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. This was a now or never, make or break moment. a bit about my services and your options for exploring the Xcalak Wet season runs from May to October and you can still expect sunny days, but . Get it together I told myself. 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. Talk about hero to zero. Adventurous travelers will be curious to explore beyond Xcalaks tranquil beaches. Hi everyone. December through February, theses migrating snook show up and can be found lurking at likely ambush points. Strangely enough, comfort should loose to joy, almost always. } overflow: unset; A resort, it is not. So, head to the ADO bus terminal in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar or Chetumal . The most popular fish in Xcalak are permit and bonefish, but theres a lot more than that for you to hook. All of the guides at the lodge had lots of experience on the water (most around 15-20 years of guiding). 1 While natural . Montana is home to some of the most productive wild trout rivers on the planet. Im not far behind. Most tarpon I saw were in tannic colored water, so dark colored tarpon flies and toads were in order. March 2, 2023 Fishing Report. There was some netting going on. There they arethree or four tailing permit leisurely zigzagging across the flat, their sickle fins slicing through the waters rippled surface. There's a boat ramp in the southwest corner of the lake. 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. The jungle starts to encroach on civilization and lines the road like a solid green wall. And stay open to opportunity, as you never know what you might come across while looking for something else. Xcalak is cash-only, and theres no ATM; youd be wise to load up on pesos before arriving. Plan for your Montana fishing trip. Facing the " Great Mayan Reef", the second largest reef in the world, Casa Caracola is located in a national park. Traveling back in time to a distant tropical land where time loses all meaning. If youre craving a lively afternoon, head to Mahahuals pedestrian-only malecn, and find a beachside bar for some people-watching. .fullwidth-signup{ Options include all inclusive fishing lodges, convenient hotel packages and unique river front vacation cabins and homes. 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. (3 spots remain.) Bonefish - Bonefish live on both hard and soft bottom flats so fly fishing will be wading and boat casting. Read about the seasonal patterns in our fisheries. Day 6Our last day in Xcalak would be another rest day. 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. Would love to see more pictures! Each is constructed with a forward casting deck . 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. Climb the steps for a sweeping view of the entire site. margin: 1.5rem 0; 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. I toss the Rag Head Crab into the air, load my 9-weight, and aim a couple feet in front of the lead fish. Fly fishing Xcalak with XTC Dive Center is a unique experience unlike any other adventure in the Yucatan. Some days were better than others for finding rolling tarpon, but when they were up, they were up! 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. I found our guides all warm and open once we got them talking about their lives and their guiding careers. And again. We have been offering one week fly fishing . 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. . This ancient Maya city boasts three excavated stone plazas and a towering pyramid. Posted on July 30, 2020 January 11, 2021 by islander. . Site cast to trophy trout cruising the shallows of several productive lakes. Overall conditions on Lake Taneycomo couldn't get any more stable than we've experienced the last couple of weeks. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site. Rates and terms for some of our standard trips. Welcome to Xcalak 101. Not only is Jose a great flats guide, he fly fishing maybe you are very excited about snorkeling or The small fishing village of ~400 people sits on the second largest coral reef in the . Seven through ten weights were in order for the grand slam of species we would be chasing the upcoming week. This trip was with Bahia Blanca. 970-385-4081 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 isn't a trip for everyone but for those looking for a trip off the grid a bit, I would like to introduce you Xcalak Mexico. Getting ThereThe town of Xcalak, Mexico sits at the end of the road. They are opportunistic eaters and as picky as permit. Xcalak (I have no idea how to pronounce that) is waaaay down there in Mexico past Cancun, past Ascencion Bay, almost to Belize. 