xcalak fishing report xcalak fishing report

Map. Quiet about Xcalak! Costa De Cocos Lodge isnt totally out in the middle of absolutely nowhere, but it is out of the way. I watch Blantons Board, so Ill keep an eye out for that. 5 Places to Live in Mexicoand 3 to Avoid. Harboring fewer than 400 souls at the far southern tip of Mexico's Caribbean coast, the small fishing village of Xcalak was arguably one of the best places to ride out a pandemic. Curious about this undiscovered fly fishing mecca? While staying at El Pescador Lodge in Belize, weve seen boats from there flyfishing in the Bacalar Chico Reserve. Bill Battles - Fly Fish America. Choose from over 20 fabled blue ribbon rivers that we target. The reef is a physical barrier that breaks up big ocean surge and turns it to gentle waves. The flats of Chetumal Bay are home to an incredible amount of bones, and I had a few days of specifically targeting them. Were on our way back to Costa de Cocos resort, idling down the outside edge of a long expanse of turtle grass, when suddenly our guide, Julio Gomez, cuts the engine and plants his bamboo pushpole, bringing the panga, aptly named Permit Me, to a halt. 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. Maybe you are very serious about fly fishing maybe you are very excited about snorkeling or maybe you are just very ready for a vacation to explore the reefs, islands, lagoons and bays of the beautiful Xcalak National Park. It comes with the package. Julio raises his hand, signaling me to stop. width: 100%; preserve. 3. 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. For unknown reasons, Scheepstra broke away from his fishing partner and headed back toward the rental car. We will help you hand pick the perfect lodge, design a great fishing program and help coordinate all logistics from airport transfers to meeting, Explore the world's most amazing fisheries with our destination travel program. Renting a car from Cancun is the most common way to reach Xcalak. fly fishing maybe you are very excited about snorkeling or Information related to travelling to Montana: which airports to fly into, major towns, etc. Julios younger brother and apprentice, Eduardo, spots the fish right away. We have miles and miles of wade-able flats with large numbers of bonefish and permit, and if you want to get on a kayak or SUP, you can access lagoons with lots of baby . Inland, the ecosystem is a fragile mix of mangrove lagoons and thick jungle. And thats how we truly fell for this beach town in the south of Mexico. Other times, our guides found hundreds (maybe thousands) of small bones mudding in on a deeper flat (also a good place to look for permit). International Fly-Fishing Film Festival 2023 Gage Charlesworth Ogden City Corp gagec@ogdencity.com-801-629-8992. Both the saltwater flats and inland lagoons make for excellent kayaking and SUP. Julio and I stealthily close in on the fish, their black spikes silhouetted in the fading light. On windy days, the lagoons behind Xcalak provide shelter and productive fishing for baby tarpon and snook. Need a fishing charter? 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. After suffering several hurricanes, Xcalak maintains a small population dedicated to fishing and tourism, maintaining its . Jack he muttered. 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 sheer power of the fish is incredible. 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. Weather in the Northern Rockies can be fickle and it is always a good idea to come prepared regardless of the season. At a whopping six-hour drive from Cancun, not many tourists make it to Xcalak, and thats too bad for them. 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. While comfortable, the accommodations are rusticwhich for all of us was just fine. Acocote Eco Inn, Located right in town, Casa Cangrejo is a straight up fly fishing lodge. His place is right in town where the fishing guides pick you up. 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. 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. We enjoyed another day eating lunch in town and drinking beers sitting by the sea. Depending on traffic and how many stops you make, the trip will take about 6 to 7 hours. } Speaking of accommodations, here are the most popular accommodations for fly fishers in Xcalak: Home of the Fxcalak (fish-ka-lak, get it?) Read about the seasonal patterns in our fisheries. I looked back at Alberto, and the look on his face said it all. Chetumal is no exception as it boasts resident baby and juvenile tarpon, along with large migrating adult tarpon in the summer months. Ever look for places to camp in some of these exotic locations? .signup-column { I found that with our guides at Costa de Cocos, we had very little issues with any of our guides. Day 6Our last day in Xcalak would be another rest day. Both Victor and Nick are great guys to fish with. For years, my work has been fishing The town is home to just 400 local fishers and a scattering of resident expats. Here is where you'll acquire a wealth of knowledge about Xcalak, in just . Site cast to trophy trout cruising the shallows of several productive lakes. Watch on. Go far enough, and it's not that you forget about the worriesit's that the worries forget about you. .fullwidth-signup{ Work now, play later as they say. Not all locations fish well every month but there is always something peaking on any given week. 