It would be my second trip chasing saltwater fish on the flats, while Tony is a fairly experienced saltwater angler and licensed Captain. Depending on traffic and how many stops you make, the trip will take about 6 to 7 hours. 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. So, head to the ADO bus terminal in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar or Chetumal . 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. For years, my work has been fishing Try Nick Denbow at Catchafish.net. On the boats at 8am and back at the dock 4-430pm. Would love to see more pictures! Last updated 3/1/23. If you delve into the history of Xcalak, you will be able to see its relevance in communications and supplies between large cities. 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. Youre sitting at your computer, dreaming of fly fishing, and wondering what your next destination will be. The flats of Chetumal Bay are home to an incredible amount of bones, and I had a few days of specifically targeting them. My name is Jose, I live in Xcalak, and I am here to help He covers the coast and inland waters. You might have heard of Xcalak, but because of its remote location its a relatively unknown, uncrowded fly fishing destination. 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. Associated with Xflats fly fishing. 2023. This place is real and its called Xcalak. Read about average temperatures and weather patterns month by month. 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. a bit about my services and your options for exploring the Xcalak 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. .signup-row:after { you. with the best permit guides in the world in terms of expertise. Bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook, and barracuda await your fly. Thanks for the great report! Between the shore and the reef, the calm saltwater flats are home to a thriving variety of game fish and tropical marine life. There were a few interesting flats around, some small bonefish, a decent number of cudas. 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. Learn about getting to Xcalak. 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. Ever look for places to camp in some of these exotic locations? Please check the website to learn I landed the fish, a bit disappointed, but happy nevertheless at putting a good fish in the boat. .signup-column { of Jose, myself, and a nice permit. Outdoor Activities. The town of Xcalak, Mexico sits at the end of the road. Acocote Eco Inn: Perfect for the adventurous - Read 144 reviews, view 87 photos, and find great deals for Acocote Eco Inn at Tripadvisor We didnt see a lot of snook on our trip, but the ones we did see were pushing 40. Information related to travelling to Montana: which airports to fly into, major towns, etc. Accommodations then were spare and dirty, fishing was so-so. width: 100%; Coral Garden Inn. On windy days, the lagoons behind Xcalak provide shelter and productive fishing for baby tarpon and snook. 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. After 5 minutes or so the fish was getting closer to the boat. Knowing a bit of Spanish from the client never hurt, but it was not a detriment if we didnt. As a lifelong trout angler and guide, flats fishing is a totally different experience and challenge, and I am hooked. Welcome to Permit Paradise! Required fields are marked *. Plan for your Montana fishing trip. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Duranglers Flies and Supplies Fly Shop 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. Strangely enough, comfort should loose to joy, almost always. For those travelers contemplating a visit to the remote fishing village of Xcalak, Quintana Roo. The town sits next to the Caribbean on a small spit of land that separates the Ocean from Chetumal Bay. }. Or, use the free kayaks and SUPs offered at most beachside hotels. With a rental car and an early start, you can make a day trip to some of southern Mexicos intriguing, lesser-visited sights. Some guides have over 25+ years of experience guiding fly fishers in the area. One of the other guests at the lodge claimed they caught a 10 pounder, and the blurry iPhone selfie seemed to support such a claimbut so did the blurry photos of bigfoot. Freshly caught lobster, coconut breaded fish topped with mango salsa, huevos rancheros in the mornings, tropical drinks waiting for us at the dock upon return from fishing, octopus ceviche, and even pizza (the restaurant is known for it)we were well fed. I've heard anything from only an 8 weight to 8-10 weights needed for permit down there. Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you a free special report - Why Millions of Americans Are Moving to Mexico. Running south, we have a maze of grass . I have not caught a permit (yet) and am a complete amateur in the saltwater environment so I was wondering if it may have been a big one or was in some coral that you needed to put the wood to it? great time to plan a visit. Enjoy unique accommodations right on the water. 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. Tags: Bahia Blanca, bonefishing, Mexico, Xcalak. Options include unique fishing lodges, exclusive ranch stays, riverside vacation rentals, and affordable hotel packages. 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. 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! This was a now or never, make or break moment. Your email address will not be published. Hey Bjorn, 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 . Jacks are close relatives of Permit, and they sometimes swim in schools together. 