I booked Nick for this April and he comes highly recommended, out of Mahahual. 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. 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. The restaurant at Cocos is a popular place to cool off with one of their microbrews and trade stories with other fishers. 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. May 9, 2022 May 9, . You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The rivers, streams and lakes of Yellowstone National Park hold a special place in the hearts of many anglers. Then we visited again. 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. 5 Places to Live in Mexicoand 3 to Avoid. From there, the best way to get to Xcalak is to rent a car and drive south on Highway 307. Please check the website to learn 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. 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. I have fished with Captain } Off the beaten track, Xcalak is an alternative to the throngs of people and high rise hotels found further north. 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. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. My name is Jose, I live in Xcalak, and I am here to help On windy days, the lagoons behind Xcalak provide shelter and productive fishing for baby tarpon and snook. Its uncommonly easy to find a stretch of the Caribbean all to yourself in Xcalak. } Traveler ranking. 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. 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. A few of us even opted to grab a lodge kayak and head out to the oceanside flats for a little afternoon casting practice. Bonefish are easy to find, yet hard to spot. 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. Your guide knows where to find the fish he spots them, and you hook them. 0 Comments. But maybe its good for you. For those travelers contemplating a visit to the remote fishing village of Xcalak, Quintana Roo. Shots at permit are what brought my fishing buddy Patrick and me to Xcalaka small pit stop on the Yucatn Peninsula at the southern end of Costa Maya, perfectly situated on one of the last undeveloped stretches along the Mexican Caribbean. Whether it's the birdlife, stunning Caribbean vistas, or world-class fishing, we can promise you that we will show you a unique and memorable experience out on the water. His fly fishing writings have been published on blogs such as the Daily Drake and Simms Wading Room. All Rights Reserved. In a protected area, this little fishermen's village highlights many activities and advantages : scuba diving, fly fishing and fishing, snorkelling, bird watching and wildlife trips on land and water. This package includes transportation from Cancun International Airport, accommodation and all meals. The third cast was spot on and the entire school was over my fly. Along with many miles of Caribbean shoreline, Xcalak sits conveniently close to the entrance of Chetumal Bay. Be it status, financial security, or even something as fleeting as comfort. We know you'll love fishing with . Bring the basics and you are good to go. Re: DIY Fly Fishing. @Glenn, I dont know why the video isnt playing for you it played for me straight off. He rents boats and can give you advice. Like you, I spend most of my time trout fishing, but the wife and I head to Xcalak two weeks each spring for the bones. It would be my second trip chasing saltwater fish on the flats, while Tony is a fairly experienced saltwater angler and licensed Captain. background-color: #1a3c95; Get picked up right from the dock in front of the beach and enjoy supper at the on-site restaurant. may have. The flats of Chetumal Bay are home to an incredible amount of bones, and I had a few days of specifically targeting them. His place is right in town where the fishing guides pick you up. Many avid anglers, however, enjoy bringing their own gear. All of the guides at the lodge had lots of experience on the water (most around 15-20 years of guiding). BUS First you need to get to Mahahual. Required fields are marked *. And with a white-sand seabed, the coastal water displays a stunning aquamarine tint. The scenic, 250-mile drive from Cancn to Xcalak takes about five hours. There are three seasons in Xcalak - dry, wet, and hurricane. These "ghosts of the flats" swim about 27 miles per hour . LODGING Costa de Cocos Resort (www . At a whopping six-hour drive from Cancun, not many tourists make it to Xcalak, and thats too bad for them. Its a quaint statement that can be applied to many situations in life. 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. Last updated 3/1/23. Spring creeks offer the ultimate challenge in the fly fishing world. 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) Filters 1. Outdoor Activities. Costa de Cocos, Only 2 kms from town, this accommodation is the closest thing to a resort youll find in Xcalak. These fish are tough, with extremely hard mouths, so getting them to eat sometimes was not the hard partsticking the hook was. Fly Fishing for bonefish in Chetumal Bay. 1 While natural . I found this video fresh off the internets. 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 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. Costa De Cocos is truly a fishermans lodge. It grew into something that lets us connect travelers to the small businesses of Xcalak. For me, it is steelhead. 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. Jacks are close relatives of Permit, and they sometimes swim in schools together. 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. A little variation in the flow but not much. Powered by 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. Fresh Xcalak Fishing Reports . In Xcalak, lush Mayan jungle meets turquoise Caribbean water. Tarpon, aka "Sabilo" We recommend an 8-9 wt rod, typically we are chasing the tarpon early in the morning along the mangrove edges and in the lagoons. I hope to see you down here soon. This keeps the populations healthy and means theres always plenty to catch. These fish are those we hold most dear. Accommodations then were spare and dirty, fishing was so-so. xcalak-bonefishing-sabadeando.wmv. 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. float: none; Wet season runs from May to October and you can still expect sunny days, but . 