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! Palometaalla, he whispers, pointing into the glare. In 20 Minutes You Can Start Speaking Spanish. Outdoor Activities. They do not, however, command nearly the same respect in the angling world as a Permit. Things are calming back down, and some activity has returned to the beaches and offshore. and permit with Captain Jose. 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. 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. The walleye fishing has been good on the days anglers can get out on the water. Permit: the holy grail of flats fly fishing species for many (maybe white whale is a better analogy). Before you head off to Xcalak, here is some advice for making the most of your trip: .jason-signup { It's less developed (and less crowded) than it's popular northern neighbor Ascension Bay, near Tulum. Work now, play later as they say. This entry was posted on Monday, March 22nd, 2010 at 3:04 am and is filed under Locations. These fish are tough, with extremely hard mouths, so getting them to eat sometimes was not the hard partsticking the hook was. 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. 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. [emailprotected], HOURS: } Xcalak is both, so it was always going to be a win for me. Shorelines action is heating up with a few speckled trout, redfish, and decent numbers of black drum, and sheepshead, all on live shrimp. Choose your accommodation, pack your gear, and head to what might be the last undiscovered fly fishing paradise in the Yucatan. These "ghosts of the flats" swim about 27 miles per hour . As to your Appalachian Trail adventure, have you read the book "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson chronicling his Appalachian adventure? From the city of Chetumal, just 30 miles across the bay, the village is a 2 1 /2-hour car ride up the coast and back down the peninsula. His fly fishing writings have been published on blogs such as the Daily Drake and Simms Wading Room. Nathan Bolerjack. Xcalak is a refreshingly undisturbed fishing village nestled along Mexicos southernmost Caribbean coastline. More than 11222 fishing boats in 110 countries. Uncategorized. 4.2 / 5 (2 reviews) Mahahual 26 ft 4 persons . 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. Two suites complete with kitchens sleep 6 people each. .signup-column { The rivers, streams and lakes of Yellowstone National Park hold a special place in the hearts of many anglers. clients down who are beginners. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Diosa Del Mar Mahahual 25 ft 4 persons . Experience some of the lower 48's most remote fisheries. The reef is a physical barrier that breaks up big ocean surge and turns it to gentle waves. Xcalaks shore is made mostly of tiny coral fragments that arent exactly powdery-soft. With clear underwater visibility, warm temperatures, and the presence of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the coast of Xcalak offers fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling. These lagoons are mangrove-lined and accessible on all tidal phases. background-color: #1a3c95; 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. width: 100%; preserve. 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. Did I mention tarpon are my favorite fish to cast at with a fly rod? I make a long, slow strip. Snorkel, kayak, and enjoy the constantly warm weather far from the snowy north. Although more populous than Xcalak, the crowds here are nothing compared to the Riviera Maya. What's the #1 Thing Every Expat Says They Wish They'd Done Before Going to Latin America? 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. Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Boats and Equipment All boats used by the lodge are 23-foot pangas that accommodate two fishermen and a guide. My first two casts were off, but fortunately the fish were still in range. Welcome to Permit Paradise! } After about day 3, I finally figured out how to articulate permit: Some fish get into our heart. 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. At a whopping six-hour drive from Cancun, not many tourists make it to Xcalak, and thats too bad for them. Its early June, the official start of hurricane season, and the only other guests of the resort are pairs of anglers from Argentina and Texas. This approximately 70-acre lake just north of Turner is open to public fishing along the southern half. 2023 pricing for 7 nights / 6 days. CAR Most visitors to Xcalak arrive at the Cancun International Airport (CUN). My name is Jose, I live in Xcalak, and I am here to help At XOTF, our goal is to provide you with the most personalized and all-inclusive fly fishing experience. BUS First you need to get to Mahahual. With XOTF at Casa Paraiso, youre sure to have a rewarding and relaxing time. This waterbody should produce fish year-round. Rain has improved fishing conditions. In 2015, we almost didnt visit Xcalak. Between the shore and the reef, the calm saltwater flats are home to a thriving variety of game fish and tropical marine life. A typical fishing day has you departing the Lodge at 8:00 AM and returning around 4:00 PM. Xcalak Front Side Flats. 