues of the oceanside flats. Thanks for sharing! After about 10 minutes of nothing, I looked to my right and a big school of Permit were heading our way. For me, this fish is permit. Its less developed (and less crowded) than its popular northern neighbor Ascension Bay, near Tulum. Bay wells producing sheepshead and black drum on live shrimp. 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. Because of the diversity of waterscapes, Xcalak is an excellent place for fly-fishers to attempt the Grand-Slam, catching a bonefish, a tarpon, and a permit all in the same day. Go far enough, and it's not that you forget about the worriesit's that the worries forget about you. Michael Graham was in Xcalak in the Spring of 2009 on a self-described walk-about. Choose your accommodation, pack your gear, and head to what might be the last undiscovered fly fishing paradise in the Yucatan. Plan for overnights in Cancun on June 9 and June 18. I was fortunate enough to hit the ocean side on a good tide on the second day of the trip, along with a walk and wade lagoon on the last day. I may have framed my question a bit different than I wanted. Xcalak on the Fly is the Yucatan Peninsulas newest fly fishing lodge based out of Casa Paraiso. There is often the fear of a translation issue or a communication breakdown that leads to missed fish. 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. The line went tight instantly and the drag began screaming. 1 While natural . Chetumal Bay is at the far southern tip of the Yucatan, near the border with Belize. 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. I have had wonderful days fishing for bonefish
Re: DIY Fly Fishing. Jacks are close relatives of Permit, and they sometimes swim in schools together. I watch Blantons Board, so Ill keep an eye out for that. Map. Uncategorized. Farmington, ill. -Stop by for a cold beer on your, Byron Bayeasternmost point of Australia. Now, within that image, somewhere nestled between the aquamarine blues and the distant sandy cays throw in a few thousand Bonefish, Permit galore, Tarpon of all sizes and just about any of the Caribbeans' other dream inshore game fish species. Not to mention the list of 'other' species, such as Barracuda, Snapper, Jacks, Snook and Cobia that are all a real possibility on every trip. Video: 9 more videos to help you discover Xcalak. Your email address will not be published. Home to fewer than 500 people and only about six miles from the Belize border, Xcalak remains free of tourist traps and condosby virtue of its remoteness. And again. We have been offering one week fly fishing . March 2, 2023 Fishing Report. Montana is home to some of the most productive wild trout rivers on the planet. Both the saltwater flats and inland lagoons make for excellent kayaking and SUP. Montana Angler guides fish the famous Livingston creeks in addition to several other spring creeks on some of our exclusive ranch leases. Everyone was excited; my first permit, and it seemed like a good one. Snorkel, kayak, and enjoy the constantly warm weather far from the snowy north. The town sits next to the Caribbean on a small spit of land that separates the Ocean from Chetumal Bay. This entry was posted on Monday, March 22nd, 2010 at 3:04 am and is filed . Chetumal Bay is located near the small fishing village of Xcalak, Quintana Roo, Mexico, about 8 miles north of Ambergris Cay, about 150 miles south of Ascension Bay, and eight miles north of the Belize Border. In Xcalak, lush Mayan jungle meets turquoise Caribbean water. Upon our arrival to Costa De Cocos, we were greeted by Zach, the fly fishing manager of the lodge who directed us to our rooms. Outdoor Activities. In the Xcalak National Reef Park, fishing is catch-and-release (release comes after you take a photo of your catch, of course). International Fly-Fishing Film Festival 2023 Gage Charlesworth Ogden City Corp gagec@ogdencity.com-801-629-8992. Bonefish and all that relates (maybe a bit about tarpon too). Traveler ranking. 2023. Specifically, the joy found in our trip to the salt to fish the lesser known of the great Yucatan bays: Chetumal. It also happens to be one of the best places to DIY saltwater fly fish. Cell coverage is non-existent in Xcalak, so make sure you have an offline map before making the drive. For the majority of anglers traveling from the United States, the most direct route is to fly into the spring-break mecca of Cancn and drive the rest of the way, which takes about five hours. Simply enter your email address below and well send you a free special report Mexico: The Perfect Close-to-Home Retirement Haven. All of the guides at the lodge had lots of experience on the water (most around 15-20 years of guiding). Water has cleared up. 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. Running south, we have a maze of grass . 