xcalak fishing report

Most tarpon I saw were in tannic colored water, so dark colored tarpon flies and toads were in order. The more I learned about these fish, the less I understand. Upon our arrival to Costa De Cocos, we were greeted by Zach, the fly fishing manager of the lodge who directed us to our rooms. Water temperatures are still cold. Would cut the cost quite a bit me thinksor are you one of those resort dudes? March 2, 2023 Fishing Report. Inland, the ecosystem is a fragile mix of mangrove lagoons and thick jungle. The flats of Chetumal Bay are home to an incredible amount of bones, and I had a few days of specifically targeting them. In the Xcalak National Reef Park, fishing is catch-and-release (release comes after you take a photo of your catch, of course). And stay open to opportunity, as you never know what you might come across while looking for something else. (And check out our highlight video from our trip last year below!). Some days it was permit, some days it was tarpon, but the constant was of course bonefish. David Randall moved to Xcalak in the early '90s, after selling his catfish hatchery south of Kansas City. } Shop White's Tackle Two suites complete with kitchens sleep 6 people each. Experience the fishing, the culture, and the food . Accommodations are off-grid, which gives any vacation in Xcalak a touch of adventure. 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. (3 spots remain.) padding: 1.25rem 1.25rem 1rem; CAR Most visitors to Xcalak arrive at the Cancun International Airport (CUN). Go far enough, and its not that you forget about the worriesits that the worries forget about you. Targeting the plentiful bonefish is always an option. @Glenn, I dont know why the video isnt playing for you it played for me straight off. Julios younger brother and apprentice, Eduardo, spots the fish right away. Enter dates. xcalak-bonefishing-sabadeando.wmv. Information related to travelling to Montana: which airports to fly into, major towns, etc. The Fish Xcalak on the Fly For unknown reasons, Scheepstra broke away from his fishing partner and headed back toward the rental car. Xcalak (I have no idea how to pronounce that) is waaaay down there in Mexico past Cancun, past Ascencion Bay, almost to Belize. The lodge will supply you with non alcoholic beverages and lunch to take on your fly fishing quest. The dry season typically lasts from November to April, when day after day of sunshine makes the beach a great place to be. "It's all about the beaches": Sargassum algae, tourism, and coastal 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. They are opportunistic eaters and as picky as permit. Mexico - Remote Fly Fishing Experts: Pescador Solitario THE BEST Xcalak Fishing Charters & Tours. Our group boated everything from 3-pound babies to 15-pound juvies. Renting a car from Cancun is the most common way to reach Xcalak. Institutional amnesia pushes fish spawning aggregations towards I watch Blantons Board, so Ill keep an eye out for that. Xcalak (Skiff Fishing) | Fly Fish Costa Maya you. Destination fishing trips - Experience Xcalak Mexico!!! 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. What would it take to help others find Xcalak? Xcalak Mexico, one of the last traditional fishing villages on the 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. Xcalak Costa de Cocos - Home The third cast was spot on and the entire school was over my fly. Costa de Cocos, Only 2 kms from town, this accommodation is the closest thing to a resort youll find in Xcalak. X-Flats - Xcalak, Mexico June 10-17, 2023 - Fish Tales Fly Shop float: none; For over 20 years, underwater visual census survey data has been collected periodically at 36 spawning aggregation sites, and grey literature is available since the 1940's, yet managers and conservation practitioners report that abundance tendencies for 48% of grouper and snapper spawning species across the 36 sites are 'Unknown', despite . Chetumal Bay is at the far southern tip of the Yucatan, near the border with Belize. As with Xcalak, nothing special on the fly front here. We're on our way back to Costa de Cocos resort, idling down the outside edge of a long . To be sure, there can be some trepidation when headed out on a guided trip in a foreign country. 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. Experience some of the lower 48's most remote fisheries. December through February, theses migrating snook show up and can be found lurking at likely ambush points. 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. Most hotels are self-catered. Some guides have over 25+ years of experience guiding fly fishers in the area. Bill Battles - Fly Fish America. Fly Fishing shop, the owner of this B&B is a fly fishing enthusiast. The place is far nicer and mainstream than led to believe in the pictures. This special guide covers real estate, retirement and more in Mexico and is yours free when you sign up for our postcards below. 