Anyone ever fish Xcalak, Mexico? - Dedicated To The Smallest Of Skiffs Local skipper Victor has lived in the area for 35 years and has been guiding fishermen in the area . Let us help you build the perfect lodging and fishing package. This entry was posted on Monday, March 22nd, 2010 at 3:04 am and is filed . Site cast to trophy trout cruising the shallows of several productive lakes. Xcalak, with a present population of around 350 people, was the largest city in Quintana Roo until it was . Water temperatures are still cold. 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. Many had a mix of experience guiding out of Xcalak along with guiding at Ascension Bay. MONDAY-SATURDAY 8:00 am-6:00 pm These lagoons are mangrove-lined and accessible on all tidal phases. With food and drinks included in the cost of the lodge, our gear was sorted rather quickly into our rooms. 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. Will dredging the Zaragoza Canal hurt Xcalak. Its less developed (and less crowded) than its popular northern neighbor Ascension Bay, near Tulum. Everyone was excited; my first permit, and it seemed like a good one. He was never seen or heard from again. 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. I booked Nick for this April and he comes highly recommended, out of Mahahual. The town is remote, and so far south, its only six miles to the Belize/Mexico border. Xcalak, Mexico - Driftwood Caravan Outdoors Buy it online or buy it when you arrive, just be sure to buy it before you start fishing. Double occupancy (boat and room) -$4,495.00 USD. Xcalak Bonefishing | Bonefish on the Brain But maybe its good for you. Institutional amnesia pushes fish spawning aggregations towards 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 . Bring the basics and you are good to go. I hope to see you down here soon. [Story by Nick Roberts / Photos by Patrick Williams] 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. 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. 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. These pickup trucks carry fresh seafood, fruit, vegetables, and snacks. Down The Path - The FlyFish Journal Xcalak is both, so it was always going to be a win for me. 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. } 8,621.89 Sqft. The flats all along Xcalak's coast are fair game for fly fishing, with some of the best found at Chetumal Bay, only 30 minutes away by boat. Rain has improved fishing conditions. 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. Uncategorized. }. Xcalak Real Estate & Homes for Sale | Point2 Returning to Costa was a no brainer for me, as I quickly became addicted to saltwater fishing after my first trip. Speaking of accommodations, here are the most popular accommodations for fly fishers in Xcalak: Home of the Fxcalak (fish-ka-lak, get it?) Appetizers and drinks awaited us at the main lodge restaurant after we settled in. It is an old borrow pit and features largemouth bass, panfish such as bluegill, and a few trout. Maybe you are very serious about
Simply enter your email address below and well send you a free special report Mexico: The Perfect Close-to-Home Retirement Haven. Here in Xcalak, Mexico, we have some of the most beautiful saltwater flats for fly fishing in the world. I often found that the best communication came early at the dock when discussing the plan for the day. Day 6Our last day in Xcalak would be another rest day. This fly fishing service can book your tour and accommodations, and has access to a network of Xcalak guides. Can't find the video you're looking for? While staying at El Pescador Lodge in Belize, weve seen boats from there flyfishing in the Bacalar Chico Reserve. Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. 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. The first time I went to Xcalak, what stood out the most was the places authenticity. Quiet about Xcalak! It was like a rustic cabin right on the . Renting a car from Cancun is the most common way to reach Xcalak. Montana Angler guides fish the famous Livingston creeks in addition to several other spring creeks on some of our exclusive ranch leases. may have. There's a boat ramp in the southwest corner of the lake. What would it take to help others find Xcalak? Nathan Bolerjack. Options include unique fishing lodges, exclusive ranch stays, riverside vacation rentals, and affordable hotel packages. Fishing season here is year-round and the fish are abundant. They do not, however, command nearly the same respect in the angling world as a Permit. Ever look for places to camp in some of these exotic locations? Discover the full adventure here, Learning is about looking at things differently, making your life a little better everyday., 9 more videos to help you discover Xcalak. Off Xcalaks coast is the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Your guide knows where to find the fish he spots them, and you hook them. color: white; 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. Not only is Jose a great flats guide, he