8,621.89 Sqft. . Postponing joy actually seems to make a lot of sense for those looking to get ahead of the pack. It depicts a good summary. The resort also offers half- and full-day fishing trips (US$175-350), in case you want to fish while in Xcalak without making it a full-on fishing vacation. More than once, it was remarked that the food was beyond our expectations. For pricing on lodging packages visit each individual package for rates, inclusions and exclusions. width: 100%; You might have heard of Xcalak, but because of its remote location its a relatively unknown, uncrowded fly fishing destination. Looking at the case now10 years removedis like trying to investigate a crime that was never actually a crime. Lakes above and below us are all . float: left; Its uncommonly easy to find a stretch of the Caribbean all to yourself in Xcalak. Hop in a panga, explain to your guide what you want to catch, and off you go. Read about average temperatures and weather patterns month by month. CFF April 2022 Fishing Reports. Costa De Cocos Lodge isnt totally out in the middle of absolutely nowhere, but it is out of the way. Other random by-catch I managed were snappers, small jacks, needlefish, perch, some reef fish, and one small saltwater crocodile. Mixing bonefish, permit, and homemade bourbon on the Mexican Caribbean. Julio and I stealthily close in on the fish, their black spikes silhouetted in the fading light. Re: DIY Fly Fishing. Re: DIY Fly Fishing. 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. Julios younger brother and apprentice, Eduardo, spots the fish right away. Plan for overnights in Cancun on June 9 and June 18. Mexico International Fly-Fishing Film Festival 2023 Gage Charlesworth Ogden City Corp gagec@ogdencity.com-801-629-8992. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. Associated with Xflats fly fishing. There is often the fear of a translation issue or a communication breakdown that leads to missed fish. hands. Need a fishing charter? with the best permit guides in the world in terms of expertise. 2022 by Fly Fish Costa Maya. Costa de Cocos, Only 2 kms from town, this accommodation is the closest thing to a resort youll find in Xcalak. 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. Headwear to keep you dry, cool, sun free, warm, or whatever you need! Some fish get into our soul. content: ""; David Randall moved to Xcalak in the early '90s, after selling his catfish hatchery south of Kansas City. Back then there wasnt really a trustworthy tourist website and we just couldnt figure out if the trip was worth the effort. .signup-row:after { Video Tutorials. 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. } 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. 2 people are looking at this charter. Watch on. Besides fishing he organizes tours of the reef and nearby Bird Island. The area we were in was very shallow, so Alberto began poling us in search of Plan B. Speaking of accommodations, here are the most popular accommodations for fly fishers in Xcalak: Home of the Fxcalak (fish-ka-lak, get it?) All rights reserved. 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. 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. Choose from Montana's largest selection of fishing and lodging packages. Bill Battles - Fly Fish America. The excellent fly fishing is found on the bonefish and permit flats of Chetumal Bay. They are spooky and quick to forget. Jose on many occasions and I am pleased to recommend him. Jacks are close relatives of Permit, and they sometimes swim in schools together. 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. Targeting the plentiful bonefish is always an option. Xcalak, with a present population of around 350 people, was the largest city in Quintana Roo until it was . Here in Xcalak, Mexico, we have some of the most beautiful saltwater flats for fly fishing in the world. Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you a free special report - Why Millions of Americans Are Moving to Mexico. Not only is he an excellent One of those lucky ones was me. BEACH FRONT lote For Sale 9150 ft2 at Mahahual- Xcalak road P3413, Costa Maya, Quintana Roo. Traveler favorites. The more I learned about these fish, the less I understand. Choose from Montana's most comprehensive selection of fly fishing trips. 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. We came to fish, not be pampered with warm bathrobes and spa treatments. I have fished with Captain Most hotels are self-catered. you. Fly Fishing for bonefish in Chetumal Bay. 