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. This approximately 70-acre lake just north of Turner is open to public fishing along the southern half. International Fly-Fishing Film Festival 2023 | Ogden, UT 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. 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. with the best permit guides in the world in terms of expertise. Xcalak, Mexico: The Yucatan Peninsula's Most Secluded Beach Town One thing I did notice was that, depending on the day and tides, the tarpon spots could be limited. However, for what the rooms might have lacked in luxury luster, everything was more than made up for with food, drinks, service, and staff! Feel free to send me an email with any questions you position: relative; More from their website : "Tucked along the world-famous Chetumal Bay, the Xflats at Tierra Maya's 7 beachfront suites are elegantly . This might be a deeper existential opener for a blog post designed to inform you about our recent trip to Mexico, but it might be a necessary one. I was also an unlucky one when I managed to hook and lose a permit pushing the 20-pound mark the next day, solidifying the fact that I would probably have said fever haunting me for the rest of my life. After a quick scramble through mosquito hell, we would find ourselves in secret lagoons full of baby tarpon, snook, and bonefish pushing 6 to 8 pounds. Xcalak on the Fly is the Yucatan Peninsulas newest fly fishing lodge based out of Casa Paraiso. Cell coverage is non-existent in Xcalak, so make sure you have an offline map before making the drive. Tierra Maya Lodge, At 9 kms north of town, this secluded accommodation is a fantastic destination for DIY fly fishing. 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 . Xcalak. Hey Nate, certainly looks like a good time. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Duranglers Flies and Supplies Fly Shop This waterbody should produce fish year-round. Weather in the Northern Rockies can be fickle and it is always a good idea to come prepared regardless of the season. The reef is a physical barrier that breaks up big ocean surge and turns it to gentle waves. Last updated 3/1/23. Montana is home to some of the most productive wild trout rivers on the planet. Since our trip was in December, we had the youngsters of the species to target. Mixing bonefish, permit, and homemade bourbon on the Mexican Caribbean. Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. 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 . I booked Nick for this April and he comes highly recommended, out of Mahahual. On windy days, the lagoons behind Xcalak provide shelter and productive fishing for baby tarpon and snook. I'm sorry to say no permit for . Montana Angler guides fish the famous Livingston creeks in addition to several other spring creeks on some of our exclusive ranch leases. As a lifelong trout angler and guide, flats fishing is a totally different experience and challenge, and I am hooked. 30 Jul. Your email address will not be published. width:max-content; I looked back at Alberto, and the look on his face said it all. display: table; Boats and Equipment All boats used by the lodge are 23-foot pangas that accommodate two fishermen and a guide. maybe you are just very ready for a vacation to explore the The guides in Xcalak really know their stuff. It depicts a good summary. In a protected area, this little fishermen's village highlights many activities and advantages : scuba diving, fly fishing and fishing, snorkelling, bird watching and wildlife trips on land and water. The fish are happy, the cooler is full and our skiffs are loaded, the only thing we are waiting for is you! The excellent fly fishing is found on the bonefish and permit flats of Chetumal Bay. 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. Michael Graham was in Xcalak in the Spring of 2009 on a self-described walk-about. Welcome to Xcalak, 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! 4.2 / 5 (2 reviews) Mahahual 26 ft 4 persons . 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. Headwear to keep you dry, cool, sun free, warm, or whatever you need! Costa De Cocos Lodge isnt totally out in the middle of absolutely nowhere, but it is out of the way. We have the safest, fastest, and driest boats in the . The town is remote, and so far south, it's only six miles to the Belize /Mexico border. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. 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. For years, my work has been fishing We have been offering one week fly fishing . 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. Things are calming back down, and some activity has returned to the beaches and offshore. 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. Id love to make it down there. 