This trip was with Bahia Blanca. Id love to make it down there. He rents boats and can give you advice. Go far enough, and it's not that you forget about the worriesit's that the worries forget about you. Traveler favorites. 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. 2022 by Fly Fish Costa Maya. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 2023 pricing for 7 nights / 6 days. overflow: hidden; Lakes above and below us are all . 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. CFF April 2022 Fishing Reports - Clackamas FlyFishers Your email address will not be published. Mexico Fly Fishing Trip Report: Costa de Cocos Lodge, Xcalak THE BEST Xcalak Fishing Charters & Tours. All of our guides are Xcalak natives who have spent their entire lives on and in these waters and still love to fish in their free time. February 8, 2023. Some guides have over 25+ years of experience guiding fly fishers in the area. Or, use the free kayaks and SUPs offered at most beachside hotels. 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. At a whopping six-hour drive from Cancun, not many tourists make it to Xcalak, and that's too bad for them. white sand flats, throwing at cruising Bones and scouting the deep water for Permit. 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. Choose from Montana's most comprehensive selection of fly fishing trips. Walk out from the private beach to fish for barracuda, permit, and bonefish. In addition to boat fishing, Chetumal also offers excellent wade fishing. All of the guides at the lodge had lots of experience on the water (most around 15-20 years of guiding). Both Victor and Nick are great guys to fish with. Its cheaper to stay at one of the non fishing lodges down there and book guides on your own and DIY. With a rental car and an early start, you can make a day trip to some of southern Mexicos intriguing, lesser-visited sights. 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. Im not able to watch the video for some reason. The scenic, 250-mile drive from Cancn to Xcalak takes about five hours. I make a long, slow strip. Specifically, the joy found in our trip to the salt to fish the lesser known of the great Yucatan bays: Chetumal. BUS First you need to get to Mahahual. The restaurant at Cocos is a popular place to cool off with one of their microbrews and trade stories with other fishers. I have fished with Captain
Then we visited again. Welcome to Permit Paradise! maybe you are just very ready for a vacation to explore the
Filters 1. From the city of Chetumal, just 30 miles across the bay, the village is a 2 1 /2-hour car ride up the coast and back down the peninsula. The reef is a physical barrier that breaks up big ocean surge and turns it to gentle waves. There were times were we found bonefish tailing in schools of 10s and 20s in a foot of water and turtle grass. Within these numerous environments, we have a smorgasbord of options to fit every angler's needs. 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. Its a
I often think of bonefish as the saviors of any saltwater fishing destination, due to their sheer numbers and availability as targets. As it tends to do at inopportune moments, the windtoday blowing a steady 15 from the eastpicks up, increasing the chop. and nice guy. of Jose, myself, and a nice permit. 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. 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. Chetumal Bay is located near the small fishing village of Xcalak, Quintana Roo, Mexico, about 8 miles north of Ambergris Cay, about 150 miles south of Ascension Bay, and eight miles north of the Belize Border. Running south, we have a maze of grass . A lovely place to stay - Review of Reef House at Casa Paraiso Xcalak And, being set in the jungle, the Caribbean breeze doesnt disturb the calm lagoon waters, making them perfect for exploring by kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP). 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. WordPress. Needless to say, the diving and snorkeling here is world class. Although more populous than Xcalak, the crowds here are nothing compared to the Riviera Maya. Victor's location in Xcalak means easy access to the flats of Chetumal Bay. width:auto; There are three seasons in Xcalak - dry, wet, and hurricane. 923 Main Ave | DURANGO, CO 81301 josexcalak@hotmail.com WhatsApp
Some days it was permit, some days it was tarpon, but the constant was of course bonefish. I found that all of our guides were easy to communicate with as they all spoke English very well due to their many years spent on the water with us gringos. Experience the wilds of Montana on a multi-day horse pack adventure. He is an excellent teacher and my choice when I send
