The average catch is 6 - 12 bonefish per day. All rights reserved. Xcalak 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. The town sits next to the Caribbean on a small spit of land that separates the Ocean from Chetumal Bay. Then we visited again. Will dredging the Zaragoza Canal hurt Xcalak. Maybe its a magical place where you can hook permit all day long, wade mudflats without another fly fisher in sight, or finally hook the Grand Slam youve been aching for. It comes with the package. David Randall moved to Xcalak in the early '90s, after selling his catfish hatchery south of Kansas City. Originally started as a diving and snorkeling lodge to cater to tourists wishing to explore the Mesoamerican barrier reef 400 yards from shore(more on that later), the owners of the Lodge quickly realized the immense potential of the fishery in front of and behind their lodge. These "ghosts of the flats" swim about 27 miles per hour . Choose from Montana's most comprehensive selection of fly fishing trips. Not just a fishing and diving lodge, Costa de Cocos boasts a restaurant, brewery, and distillery. Let us help you build the perfect lodging and fishing package. With a rental car and an early start, you can make a day trip to some of southern Mexicos intriguing, lesser-visited sights. A few of us even opted to grab a lodge kayak and head out to the oceanside flats for a little afternoon casting practice. X-Flats - Xcalak, Mexico June 10-17, 2023 - Fish Tales Fly Shop Chetumal is no exception as it boasts resident baby and juvenile tarpon, along with large migrating adult tarpon in the summer months. Boats and Equipment All boats used by the lodge are 23-foot pangas that accommodate two fishermen and a guide. 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. Buy it online or buy it when you arrive, just be sure to buy it before you start fishing. 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. Bay wells producing sheepshead and black drum on live shrimp. Faro Xcalak's Tide Times, Tides for Fishing, High Tide and Low Tide Traveling back in time to a distant tropical land where time loses all meaning. 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. If you delve into the history of Xcalak, you will be able to see its relevance in communications and supplies between large cities. Go far enough, and it's not that you forget about the worriesit's that the worries forget about you. 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. Some days were better than others for finding rolling tarpon, but when they were up, they were up! JavaScript is disabled. Permit: the holy grail of flats fly fishing species for many (maybe white whale is a better analogy). Jose on many occasions and I am pleased to recommend him. I often found that the best communication came early at the dock when discussing the plan for the day. MONDAY-SATURDAY 8:00 am-6:00 pm Xcalak Mexico - Xcalak Mexico Journey to Xcalak | Saltwater Fly Fishing | Trey Reid Not only is he an excellent Often overlooked in favour of Ascension Bay to the north, this is a huge fishing ground and home to plenty of bonefish and permit, and plenty else besides. 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? This is a video I made for some friends that were thinking of going on a trip with us. Hey Nate, certainly looks like a good time. With food and drinks included in the cost of the lodge, our gear was sorted rather quickly into our rooms. Acocote Eco Inn, Located right in town, Casa Cangrejo is a straight up fly fishing lodge. I found that with our guides at Costa de Cocos, we had very little issues with any of our guides. From there, the best way to get to Xcalak is to rent a car and drive south on Highway 307. Join International Living Today and Get the 2023 Global Retirement IndexFREE with This Special Offer. Read about average temperatures and weather patterns month by month. 2022 by Fly Fish Costa Maya. 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. +52 983 186 6112. 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. IF YOU GO - Xcalak, Mexico - American AnglerAmerican Angler 2-8-23. There was some netting going on. 4.2 / 5 (2 reviews) Mahahual 26 ft 4 persons . Xcalak, with a present population of around 350 people, was the largest city in Quintana Roo until it was . 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. I hadnt caught anything the day before and now I was blowing a great Permit shot. TRAVEL There are several flights a day to Cancn, Mexico. 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. The town is home to just 400 local fishers and a scattering of resident expats. Our guides at Costa were no exception, often spotting permit 300 yards away or more. Home - Casa Caracola I personally felt it was incredible, but I am partial to anything coastal, and anything Mexican. It would be my second trip chasing saltwater fish on the flats, while Tony is a fairly experienced saltwater angler and licensed Captain. /* Create three equal columns that floats next to each other */ float: none; Our group boated everything from 3-pound babies to 15-pound juvies. He and his wife Illana own Costa de Cocos resort, which sits on . Contact david@whitestackle.com to suggest our next tutorial. Fishing Report - Willamette Zone | Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife Casa Cangrejo, One of the first accommodations to open in Xcalak, at Cocos your room is a palapa hut. Inland, the ecosystem is a fragile mix of mangrove lagoons and thick jungle. 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. .fullwidth-signup{ Thanks for the great report! Some fish get into our head. (And check out our highlight video from our trip last year below!). Xcalak is both, so it was always going to be a win for me. may have. CFF April 2022 Fishing Reports. Costa de Cocos, Only 2 kms from town, this accommodation is the closest thing to a resort youll find in Xcalak. If you just have a day or two to spare, day trips are a great way to experience Montana's legendary fisheries. Would love to see more pictures! 