These were just a few spots that our guides had in their back pockets for the right situation. Rates and terms for some of our standard trips. Fishing Charters & Tours in Xcalak. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. float: none; X-Flats - Xcalak, Mexico June 10-17, 2023 - Fish Tales Fly Shop Brandon, I am careful when I write these reports because I am not an expert and dont want to pretend to be one. Curious about this undiscovered fly fishing mecca? And again. With food and drinks included in the cost of the lodge, our gear was sorted rather quickly into our rooms. For me, it is tarpon. A six hour drive south of Cancun, Xcalak resists mega-tourism and retains its natural beauty. Fly Fishing in Xcalak Mexico - Holy Waters Julio and I stealthily close in on the fish, their black spikes silhouetted in the fading light. My first two casts were off, but fortunately the fish were still in range. A typical fishing day has you departing the Lodge at 8:00 AM and returning around 4:00 PM. February 8, 2023. Your email address will not be published.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. Bonefish on the Brain. (And check out our highlight video from our trip last year below!). The second episode of the two-part sit-down with the owner of XFlats Lodge, Jesse Colton. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The XTC Fly Fishing Experience. Tierra Maya Lodge, At 9 kms north of town, this secluded accommodation is a fantastic destination for DIY fly fishing. Beyond Tulum, the communities become more rural and become fewer and farther between. Your email address will not be published. There are three seasons in Xcalak - dry, wet, and hurricane. Jack he muttered. South Florida Inshore and Offshore Fishing Reports - White's Tackle } overflow: unset; In our group, we had two that were lucky enough to connect and land a permit on the first day. Daily Xcalak Fishing Reports (January 2023) - FishingBooker You can buy food from the local grocery trucks that ply the beach road. Episode 37 - JESSE COLTEN: The Xcalak Episodes - Part Two of Two background-color: #1a3c95; Top Fishing Charters in Xcalak. Xcalak Fly Fishing Basics - Xcalak Mexico Plan for overnights in Cancun on June 9 and June 18. It's been at least 20 years, but did stay in Xcalak and fished 5 days, DIY with rented panga. The Fish Xcalak on the Fly These "ghosts of the flats" swim about 27 miles per hour . IF YOU GO - Xcalak, Mexico - American AnglerAmerican Angler Youre sitting at your computer, dreaming of fly fishing, and wondering what your next destination will be. The Chetumal Bay flats in Xcalak are vastly larger than Ascension Bay further north, offering the fly. Required fields are marked *. Theyre partnered with Hotel Tierra Maya. 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 fishing day starts with meeting your guide on our new 200 foot dock directly in front of the lodge. For me, this fish is permit. 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. Options include all inclusive fishing lodges, convenient hotel packages and unique river front vacation cabins and homes. padding: 1.25rem 1.25rem 1rem; For years, my work has been fishing and guiding in . Here in Xcalak, Mexico, we have some of the most beautiful saltwater flats for fly fishing in the world. 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. Double occupancy (boat and room) -$4,495.00 USD. Walk out from the private beach to fish for barracuda, permit, and bonefish. 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. Everyone was excited; my first permit, and it seemed like a good one. Xcalak Front Side Flats. The dry season typically lasts from November to April, when day after day of sunshine makes the beach a great place to be. 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. Fishing pressure has been very light, even with a lot of steelhead in the river. Join International Living Today and Get the 2023 Global Retirement IndexFREE with This Special Offer. Speaking of accommodations, here are the most popular accommodations for fly fishers in Xcalak: Home of the Fxcalak (fish-ka-lak, get it?) 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. 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. Talk your guide about what you want to try for snook, tarpon, barracuda, or jacks. International Fly-Fishing Film Festival 2023 | Ogden, UT The excellent fly fishing is found on the bonefish and permit flats of Chetumal Bay. A pair of windmills power the resort, and like any good fishing lodge, it has its own restaurant and bar, which is where Patrick and I head after stashing our gear in our cabana, one of 16 spread along the waters edge. These pickup trucks carry fresh seafood, fruit, vegetables, and snacks. 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. Costa De Cocos finds it home in the small fishing village of Xcalak, situated within the southern realms of the Yucatan Peninsula, only a few miles north of the border of Belize. Even after the opening of the Parque Nacional de Arrecifes (Xcalak Reefs Natonal Park) many of the inhabitants still feed their families from the sea but now often in the form of guiding fishermen or . } Some days were better than others for finding rolling tarpon, but when they were up, they were up! 