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). The flats of Chetumal Bay are home to an incredible amount of bones, and I had a few days of specifically targeting them. Xcalak (I have no idea how to pronounce that) is waaaay down there in Mexico past Cancun, past Ascencion Bay, almost to Belize. On the way to Xcalak, you can stop for tacos and a cold beer in Tulum. December through February, theses migrating snook show up and can be found lurking at likely ambush points. Thanks for the great report! You wont be roughing it though this palapa hut comes with its own private bathroom. .fullwidth-signup{ Talk about hero to zero. But maybe its good for you. Top Fishing Charters in Xcalak. Day 6Our last day in Xcalak would be another rest day. Off Xcalaks coast is the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. 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. 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. Here in Xcalak, Mexico, we have some of the most beautiful saltwater flats for fly fishing in the world. Welcome to Xcalak, Mexico. Beyond Tulum, the communities become more rural and become fewer and farther between. Some guides have over 25+ years of experience guiding fly fishers in the area. 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. I often found that the best communication came early at the dock when discussing the plan for the day. If you delve into the history of Xcalak, you will be able to see its relevance in communications and supplies between large cities. CAR Most visitors to Xcalak arrive at the Cancun International Airport (CUN). Join us on a 6 Night & 7 Day Guided fishing trip to beautiful Xcalak, Mexico. Email:xcalakotf@gmail.comPhone:+1.907.953.3992. Work now, play later as they say. Get away from it all on our extensive network of private access waters. I've heard anything from only an 8 weight to 8-10 weights needed for permit down there. Associated with Xflats fly fishing. Would cut the cost quite a bit me thinksor are you one of those resort dudes? Not only is Jose a great flats guide, he
MONDAY-SATURDAY 8:00 am-6:00 pm 3. However, for what the rooms might have lacked in luxury luster, everything was more than made up for with food, drinks, service, and staff! A resort, it is not. 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. My name is Jose, I live in Xcalak, and I am here to help you. The average catch is 6 - 12 bonefish per day. width: 100%; These "ghosts of the flats" swim about 27 miles per hour . Finally, when the tides were right, and the clients were willing, a few guides had sneaky spots where they would anchor the boat, put on the wading shoes and bomb through the mangroves into the Mayan jungle. 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. display: table; It was amazing fishing in a fantastic place with bones and permit caught right off the dock. Destination Reports Xcalak Bonefish Round 2. As it tends to do at inopportune moments, the windtoday blowing a steady 15 from the eastpicks up, increasing the chop. So I will simply say that there is a broad range of acceptable tactics but with the permit I caught, in the weather I caught it and with cast I made I was happy to have the 10wt. Each is constructed with a forward casting deck . Xcalak is cash-only, and theres no ATM; youd be wise to load up on pesos before arriving. Given Xcalaks limited development, youd be right to guess that the tourist hotels take sustainability seriously. BEACH FRONT lote For Sale 9150 ft2 at Mahahual- Xcalak road P3413, Costa Maya, Quintana Roo. I have fished with Captain
Filters 1. While comfortable, the accommodations are rusticwhich for all of us was just fine. With XOTF at Casa Paraiso, youre sure to have a rewarding and relaxing time. Or, use the free kayaks and SUPs offered at most beachside hotels. Xcalak is a quiet fishing town on the southern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. In part because both destinations are on my radar and in part because it's nice seeing pics of such a warm destination (as I type this I think the wind chill may have crept into the low double digits). Andy manages Duranglers Flies and Supplies online store and web content. Hey Bjorn, Myself and fellow Montana Angler guide Tony Nahorny traveled south to our partners at Costa de Cocos Lodge in Xcalak, Mexico in late February for a week-long escape from the Montana winter. The long ride south to Xcalak along scenic Highway 307 offers a fascinating look at the countryside and the villages dotting the eastern edge of the Yucatn Peninsula. Double occupancy (boat and room) -$4,495.00 USD. Both of us had traveled to Xcalak before, and we really enjoy the remote, off the grid feel as well as the excellent fishing for various species including Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit. Although more populous than Xcalak, the crowds here are nothing compared to the Riviera Maya. Bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook, and barracuda await your fly. 