The excellent fly fishing is found on the bonefish and permit flats of Chetumal Bay. Your email address will not be published. Xcalak (I have no idea how to pronounce that) is waaaay down there in Mexico past Cancun, past Ascencion Bay, almost to Belize. 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. The line went tight instantly and the drag began screaming. BEACH FRONT lote For Sale 9150 ft2 at Mahahual- Xcalak road P3413, Costa Maya, Quintana Roo. On the boats at 8am and back at the dock 4-430pm. Montana Angler holds a federal permit to guide our guests on these legendary waters, Fish over 20 legendary Montana rivers across multiple valleys or get off the beaten path on our exclusive private access ranch leases. 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. We fished for Permit, tarpon and Snook here also but I considered . Bay wells producing sheepshead and black drum on live shrimp. Imagine floating into a deluxe camp on one of our private ranches or permitted islands where cold beverages and tasty appetizers await. TRAVEL There are several flights a day to Cancn, Mexico. 1 While natural . May 9, 2022 May 9, . (3 spots remain.) It's less developed (and less crowded) than it's popular northern neighbor Ascension Bay, near Tulum. 30 Jul. We enjoyed another day eating lunch in town and drinking beers sitting by the sea. Dan Blantons board has a had a few posts on ocassion. Now, obviously joy can be found everywhere and in every situation, we find ourselves in, including work (we must choose to find it)but we are talking about the joy that can be found in fly fishing. As to your Appalachian Trail adventure, have you read the book "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson chronicling his Appalachian adventure? Electricity comes from solar panels, except for on cloudy days when a diesel generator kicks in, and the rooftops capture rainwater and channel it into underground cisterns to use for showers and cleaning. .signup-column { Re: DIY Fly Fishing. Although more populous than Xcalak, the crowds here are nothing compared to the Riviera Maya. I landed the fish, a bit disappointed, but happy nevertheless at putting a good fish in the boat. width: 100%; Did I mention tarpon are my favorite fish to cast at with a fly rod? The town is set on a peninsula separating the Caribbean Sea from the Bay of Chetumal, and offers three unique areas for fly fishing: the saltwater flats, the mangrove lagoons, and the edge of the bay. In Xcalak, lush Mayan jungle meets turquoise Caribbean water. You also need to purchase a Mexican fishing license, which you can buy weekly, monthly, or yearly. Here in Xcalak, Mexico, we have some of the most beautiful saltwater flats for fly fishing in the world. 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. Not just a fishing and diving lodge, Costa de Cocos boasts a restaurant, brewery, and distillery. Here are our recommendations for rods, lines, flies, tippet, waders and more. Local skipper Victor has lived in the area for 35 years and has been guiding fishermen in the area . We take care of all the gear and you just sit back and relax after arriving in camp. 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. I've heard anything from only an 8 weight to 8-10 weights needed for permit down there. 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. Costa de Cocos, Only 2 kms from town, this accommodation is the closest thing to a resort youll find in Xcalak. Feel free to send me an email with any questions you He rents boats and can give you advice. The jungle starts to encroach on civilization and lines the road like a solid green wall. And thanks to the protection enforced by the Xcalak National Reef Park, the waters around Xcalak are full of healthy, plentiful pescado just waiting for you to arrive. /* Clear floats after the columns */ A resort, it is not. Top Fishing Charters in Xcalak. Would cut the cost quite a bit me thinksor are you one of those resort dudes? Filters 1. Tarpon, aka "Sabilo" We recommend an 8-9 wt rod, typically we are chasing the tarpon early in the morning along the mangrove edges and in the lagoons. width:auto; The small town of Bacalar is famous for its many-hued Bacalar Lagoon, also known as the lake of seven colors. A two-and-a-half-hour drive from the village of Xcalak, Bacalar is one of Mexicos enchanting, yet underrated, Pueblos Magicos, and exudes a laidback vibe that harkens to Tulum of 20 years ago. hands. Most hotels are self-catered. The downside is the weather can be unpredictable this time of year. Hi everyone. In 2015, we almost didnt visit Xcalak. The fresh (but slightly salty) water in the lagoons hosts an entirely different species of wildlife than the saltwater flats. Our good friend, Captain Rob Perkin of Connect Outfitters, has over 30 years of experience off the beach at Pacific City and has been running guided Rockfish/Salmon fly fishing trips for several years now in an awesome boat crafted by his own hands. Required fields are marked *. 