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. I hadnt caught anything the day before and now I was blowing a great Permit shot. Welcome to Xcalak. In Xcalak, lush Mayan jungle meets turquoise Caribbean water. I personally felt it was incredible, but I am partial to anything coastal, and anything Mexican. } 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. Michael Graham was in Xcalak in the Spring of 2009 on a self-described walk-about. The permit are still there, about 20 yards out. Required fields are marked *. Traveling a few hours further south youll discover Xcalak has bigger flats and more diverse sea life. In 20 Minutes You Can Start Speaking Spanish. Hey Bjorn, I may have framed my question a bit different than I wanted. 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. As it tends to do at inopportune moments, the windtoday blowing a steady 15 from the eastpicks up, increasing the chop. width: 100%; The place is far nicer and mainstream than led to believe in the pictures. On the way to Xcalak, you can stop for tacos and a cold beer in Tulum. We zip up our wading boots and slide over the gunnel into the lukewarm water as quietly as possible. It grew into something that lets us connect travelers to the small businesses of Xcalak. Other random by-catch I managed were snappers, small jacks, needlefish, perch, some reef fish, and one small saltwater crocodile. trips from $300 : Sapos Del Mar . Video: 9 more videos to help you discover Xcalak. Outdoor Activities. foraging in the turtle grass, perfect cover for crabs and shrimps. 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. Seven through ten weights were in order for the grand slam of species we would be chasing the upcoming week. maybe you are just very ready for a vacation to explore the 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. LODGING Costa de Cocos Resort (www . Grand slams are not uncommon in Xcalak, so set your sights high! Some days it was permit, some days it was tarpon, but the constant was of course bonefish. 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. Xcalak is one of the towns that has been maintained over time in its most natural state. The town sits next to the Caribbean on a small spit of land that separates the Ocean from Chetumal Bay. .fullwidth-signup{ 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. content: ""; Jose on many occasions and I am pleased to recommend him. 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. Duranglers 2018 Xcalak, Mexico Trip Report - Duranglers Fly Fishing It also happens to be one of the best places to DIY saltwater fly fish. Contact david@whitestackle.com to suggest our next tutorial. 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. That isnt to say they arent out there, the truth is often wilder than fiction. The restaurant at Cocos is a popular place to cool off with one of their microbrews and trade stories with other fishers. He covers the coast and inland waters. Site cast to trophy trout cruising the shallows of several productive lakes. 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. 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. Dolphin and Sailfish have been caught to the south in the 150 to 200 range, and the surf is finally fishable, though Jack Crevalle have been the most likely catch. Oregon fishing report for March 4 - The Guide's Forecast Postponing joy actually seems to make a lot of sense for those looking to get ahead of the pack. Build lasting relationships with your best clients or reward your key employees with one of our custom built corporate fishing retreats. Enter dates. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. [emailprotected], HOURS: All of the guides at the lodge had lots of experience on the water (most around 15-20 years of guiding). I have fished with Captain Chetumal Bay, an expansive wonderland for the intrepid flats fisherman! Down The Path - The FlyFish Journal Although more populous than Xcalak, the crowds here are nothing compared to the Riviera Maya. Welcome to Xcalak, Mexico. Strangely enough, comfort should loose to joy, almost always. 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. Re: DIY Fly Fishing. Xcalak (Skiff Fishing) | Fly Fish Costa Maya 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. Coral Garden Inn. Fishing changes by the week in Montana. Get picked up right from the dock in front of the beach and enjoy supper at the on-site restaurant. Choose from Montana's most comprehensive selection of fly fishing trips. About Xcalak - Xcalak Fishing 2023 pricing for 7 nights / 6 days. A resort, it is not. 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. Returning to Costa was a no brainer for me, as I quickly became addicted to saltwater fishing after my first trip. Costa de Cocos - Home 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. They are spooky and quick to forget. Since our trip was in December, we had the youngsters of the species to target. Your email address will not be published. 