Victor's location in Xcalak means easy access to the flats of Chetumal Bay. . The flats all along Xcalaks coast are fair game for fly fishing, with some of the best found at Chetumal Bay, only 30 minutes away by boat. hands. With a rental car and an early start, you can make a day trip to some of southern Mexicos intriguing, lesser-visited sights. 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 . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Get in, amigo, Julio tells me as he hands off the pole to his brother. Farmington, ill. -Stop by for a cold beer on your, Byron Bayeasternmost point of Australia. 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. 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. Options include all inclusive fishing lodges, convenient hotel packages and unique river front vacation cabins and homes. The area surrounding Xcalak on the Chetumal bay side is a wild and relatively untouched place. Weather in the Northern Rockies can be fickle and it is always a good idea to come prepared regardless of the season. Renting a car from Cancun is the most common way to reach Xcalak. 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. Filters 1. I hope to see you down here soon. At XOTF, our goal is to provide you with the most personalized and all-inclusive fly fishing experience.Our packages and trips were designed by fishing-obsessed father and son duo Jim and Chase Looney with anglers in mind. Very well done Kev, glad you had a great trip. Xcalak Not only is he an excellent BEACH FRONT lote For Sale 9150 ft2 at Mahahual- Xcalak road P3413, Costa Maya, Quintana Roo. Many had a mix of experience guiding out of Xcalak along with guiding at Ascension Bay. Our guides at Costa were no exception, often spotting permit 300 yards away or more. Watch on. This isnt to say Chetumal is any less of a fisheryit just gets less pressure. 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 found this video fresh off the internets. 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. Ruin explorers can easily visit the Chacchoben archaeological site, about a two-hour drive from the village. Its a quaint statement that can be applied to many situations in life. For years, my work has been fishing and guiding in . Did I mention all you can drink too? josexcalak@hotmail.com WhatsApp Grand slams are not uncommon in Xcalak, so set your sights high! We're on our way back to Costa de Cocos resort, idling down the outside edge of a long . 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. While the grand slam has the draw for fly fishing in Mexican saltwater, I think that one might be selling themselves short if you are not prepared and excited to catch other fish. Xcalak Front Side Flats. Hop in a panga, explain to your guide what you want to catch, and off you go. and permit with Captain Jose. Maximize your time on the water and make great memories on one of our deluxe overnight river camping trips. 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. 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. For unknown reasons, Scheepstra broke away from his fishing partner and headed back toward the rental car. I may have framed my question a bit different than I wanted. Mexico display: table; Will dredging the Zaragoza Canal hurt Xcalak. For me, this fish is permit. I booked Nick for this April and he comes highly recommended, out of Mahahual. These lagoons are mangrove-lined and accessible on all tidal phases. Some of the bonefish I personally took shots at while wading said secret lagoons led me to believe that a 10-pound bonefish in the Yucatan was entirely plausible. If youre craving a lively afternoon, head to Mahahuals pedestrian-only malecn, and find a beachside bar for some people-watching. Scuba enthusiasts should consider an overnight trip to the Banco Chinchorro atoll, an underwater paradise with a pristine biosphere, shipwrecks, and coral canyons. The second-longest reef in the world, it stretches nearly 700 miles, from Isla Mujeres in Mexico to the Bay Islands in Honduras. Bonefish on the Brain. For years, my work has been fishing Tierra Maya Lodge, At 9 kms north of town, this secluded accommodation is a fantastic destination for DIY fly fishing. That isnt to say they arent out there, the truth is often wilder than fiction. Strangely enough, comfort should loose to joy, almost always. The fishing day starts with meeting your guide on our new 200 foot dock directly in front of the lodge. 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. Again, I really enjoyed your report. Water has cleared up. 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. Since our trip was in December, we had the youngsters of the species to target. The XTC Fly Fishing Experience. } Off Xcalaks coast is the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. overflow: hidden; 318 were here. I looked back at Alberto, and the look on his face said it all. And thats how we truly fell for this beach town in the south of Mexico. Xcalak. Video: 9 more videos to help you discover Xcalak. 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. Experience the wilds of Montana on a multi-day horse pack adventure. I'd like to hear about the permit on the 10 weight. It's less developed (and less crowded) than it's popular northern neighbor Ascension Bay, near Tulum. We pick you up each day at the hotel and in the evenings you can enjoy fun western towns like Bozeman and Livingston, Browse our large network of vacation homes and cabins that are either on the water or centrally located to great fishing. The fishing routine was simple and timely. Fly fishing for Pacific Rockfish is nothing new, but something that most anglers haven't sampled yet. Choose from Montana's most comprehensive selection of fly fishing trips. Your guide knows where to find the fish he spots them, and you hook them. Choose from Montana's largest selection of fishing and lodging packages. Ever look for places to camp in some of these exotic locations? 