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). It is an old borrow pit and features largemouth bass, panfish such as bluegill, and a few trout. Mexico 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. CAR Most visitors to Xcalak arrive at the Cancun International Airport (CUN). width:auto; 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. Welcome to Xcalak, Mexico. Xcalak (Skiff Fishing) | Fly Fish Costa Maya The second-longest reef in the world, it stretches nearly 700 miles, from Isla Mujeres in Mexico to the Bay Islands in Honduras. 0 Comments. Fly fishing Xcalak with XTC Dive Center is a unique experience unlike any other adventure in the Yucatan. If youre craving a lively afternoon, head to Mahahuals pedestrian-only malecn, and find a beachside bar for some people-watching. Mexico - Remote Fly Fishing Experts: Pescador Solitario Acocote Eco Inn | Xcalak Mexico After about day 3, I finally figured out how to articulate permit: Some fish get into our heart. Im not able to watch the video for some reason. Appetizers and drinks awaited us at the main lodge restaurant after we settled in. You must log in or register to reply here. 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. Farmington, ill. -Stop by for a cold beer on your, Byron Bayeasternmost point of Australia. This isnt to say Chetumal is any less of a fisheryit just gets less pressure. 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. 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. Both Victor and Nick are great guys to fish with. For pricing on lodging packages visit each individual package for rates, inclusions and exclusions. Please check the website to learn 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). Required fields are marked *. While staying at El Pescador Lodge in Belize, weve seen boats from there flyfishing in the Bacalar Chico Reserve. 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. and permit with Captain Jose. Episode 37 - JESSE COLTEN: The Xcalak Episodes - Part Two of Two Shorelines action is heating up with a few speckled trout, redfish, and decent numbers of black drum, and sheepshead, all on live shrimp. Capitn Jos We fished for Permit, tarpon and Snook here also but I considered . Victor's location in Xcalak means easy access to the flats of Chetumal Bay. Getting ThereThe town of Xcalak, Mexico sits at the end of the road. Institutional amnesia pushes fish spawning aggregations towards Xcalak Fishing is a fly fishing guide service located in the remote Mexican fishing village of Xcalak, Quintana Roo. DIY Saltwater Fly Fishing - Etiquette on the Xcalak flats width: 100%; I have had wonderful days fishing for bonefish I often think of bonefish as the saviors of any saltwater fishing destination, due to their sheer numbers and availability as targets. A typical fishing day has you departing the Lodge at 8:00 AM and returning around 4:00 PM. Mexico gets a reputation as a small bonefish destination, but when you are willing to put in a little time, and think of it as hunting (like we do with permit), you might be surprised. Back then there wasnt really a trustworthy tourist website and we just couldnt figure out if the trip was worth the effort. Posted on July 30, 2020 January 11, 2021 by islander. Email:xcalakotf@gmail.comPhone:+1.907.953.3992. 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! Local skipper Victor has lived in the area for 35 years and has been guiding fishermen in the area . Maximize your time on the water and make great memories on one of our deluxe overnight river camping trips. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The town sits next to the Caribbean on a small spit of land that separates the Ocean from Chetumal Bay. XTC local guides maintain a high degree of knowledge on fly fishing and casting artificial lures for all species of saltwater fish found in the area. 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. In Xcalak, lush Mayan jungle meets turquoise Caribbean water. The permit are swimming right to left, on a diagonal line, but suddenly, they start coming toward us. I looked back at Alberto, and the look on his face said it all. You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. 30 Jul. The closest town to Xcalak is Mahahual, home to a cruise ship port, restaurants, shops, hotels, and a Mayan-themed water park. 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. For me, it is tarpon. Since our trip was in December, we had the youngsters of the species to target. Acocote Eco Inn: Perfect for the adventurous - Read 144 reviews, view 87 photos, and find great deals for Acocote Eco Inn at Tripadvisor of Jose, myself, and a nice permit. The town is remote, and so far south, it's only six miles to the Belize /Mexico border. This keeps the populations healthy and means theres always plenty to catch. At XOTF, our goal is to provide you with the most personalized and all-inclusive fly fishing experience. 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. Xcalak is home to a quintessential view of the Caribbean, with translucent turquoise waters and mostly undeveloped beaches, backed by swaying palms. Daily Xcalak Fishing Reports (January 2023) - FishingBooker This technical match the hatch fishing produces big results. . The jungle starts to encroach on civilization and lines the road like a solid green wall. Water has cleared up. Some of the most exciting underwater experiences include seeing manatees and diving with schools of yardstick-long tarpon. Hotel Tierra Maya also offers fly-fishing packages for 6-7 nights (US$3,496-4,237 s, US$2,243-2,760 d), though they don't include all the perkslike airport transportation, open bar . In our group, we had two that were lucky enough to connect and land a permit on the first day. BUS First you need to get to Mahahual. Its uncommonly easy to find a stretch of the Caribbean all to yourself in Xcalak. And again. We didnt see a lot of snook on our trip, but the ones we did see were pushing 40. February 8, 2023. Besides fishing he organizes tours of the reef and nearby Bird Island. 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. The most popular fish in Xcalak are permit and bonefish, but theres a lot more than that for you to hook. clear: both; Speaking of accommodations, here are the most popular accommodations for fly fishers in Xcalak: Home of the Fxcalak (fish-ka-lak, get it?) We strive to stifle our joy on a daily basis in order to achieve something we perceive as greater in the long run. Fishing Charters & Tours in Xcalak. Did I mention all you can drink too? 