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. of Jose, myself, and a nice permit. 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. Talk about hero to zero. Anyway, long story short, we did visit. https://www.thexflats.com/, Another local, Jos is an experienced Xcalak fly fishing guide, and he loves the local area. Its cheaper to stay at one of the non fishing lodges down there and book guides on your own and DIY. Permit: the holy grail of flats fly fishing species for many (maybe white whale is a better analogy). At a whopping six-hour drive from Cancun, not many tourists make it to Xcalak, and thats too bad for them. Palometaalla, he whispers, pointing into the glare. To the north, we have the the Rio Huach lagoon system, boasting consisitent baby Tarpon and Snook fishing year round. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site. 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. Okay so I thought about this a lot today and let me restate my earlier comment. Besides fishing he organizes tours of the reef and nearby Bird Island. Adventurous travelers will be curious to explore beyond Xcalaks tranquil beaches. Mexico - Remote Fly Fishing Experts: Pescador Solitario Maybe you are very serious about BEACH FRONT lote For Sale 9150 ft2 at Mahahual- Xcalak road P3413, Costa Maya, Quintana Roo. Both the saltwater flats and inland lagoons make for excellent kayaking and SUP. Map. I'd like to hear about the permit on the 10 weight. We see very little boat traffic and zero industry, aside from the few fishing guides that have the privilege of calling this place their office. 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. 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. I found our guides all warm and open once we got them talking about their lives and their guiding careers. 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. margin: 1.5rem 0; Here are our recommendations for rods, lines, flies, tippet, waders and more. It comes with the package. Would love to see more pictures! We strive to stifle our joy on a daily basis in order to achieve something we perceive as greater in the long run. The reef is a physical barrier that breaks up big ocean surge and turns it to gentle waves. DIY Saltwater Fly Fishing - Etiquette on the Xcalak flats For years, my work has been fishing 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. Off Xcalaks coast is the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The closest town to Xcalak is Mahahual, home to a cruise ship port, restaurants, shops, hotels, and a Mayan-themed water park. EN C Change your measurements Durango fly fishing guides on the San Juan River, Animas River, Dolores River, Florida River and Los Pinos River. . Jose Xcalak | Home The downside is the weather can be unpredictable this time of year. The permit are swimming right to left, on a diagonal line, but suddenly, they start coming toward us. . DIY Fly Fishing - Xcalak Forum - Tripadvisor 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. For pricing on lodging packages visit each individual package for rates, inclusions and exclusions. It's less developed (and less crowded) than it's popular northern neighbor Ascension Bay, near Tulum. fly fishing maybe you are very excited about snorkeling or Bring the basics and you are good to go. Need a fishing charter? Both Victor and Nick are great guys to fish with. 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). On the boats at 8am and back at the dock 4-430pm. We know you'll love fishing with . Re: DIY Fly Fishing. Spring creeks offer the ultimate challenge in the fly fishing world. Activities in Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Xcalak 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. [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. Manage your subscription or add a digital edition to your print subscription. Depending on traffic and how many stops you make, the trip will take about 6 to 7 hours. is a great caster himself, casting equally well with both 2023. Off the beaten track, Xcalak is an alternative to the throngs of people and high rise hotels found further north. 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. What would it take to help others find Xcalak? They are opportunistic eaters and as picky as permit. After suffering several hurricanes, Xcalak maintains a small population dedicated to fishing and tourism, maintaining its . This is a video I made for some friends that were thinking of going on a trip with us. Xcalak Bonefish Round 2 - Islander Precision Reels 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. 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. Fly Fishing the Surf with 2 Handed Rods (8/1/2019) Essential Gear for Fly Fishing the Surf (7/16/2019) Casting in the Wind (Part 2) (7/9/2019) How to Choose a Combo (6/25/2019) Add 10 Feet to your Fly Cast (6/5/2019) font-size: medium; 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 . 