Mexico Fly Fishing Trip Report: Costa de Cocos Lodge, Xcalak, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Five Classic Rivers to Flyfish on Your First Trip to Argentine Patagonia, 5 Trips for Fishing the Mother's Day Caddis Hatch on the Yellowstone River, May Fly Fishing: Montana's Mother's Day Caddis Hatch, A Guide to Spring Fishing on the Gallatin River, Chile fishing trip report: Magic Waters Patagonia Lodge March 2022, Argentina Fishing Trip Report: February 2022 at El Encuentro Lodge and the Brook Trout Basecamp, Belize April Trip Report To Turneffe Flats Lodge - 2021, Ascension Bay Mexico Flats Fishing Report: Grand Slam Lodge, Patagonia Chile Fishing Report: Magic Waters Lodge February 2020, Jurassic Lake Lodge Argentina Fall 2019 Trip Report, Alaska September Fly Fishing Trip Report; The Bristol Bay Region at Intricate Bay Lodge, Steelhead Scouting Mission to Southeast Alaska, Jurassic Lake Lodge Argentina Fishing Trip Report. .fullwidth-signup{ Two suites complete with kitchens sleep 6 people each. We came to fish, not be pampered with warm bathrobes and spa treatments. Spring 2023 trip dates: June 10-17 at the lodge. May 9, 2022 May 9, . I often found that the best communication came early at the dock when discussing the plan for the day. Its cheaper to stay at one of the non fishing lodges down there and book guides on your own and DIY. background-color: #1a3c95; Parsons et al., 2009; Senz-Arroyo et al., 2005).Research on the shifting baseline phenomena in marine science has tended to focus on the individual . Im not far behind. 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. /* Create three equal columns that floats next to each other */ Posted on July 30, 2020 January 11, 2021 by islander. All rights reserved. The town of Xcalak, Mexico sits at the end of the road. and permit with Captain Jose. With XOTF at Casa Paraiso, youre sure to have a rewarding and relaxing time. Had a great trip to Xcalak, fishing out of Casa Paraiso. You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. 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. All Rights Reserved. Oregon fishing report for March 4 - The Guide's Forecast Spring creeks offer the ultimate challenge in the fly fishing world. Nathan Bolerjack. } 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). The area we were in was very shallow, so Alberto began poling us in search of Plan B. This proved to be a pretty exciting way to mix up the day when cuda were on the flats. From there, the best way to get to Xcalak is to rent a car and drive south on Highway 307. Anyway, long story short, we did visit. My first two casts were off, but fortunately the fish were still in range. Xcalak Bonefish (1.000) Xcalak on a Monday (1.000) Bones of Costa de Cocos (1.000) Tags: Bahia Blanca, bonefishing, Mexico, Xcalak. Xcalak is a small fishing village on the southern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the State of Quintana Roo. you. 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. With clear underwater visibility, warm temperatures, and the presence of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the coast of Xcalak offers fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling. 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. The town is home to just 400 local fishers and a scattering of resident expats. 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. Xcalak/Chetemul Bay, Ascension Bay trip report After stretching our legs, refueling on appetizers, chips, homemade salsa (a personal favorite), and downing a few beverages; it was time to rig up. Maybe you are very serious about Poor fisheries data, many fishers, and increasing tourism development: Interdisciplinary views on past and current small-scale fisheries exploitation on Holbox Island February 8, 2023. 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. Fly Fishing shop, the owner of this B&B is a fly fishing enthusiast. 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). Before you head off to Xcalak, here is some advice for making the most of your trip: .jason-signup { The town sits next to the Caribbean on a small spit of land that separates the Ocean from Chetumal Bay. Acocote Eco Inn, Located right in town, Casa Cangrejo is a straight up fly fishing lodge. 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. This way of thinking might sell them far to short, however, because bonefish are extremely fun. Durango fly fishing guides on the San Juan River, Animas River, Dolores River, Florida River and Los Pinos River. Local skipper Victor has lived in the area for 35 years and has been guiding fishermen in the area . Running south, we have a maze of grass . Other random by-catch I managed were snappers, small jacks, needlefish, perch, some reef fish, and one small saltwater crocodile. THE BEST Xcalak Fishing Charters & Tours - Tripadvisor Capitn Jos It grew into something that lets us connect travelers to the small businesses of Xcalak. 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. Quiet about Xcalak! Tags: Bahia Blanca, bonefishing, Mexico, Xcalak. While comfortable, the accommodations are rusticwhich for all of us was just fine. 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). 