Xcalak Bonefish Round 2 - Islander Precision Reels I will let those with more experience and confidence continue the debate from there. float: left; But maybe it's good for you. Plan for your Montana fishing trip. Enjoy lightly fished streams and trophy lakes on one our exclusive ranch leases. The jetties are still holding trout and redfish. 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. The place is far nicer and mainstream than led to believe in the pictures. Bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook, and barracuda await your fly. 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. I found this video fresh off the internets. Brandon, I am careful when I write these reports because I am not an expert and dont want to pretend to be one. Dr. Mike Larkin on Bonefish The Tom Roland Podcast. Jacks are close relatives of Permit, and they sometimes swim in schools together. Coral Garden Inn. Fly Fishing @ XTC Hosted Trips, Classes, and Events - Tyer's Table with Captain Rob } Grand slams are not uncommon in Xcalak, so set your sights high! The town is remote, and so far south, it's only six miles to the Belize /Mexico border. The town sits next to the Caribbean on a small spit of land that separates the Ocean from Chetumal Bay. LODGING Costa de Cocos Resort (www . Curious about this undiscovered fly fishing mecca? Costa de Cocos lodge, kitchen, and service staff did an absolutely fantastic job of making us feel comfortable, well fed, and equally hydrated. After about day 3, I finally figured out how to articulate permit: Some fish get into our heart. Need a fishing charter? +52 983 186 6112. Julio and I stealthily close in on the fish, their black spikes silhouetted in the fading light. 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! Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. Some fish get into our head. I found that with our guides at Costa de Cocos, we had very little issues with any of our guides. This proved to be a pretty exciting way to mix up the day when cuda were on the flats. Permit: the holy grail of flats fly fishing species for many (maybe white whale is a better analogy). Here in Xcalak, Mexico, we have some of the most beautiful saltwater flats for fly fishing in the world. Jack he muttered. .signup-row:after { I hadnt caught anything the day before and now I was blowing a great Permit shot. Andy manages Duranglers Flies and Supplies online store and web content. Its a quaint statement that can be applied to many situations in life. You might have heard of Xcalak, but because of its remote location its a relatively unknown, uncrowded fly fishing destination. Plan for overnights in Cancun on June 9 and June 18. There were a few interesting flats around, some small bonefish, a decent number of cudas. 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. Outdoor Activities. float: none; Watch on. Go now, he whispers excitedly. There is often the fear of a translation issue or a communication breakdown that leads to missed fish. Try Nick Denbow at Catchafish.net. I've heard anything from only an 8 weight to 8-10 weights needed for permit down there. Xcalak on the Fly is the Yucatan Peninsulas newest fly fishing lodge based out of Casa Paraiso. @Rob, not a resort dude, really just easier to find videos from folks staying at resorts. Xcalak Fishing is a fly fishing guide service located in the remote Mexican fishing village of Xcalak, Quintana Roo. Journey to Xcalak | Saltwater Fly Fishing | Trey Reid South Florida Inshore and Offshore Fishing Reports - White's Tackle 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. Hop in a panga, explain to your guide what you want to catch, and off you go. It isnt completely remote either, but the first-day warnings do come with points on crocodiles and jaguars and how to avoid them. (And check out our highlight video from our trip last year below!). There's a lot of beauty and tranquility in our remote area of the Caribbean. Scuba enthusiasts should consider an overnight trip to the Banco Chinchorro atoll, an underwater paradise with a pristine biosphere, shipwrecks, and coral canyons. Bonefish - Bonefish live on both hard and soft bottom flats so fly fishing will be wading and boat casting. float: none; As to your Appalachian Trail adventure, have you read the book "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson chronicling his Appalachian adventure? For unknown reasons, Scheepstra broke away from his fishing partner and headed back toward the rental car. Would love to see more pictures! 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. 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. 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. Xcalak 101: Everything you need to know - Xcalak Mexico Its a secluded region perfect for travelers looking to experience a genuine beach-life. Weather in the Northern Rockies can be fickle and it is always a good idea to come prepared regardless of the season. 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. In Xcalak, lush Mayan jungle meets turquoise Caribbean water. Since our trip was in December, we had the youngsters of the species to target. Park. Before you head off to Xcalak, here is some advice for making the most of your trip: .jason-signup { 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. 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. @media only screen and (max-width: 600px) { 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. My name is Jose, I live in Xcalak, and I am here to help you. Manage your subscription or add a digital edition to your print subscription. Did I mention all you can drink too? Each is constructed with a forward casting deck . Talk about hero to zero. This approximately 70-acre lake just north of Turner is open to public fishing along the southern half. The fishing day starts with meeting your guide on our new 200 foot dock directly in front of the lodge. 