I would reccomend it, even just for the entertainment value. There are three seasons in Xcalak - dry, wet, and hurricane. Acocote Eco Inn: Perfect for the adventurous - Read 144 reviews, view 87 photos, and find great deals for Acocote Eco Inn at Tripadvisor Video: 9 more videos to help you discover Xcalak. One thing I did notice was that, depending on the day and tides, the tarpon spots could be limited. Capitn Jos We have the safest, fastest, and driest boats in the . If you have spent any time on a saltwater flat with a guide, then you are always amazed by how far an experienced guide can spot fish. Montana Angler holds a federal permit to guide our guests on these legendary waters, Fish over 20 legendary Montana rivers across multiple valleys or get off the beaten path on our exclusive private access ranch leases. 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. 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. Fly fishing for Pacific Rockfish is nothing new, but something that most anglers haven't sampled yet. 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. } Xcalak is located within a National Park, designed to protect the worlds second largest barrier reef. .signup-row:after { Some of the most exciting underwater experiences include seeing manatees and diving with schools of yardstick-long tarpon. /* Clear floats after the columns */ 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. } It is an old borrow pit and features largemouth bass, panfish such as bluegill, and a few trout. [emailprotected], HOURS: Top Fishing Charters in Xcalak. https://www.thexflats.com/, Another local, Jos is an experienced Xcalak fly fishing guide, and he loves the local area. 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. color: white; } Jacks are close relatives of Permit, and they sometimes swim in schools together. The small fishing village of ~400 people sits on the second largest coral reef in the . We strive to stifle our joy on a daily basis in order to achieve something we perceive as greater in the long run. It depicts a good summary. If you wish, you can join a kayaking tour, which is usually paired with a snorkeling excursion. Speaking of accommodations, here are the most popular accommodations for fly fishers in Xcalak: Home of the Fxcalak (fish-ka-lak, get it?) width:max-content; We have been offering one week fly fishing . Chetumal Bay is not a name a lot of traveling fly anglers have heard as Ascension Bay often gets more of the notoriety and publicity due to its proximity to Cancun. 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. I'm sorry to say no permit for . BEACH FRONT lote For Sale 9150 ft2 at Mahahual- Xcalak road P3413, Costa Maya, Quintana Roo. I recently returned from Southern Mexico after my first salt water trip. Julios younger brother and apprentice, Eduardo, spots the fish right away. CFF April 2022 Fishing Reports. . North Central Oregon/Mid-Columbia Waters: This week's report from Gorge Outfitters Supply (541-739-2222) in Rufus. Hey Bjorn, Not only is he an excellent We didnt see a lot of snook on our trip, but the ones we did see were pushing 40. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Duranglers Flies and Supplies Fly Shop Renting a car from Cancun is the most common way to reach Xcalak. Overall conditions on Lake Taneycomo couldn't get any more stable than we've experienced the last couple of weeks. After suffering several hurricanes, Xcalak maintains a small population dedicated to fishing and tourism, maintaining its . For years, my work has been fishing Fishing pressure has been very light, even with a lot of steelhead in the river. All rights reserved. This isnt to say Chetumal is any less of a fisheryit just gets less pressure. And again. To the north, we have the the Rio Huach lagoon system, boasting consisitent baby Tarpon and Snook fishing year round. Most tarpon I saw were in tannic colored water, so dark colored tarpon flies and toads were in order. 20-40 lb leader is perfect and when they're in the mood to bite they will eat a variety of bait fish patterns in sardines and mullet intimations and og tarpon flies like tarpon toad, black death, gummy minnows and ep minnows, in black and . We're on our way back to Costa de Cocos resort, idling down the outside edge of a long . The jetties are still holding trout and redfish. I hope to see you down here soon. 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. MONDAY-SATURDAY 8:00 am-6:00 pm Would love to see more pictures! Your email address will not be published. Site cast to trophy trout cruising the shallows of several productive lakes. 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. fly fishing maybe you are very excited about snorkeling or width:auto; Park. 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. 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. 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. Click here to receive the sport of fly fishing's most authoritative magazine. I watch Blantons Board, so Ill keep an eye out for that. March 3, 2023. I am looking up from my desk at a picture Then we visited again. He and his wife Illana own Costa de Cocos resort, which sits on . Stay in a cabaa or a small casa, and spend the rest of your time on land in the palapa-topped lodge preparing for the next day and boasting about your triumphs. been more beautiful or better here than they are now. What's the #1 Thing Every Expat Says They Wish They'd Done Before Going to Latin America? 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. font-size: medium; Snorkel, kayak, and enjoy the constantly warm weather far from the snowy north. 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. A six hour drive south of Cancun, Xcalak resists mega-tourism and retains its natural beauty. 