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. I found that with our guides at Costa de Cocos, we had very little issues with any of our guides. Fly Fishing shop, the owner of this B&B is a fly fishing enthusiast. If you wish, you can join a kayaking tour, which is usually paired with a snorkeling excursion. CFF April 2022 Fishing Reports - Clackamas FlyFishers While comfortable, the accommodations are rusticwhich for all of us was just fine. 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. Now that I've been home from that trip for over a year, I figured it was time . And with a white-sand seabed, the coastal water displays a stunning aquamarine tint. And, being set in the jungle, the Caribbean breeze doesnt disturb the calm lagoon waters, making them perfect for exploring by kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP). with the best permit guides in the world in terms of expertise. 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. Within these numerous environments, we have a smorgasbord of options to fit every angler's needs. 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. 318 were here. CAR Most visitors to Xcalak arrive at the Cancun International Airport (CUN). Bay wells producing sheepshead and black drum on live shrimp. You might have heard of Xcalak, but because of its remote location its a relatively unknown, uncrowded fly fishing destination. All rights reserved. The farthest most tourists go is Tulum, a lively resort town named after the nearby Mayan archeological site and lined with hostels, cafs, bars, and openair restaurants. Xcalak Fishing - Xcalak Fishing Julios younger brother and apprentice, Eduardo, spots the fish right away. Here is where you'll acquire a wealth of knowledge about Xcalak, in just . Xcalak Mexico - Where is Xcalak? Find Out Here! - Tulum.com As in most places where one can find tarpon, there often are a few in the mix. Buy it online or buy it when you arrive, just be sure to buy it before you start fishing. It's a great read.way better then the movie of the same name, imo. March 3, 2023. 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There were times were we found bonefish tailing in schools of 10s and 20s in a foot of water and turtle grass. Xcalak has been a favorite for over ten years. Faro Xcalak's Tide Times, Tides for Fishing, High Tide and Low Tide A few of us even opted to grab a lodge kayak and head out to the oceanside flats for a little afternoon casting practice. Julio raises his hand, signaling me to stop. The Parks daily entrance fee is payable to Park officials and it includes a wristband to show that youve paid to use the park. And he can also keep up Experience the fishing, the culture, and the food . Oh, Mexico. Fly Fishing the Coastal Maya Flats at Xcalak, Mexico. In the Xcalak National Reef Park, fishing is catch-and-release (release comes after you take a photo of your catch, of course). Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Far too often we are working to build insulation of comfort around our existence to protect us from the uncomfortable realities of the modern worldbut sometimes the casualty to our padded lives becomes our joy. WordPress. And thats how we truly fell for this beach town in the south of Mexico. 970-385-4081 Weather in the Northern Rockies can be fickle and it is always a good idea to come prepared regardless of the season. Costa De Cocos Lodge - Xcalak Fly Fishing | Yellow Dog Find out when to come, what equipment to bring, browse blog articles, and more. Xcalaks shore is made mostly of tiny coral fragments that arent exactly powdery-soft. Bonefish are easy to find, yet hard to spot. Discover the full adventure here, Learning is about looking at things differently, making your life a little better everyday., 9 more videos to help you discover Xcalak. Outdoorsman, writer and media producer Trey Reid shows us why he has been returning year after year for the excellent saltwater fishing near the Mexican-Beli. Luggage options for the traveling angler. 1 While natural . Its uncommonly easy to find a stretch of the Caribbean all to yourself in Xcalak. Deep sea, light tackle, fly fishing - you name it! Copyright 2020 American Angler. There they arethree or four tailing permit leisurely zigzagging across the flat, their sickle fins slicing through the waters rippled surface. preserve. We take care of all the gear and you just sit back and relax after arriving in camp. Perfect for the adventurous - Review of Acocote Eco Inn, Xcalak, Mexico 8,621.89 Sqft. I often found that the best communication came early at the dock when discussing the plan for the day. Get it together I told myself. However, for what the rooms might have lacked in luxury luster, everything was more than made up for with food, drinks, service, and staff! And stay open to opportunity, as you never know what you might come across while looking for something else. A little variation in the flow but not much. 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. News: Will dredging the Zaragoza Canal hurt Xcalak?
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