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. width:max-content; Welcome to Xcalak 101. For those travelers contemplating a visit to the remote fishing village of Xcalak, Quintana Roo. As in most places where one can find tarpon, there often are a few in the mix. Click here to receive the sport of fly fishing's most authoritative magazine. All rights reserved. Your email address will not be published. So I will simply say that there is a broad range of acceptable tactics but with the permit I caught, in the weather I caught it and with cast I made I was happy to have the 10wt. And stay open to opportunity, as you never know what you might come across while looking for something else. 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. Overall conditions on Lake Taneycomo couldn't get any more stable than we've experienced the last couple of weeks. Some fish get into our head. Some days it was permit, some days it was tarpon, but the constant was of course bonefish. Its a quaint statement that can be applied to many situations in life. You know youre at a fly fishing-friendly place when theres a rod wash station. Xcalak has been a favorite for over ten years. 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. Most hotels are self-catered. https://www.josexcalaktours.com/index.html. Your flight is NOT included in the package and must be purchased separately. Running south, we have a maze of grass . white sand flats, throwing at cruising Bones and scouting the deep water for Permit. It's been at least 20 years, but did stay in Xcalak and fished 5 days, DIY with rented panga. Big, small, funny, and fast. The most popular fish in Xcalak are permit and bonefish, but theres a lot more than that for you to hook. overflow: hidden; Looking at the case now10 years removedis like trying to investigate a crime that was never actually a crime. @Rob, not a resort dude, really just easier to find videos from folks staying at resorts. 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 XTC Fly Fishing Experience. We offer both full and half day options. Besides fishing he organizes tours of the reef and nearby Bird Island. Your email address will not be published. Build lasting relationships with your best clients or reward your key employees with one of our custom built corporate fishing retreats. Here in Xcalak, Mexico, we have some of the most beautiful saltwater flats for fly fishing in the world. Get in, amigo, Julio tells me as he hands off the pole to his brother. 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. Welcome to Xcalak. Although more populous than Xcalak, the crowds here are nothing compared to the Riviera Maya. Walleye fishing should start picking up now that we are into March. 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. Some of the most exciting underwater experiences include seeing manatees and diving with schools of yardstick-long tarpon. Getting ThereThe town of Xcalak, Mexico sits at the end of the road. [Story by Nick Roberts / Photos by Patrick Williams]. 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. } Contact david@whitestackle.com to suggest our next tutorial. March 2, 2023 Fishing Report. Fly Fishing in Xcalak, Chetumal Bay, Mexico. 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! /* Clear floats after the columns */ 30 Jul. Xcalak is cash-only, and theres no ATM; youd be wise to load up on pesos before arriving. 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. Deep sea, light tackle, fly fishing - you name it! It also happens to be one of the best places to DIY saltwater fly fish. Luggage options for the traveling angler. Xcalak on the Fly is the Yucatan Peninsula's newest fly fishing lodge based out of Casa Paraiso. The town is set on a peninsula separating the Caribbean Sea from the Bay of Chetumal, and offers three unique areas for fly fishing: the saltwater flats, the mangrove lagoons, and the edge of the bay. Fishing pressure has been very light, even with a lot of steelhead in the river. 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! Double occupancy (boat and room) -$4,495.00 USD. 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. Im not far behind. Water temperatures are still cold. Wet season runs from May to October and you can still expect sunny days, but . Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. The second-longest reef in the world, it stretches nearly 700 miles, from Isla Mujeres in Mexico to the Bay Islands in Honduras. The town sits next to the Caribbean on a small spit of land that separates the Ocean from Chetumal Bay. Xcalak is one of the towns that has been maintained over time in its most natural state. Poor fisheries data, many fishers, and increasing tourism development: Interdisciplinary views on past and current small-scale fisheries exploitation on Holbox Island may have. Xcalak is home to a quintessential view of the Caribbean, with translucent turquoise waters and mostly undeveloped beaches, backed by swaying palms. .signup-row:after { Durango fly fishing guides on the San Juan River, Animas River, Dolores River, Florida River and Los Pinos River. 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. 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. His fly fishing writings have been published on blogs such as the Daily Drake and Simms Wading Room. Here are our recommendations for rods, lines, flies, tippet, waders and more. On the boats at 8am and back at the dock 4-430pm. Off Xcalaks coast is the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Today, tourists come from around the world to visit the temples dotting the jungle, just as anglers from far and wide travel to the peninsulas flats in search of its bonefish (macabi) and permit (palometa). Id love to make it down there. 