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. We have miles and miles of wade-able flats with large numbers of bonefish and permit, and if you want to get . Walleye fishing should start picking up now that we are into March. Email:xcalakotf@gmail.comPhone:+1.907.953.3992. Chetumal is no exception as it boasts resident baby and juvenile tarpon, along with large migrating adult tarpon in the summer months. The rivers, streams and lakes of Yellowstone National Park hold a special place in the hearts of many anglers. Experience some of the lower 48's most remote fisheries. Xcalak Front Side Flats. 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. Costa de Cocos lodge, kitchen, and service staff did an absolutely fantastic job of making us feel comfortable, well fed, and equally hydrated. I make a long, slow strip. Things are calming back down, and some activity has returned to the beaches and offshore. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. Bonefish - Bonefish live on both hard and soft bottom flats so fly fishing will be wading and boat casting. Xcalak is a small fishing village on the southern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the State of Quintana Roo. 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. I often found that the best communication came early at the dock when discussing the plan for the day. This keeps the populations healthy and means theres always plenty to catch. josexcalak@hotmail.com WhatsApp 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 fishing day starts with meeting your guide on our new 200 foot dock directly in front of the lodge. Hop in a panga, explain to your guide what you want to catch, and off you go. 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. What would it take to help others find Xcalak? 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. Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. I have had wonderful days fishing for bonefish 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. 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. BUS First you need to get to Mahahual. 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. It's less developed (and less crowded) than it's popular northern neighbor Ascension Bay, near Tulum. This is a video I made for some friends that were thinking of going on a trip with us. This was a now or never, make or break moment. I toss the Rag Head Crab into the air, load my 9-weight, and aim a couple feet in front of the lead fish. The town is home to just 400 local fishers and a scattering of resident expats. width: 100%; Enter dates. He is an excellent teacher and my choice when I send Looking at the case now10 years removedis like trying to investigate a crime that was never actually a crime. In the past we have fished all six days, but this year decided to take it easy a bit. Looking into the water, something didnt seem right. Barracuda patrol is also in order in Chetumal: while one angler is on the bow with the bonefish rod, the second is on deck with a 10 weight and wire rig tied to a needlefish fly. margin: 1.5rem 0; Id love to make it down there. They do not, however, command nearly the same respect in the angling world as a Permit. These "ghosts of the flats" swim about 27 miles per hour . There's a lot of beauty and tranquility in our remote area of the Caribbean. Lakes above and below us are all . 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. 8,621.89 Sqft. Go far enough, and it's not that you forget about the worriesit's that the worries forget about you. Since our trip was in December, we had the youngsters of the species to target. 5 Places to Live in Mexicoand 3 to Avoid. Fly Fishing for bonefish in Chetumal Bay. Re: DIY Fly Fishing. The area we were in was very shallow, so Alberto began poling us in search of Plan B. Fishing season here is year-round and the fish are abundant. Home to jaguars, howler monkeys, and the deadly fer-de-lance pit viper, this land, along with the rest of the Yucatn Peninsula, was ruled by the Maya for centuries. 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. Triggerfish were a final noteworthy target that can show up in Xcalak, unfortunately, we did not get a shot. Thanks for the great report! SUNDAY 8:00 am-6:00 pm. It also happens to be one of the best places to DIY saltwater fly fish. I looked back at Alberto, and the look on his face said it all. Chetumal Bay, an expansive wonderland for the intrepid flats fisherman! The shifting baseline concept popularized by Pauly (), in which change is measured against previous reference points which may themselves not reflect the true early state, has been documented in fisheries worldwide (e.g. These are the fish we seek when the deeper questions of life are on the table. 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. In addition to boat fishing, Chetumal also offers excellent wade fishing. 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. Dr. Mike Larkin on Bonefish The Tom Roland Podcast. For me, this fish is permit. Xcalaks shore is made mostly of tiny coral fragments that arent exactly powdery-soft. 