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. If youre craving a lively afternoon, head to Mahahuals pedestrian-only malecn, and find a beachside bar for some people-watching. To be sure, there can be some trepidation when headed out on a guided trip in a foreign country. These were just a few spots that our guides had in their back pockets for the right situation. Okay so I thought about this a lot today and let me restate my earlier comment. Find out when to come, what equipment to bring, browse blog articles, and more. These fish are tough, with extremely hard mouths, so getting them to eat sometimes was not the hard partsticking the hook was. Bring the basics and you are good to go. The jungle starts to encroach on civilization and lines the road like a solid green wall. We have miles and miles of wade-able flats with large numbers of bonefish and permit, and if you want to get . My love of snook was something I was clowned on throughout the trip, but when these Mexican migrators showed up on the flats and in the mangroves, no one was laughing. Both to the north and south of Xcalak, we have numerous rivers, creeks and cenotes that come together to form lagoon systems of differing sizes. Watch on. As a lifelong trout angler and guide, flats fishing is a totally different experience and challenge, and I am hooked. A little variation in the flow but not much. Plan for your Montana fishing trip. 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 . Barracuda patrol is also in order in Chetumal: while one angler is on the bow with the bonefish rod, the second is on deck with a 10 weight and wire rig tied to a needlefish fly. Inland, the ecosystem is a fragile mix of mangrove lagoons and thick jungle. Appetizers and drinks awaited us at the main lodge restaurant after we settled in. If you wish, you can join a kayaking tour, which is usually paired with a snorkeling excursion. width: 100%; Accommodations are off-grid, which gives any vacation in Xcalak a touch of adventure. (And check out our highlight video from our trip last year below!). The tarpon opportunities were not an all day, everyday kind of thing, but when they were there, it could be a few hours of almost constant targets! Lakes above and below us are all . Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Deep sea, light tackle, fly fishing - you name it! The reef runs from Cozumel all the way to Honduras, and is quite close to the shore in Xcalak. This place is real and its called Xcalak. /* Clear floats after the columns */ The shifting baseline concept popularized by Pauly (), in which change is measured against previous reference points which may themselves not reflect the true early state, has been documented in fisheries worldwide (e.g. Required fields are marked *. This approximately 70-acre lake just north of Turner is open to public fishing along the southern half. Fishing pressure has been very light, even with a lot of steelhead in the river. 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. 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. As in most places where one can find tarpon, there often are a few in the mix. Coral Garden Inn. Strangely enough, comfort should loose to joy, almost always. Many had a mix of experience guiding out of Xcalak along with guiding at Ascension Bay. Fly fishing for Pacific Rockfish is nothing new, but something that most anglers haven't sampled yet. The lodge will supply you with non alcoholic beverages and lunch to take on your fly fishing quest. If you book a fly fishing package with one of Xcalaks accommodations, they can hook you up with a guide, or you book an accommodation and a guide separately. The area surrounding Xcalak on the Chetumal bay side is a wild and relatively untouched place. Chetumal Bay is not a name a lot of traveling fly anglers have heard as Ascension Bay often gets more of the notoriety and publicity due to its proximity to Cancun. We started answering emails, at first, and then made this website. It comes with the package. Did I mention tarpon are my favorite fish to cast at with a fly rod? Again, I really enjoyed your report. This ancient Maya city boasts three excavated stone plazas and a towering pyramid. After a quick scramble through mosquito hell, we would find ourselves in secret lagoons full of baby tarpon, snook, and bonefish pushing 6 to 8 pounds. Here is where you'll acquire a wealth of knowledge about Xcalak, in just . Adventurous travelers will be curious to explore beyond Xcalaks tranquil beaches. The permit are still there, about 20 yards out. This is a video I made for some friends that were thinking of going on a trip with us. For me, it is tarpon. 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. Last updated 3/1/23. Traveler favorites. 