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. Fly Fishing for bonefish in Chetumal Bay. Theyre partnered with Hotel Tierra Maya. Find out when to come, what equipment to bring, browse blog articles, and more. 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. 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) Fly Fishing | Loco Gringo The dry season typically lasts from November to April, when day after day of sunshine makes the beach a great place to be. After suffering several hurricanes, Xcalak maintains a small population dedicated to fishing and tourism, maintaining its . Options include all inclusive fishing lodges, convenient hotel packages and unique river front vacation cabins and homes. He rents boats and can give you advice. We offer both full and half day options. Feel free to send me an email with any questions you 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). Some guides have over 25+ years of experience guiding fly fishers in the area. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Duranglers Flies and Supplies Fly Shop The reef is a physical barrier that breaks up big ocean surge and turns it to gentle waves. Fly Fishing in Xcalak, Chetumal Bay, Mexico. These are the fish we seek when the deeper questions of life are on the table. But maybe it's good for you. For years, my work has been fishing and guiding in . Again, I really enjoyed your report. There's a lot of beauty and tranquility in our remote area of the Caribbean. guide with great eyes, he is an enjoyable fishing companion 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. Oregon fishing report for March 4 - The Guide's Forecast Most hotels are self-catered. While none of our group boated a snook this trip as it was a little early in the season, we still had a few shots. Along with many miles of Caribbean shoreline, Xcalak sits conveniently close to the entrance of Chetumal Bay. Things are calming back down, and some activity has returned to the beaches and offshore. LODGING Costa de Cocos Resort (www . On windy days, the lagoons behind Xcalak provide shelter and productive fishing for baby tarpon and snook. May 2, 2016. After 5 minutes or so the fish was getting closer to the boat. Your email address will not be published. Facing the " Great Mayan Reef", the second largest reef in the world, Casa Caracola is located in a national park. Montana Angler guides fish the famous Livingston creeks in addition to several other spring creeks on some of our exclusive ranch leases. 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. 5 Places to Live in Mexicoand 3 to Avoid. This was a now or never, make or break moment. Okay so I thought about this a lot today and let me restate my earlier comment. Click here to receive the sport of fly fishing's most authoritative magazine. xcalak-bonefishing-sabadeando.wmv. is a great caster himself, casting equally well with both 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. Before you head off to Xcalak, here is some advice for making the most of your trip: .jason-signup { 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. In addition to boat fishing, Chetumal also offers excellent wade fishing. We discovered there were lots of people with questions about Xcalak. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Subscribe to the Magazine Today and Save 65%, IL Magazine: Discover the World's Best Retirement Haven for 2023 + 15 more, about subscribing to International Living Magazine. Curious about this undiscovered fly fishing mecca? These pickup trucks carry fresh seafood, fruit, vegetables, and snacks. One of those lucky ones was me. Re: DIY Fly Fishing. May 9, 2022 May 9, . Targeting the plentiful bonefish is always an option. This fly fishing service can book your tour and accommodations, and has access to a network of Xcalak guides. The permit are still there, about 20 yards out. But maybe its good for you. For Immediate Release: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 . width: 100%; Postponing joy actually seems to make a lot of sense for those looking to get ahead of the pack. They do not, however, command nearly the same respect in the angling world as a Permit. DIY Fly Fishing - Xcalak Forum - Tripadvisor Really like your blog. 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. Be it status, financial security, or even something as fleeting as comfort. Not all locations fish well every month but there is always something peaking on any given week. Specifically, the joy found in our trip to the salt to fish the lesser known of the great Yucatan bays: Chetumal. I've heard anything from only an 8 weight to 8-10 weights needed for permit down there. Day 6Our last day in Xcalak would be another rest day. Snorkel, kayak, and enjoy the constantly warm weather far from the snowy north. Fly Fishing in Xcalak Mexico - Holy Waters 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. To get to Xcalak, you can either rent a car at the airport, or the Costa de Cocos Resort in Xcalak can arrange for a complimentary shuttle to pick you up. Activities in Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Xcalak On Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, far from the over-developed beaches of the Riviera Maya, you'll find a small, beachside fishing village called Xcalak. Xcalak/Chetemul Bay, Ascension Bay trip report 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. Not only is Jose a great flats guide, he 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. Chetumal Bay, an expansive wonderland for the intrepid flats fisherman! padding: 1.25rem 1.25rem 1rem; 1 INSTITUTIONAL AMNESIA. 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. Sign in to access your subscriptions and subscriber-only content. } I found our guides all warm and open once we got them talking about their lives and their guiding careers. The jetties are still holding trout and redfish. These fish are those we hold most dear. Enjoy unique accommodations right on the water. Our packages and trips were designed by fishing-obsessed father and son duo Jim and Chase Looney with anglers in mind. 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. Fishing season here is year-round and the fish are abundant.
xcalak fishing report