xcalak fishing report xcalak fishing report

But what the sand lacks in smoothness, the beach makes up for in seclusion. I personally felt it was incredible, but I am partial to anything coastal, and anything Mexican. Cleanr theme by WPShoppe. /* Clear floats after the columns */ A Beginners Guide to San Juan River Fly Fishing, Duranglers 2018 Xcalak, Mexico Trip Report, shoot me an e-mail and we can talk Mayan adventure, Tying Big Flies with Snowrunner, aka Nayat, 3 Lesser Known Fishing Spots Around Durango, CO, Winter and Springtime Fly Fishing and Tying Classes, Clinics, and Events, Duranglers is now an Orvis Endorsed Outfitter Fly Shop. 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. These fish are those we hold most dear. 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) May 2, 2016. } Youre sitting at your computer, dreaming of fly fishing, and wondering what your next destination will be. For years, my work has been fishing and guiding in . We quickly spotted a school of Bonefish and Tony caught one, so it was my turn to fish. Xcalak, with a present population of around 350 people, was the largest city in Quintana Roo until it was . 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 . Read about the seasonal patterns in our fisheries. Join us on a 6 Night & 7 Day Guided fishing trip to beautiful Xcalak, Mexico. In 2015, we almost didnt visit Xcalak. (3 spots remain.) float: left; Did I mention all you can drink too? And again. Most of our trips include rods, flies and we rent waders. 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. [Story by Nick Roberts / Photos by Patrick Williams]. great time to plan a visit. https://www.thexflats.com/, Another local, Jos is an experienced Xcalak fly fishing guide, and he loves the local area. 30 Jul. 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. He was never seen or heard from again. If you liked the story above, check out these stories below. Bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook, and barracuda await your fly. Victor's location in Xcalak means easy access to the flats of Chetumal Bay. Again, I really enjoyed your report. 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. 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. Chetumal Bay is at the far southern tip of the Yucatan, near the border with Belize. Both Victor and Nick are great guys to fish with. Walleye fishing should start picking up now that we are into March. This waterbody should produce fish year-round. We had two slams in our group (tarpon, permit, and bonefish in a single day) and lots of action throughout. Some of the most exciting underwater experiences include seeing manatees and diving with schools of yardstick-long tarpon. Walk out from the private beach to fish for barracuda, permit, and bonefish. Rates and terms for some of our standard trips. This place is real and its called Xcalak. 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. Maximize your time on the water and make great memories on one of our deluxe overnight river camping trips. All Rights Reserved. Associated with Xflats fly fishing. Id love to make it down there. Email:xcalakotf@gmail.comPhone:+1.907.953.3992. Dr. Mike Larkin on Bonefish The Tom Roland Podcast. Here are our recommendations for rods, lines, flies, tippet, waders and more. 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 . Fun Facts: All about the manatees of Xcalak. 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? Jacks are close relatives of Permit, and they sometimes swim in schools together. Very well done Kev, glad you had a great trip. This was a now or never, make or break moment. 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. We didnt see a lot of snook on our trip, but the ones we did see were pushing 40. Costa De Cocos is truly a fishermans lodge. Boats and Equipment All boats used by the lodge are 23-foot pangas that accommodate two fishermen and a guide. Destination Reports Xcalak Bonefish Round 2. On windy days, the lagoons behind Xcalak provide shelter and productive fishing for baby tarpon and snook. Looking into the water, something didnt seem right. Of the 30 plus eats I had with Marty on the second day, we managed to jump 4 and land 1. Fly Fishing in Xcalak, Chetumal Bay, Mexico. 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. Imagine floating into a deluxe camp on one of our private ranches or permitted islands where cold beverages and tasty appetizers await. Two suites complete with kitchens sleep 6 people each. Talk your guide about what you want to try for snook, tarpon, barracuda, or jacks. The Chetumal Bay flats in Xcalak are vastly larger than Ascension Bay further north, offering the fly. And with a white-sand seabed, the coastal water displays a stunning aquamarine tint. On the boats at 8am and back at the dock 4-430pm. We know you'll love fishing with . Traveler favorites. While comfortable, the accommodations are rusticwhich for all of us was just fine. (And check out our highlight video from our trip last year below!). 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. 1 INSTITUTIONAL AMNESIA. If you are interested, you can read more about our 2019 trip here OR shoot me an e-mail and we can talk Mayan adventure. After 5 minutes or so the fish was getting closer to the boat. Bonefish on the Brain. 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. But maybe its good for you. This keeps the populations healthy and means theres always plenty to catch. Scuba enthusiasts should consider an overnight trip to the Banco Chinchorro atoll, an underwater paradise with a pristine biosphere, shipwrecks, and coral canyons. Partly because of its far-flung location and partly because its protected from development (its a National Reef Marine Park), Xcalak isnt overrun by tourists. . @Rob, not a resort dude, really just easier to find videos from folks staying at resorts. with the best permit guides in the world in terms of expertise. WordPress. Although more populous than Xcalak, the crowds here are nothing compared to the Riviera Maya. Renting a car from Cancun is the most common way to reach Xcalak. Choose from Montana's largest selection of fishing and lodging packages. 923 Main Ave | DURANGO, CO 81301 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. It was like a rustic cabin right on the . 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. Appetizers and drinks awaited us at the main lodge restaurant after we settled in. Go far enough, and its not that you forget about the worriesits that the worries forget about you. Some fish get into our soul. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. There's a lot of beauty and tranquility in our remote area of the Caribbean. Find out when to come, what equipment to bring, browse blog articles, and more. Experience the wilds of Montana on a multi-day horse pack adventure. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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. The town is remote, and so far south, it's only six miles to the Belize /Mexico border. 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. 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! If this was a sign of things to come, the foreshadowing was causing almost catatonic euphoria. may have. The second episode of the two-part sit-down with the owner of XFlats Lodge, Jesse Colton. The jetties are still holding trout and redfish. Fishing season here is year-round and the fish are abundant. The farthest most tourists go is Tulum, a lively resort town named after the nearby Mayan archeological site and lined with hostels, cafs, bars, and openair restaurants. Back then there wasnt really a trustworthy tourist website and we just couldnt figure out if the trip was worth the effort. xcalak-bonefishing-sabadeando.wmv. Video: 9 more videos to help you discover Xcalak. For Immediate Release: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 . Im not far behind. Our bay fishery is a vast area made up of hundreds of cayes, rivers, ponds, lagoons, cuts and banks. These lagoons are mangrove-lined and accessible on all tidal phases. There is often the fear of a translation issue or a communication breakdown that leads to missed fish. . 8,621.89 Sqft. That isnt to say they arent out there, the truth is often wilder than fiction. Click here to receive the sport of fly fishing's most authoritative magazine. The fishing. .signup-row:after { From there, the best way to get to Xcalak is to rent a car and drive south on Highway 307. TRAVEL There are several flights a day to Cancn, Mexico. 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. Get it together I told myself. Fresh Xcalak Fishing Reports . Farmington, ill. -Stop by for a cold beer on your, Byron Bayeasternmost point of Australia. Let us help you build the perfect lodging and fishing package. These fish are tough, with extremely hard mouths, so getting them to eat sometimes was not the hard partsticking the hook was. Xcalak on the Fly is the Yucatan Peninsulas newest fly fishing lodge based out of Casa Paraiso. Posted on July 30, 2020 January 11, 2021 by islander. Between the shore and the reef, the calm saltwater flats are home to a thriving variety of game fish and tropical marine life. Speaking of accommodations, here are the most popular accommodations for fly fishers in Xcalak: Home of the Fxcalak (fish-ka-lak, get it?) Within these numerous environments, we have a smorgasbord of options to fit every angler's needs. There was some netting going on. font-size: medium; 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. 0 Comments. The sheer power of the fish is incredible. MONDAY-SATURDAY 8:00 am-6:00 pm 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. Filters 1. Finally, heading south of Xcalak town, the water turns coloured and offers excellent opportunities to target rolling Tarpon, as well as Snook and Jacks as they feed on Sardines and glass minnows sheltering close to the mangroves. 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. reefs, islands, lagoons and bays of the beautiful Xcalak National background-color: #1a3c95; Choose from over 20 fabled blue ribbon rivers that we target. } One of those lucky ones was me. 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. A six hour drive south of Cancun, Xcalak resists mega-tourism and retains its natural beauty. A link to purchase your Montana license online is also provided, Frequently asked questions related to fly fishing in Montana and about our fishing trips and packages, Montana Angler is a family run business that prides itself on working with the best guides and lodging options in Montana, Read what our guests have to say about our trips and learn why we are rated #1 in Trip Advisor and have a 5 star average on our Orvis reviews. The fish are happy, the cooler is full and our skiffs are loaded, the only thing we are waiting for is you! Chetumal is no exception as it boasts resident baby and juvenile tarpon, along with large migrating adult tarpon in the summer months. Off the beaten track, Xcalak is an alternative to the throngs of people and high rise hotels found further north. What's the #1 Thing Every Expat Says They Wish They'd Done Before Going to Latin America? If you book a fly fishing package with one of Xcalaks accommodations, they can hook you up with a guide, or you book an accommodation and a guide separately. Tierra Maya Lodge, At 9 kms north of town, this secluded accommodation is a fantastic destination for DIY fly fishing. Its a secluded region perfect for travelers looking to experience a genuine beach-life. The third cast was spot on and the entire school was over my fly. and nice guy. I landed the fish, a bit disappointed, but happy nevertheless at putting a good fish in the boat. 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. If you just have a day or two to spare, day trips are a great way to experience Montana's legendary fisheries. Casa Cangrejo, One of the first accommodations to open in Xcalak, at Cocos your room is a palapa hut. padding: 1.25rem 1.25rem 1rem; maybe you are just very ready for a vacation to explore the 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. You might have heard of Xcalak, but because of its remote location its a relatively unknown, uncrowded fly fishing destination. LODGING Costa de Cocos Resort (www . At a whopping six-hour drive from Cancun, not many tourists make it to Xcalak, and that's too bad for them. a bit about my services and your options for exploring the Xcalak white sand flats, throwing at cruising Bones and scouting the deep water for Permit. Bonefish are easy to find, yet hard to spot. The XTC Fly Fishing Experience. I hadnt caught anything the day before and now I was blowing a great Permit shot. We're on our way back to Costa de Cocos resort, idling down the outside edge of a long . float: none; Xcalak is renowned for fly fishing. Accommodations are off-grid, which gives any vacation in Xcalak a touch of adventure. I watch Blantons Board, so Ill keep an eye out for that. Did I mention tarpon are my favorite fish to cast at with a fly rod? 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.