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. The fishing was simply outstanding - the best I've ever had in Mexico - and Costa de Cocos proved to be a little gem of a lodge. His place is right in town where the fishing guides pick you up. To the north, we have the the Rio Huach lagoon system, boasting consisitent baby Tarpon and Snook fishing year round. 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. Read about average temperatures and weather patterns month by month. EN C Change your measurements great time to plan a visit. You might have heard of Xcalak, but because of its remote location its a relatively unknown, uncrowded fly fishing destination. They do not, however, command nearly the same respect in the angling world as a Permit. The most popular fish in Xcalak are permit and bonefish, but theres a lot more than that for you to hook. You know youre at a fly fishing-friendly place when theres a rod wash station. content: ""; Site cast to trophy trout cruising the shallows of several productive lakes. With a rental car and an early start, you can make a day trip to some of southern Mexicos intriguing, lesser-visited sights. The scenic, 250-mile drive from Cancn to Xcalak takes about five hours. Traveling back in time to a distant tropical land where time loses all meaning. Brandon, I am careful when I write these reports because I am not an expert and dont want to pretend to be one. We didnt see a lot of snook on our trip, but the ones we did see were pushing 40. It depicts a good summary. Some days it was permit, some days it was tarpon, but the constant was of course bonefish. Hop in a panga, explain to your guide what you want to catch, and off you go. A lovely place to stay: Reef House at Casa Paraiso Xcalak - See 315 traveller reviews, 292 photos, and cheap deals for Reef House at Casa Paraiso Xcalak at Tripadvisor. It usually lead to a more productive day of fishing when we were maximizing our guides knowledge of the area along with searching for fish we had a better chance of getting shots. They are spooky and quick to forget. 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. 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. is a great caster himself, casting equally well with both
Acocote Eco Inn: Perfect for the adventurous - Read 144 reviews, view 87 photos, and find great deals for Acocote Eco Inn at Tripadvisor Most of our trips include rods, flies and we rent waders. This might be a deeper existential opener for a blog post designed to inform you about our recent trip to Mexico, but it might be a necessary one. 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! Top Fishing Charters in Xcalak. This fly fishing service can book your tour and accommodations, and has access to a network of Xcalak guides. }. Id love to make it down there. Bonefish on the Brain. LODGING Costa de Cocos Resort (www . Re: DIY Fly Fishing. Xcalak Front Side Flats. Feel free to send me an email with any questions you
Experience the fishing, the culture, and the food . Will dredging the Zaragoza Canal hurt Xcalak. Video Tutorials. I toss the Rag Head Crab into the air, load my 9-weight, and aim a couple feet in front of the lead fish. They are opportunistic eaters and as picky as permit. What would it take to help others find Xcalak? Known as La Mula Blanca (The White Mule), this Mexican moonshine has no doubt comforted many permit-scorned anglers; a few days later I, too, order a round to ease the sting of rejection. I'm sorry to say no permit for . Let me share my thoughts. .signup-column { Its uncommonly easy to find a stretch of the Caribbean all to yourself in Xcalak. One thing I did notice was that, depending on the day and tides, the tarpon spots could be limited. Water temperatures are still cold. Getting ThereThe town of Xcalak, Mexico sits at the end of the road. [emailprotected], HOURS: 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. Leave early to arrive before nightfall. There were times were we found bonefish tailing in schools of 10s and 20s in a foot of water and turtle grass. Powered by THE BEST Xcalak Fishing Charters & Tours. I'd like to hear about the permit on the 10 weight. Some fish get into our soul. You must log in or register to reply here. Depending on the weather conditions, we could find ourselves poling white sandbanks in search of Permit, wading ankle-deep grass flats for tailing Bonefish, or casting to strings of Tarpon passing remote cayes. The first time I went to Xcalak, what stood out the most was the places authenticity. 2-8-23. I personally felt it was incredible, but I am partial to anything coastal, and anything Mexican. You can buy food from the local grocery trucks that ply the beach road. We will help you hand pick the perfect lodge, design a great fishing program and help coordinate all logistics from airport transfers to meeting, Explore the world's most amazing fisheries with our destination travel program.