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. [emailprotected], HOURS: Duranglers 2018 Xcalak, Mexico Trip Report - Duranglers Fly Fishing A resort, it is not. As a lifelong trout angler and guide, flats fishing is a totally different experience and challenge, and I am hooked. TRAVEL There are several flights a day to Cancn, Mexico. BEACH FRONT lote For Sale 9150 ft2 at Mahahual- Xcalak road P3413, Costa Maya, Quintana Roo. We have miles and miles of wade-able flats with large numbers of bonefish and permit, and if you want to get . When he is not plugging away in the basement of Duranglers, he can be found in the shop talking weird flies, throwing spey casts for few fish, eating pizza, drinking coffee, painting, and raising a family in Southwest Colorado. For pricing on lodging packages visit each individual package for rates, inclusions and exclusions. 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 . Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you a free special report - Why Millions of Americans Are Moving to Mexico. 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. 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. Xcalak, Mexico - Duranglers Fly Fishing Shop & Guides The rivers, streams and lakes of Yellowstone National Park hold a special place in the hearts of many anglers. Here is where you'll acquire a wealth of knowledge about Xcalak, in just . . 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. More than once, it was remarked that the food was beyond our expectations. Chetumal Bay, an expansive wonderland for the intrepid flats fisherman! 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. Costa De Cocos Lodge isnt totally out in the middle of absolutely nowhere, but it is out of the way. For years, my work has been fishing
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. .fullwidth-signup{ The most popular fish in Xcalak are permit and bonefish, but theres a lot more than that for you to hook. Not just a fishing and diving lodge, Costa de Cocos boasts a restaurant, brewery, and distillery. On spectrum of cost, Xcalak is on the low end for lodges and guides, although its location makes it a little difficult to get to. 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. Now, obviously joy can be found everywhere and in every situation, we find ourselves in, including work (we must choose to find it)but we are talking about the joy that can be found in fly fishing. 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? Xcalak (Skiff Fishing) | Fly Fish Costa Maya Snorkel, kayak, and enjoy the constantly warm weather far from the snowy north. Climb the steps for a sweeping view of the entire site. 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! CAR Most visitors to Xcalak arrive at the Cancun International Airport (CUN). Bill Battles - Fly Fish America. This special guide covers real estate, retirement and more in Mexico and is yours free when you sign up for our postcards below. To the north, we have the the Rio Huach lagoon system, boasting consisitent baby Tarpon and Snook fishing year round. display: block; Feel free to send me an email with any questions you
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. Cell coverage is non-existent in Xcalak, so make sure you have an offline map before making the drive. Things are calming back down, and some activity has returned to the beaches and offshore. And with a white-sand seabed, the coastal water displays a stunning aquamarine tint. From there, the best way to get to Xcalak is to rent a car and drive south on Highway 307. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Outdoorsman, writer and media producer Trey Reid shows us why he has been returning year after year for the excellent saltwater fishing near the Mexican-Beli. Youre sitting at your computer, dreaming of fly fishing, and wondering what your next destination will be. We didnt see a lot of snook on our trip, but the ones we did see were pushing 40. 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) You must log in or register to reply here. 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! 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. Xcalak is one of the towns that has been maintained over time in its most natural state. Mexico
The second-longest reef in the world, it stretches nearly 700 miles, from Isla Mujeres in Mexico to the Bay Islands in Honduras. We have been offering one week fly fishing . Xcalak Caribe Lodge width: 100%; 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. Click here to receive the sport of fly fishing's most authoritative magazine. 0 Comments. Very well done Kev, glad you had a great trip. 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. I have had wonderful days fishing for bonefish
I recently returned from Southern Mexico after my first salt water trip. As in most places where one can find tarpon, there often are a few in the mix.