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. Most tarpon I saw were in tannic colored water, so dark colored tarpon flies and toads were in order. There were a few interesting flats around, some small bonefish, a decent number of cudas. A few of us even opted to grab a lodge kayak and head out to the oceanside flats for a little afternoon casting practice. In addition to boat fishing, Chetumal also offers excellent wade fishing. Build lasting relationships with your best clients or reward your key employees with one of our custom built corporate fishing retreats. In Xcalak, fly fishing is a treat it isnt crowded and has healthy marine life and excellent guides. JavaScript is disabled. It isnt completely remote either, but the first-day warnings do come with points on crocodiles and jaguars and how to avoid them. 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. Xcalak You can buy food from the local grocery trucks that ply the beach road. overflow: hidden; Jacks are close relatives of Permit, and they sometimes swim in schools together. The permit are swimming right to left, on a diagonal line, but suddenly, they start coming toward us. Copyright 2020 American Angler. Destination Reports Xcalak Bonefish Round 2. Im not able to watch the video for some reason. The third cast was spot on and the entire school was over my fly. 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. https://www.josexcalaktours.com/index.html. 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. Be it status, financial security, or even something as fleeting as comfort. While staying at El Pescador Lodge in Belize, weve seen boats from there flyfishing in the Bacalar Chico Reserve. Some days were better than others for finding rolling tarpon, but when they were up, they were up! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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). 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. Montana Angler guides fish the famous Livingston creeks in addition to several other spring creeks on some of our exclusive ranch leases. Welcome to Xcalak 101. DIY Fly Fishing - Xcalak Forum - Tripadvisor } Search, book & review the best deals online with us! 923 Main Ave | DURANGO, CO 81301 Xcalak is a quiet fishing town on the southern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. 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. Try Nick Denbow at Catchafish.net. My name is Jose, I live in Xcalak, and I am here to help Overall conditions on Lake Taneycomo couldn't get any more stable than we've experienced the last couple of weeks. Re: DIY Fly Fishing. Fun Facts: All about the manatees of Xcalak. It also happens to be one of the best places to DIY saltwater fly fish. Uncategorized. It's been at least 20 years, but did stay in Xcalak and fished 5 days, DIY with rented panga. They do not, however, command nearly the same respect in the angling world as a Permit. Rain has improved fishing conditions. After about 10 minutes of nothing, I looked to my right and a big school of Permit were heading our way. Some days it was permit, some days it was tarpon, but the constant was of course bonefish. Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. In our group, we had two that were lucky enough to connect and land a permit on the first day. Appetizers and drinks awaited us at the main lodge restaurant after we settled in. I am looking up from my desk at a picture 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. Sign in to access your subscriptions and subscriber-only content. DIY Saltwater Fly Fishing - Etiquette on the Xcalak flats. This keeps the populations healthy and means theres always plenty to catch. SUNDAY 8:00 am-6:00 pm. Getting ThereThe town of Xcalak, Mexico sits at the end of the road. Xcalak is cash-only, and theres no ATM; youd be wise to load up on pesos before arriving. of Jose, myself, and a nice permit. Scuba enthusiasts should consider an overnight trip to the Banco Chinchorro atoll, an underwater paradise with a pristine biosphere, shipwrecks, and coral canyons. Although more populous than Xcalak, the crowds here are nothing compared to the Riviera Maya. These pickup trucks carry fresh seafood, fruit, vegetables, and snacks. IF YOU GO - Xcalak, Mexico - American AnglerAmerican Angler We know you'll love fishing with . 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. On the way to Xcalak, you can stop for tacos and a cold beer in Tulum. I recently returned from Southern Mexico after my first salt water trip. The more I learned about these fish, the less I understand. More than 11222 fishing boats in 110 countries. Let me share my thoughts. 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. Xcalak (Skiff Fishing) | Fly Fish Costa Maya Off the beaten track, Xcalak is an alternative to the throngs of people and high rise hotels found further north. .signup-row:after { His place is right in town where the fishing guides pick you up. } 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. Filters 1. 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. Traveler favorites. Hey Bjorn, 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. Seven through ten weights were in order for the grand slam of species we would be chasing the upcoming week. . .signup-column { Returning to Costa was a no brainer for me, as I quickly became addicted to saltwater fishing after my first trip. 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. We strive to stifle our joy on a daily basis in order to achieve something we perceive as greater in the long run. The closest town to Xcalak is Mahahual, home to a cruise ship port, restaurants, shops, hotels, and a Mayan-themed water park. 30 Jul. With food and drinks included in the cost of the lodge, our gear was sorted rather quickly into our rooms. We're on our way back to Costa de Cocos resort, idling down the outside edge of a long . Can't find the video you're looking for? 