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. Destination Reports Xcalak Bonefish Round 2. You know youre at a fly fishing-friendly place when theres a rod wash station. As a lifelong trout angler and guide, flats fishing is a totally different experience and challenge, and I am hooked. 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. 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. To be sure, there can be some trepidation when headed out on a guided trip in a foreign country. Both Victor and Nick are great guys to fish with. width: 100%; Climb the steps for a sweeping view of the entire site. A pair of windmills power the resort, and like any good fishing lodge, it has its own restaurant and bar, which is where Patrick and I head after stashing our gear in our cabana, one of 16 spread along the waters edge. The cast is decent, and the 12-foot, 16-pound fluorocarbon leader unfurls in the path of the school, and the fly lands with a subtle plop. More than 11222 fishing boats in 110 countries. Choose from Montana's largest selection of fishing and lodging packages. Not only is Jose a great flats guide, he Welcome to Xcalak 101. hands. foraging in the turtle grass, perfect cover for crabs and shrimps. The permit are still there, about 20 yards out. There's a lot of beauty and tranquility in our remote area of the Caribbean. The XTC Fly Fishing Experience. Lakes above and below us are all . 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). Things are calming back down, and some activity has returned to the beaches and offshore. of Jose, myself, and a nice permit. Tierra Maya Lodge, At 9 kms north of town, this secluded accommodation is a fantastic destination for DIY fly fishing. The boat ride to the vast fishing area in Chetumal . Jack he muttered. 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. 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. Some guides have over 25+ years of experience guiding fly fishers in the area. 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. While staying at El Pescador Lodge in Belize, weve seen boats from there flyfishing in the Bacalar Chico Reserve. Chetumal Bay is at the far southern tip of the Yucatan, near the border with Belize. Looking into the water, something didnt seem right. Julios younger brother and apprentice, Eduardo, spots the fish right away. The fishing. 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. Scuba enthusiasts should consider an overnight trip to the Banco Chinchorro atoll, an underwater paradise with a pristine biosphere, shipwrecks, and coral canyons. } The guides in Xcalak really know their stuff. One thing I did notice was that, depending on the day and tides, the tarpon spots could be limited. 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. Walk out from the private beach to fish for barracuda, permit, and bonefish. Or, use the free kayaks and SUPs offered at most beachside hotels. At XOTF, our goal is to provide you with the most personalized and all-inclusive fly fishing experience. Other random by-catch I managed were snappers, small jacks, needlefish, perch, some reef fish, and one small saltwater crocodile. 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. The fresh (but slightly salty) water in the lagoons hosts an entirely different species of wildlife than the saltwater flats. Ever look for places to camp in some of these exotic locations? https://www.josexcalaktours.com/index.html. 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. 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. and permit with Captain Jose. is a great caster himself, casting equally well with both A typical fishing day has you departing the Lodge at 8:00 AM and returning around 4:00 PM. 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. The area surrounding Xcalak on the Chetumal bay side is a wild and relatively untouched place. Need a fishing charter? Xcalak. So, head to the ADO bus terminal in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar or Chetumal . Work now, play later as they say. As with Xcalak, nothing special on the fly front here. It's been at least 20 years, but did stay in Xcalak and fished 5 days, DIY with rented panga. The small fishing village of ~400 people sits on the second largest coral reef in the . Michael Graham was in Xcalak in the Spring of 2009 on a self-described walk-about. Overall conditions on Lake Taneycomo couldn't get any more stable than we've experienced the last couple of weeks. Maximize your time on the water and make great memories on one of our deluxe overnight river camping trips. You might have heard of Xcalak, but because of its remote location its a relatively unknown, uncrowded fly fishing destination. I will never forget my first day of Bonefishing, watching a 3lb fish rip off hundreds of feet of line in seconds while bending my 7wt rod in half. Everyone was excited; my first permit, and it seemed like a good one. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I personally felt it was incredible, but I am partial to anything coastal, and anything Mexican. Bonefish on the Brain. 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. 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. Far too often we are working to build insulation of comfort around our existence to protect us from the uncomfortable realities of the modern worldbut sometimes the casualty to our padded lives becomes our joy. However, for what the rooms might have lacked in luxury luster, everything was more than made up for with food, drinks, service, and staff! 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. 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. Jose on many occasions and I am pleased to recommend him. Luggage options for the traveling angler. Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Farmington, ill. -Stop by for a cold beer on your, Byron Bayeasternmost point of Australia. Learn about getting to Xcalak. . If youre craving a lively afternoon, head to Mahahuals pedestrian-only malecn, and find a beachside bar for some people-watching. Coral Garden Inn. Map. March 2, 2023 Fishing Report. 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? 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. Permit fever is a real thing, and for those experiencing this diagnosis, Chetumal bay is a good place to seek a fix (I say fix, not cure as there is no such thing).