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. One thing I did notice was that, depending on the day and tides, the tarpon spots could be limited. In addition to boat fishing, Chetumal also offers excellent wade fishing. @Rob, not a resort dude, really just easier to find videos from folks staying at resorts. These were just a few spots that our guides had in their back pockets for the right situation. Montana Angler guides fish the famous Livingston creeks in addition to several other spring creeks on some of our exclusive ranch leases. Thanks for the great report! Let me share my thoughts. We have the safest, fastest, and driest boats in the . There are three seasons in Xcalak - dry, wet, and hurricane. Some days were better than others for finding rolling tarpon, but when they were up, they were up! While comfortable, the accommodations are rusticwhich for all of us was just fine. Each is constructed with a forward casting deck . Knowing a bit of Spanish from the client never hurt, but it was not a detriment if we didnt. The town is remote, and so far south, it's only six miles to the Belize /Mexico border. This way of thinking might sell them far to short, however, because bonefish are extremely fun. It's a great read.way better then the movie of the same name, imo. 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. 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. 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? Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. 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. } may have. Report by Captain David Dillman, Galveston Bay Charter Fishing. Re: DIY Fly Fishing. Climb the steps for a sweeping view of the entire site. The town sits next to the Caribbean on a small spit of land that separates the Ocean from Chetumal Bay. 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. Appetizers and drinks awaited us at the main lodge restaurant after we settled in. 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. Xcalak, with a present population of around 350 people, was the largest city in Quintana Roo until it was . clear: both; You must log in or register to reply here. The town sits next to the Caribbean on a small spit of land that separates the Ocean from Chetumal Bay. The Chetumal Bay flats in Xcalak are vastly larger than Ascension Bay further north, offering the fly. Jacks are close relatives of Permit, and they sometimes swim in schools together. 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) Bonefish - Bonefish live on both hard and soft bottom flats so fly fishing will be wading and boat casting. I have had wonderful days fishing for bonefish 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 Anyway, long story short, we did visit. Shorelines action is heating up with a few speckled trout, redfish, and decent numbers of black drum, and sheepshead, all on live shrimp. Like us, theyre here to take advantage of Costa de Cocos great off-season rates. These fish are tough, with extremely hard mouths, so getting them to eat sometimes was not the hard partsticking the hook was. Looking into the water, something didnt seem right. And with a white-sand seabed, the coastal water displays a stunning aquamarine tint. Now, within that image, somewhere nestled between the aquamarine blues and the distant sandy cays throw in a few thousand Bonefish, Permit galore, Tarpon of all sizes and just about any of the Caribbeans' other dream inshore game fish species. The reef is a physical barrier that breaks up big ocean surge and turns it to gentle waves. Our blog offers a vast collection of useful articles that include topics related to hatches, seasons, rivers, destination trip reports and more, Helpful checklists to make sure you include the proper clothing and gear for your Montana fishing trip, Information on rates for Montana and Yellowstone National Park fishing licenses. It's been at least 20 years, but did stay in Xcalak and fished 5 days, DIY with rented panga. We discovered there were lots of people with questions about Xcalak. Everyone was excited; my first permit, and it seemed like a good one. Diosa Del Mar Mahahual 25 ft 4 persons . February 8, 2023. For me, it is tarpon. border: 0.2rem solid #ffb500; Fishing changes by the week in Montana. All of the guides at the lodge had lots of experience on the water (most around 15-20 years of guiding). Here in Xcalak, Mexico, we have some of the most beautiful saltwater flats for fly fishing in the world. Costa De Cocos is truly a fishermans lodge. 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. Day 6Our last day in Xcalak would be another rest day. [emailprotected], HOURS: This package includes transportation from Cancun International Airport, accommodation and all meals. +52 983 186 6112. Tags: Bahia Blanca, bonefishing, Mexico, Xcalak. 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! 2023 pricing for 7 nights / 6 days. Had a great trip to Xcalak, fishing out of Casa Paraiso. foraging in the turtle grass, perfect cover for crabs and shrimps. 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. width: 100%; The town is home to just 400 local fishers and a scattering of resident expats. Jose on many occasions and I am pleased to recommend him. Coral Garden Inn. display: block; trips from $300 : Sapos Del Mar . 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. Julios younger brother and apprentice, Eduardo, spots the fish right away. 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. Did I mention tarpon are my favorite fish to cast at with a fly rod? Choose your accommodation, pack your gear, and head to what might be the last undiscovered fly fishing paradise in the Yucatan. Depending on traffic and how many stops you make, the trip will take about 6 to 7 hours. I personally felt it was incredible, but I am partial to anything coastal, and anything Mexican. One of those lucky ones was me. Xcalak Fishing is a fly fishing guide service located in the remote Mexican fishing village of Xcalak, Quintana Roo. May 2, 2016. @Glenn, I dont know why the video isnt playing for you it played for me straight off. 