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. The town is home to just 400 local fishers and a scattering of resident expats. Bring your wading gear for hopping out of the boat onto the flats, or for wading out right from your hotel (if you didnt get enough fishing during your 8-hour tour, that is). There were times were we found bonefish tailing in schools of 10s and 20s in a foot of water and turtle grass. Victor's location in Xcalak means easy access to the flats of Chetumal Bay. 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. Where the palm trees sway, and the tide ebbs and flows a place where nature is wild, and its environment is vast. Contact david@whitestackle.com to suggest our next tutorial. You wont be roughing it though this palapa hut comes with its own private bathroom. This technical match the hatch fishing produces big results. 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. Dr. Mike Larkin on Bonefish The Tom Roland Podcast. And with a white-sand seabed, the coastal water displays a stunning aquamarine tint. 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. Not all locations fish well every month but there is always something peaking on any given week. Copyright 2020 American Angler. Enter dates. Top Fishing Charters in Xcalak. Tierra Maya Lodge, At 9 kms north of town, this secluded accommodation is a fantastic destination for DIY fly fishing. This fly fishing service can book your tour and accommodations, and has access to a network of Xcalak guides. Permit: the holy grail of flats fly fishing species for many (maybe white whale is a better analogy). It's a great read.way better then the movie of the same name, imo. 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. Video: 9 more videos to help you discover Xcalak. There's a boat ramp in the southwest corner of the lake. 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! Get picked up right from the dock in front of the beach and enjoy supper at the on-site restaurant. At XOTF, our goal is to provide you with the most personalized and all-inclusive fly fishing experience. Xcalak is both, so it was always going to be a win for me. Costa de Cocos, Only 2 kms from town, this accommodation is the closest thing to a resort youll find in Xcalak. 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. 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. 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. He and his wife Illana own Costa de Cocos resort, which sits on . And again. Hi everyone. In addition to boat fishing, Chetumal also offers excellent wade fishing. David Randall moved to Xcalak in the early '90s, after selling his catfish hatchery south of Kansas City. I toss the Rag Head Crab into the air, load my 9-weight, and aim a couple feet in front of the lead fish. Xcalak is a refreshingly undisturbed fishing village nestled along Mexicos southernmost Caribbean coastline. Manage your subscription or add a digital edition to your print subscription. In an area as remote as Xcalak, you can always appreciate the natural beauty, but you might be wondering, what else is there is to do? All rights reserved. It is an old borrow pit and features largemouth bass, panfish such as bluegill, and a few trout. Climb the steps for a sweeping view of the entire site. We know you'll love fishing with . Fishing pressure has been very light, even with a lot of steelhead in the river. At a whopping six-hour drive from Cancun, not many tourists make it to Xcalak, and thats too bad for them. Day 6Our last day in Xcalak would be another rest day. Had a great trip to Xcalak, fishing out of Casa Paraiso. Experience the wilds of Montana on a multi-day horse pack adventure. In the past we have fished all six days, but this year decided to take it easy a bit. I'd like to hear about the permit on the 10 weight. 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. The town is remote, and so far south, its only six miles to the Belize/Mexico border. 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. While we all had our target fish we obviously would love to catch, I found it better to ask our guide what they thought would be the best option. It was like a rustic cabin right on the . For me, it is steelhead. 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. After about day 3, I finally figured out how to articulate permit: Some fish get into our heart. JavaScript is disabled. 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. The lodge will supply you with non alcoholic beverages and lunch to take on your fly fishing quest. Lodge packages include all meals and guided fishing so you can sit back, relax and enjoy a great fly fishing vacation, Enjoy great fishing and keep your costs in check with one of our hotel packages. width:max-content; 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. float: none; 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. A few of us even opted to grab a lodge kayak and head out to the oceanside flats for a little afternoon casting practice. We enjoyed another day eating lunch in town and drinking beers sitting by the sea. The scenic, 250-mile drive from Cancn to Xcalak takes about five hours. 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. [Story by Nick Roberts / Photos by Patrick Williams]. There are new license requirements to fish for winter steelhead in 2023 on south coast rivers and anglers should check the new regulation book prior to fishing. The area we were in was very shallow, so Alberto began poling us in search of Plan B. 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. padding: 1.25rem 1.25rem 1rem; Overall conditions on Lake Taneycomo couldn't get any more stable than we've experienced the last couple of weeks. 