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 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. We discovered there were lots of people with questions about Xcalak. This way of thinking might sell them far to short, however, because bonefish are extremely fun. I've heard anything from only an 8 weight to 8-10 weights needed for permit down there. 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. }. Of the 30 plus eats I had with Marty on the second day, we managed to jump 4 and land 1. In the Xcalak National Reef Park, fishing is catch-and-release (release comes after you take a photo of your catch, of course). 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. This fly fishing service can book your tour and accommodations, and has access to a network of Xcalak guides. For those travelers contemplating a visit to the remote fishing village of Xcalak, Quintana Roo. While comfortable, the accommodations are rusticwhich for all of us was just fine. 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. Maximize your time on the water and make great memories on one of our deluxe overnight river camping trips. Did I mention all you can drink too? Email:xcalakotf@gmail.comPhone:+1.907.953.3992. Im not able to watch the video for some reason. In Xcalak, lush Mayan jungle meets turquoise Caribbean water. 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. 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. This technical match the hatch fishing produces big results. Maybe you are very serious about position: relative; I'm sorry to say no permit for . One thing I did notice was that, depending on the day and tides, the tarpon spots could be limited. Both Victor and Nick are great guys to fish with. The reef runs from Cozumel all the way to Honduras, and is quite close to the shore in Xcalak. float: none; If you delve into the history of Xcalak, you will be able to see its relevance in communications and supplies between large cities. We also had the option to search for large jacks when they were out on the deeper flats blitzing bait, and a few of us capitalized on this opportunity. .signup-column { 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. Your email address will not be published. We're on our way back to Costa de Cocos resort, idling down the outside edge of a long . February 8, 2023. I would reccomend it, even just for the entertainment value. Michael Graham was in Xcalak in the Spring of 2009 on a self-described walk-about. Get picked up right from the dock in front of the beach and enjoy supper at the on-site restaurant. While staying at El Pescador Lodge in Belize, weve seen boats from there flyfishing in the Bacalar Chico Reserve. Off Xcalaks coast is the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. There's a lot of beauty and tranquility in our remote area of the Caribbean. 30 Jul. Theyre partnered with Hotel Tierra Maya. A six hour drive south of Cancun, Xcalak resists mega-tourism and retains its natural beauty. Tags: Bahia Blanca, bonefishing, Mexico, Xcalak. The closest town to Xcalak is Mahahual, home to a cruise ship port, restaurants, shops, hotels, and a Mayan-themed water park. We know you'll love fishing with . Here in Xcalak, Mexico, we have some of the most beautiful saltwater flats for fly fishing in the world. Even if the wind is howling out of the east, there are plenty of sheltered places to fish in Chetumal Bay, which is as large as Espiritu Santo and Ascension Bays combined. Talk your guide about what you want to try for snook, tarpon, barracuda, or jacks. Accommodations then were spare and dirty, fishing was so-so. For me, this fish is permit. Not just a fishing and diving lodge, Costa de Cocos boasts a restaurant, brewery, and distillery. The cabanas fit 2 anglers, had ceiling fans, plenty of windows, and a fine and functional bathroom. I personally felt it was incredible, but I am partial to anything coastal, and anything Mexican. Weather in the Northern Rockies can be fickle and it is always a good idea to come prepared regardless of the season. 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. Bring the basics and you are good to go. Fly fishing for Pacific Rockfish is nothing new, but something that most anglers haven't sampled yet. You know youre at a fly fishing-friendly place when theres a rod wash station. Join us on a 6 Night & 7 Day Guided fishing trip to beautiful Xcalak, Mexico. Information related to travelling to Montana: which airports to fly into, major towns, etc. Xcalak on the Fly is the Yucatan Peninsulas newest fly fishing lodge based out of Casa Paraiso. The scenic, 250-mile drive from Cancn to Xcalak takes about five hours. The town sits next to the Caribbean on a small spit of land that separates the Ocean from Chetumal Bay.
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