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. This waterbody should produce fish year-round. 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. Double occupancy (boat and room) -$4,495.00 USD. Poor fisheries data, many fishers, and increasing tourism development: Interdisciplinary views on past and current small-scale fisheries exploitation on Holbox Island For pricing on lodging packages visit each individual package for rates, inclusions and exclusions. 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. https://www.thexflats.com/, Another local, Jos is an experienced Xcalak fly fishing guide, and he loves the local area. Id love to make it down there. 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. 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. Options include unique fishing lodges, exclusive ranch stays, riverside vacation rentals, and affordable hotel packages. As a lifelong trout angler and guide, flats fishing is a totally different experience and challenge, and I am hooked. Many avid anglers, however, enjoy bringing their own gear. 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). One of the other guests at the lodge claimed they caught a 10 pounder, and the blurry iPhone selfie seemed to support such a claimbut so did the blurry photos of bigfoot. 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. March 2, 2023 Fishing Report. 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. Snorkel, kayak, and enjoy the constantly warm weather far from the snowy north. A few of us even opted to grab a lodge kayak and head out to the oceanside flats for a little afternoon casting practice. And again. Water temperatures are still cold. Because of the sparse population and lack of development, there are isolated miles of shoreline between accommodations, allowing you to walk the beach without interruption. Go now, he whispers excitedly. Buy it online or buy it when you arrive, just be sure to buy it before you start fishing. content: ""; reefs, islands, lagoons and bays of the beautiful Xcalak National great time to plan a visit. Youre sitting at your computer, dreaming of fly fishing, and wondering what your next destination will be. I often found that the best communication came early at the dock when discussing the plan for the day. 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. of Jose, myself, and a nice permit. 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. 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. Would love to see more pictures! Most hotels are self-catered. 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. Get picked up right from the dock in front of the beach and enjoy supper at the on-site restaurant. 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. 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! (3 spots remain.) It also happens to be one of the best places to DIY saltwater fly fish. 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. 923 Main Ave | DURANGO, CO 81301 This approximately 70-acre lake just north of Turner is open to public fishing along the southern half. Build lasting relationships with your best clients or reward your key employees with one of our custom built corporate fishing retreats. 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). been more beautiful or better here than they are now. Its less developed (and less crowded) than its popular northern neighbor Ascension Bay, near Tulum. Xcalak on the Fly is the Yucatan Peninsula's newest fly fishing lodge based out of Casa Paraiso. What more could you ask for? 2-8-23. Even after the opening of the Parque Nacional de Arrecifes (Xcalak Reefs Natonal Park) many of the inhabitants still feed their families from the sea but now often in the form of guiding fishermen or . Acocote Eco Inn: Perfect for the adventurous - Read 144 reviews, view 87 photos, and find great deals for Acocote Eco Inn at Tripadvisor So, head to the ADO bus terminal in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar or Chetumal . overflow: unset; Not just a fishing and diving lodge, Costa de Cocos boasts a restaurant, brewery, and distillery. The scenic, 250-mile drive from Cancn to Xcalak takes about five hours. Its a }. is a great caster himself, casting equally well with both Top Fishing Charters in Xcalak. Some guides have over 25+ years of experience guiding fly fishers in the area. 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. Faro Xcalak, Othon P. Blanco's tide times and tide charts, high tide and low tide times, fishing times, tide tables, weather forecasts surf reports and solunar charts for today. 4.2 / 5 (2 reviews) Mahahual 26 ft 4 persons . Before you head off to Xcalak, here is some advice for making the most of your trip: .jason-signup { The sheer power of the fish is incredible. Between the shore and the reef, the calm saltwater flats are home to a thriving variety of game fish and tropical marine life. Xcalak Bonefish (1.000) Xcalak on a Monday (1.000) Bones of Costa de Cocos (1.000) Tags: Bahia Blanca, bonefishing, Mexico, Xcalak. Things are calming back down, and some activity has returned to the beaches and offshore. Costa de Cocos, Only 2 kms from town, this accommodation is the closest thing to a resort youll find in Xcalak. 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. I'm sorry to say no permit for . Email:xcalakotf@gmail.comPhone:+1.907.953.3992. 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. .signup-column { 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. BUS First you need to get to Mahahual. You wont be roughing it though this palapa hut comes with its own private bathroom.