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. a bit about my services and your options for exploring the Xcalak I often think of bonefish as the saviors of any saltwater fishing destination, due to their sheer numbers and availability as targets. Brandon, I am careful when I write these reports because I am not an expert and dont want to pretend to be one. CAR Most visitors to Xcalak arrive at the Cancun International Airport (CUN). I will let those with more experience and confidence continue the debate from there. Within these numerous environments, we have a smorgasbord of options to fit every angler's needs. }. Powered by The downside is the weather can be unpredictable this time of year. Xcalak is a small fishing village on the southern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the State of Quintana Roo. Because of the diversity of waterscapes, Xcalak is an excellent place for fly-fishers to attempt the Grand-Slam, catching a bonefish, a tarpon, and a permit all in the same day. With XOTF at Casa Paraiso, youre sure to have a rewarding and relaxing time. Both the saltwater flats and inland lagoons make for excellent kayaking and SUP. Fly fishing Xcalak with XTC Dive Center is a unique experience unlike any other adventure in the Yucatan. You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Getting ThereThe town of Xcalak, Mexico sits at the end of the road. As with Xcalak, nothing special on the fly front here. Welcome to Xcalak, Mexico. Each is constructed with a forward casting deck . Needless to say, the diving and snorkeling here is world class. The walleye fishing has been good on the days anglers can get out on the water. Im not far behind. THE SUN IS SETTING OVER THE SLEEPY FISHING VILLAGE OF XCALAK, MEXICO, casting the barrier reef in amber light and bringing out the vibrant green and blue hues of the oceanside flats. 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. Welcome to Xcalak 101. Re: DIY Fly Fishing. 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 . 1 While natural . clear: both; great time to plan a visit. Knowing a bit of Spanish from the client never hurt, but it was not a detriment if we didnt. They are opportunistic eaters and as picky as permit. Depending on traffic and how many stops you make, the trip will take about 6 to 7 hours. Plan for your Montana fishing trip. Its less developed (and less crowded) than its popular northern neighbor Ascension Bay, near Tulum. 3. March 2, 2023 Fishing Report. Bonefish and all that relates (maybe a bit about tarpon too). This ancient Maya city boasts three excavated stone plazas and a towering pyramid. A little variation in the flow but not much. From there, the best way to get to Xcalak is to rent a car and drive south on Highway 307. Victor's location in Xcalak means easy access to the flats of Chetumal Bay. 318 were here. 2023. Feel free to send me an email with any questions you 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. In Xcalak, lush Mayan jungle meets turquoise Caribbean water. For years, my work has been fishing and guiding in . 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. And stay open to opportunity, as you never know what you might come across while looking for something else. 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. More than once, it was remarked that the food was beyond our expectations. Associated with Xflats fly fishing. Map. Mixing bonefish, permit, and homemade bourbon on the Mexican Caribbean. Most hotels are self-catered. Will dredging the Zaragoza Canal hurt Xcalak. and guiding in Xcalak and I can tell you that things have never 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. Xcalak has been a favorite for over ten years. Cleanr theme by WPShoppe. These pickup trucks carry fresh seafood, fruit, vegetables, and snacks. The sheer power of the fish is incredible. 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. It was like a rustic cabin right on the . A resort, it is not. Our packages and trips were designed by fishing-obsessed father and son duo Jim and Chase Looney with anglers in mind. His place is right in town where the fishing guides pick you up. with the best permit guides in the world in terms of expertise. Top Fishing Charters in Xcalak. Strangely enough, comfort should loose to joy, almost always. The town of Xcalak, Mexico sits at the end of the road. Xcalak is renowned for fly 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. 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. Xcalak on the Fly is the Yucatan Peninsulas newest fly fishing lodge based out of Casa Paraiso. 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. For pricing on lodging packages visit each individual package for rates, inclusions and exclusions. All of the guides at the lodge had lots of experience on the water (most around 15-20 years of guiding). Options include diverse lodging packages, camping trips, wilderness horse pack expeditions, day trips and world wide travel. Choose from over 20 fabled blue ribbon rivers that we target. Postponing joy actually seems to make a lot of sense for those looking to get ahead of the pack. International Fly-Fishing Film Festival 2023 Gage Charlesworth Ogden City Corp gagec@ogdencity.com-801-629-8992. It's been at least 20 years, but did stay in Xcalak and fished 5 days, DIY with rented panga. 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. Cell coverage is non-existent in Xcalak, so make sure you have an offline map before making the drive. 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). We discovered there were lots of people with questions about Xcalak. of Jose, myself, and a nice permit. Like us, theyre here to take advantage of Costa de Cocos great off-season rates. It was amazing fishing in a fantastic place with bones and permit caught right off the dock. content: ""; and permit with Captain Jose. Coral Garden Inn. Adventurous travelers will be curious to explore beyond Xcalaks tranquil beaches. 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. Maybe you are very serious about We started answering emails, at first, and then made this website. I personally felt it was incredible, but I am partial to anything coastal, and anything Mexican. overflow: unset; 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. Day 6Our last day in Xcalak would be another rest day. Build lasting relationships with your best clients or reward your key employees with one of our custom built corporate fishing retreats. After about 10 minutes of nothing, I looked to my right and a big school of Permit were heading our way. As to your Appalachian Trail adventure, have you read the book "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson chronicling his Appalachian adventure?