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. This ancient Maya city boasts three excavated stone plazas and a towering pyramid. border: 0.2rem solid #ffb500; Here in Xcalak, Mexico, we have some of the most beautiful saltwater flats for fly fishing in the world. You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Facing the " Great Mayan Reef", the second largest reef in the world, Casa Caracola is located in a national park. padding: 1.25rem 1.25rem 1rem; Our group boated everything from 3-pound babies to 15-pound juvies. 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 . Water has cleared up. In Xcalak, fly fishing is a treat it isnt crowded and has healthy marine life and excellent guides. As to your Appalachian Trail adventure, have you read the book "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson chronicling his Appalachian adventure? Sign in to access your subscriptions and subscriber-only content. Ruin explorers can easily visit the Chacchoben archaeological site, about a two-hour drive from the village. 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. Lodge packages include all meals and guided fishing so you can sit back, relax and enjoy a great fly fishing vacation, Enjoy great fishing and keep your costs in check with one of our hotel packages. These "ghosts of the flats" swim about 27 miles per hour . At XOTF, our goal is to provide you with the most personalized and all-inclusive fly fishing experience. Maybe its a magical place where you can hook permit all day long, wade mudflats without another fly fisher in sight, or finally hook the Grand Slam youve been aching for. Buy it online or buy it when you arrive, just be sure to buy it before you start fishing. Dan Blantons board has a had a few posts on ocassion. 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. Looking into the water, something didnt seem right. Experience the fishing, the culture, and the food . In 2015, we almost didnt visit Xcalak. Maximize your time on the water and make great memories on one of our deluxe overnight river camping trips. Feel free to send me an email with any questions you Mixing bonefish, permit, and homemade bourbon on the Mexican Caribbean. Brandon, I am careful when I write these reports because I am not an expert and dont want to pretend to be one. December through February, theses migrating snook show up and can be found lurking at likely ambush points. Knowing a bit of Spanish from the client never hurt, but it was not a detriment if we didnt. float: none; 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? Within these numerous environments, we have a smorgasbord of options to fit every angler's needs. 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. Some guides have over 25+ years of experience guiding fly fishers in the area. These lagoons are mangrove-lined and accessible on all tidal phases. Our bay fishery is a vast area made up of hundreds of cayes, rivers, ponds, lagoons, cuts and banks. 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. Enter dates. Read about average temperatures and weather patterns month by month. Last updated 3/1/23. 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. While an 8 or 9 weight could have handled these fish just fine, all our guides suggested a 10 weight in the event that the 30-pound bruisers of the juvenile bunch decided to show upwhich they did and quickly threw our flies. Jose on many occasions and I am pleased to recommend him. Experience some of the lower 48's most remote fisheries. Uncategorized. Traveler favorites. 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. Get picked up right from the dock in front of the beach and enjoy supper at the on-site restaurant. We fished for Permit, tarpon and Snook here also but I considered . 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 . 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. Like us, theyre here to take advantage of Costa de Cocos great off-season rates. THE BEST Xcalak Fishing Charters & Tours. Welcome to Xcalak, Mexico. 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. 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. 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. Walk out from the private beach to fish for barracuda, permit, and bonefish. BUS First you need to get to Mahahual. I landed the fish, a bit disappointed, but happy nevertheless at putting a good fish in the boat. hands. All of the guides at the lodge had lots of experience on the water (most around 15-20 years of guiding). The average catch is 6 - 12 bonefish per day. 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. xcalak-bonefishing-sabadeando.wmv. Xcalak (I have no idea how to pronounce that) is waaaay down there in Mexico past Cancun, past Ascencion Bay, almost to Belize. More than once, it was remarked that the food was beyond our expectations. In 20 Minutes You Can Start Speaking Spanish. Montana Angler guides fish the famous Livingston creeks in addition to several other spring creeks on some of our exclusive ranch leases. There were a few interesting flats around, some small bonefish, a decent number of cudas. And he can also keep up To be sure, there can be some trepidation when headed out on a guided trip in a foreign country. 