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. This fly fishing service can book your tour and accommodations, and has access to a network of Xcalak guides. We take care of all the gear and you just sit back and relax after arriving in camp. Costa de Cocos, Only 2 kms from town, this accommodation is the closest thing to a resort youll find in Xcalak. Fly Fishing in Xcalak, Chetumal Bay, Mexico. 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 Theres more to Xcalak than fly fishing, heres our Ultimate List of Things to do in Xcalak, https://www.josexcalaktours.com/index.html. 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. } 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. xcalak-bonefishing-sabadeando.wmv. EN C Change your measurements The line went tight instantly and the drag began screaming. One thing I did notice was that, depending on the day and tides, the tarpon spots could be limited. Where the palm trees sway, and the tide ebbs and flows a place where nature is wild, and its environment is vast. 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. Manage your subscription or add a digital edition to your print subscription. It was amazing fishing in a fantastic place with bones and permit caught right off the dock. Oh, Mexico. Fly Fishing the Coastal Maya Flats at Xcalak, Mexico. News: Will dredging the Zaragoza Canal hurt Xcalak? The sheer power of the fish is incredible. And thats how we truly fell for this beach town in the south of Mexico. There's a boat ramp in the southwest corner of the lake. Imagine floating into a deluxe camp on one of our private ranches or permitted islands where cold beverages and tasty appetizers await. But maybe its good for you. Michael Graham was in Xcalak in the Spring of 2009 on a self-described walk-about. In Xcalak, lush Mayan jungle meets turquoise Caribbean water. 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. Xcalak Fly Fishing Basics - Xcalak Mexico Accommodations are off-grid, which gives any vacation in Xcalak a touch of adventure. Climb the steps for a sweeping view of the entire site. 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. https://www.thexflats.com/, Another local, Jos is an experienced Xcalak fly fishing guide, and he loves the local area. Xcalak Mexico - Xcalak Mexico X-Flats - Xcalak, Mexico June 10-17, 2023 - Fish Tales Fly Shop This special guide covers real estate, retirement and more in Mexico and is yours free when you sign up for our postcards below. Anyone ever fish Xcalak, Mexico? - Dedicated To The Smallest Of Skiffs 318 were here. There is a landing strip in Xcalak, but Patrick and I cant yet afford to charter our own plane, so we opted for Cancn, where Miguel and his brother Alberto, the amicable drivers of a shuttle arranged by Costa de Cocos, met us amid the throngs of vacationers outside the airport. 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. Your email address will not be published. This place is real and its called Xcalak. Fishing season here is year-round and the fish are abundant. As a lifelong trout angler and guide, flats fishing is a totally different experience and challenge, and I am hooked. width: 100%; Hop in a panga, explain to your guide what you want to catch, and off you go. Our drive led us past the gringo tourists on rental bikes, past food carts unadvisable for visitors, and past the multi-million and mega gaudy resort entrances. The 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. For unknown reasons, Scheepstra broke away from his fishing partner and headed back toward the rental car. Needless to say, the diving and snorkeling here is world class. 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. Theyre partnered with Hotel Tierra Maya. @media only screen and (max-width: 600px) { 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. I'm sorry to say no permit for . The most popular fish in Xcalak are permit and bonefish, but theres a lot more than that for you to hook. Your email address will not be published. Andy manages Duranglers Flies and Supplies online store and web content. 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. Xcalak on the Fly is the Yucatan Peninsula's newest fly fishing lodge based out of Casa Paraiso. 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. 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. 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. The town is remote, and so far south, it's only six miles to the Belize /Mexico border. Welcome to Xcalak. Let us help you build the perfect lodging and fishing package. padding: 1.25rem 1.25rem 1rem; Knowing a bit of Spanish from the client never hurt, but it was not a detriment if we didnt. Snorkel, kayak, and enjoy the constantly warm weather far from the snowy north. Bring the basics and you are good to go. Montana is home to some of the most productive wild trout rivers on the planet. For years, my work has been fishing Feel free to send me an email with any questions you 2022 by Fly Fish Costa Maya. Watch on. This waterbody should produce fish year-round. MONDAY-SATURDAY 8:00 am-6:00 pm March 2, 2023 Fishing Report. A six hour drive south of Cancun, Xcalak resists mega-tourism and retains its natural beauty. Its a quaint statement that can be applied to many situations in life. The reef is a physical barrier that breaks up big ocean surge and turns it to gentle waves. PHOTOGRAPHY BY RASMUS OVESEN & MARTIN EJLER OLSEN, Blue Ribbon, Fly-Fishing Fever in Heber Valley, Fish It Well Diaries, Chapter 5: Camille Egdorf, Discovering Resilience: Photos by Jess McGlothlin. 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. Looking at the case now10 years removedis like trying to investigate a crime that was never actually a crime.