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. Can't find the video you're looking for? It was amazing fishing in a fantastic place with bones and permit caught right off the dock. The reef runs from Cozumel all the way to Honduras, and is quite close to the shore in Xcalak. and nice guy. Costa De Cocos is truly a fishermans lodge. After 5 minutes or so the fish was getting closer to the boat. As it tends to do at inopportune moments, the windtoday blowing a steady 15 from the eastpicks up, increasing the chop. 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. Appetizers and drinks awaited us at the main lodge restaurant after we settled in. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Curious about this undiscovered fly fishing mecca? Thanks for sharing! The first time I went to Xcalak, what stood out the most was the places authenticity. We had two slams in our group (tarpon, permit, and bonefish in a single day) and lots of action throughout. overflow: hidden; In 20 Minutes You Can Start Speaking Spanish. Two units have generated flow nonstop, day and night. Because of the sparse population and lack of development, there are isolated miles of shoreline between accommodations, allowing you to walk the beach without interruption. Had a great trip to Xcalak, fishing out of Casa Paraiso. display: table; 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. I found that all of our guides were easy to communicate with as they all spoke English very well due to their many years spent on the water with us gringos. The walleye fishing has been good on the days anglers can get out on the water. +52 983 186 6112. Xcalak These fish are those we hold most dear. The third cast was spot on and the entire school was over my fly. Its a secluded region perfect for travelers looking to experience a genuine beach-life. Most tarpon I saw were in tannic colored water, so dark colored tarpon flies and toads were in order. Off the beaten track, Xcalak is an alternative to the throngs of people and high rise hotels found further north. Double occupancy (boat and room) -$4,495.00 USD. 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. . 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 is a small fishing village on the southern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the State of Quintana Roo. Choose from Montana's most comprehensive selection of fly fishing trips. 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. preserve. He is an excellent teacher and my choice when I send Off Xcalaks coast is the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Your email address will not be published. This special guide covers real estate, retirement and more in Mexico and is yours free when you sign up for our postcards below. Today, tourists come from around the world to visit the temples dotting the jungle, just as anglers from far and wide travel to the peninsulas flats in search of its bonefish (macabi) and permit (palometa). EN C Change your measurements Water has cleared up. 2-8-23. Enjoy lightly fished streams and trophy lakes on one our exclusive ranch leases. It is located on the southernmost tip of the Mexican Riveria, on a peninsula about 1.5 hours boat ride north of San Pedro Belize. Fly fishing for Pacific Rockfish is nothing new, but something that most anglers haven't sampled yet. I recently returned from Southern Mexico after my first salt water trip. The rivers, streams and lakes of Yellowstone National Park hold a special place in the hearts of many anglers. Chetumal is no exception as it boasts resident baby and juvenile tarpon, along with large migrating adult tarpon in the summer months. THE BEST Xcalak Fishing Charters & Tours. Our guides at Costa were no exception, often spotting permit 300 yards away or more. Options include diverse lodging packages, camping trips, wilderness horse pack expeditions, day trips and world wide travel. Rain has improved fishing conditions. /* Create three equal columns that floats next to each other */ I make a long, slow strip. Bring your gear, your fly box, your sunscreen, your best double-haul cast and your sense of adventure for an amazing time at one of my favorite places to fly Read More Now that I've been home from that trip for over a year, I figured it was time . Lakes above and below us are all . 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. 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. The place is far nicer and mainstream than led to believe in the pictures. 