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. We take care of all the gear and you just sit back and relax after arriving in camp. Xcalak The average catch is 6 - 12 bonefish per day. Boats and Equipment All boats used by the lodge are 23-foot pangas that accommodate two fishermen and a guide. Site cast to trophy trout cruising the shallows of several productive lakes. Build lasting relationships with your best clients or reward your key employees with one of our custom built corporate fishing retreats. Some of the most exciting underwater experiences include seeing manatees and diving with schools of yardstick-long tarpon. Julios younger brother and apprentice, Eduardo, spots the fish right away. color: white; https://www.josexcalaktours.com/index.html. The boat ride to the vast fishing area in Chetumal . Map. The small fishing village of ~400 people sits on the second largest coral reef in the . Deep sea, light tackle, fly fishing - you name it! Fly Fishing in Xcalak, Chetumal Bay, Mexico. 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. 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. 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. 2022 by Fly Fish Costa Maya. Grand slams are not uncommon in Xcalak, so set your sights high! You can buy food from the local grocery trucks that ply the beach road. Here in Xcalak, Mexico, we have some of the most beautiful saltwater flats for fly fishing in the world. This way of thinking might sell them far to short, however, because bonefish are extremely fun. Other times, our guides found hundreds (maybe thousands) of small bones mudding in on a deeper flat (also a good place to look for permit). Traveling back in time to a distant tropical land where time loses all meaning. You know youre at a fly fishing-friendly place when theres a rod wash station. And thats how we truly fell for this beach town in the south of Mexico. Your email address will not be published. These were just a few spots that our guides had in their back pockets for the right situation. Thanks for sharing! . 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! BUS First you need to get to Mahahual. For Immediate Release: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 . 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 . width:auto; Jose on many occasions and I am pleased to recommend him. Its cheaper to stay at one of the non fishing lodges down there and book guides on your own and DIY. Some fish get into our head. 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. My name is Jose, I live in Xcalak, and I am here to help you. 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. Destination Reports Xcalak Bonefish Round 2. 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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. I booked Nick for this April and he comes highly recommended, out of Mahahual. I have had wonderful days fishing for bonefish Xcalak Bonefish (1.000) Xcalak on a Monday (1.000) Bones of Costa de Cocos (1.000) Tags: Bahia Blanca, bonefishing, Mexico, Xcalak. MONDAY-SATURDAY 8:00 am-6:00 pm Fly Fishing for bonefish in Chetumal Bay. Fishing changes by the week in Montana. To the north, we have the the Rio Huach lagoon system, boasting consisitent baby Tarpon and Snook fishing year round. Traveler ranking. LODGING Costa de Cocos Resort (www . There's a lot of beauty and tranquility in our remote area of the Caribbean. Costa De Cocos Lodge isnt totally out in the middle of absolutely nowhere, but it is out of the way. 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. 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) These "ghosts of the flats" swim about 27 miles per hour . Choose from Montana's largest selection of fishing and lodging packages. 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. Dan Blantons board has a had a few posts on ocassion. width: 100%; Xcalaks shore is made mostly of tiny coral fragments that arent exactly powdery-soft. Our group boated everything from 3-pound babies to 15-pound juvies. Our guides at Costa were no exception, often spotting permit 300 yards away or more. Both the saltwater flats and inland lagoons make for excellent kayaking and SUP. 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. We started answering emails, at first, and then made this website. Faro Xcalak, Othon P. Blanco's tide times and tide charts, high tide and low tide times, fishing times, tide tables, weather forecasts surf reports and solunar charts for today. The line went tight instantly and the drag began screaming. 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. overflow: hidden; Julio and I stealthily close in on the fish, their black spikes silhouetted in the fading light. Click here to receive the sport of fly fishing's most authoritative magazine. Talk about hero to zero. Like us, theyre here to take advantage of Costa de Cocos great off-season rates. @media only screen and (max-width: 600px) { The Parks daily entrance fee is payable to Park officials and it includes a wristband to show that youve paid to use the park. Maximize your time on the water and make great memories on one of our deluxe overnight river camping trips. Buy it online or buy it when you arrive, just be sure to buy it before you start fishing. With clear underwater visibility, warm temperatures, and the presence of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the coast of Xcalak offers fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling. Returning to Costa was a no brainer for me, as I quickly became addicted to saltwater fishing after my first trip. Imagine floating into a deluxe camp on one of our private ranches or permitted islands where cold beverages and tasty appetizers await. Choose from over 20 fabled blue ribbon rivers that we target. When he is not plugging away in the basement of Duranglers, he can be found in the shop talking weird flies, throwing spey casts for few fish, eating pizza, drinking coffee, painting, and raising a family in Southwest Colorado. white sand flats, throwing at cruising Bones and scouting the deep water for Permit. Xcalak is one of the towns that has been maintained over time in its most natural state. 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.