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. For Immediate Release: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 . Each is constructed with a forward casting deck . Needless to say, the diving and snorkeling here is world class. All Rights Reserved. I would reccomend it, even just for the entertainment value. 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. This special guide covers real estate, retirement and more in Mexico and is yours free when you sign up for our postcards below. The town is remote, and so far south, its only six miles to the Belize/Mexico border. He is an excellent teacher and my choice when I send This place is real and its called Xcalak. I make a long, slow strip. 2023 pricing for 7 nights / 6 days. Victor's location in Xcalak means easy access to the flats of Chetumal Bay. The added bonus of these lagoons is that they offer excellent shelter during windy days or inclement weather, allowing our anglers to have great fishing, whatever the conditions, just like you can see in the video. 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. We take care of all the gear and you just sit back and relax after arriving in camp. Video Tutorials. 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). The fish are happy, the cooler is full and our skiffs are loaded, the only thing we are waiting for is you! Its less developed (and less crowded) than its popular northern neighbor Ascension Bay, near Tulum. Go far enough, and its not that you forget about the worriesits that the worries forget about you. a bit about my services and your options for exploring the Xcalak While we all had our target fish we obviously would love to catch, I found it better to ask our guide what they thought would be the best option. This fly fishing service can book your tour and accommodations, and has access to a network of Xcalak guides. Email:xcalakotf@gmail.comPhone:+1.907.953.3992. Options include diverse lodging packages, camping trips, wilderness horse pack expeditions, day trips and world wide travel. While none of our group boated a snook this trip as it was a little early in the season, we still had a few shots. 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. 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. The fishing. Report by Captain David Dillman, Galveston Bay Charter Fishing. Two units have generated flow nonstop, day and night. 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. Fishing season here is year-round and the fish are abundant. Hop in a panga, explain to your guide what you want to catch, and off you go. They are opportunistic eaters and as picky as permit. 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. There they arethree or four tailing permit leisurely zigzagging across the flat, their sickle fins slicing through the waters rippled surface. My first two casts were off, but fortunately the fish were still in range. This isnt to say Chetumal is any less of a fisheryit just gets less pressure. March 3, 2023. What would it take to help others find Xcalak? Search, book & review the best deals online with us! (And check out our highlight video from our trip last year below!). Most of our trips include rods, flies and we rent waders. Plan for your Montana fishing trip. In the Xcalak National Reef Park, fishing is catch-and-release (release comes after you take a photo of your catch, of course). The line went tight instantly and the drag began screaming. From there, the best way to get to Xcalak is to rent a car and drive south on Highway 307. 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. We came to fish, not be pampered with warm bathrobes and spa treatments. 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. Spring creeks offer the ultimate challenge in the fly fishing world. At Miguels suggestion, we stop for a late lunch at a taco stand, where the four of us eat our fill of pollo and carnitas for only eight dollars. Not just a fishing and diving lodge, Costa de Cocos boasts a restaurant, brewery, and distillery. Fishing changes by the week in Montana. Then we visited again. 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. 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. If you delve into the history of Xcalak, you will be able to see its relevance in communications and supplies between large cities. I look for alternatives from time to time, but didnt on this post. 2 people are looking at this charter. Dr. Mike Larkin on Bonefish The Tom Roland Podcast. 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. The cabanas fit 2 anglers, had ceiling fans, plenty of windows, and a fine and functional bathroom. Very well done Kev, glad you had a great trip. Its cheaper to stay at one of the non fishing lodges down there and book guides on your own and DIY. Please check the website to learn These fish are those we hold most dear. Xcalak is renowned for fly fishing. Snorkel, kayak, and enjoy the constantly warm weather far from the snowy north. For me, it is steelhead. Costa De Cocos is truly a fishermans lodge. 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. 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. Local skipper Victor has lived in the area for 35 years and has been guiding fishermen in the area . We have the safest, fastest, and driest boats in the . We know you'll love fishing with . The permit are still there, about 20 yards out. 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. There are three seasons in Xcalak - dry, wet, and hurricane. Park. There was some netting going on. Given Xcalaks limited development, youd be right to guess that the tourist hotels take sustainability seriously.