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 town sits next to the Caribbean on a small spit of land that separates the Ocean from Chetumal Bay. [Story by Nick Roberts / Photos by Patrick Williams] 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. The town is remote, and so far south, it's only six miles to the Belize /Mexico border. Read about average temperatures and weather patterns month by month. Its cheaper to stay at one of the non fishing lodges down there and book guides on your own and DIY. And he can also keep up 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. Would love to see more pictures! Strangely enough, comfort should loose to joy, almost always. The fishing. Xcalak Bonefish (1.000) Xcalak on a Monday (1.000) Bones of Costa de Cocos (1.000) Tags: Bahia Blanca, bonefishing, Mexico, Xcalak. We came to fish, not be pampered with warm bathrobes and spa treatments. Tags: Bahia Blanca, bonefishing, Mexico, Xcalak. Options include all inclusive fishing lodges, convenient hotel packages and unique river front vacation cabins and homes. 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. Grand slams are not uncommon in Xcalak, so set your sights high! They do not, however, command nearly the same respect in the angling world as a Permit. font-size: medium; International Fly-Fishing Film Festival 2023 Gage Charlesworth Ogden City Corp [email protected]. Click here to receive the sport of fly fishing's most authoritative magazine. SUNDAY 8:00 am-6:00 pm. maybe you are just very ready for a vacation to explore the Big, small, funny, and fast. 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 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. Seven through ten weights were in order for the grand slam of species we would be chasing the upcoming week. This keeps the populations healthy and means theres always plenty to catch. Powered by foraging in the turtle grass, perfect cover for crabs and shrimps. This entry was posted on Monday, March 22nd, 2010 at 3:04 am and is filed . Work now, play later as they say. Uncategorized. Capitn Jos With a rental car and an early start, you can make a day trip to some of southern Mexicos intriguing, lesser-visited sights. 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. 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. Cleanr theme by WPShoppe. 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. Xcalak is both, so it was always going to be a win for me. I will never forget my first day of Bonefishing, watching a 3lb fish rip off hundreds of feet of line in seconds while bending my 7wt rod in half. Other random by-catch I managed were snappers, small jacks, needlefish, perch, some reef fish, and one small saltwater crocodile. Farmington, ill. -Stop by for a cold beer on your, Byron Bayeasternmost point of Australia. Be it status, financial security, or even something as fleeting as comfort. Day 6Our last day in Xcalak would be another rest day. 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 jetties are still holding trout and redfish. 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. There's a boat ramp in the southwest corner of the lake. 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. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site. great time to plan a visit. This fly fishing service can book your tour and accommodations, and has access to a network of Xcalak guides. May 2, 2016. 2023 pricing for 7 nights / 6 days. }. } Located just a few miles north of the border with Belize on the southern end of the Yucatan Peninsula, Xcalak is a tiny fishing village that shows little influence from the outside world. display: block; Map. Jack he muttered. I may have framed my question a bit different than I wanted. The most popular fish in Xcalak are permit and bonefish, but theres a lot more than that for you to hook. 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. There was some netting going on. Night time temps were pretty cool, so having an AC was a non-issue and the showers were hot! I hadnt caught anything the day before and now I was blowing a great Permit shot. Each is constructed with a forward casting deck . Most of our trips include rods, flies and we rent waders. 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! xcalak, Mexico A World Class Fly Fishing Destination Xcalak and Chetumal Bay are rated among the top fishing destinations in the worldwe leave nothing out All-Inclusive Fly Fishing Packages As any experienced angler knows, it's not just about the fishing, it's the location too. Destination Reports Xcalak Bonefish Round 2. Needless to say, the diving and snorkeling here is world class. border: 0.2rem solid #ffb500; Beyond Tulum, the communities become more rural and become fewer and farther between. Brandon, I am careful when I write these reports because I am not an expert and dont want to pretend to be one. Some fish get into our soul. } The town is home to just 400 local fishers and a scattering of resident expats. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Sign in to access your subscriptions and subscriber-only content. Search, book & review the best deals online with us! If you liked the story above, check out these stories below. Diosa Del Mar Mahahual 25 ft 4 persons . Hey Bjorn, But maybe its good for you. I have had wonderful days fishing for bonefish Montana is home to some of the most productive wild trout rivers on the planet. 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! Talk about hero to zero. width: 100%; The second-longest reef in the world, it stretches nearly 700 miles, from Isla Mujeres in Mexico to the Bay Islands in Honduras. Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Partly because of its far-flung location and partly because its protected from development (its a National Reef Marine Park), Xcalak isnt overrun by tourists. Chetumal Bay, an expansive wonderland for the intrepid flats fisherman! Nathan Bolerjack. All of our guides are Xcalak natives who have spent their entire lives on and in these waters and still love to fish in their free time. The scenic, 250-mile drive from Cancn to Xcalak takes about five hours. Chetumal Bay is at the far southern tip of the Yucatan, near the border with Belize. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The clear water and marl bottom mix allow for great biodiversity within each lagoon, providing plenty of food for Bonefish, Snook, Cuda, small Permit, and Tarpon. Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. The switch was flipped from fishing to hunting oftentimes when 18-20 inch fish could be found cruising in groups of 2s and 4s along the sandy mangroves, searching for food in 4 inches of water. 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. Casa Cangrejo, One of the first accommodations to open in Xcalak, at Cocos your room is a palapa hut. On windy days, the lagoons behind Xcalak provide shelter and productive fishing for baby tarpon and snook. 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. The boat ride to the vast fishing area in Chetumal . MONDAY-SATURDAY 8:00 am-6:00 pm Your email address will not be published. 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! A six hour drive south of Cancun, Xcalak resists mega-tourism and retains its natural beauty. Harboring fewer than 400 souls at the far southern tip of Mexico's Caribbean coast, the small fishing village of Xcalak was arguably one of the best places to ride out a pandemic. During nine days of fly fishing and travel in the Yucatan Peninsula, the novel coronavirus went from being a faint American concern to a full-blown national emergency. This phrase is somewhat of a mantra for a few who joined us on our recent trip this past December to Costa De Cocos in Xcalak, Mexico. His place is right in town where the fishing guides pick you up. We also had the option to search for large jacks when they were out on the deeper flats blitzing bait, and a few of us capitalized on this opportunity. We pick you up each day at the hotel and in the evenings you can enjoy fun western towns like Bozeman and Livingston, Browse our large network of vacation homes and cabins that are either on the water or centrally located to great fishing. Back then there wasnt really a trustworthy tourist website and we just couldnt figure out if the trip was worth the effort. This ancient Maya city boasts three excavated stone plazas and a towering pyramid. That was a great trip report k_e_v. Some guides have over 25+ years of experience guiding fly fishers in the area. 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. Climb the steps for a sweeping view of the entire site. [emailprotected], HOURS: However, for what the rooms might have lacked in luxury luster, everything was more than made up for with food, drinks, service, and staff! Build lasting relationships with your best clients or reward your key employees with one of our custom built corporate fishing retreats. There is often the fear of a translation issue or a communication breakdown that leads to missed fish. Getting ThereThe town of Xcalak, Mexico sits at the end of the road. These lagoons are mangrove-lined and accessible on all tidal phases. Poor fisheries data, many fishers, and increasing tourism development: Interdisciplinary views on past and current small-scale fisheries exploitation on Holbox Island Get it together I told myself. I found that with our guides at Costa de Cocos, we had very little issues with any of our guides. The restaurant at Cocos is a popular place to cool off with one of their microbrews and trade stories with other fishers. of Jose, myself, and a nice permit. fly fishing maybe you are very excited about snorkeling or 8,621.89 Sqft. 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. @Glenn, I dont know why the video isnt playing for you it played for me straight off.