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. Associated with Xflats fly fishing. Not only is Jose a great flats guide, he This keeps the populations healthy and means theres always plenty to catch. Xcalak, Mexico - Duranglers Fly Fishing Shop & Guides Xcalak is a small fishing village on the southern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the State of Quintana Roo. Here are our recommendations for rods, lines, flies, tippet, waders and more. Journey to Xcalak | Saltwater Fly Fishing | Trey Reid May 9, 2022 May 9, . These "ghosts of the flats" swim about 27 miles per hour . In 2015, we almost didnt visit Xcalak. Hop in a panga, explain to your guide what you want to catch, and off you go. He is an excellent teacher and my choice when I send Gulf Coast - Weekly Fishing Reports - TPWD - Texas For pricing on lodging packages visit each individual package for rates, inclusions and exclusions. Top Fishing Charters in Xcalak. /* Create three equal columns that floats next to each other */ Email:xcalakotf@gmail.comPhone:+1.907.953.3992. Imagine floating into a deluxe camp on one of our private ranches or permitted islands where cold beverages and tasty appetizers await. Lakes above and below us are all . Map. In the past we have fished all six days, but this year decided to take it easy a bit. It also happens to be one of the best places to DIY saltwater fly fish. For those travelers contemplating a visit to the remote fishing village of Xcalak, Quintana Roo. background-color: #1a3c95; The rivers, streams and lakes of Yellowstone National Park hold a special place in the hearts of many anglers. There's a lot of beauty and tranquility in our remote area of the Caribbean. You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Many had a mix of experience guiding out of Xcalak along with guiding at Ascension Bay. I look for alternatives from time to time, but didnt on this post. [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. Shorelines action is heating up with a few speckled trout, redfish, and decent numbers of black drum, and sheepshead, all on live shrimp. 2-8-23. Your flight is NOT included in the package and must be purchased separately. 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. 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. 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. 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. Although more populous than Xcalak, the crowds here are nothing compared to the Riviera Maya. Learn about getting to Xcalak. Simply enter your email address below and well send you a free special report Mexico: The Perfect Close-to-Home Retirement Haven. 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. Specifically, the joy found in our trip to the salt to fish the lesser known of the great Yucatan bays: Chetumal. Double occupancy (boat and room) -$4,495.00 USD. If you wish, you can join a kayaking tour, which is usually paired with a snorkeling excursion. Posted on July 30, 2020 January 11, 2021 by islander. Required fields are marked *. Xcalak has been a favorite for over ten years. Let us answer all of your questions and help you choose exceptional lodges in Chile, Argentina, Alaska and the Bahamas. Destination Reports Xcalak Bonefish Round 2. The town is remote, and so far south, its only six miles to the Belize/Mexico border. I recently returned from Southern Mexico after my first salt water trip. Perfect for the adventurous - Review of Acocote Eco Inn, Xcalak, Mexico He rents boats and can give you advice. of Jose, myself, and a nice permit. . There were times were we found bonefish tailing in schools of 10s and 20s in a foot of water and turtle grass. Your email address will not be published. At a whopping six-hour drive from Cancun, not many tourists make it to Xcalak, and thats too bad for them. Bonefish on the Brain. 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 . color: white; and guiding in Xcalak and I can tell you that things have never Click here to receive the sport of fly fishing's most authoritative magazine. Night time temps were pretty cool, so having an AC was a non-issue and the showers were hot! You must log in or register to reply here. Its a quaint statement that can be applied to many situations in life. Xcalak is cash-only, and theres no ATM; youd be wise to load up on pesos before arriving. Read about the seasonal patterns in our fisheries. And thanks to the protection enforced by the Xcalak National Reef Park, the waters around Xcalak are full of healthy, plentiful pescado just waiting for you to arrive. Quiet about Xcalak! 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 . This place is real and its called Xcalak. The XTC Fly Fishing Experience. The scenic, 250-mile drive from Cancn to Xcalak takes about five hours. [emailprotected], HOURS: Welcome to Permit Paradise! Everyone was excited; my first permit, and it seemed like a good one. Xcalak is one of the towns that has been maintained over time in its most natural state. My name is Jose, I live in Xcalak, and I am here to help you. In our group, we had two that were lucky enough to connect and land a permit on the first day. Institutional amnesia pushes fish spawning aggregations towards Xcalak Bonefish (1.000) Xcalak on a Monday (1.000) Bones of Costa de Cocos (1.000) Tags: Bahia Blanca, bonefishing, Mexico, Xcalak. reefs, islands, lagoons and bays of the beautiful Xcalak National 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 .fullwidth-signup{ For Immediate Release: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 . The fresh (but slightly salty) water in the lagoons hosts an entirely different species of wildlife than the saltwater flats. and nice guy. Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you a free special report - Why Millions of Americans Are Moving to Mexico. As in most places where one can find tarpon, there often are a few in the mix. About Xcalak - Xcalak Fishing To the north, we have the the Rio Huach lagoon system, boasting consisitent baby Tarpon and Snook fishing year round. This ancient Maya city boasts three excavated stone plazas and a towering pyramid. }. Buy it online or buy it when you arrive, just be sure to buy it before you start fishing. The permit are swimming right to left, on a diagonal line, but suddenly, they start coming toward us. Xcalak is a quiet fishing town on the southern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Im not able to watch the video for some reason. Xcalak is renowned for fly fishing. Off the beaten track, Xcalak is an alternative to the throngs of people and high rise hotels found further north. We zip up our wading boots and slide over the gunnel into the lukewarm water as quietly as possible. Here in Xcalak, Mexico, we have some of the most beautiful saltwater flats for fly fishing in the world. width:auto; 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. Xcalak on the Fly is the Yucatan Peninsula's newest fly fishing lodge based out of Casa Paraiso. We didnt see a lot of snook on our trip, but the ones we did see were pushing 40. clear: both; Home to fewer than 500 people and only about six miles from the Belize border, Xcalak remains free of tourist traps and condosby virtue of its remoteness. Adventurous travelers will be curious to explore beyond Xcalaks tranquil beaches. been more beautiful or better here than they are now. With the scarcity of resources in mind, its not surprising that theres no air conditioninghere, youll have to count on the Caribbean breeze and ceiling fans to stay cool. And thats how we truly fell for this beach town in the south of Mexico. 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. 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. Join us on a 6 Night & 7 Day Guided fishing trip to beautiful Xcalak, Mexico. Get in, amigo, Julio tells me as he hands off the pole to his brother. Julio raises his hand, signaling me to stop. Leave early to arrive before nightfall. Diosa Del Mar Mahahual 25 ft 4 persons . Beyond Tulum, the communities become more rural and become fewer and farther between. You wont be roughing it though this palapa hut comes with its own private bathroom. I found that with our guides at Costa de Cocos, we had very little issues with any of our guides. Fishing Report - Southwest Zone | Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife 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). Accommodations then were spare and dirty, fishing was so-so. DIY Saltwater Fly Fishing - Etiquette on the Xcalak flats. Powered by is a great caster himself, casting equally well with both Search, book & review the best deals online with us! Plan for your Montana fishing trip. While comfortable, the accommodations are rusticwhich for all of us was just fine. 2022 by Fly Fish Costa Maya. 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. Running south, we have a maze of grass . The walleye fishing has been good on the days anglers can get out on the water. Ruin explorers can easily visit the Chacchoben archaeological site, about a two-hour drive from the village. But maybe its good for you. MONDAY-SATURDAY 8:00 am-6:00 pm 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. I make a long, slow strip. [Story by Nick Roberts / Photos by Patrick Williams]. 2023 pricing for 7 nights / 6 days. The town sits next to the Caribbean on a small spit of land that separates the Ocean from Chetumal Bay. } Myself and fellow Montana Angler guide Tony Nahorny traveled south to our partners at Costa de Cocos Lodge in Xcalak, Mexico in late February for a week-long escape from the Montana winter. If you just have a day or two to spare, day trips are a great way to experience Montana's legendary fisheries. There were a few interesting flats around, some small bonefish, a decent number of cudas. Activities in Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Xcalak Depending on traffic and how many stops you make, the trip will take about 6 to 7 hours. There are three seasons in Xcalak - dry, wet, and hurricane. At XOTF, our goal is to provide you with the most personalized and all-inclusive fly fishing experience. Overall conditions on Lake Taneycomo couldn't get any more stable than we've experienced the last couple of weeks. 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. 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. The first time I went to Xcalak, what stood out the most was the places authenticity. Nathan Bolerjack. Youre sitting at your computer, dreaming of fly fishing, and wondering what your next destination will be.