preserve. Most hotels are self-catered. Acocote Eco Inn: Perfect for the adventurous - Read 144 reviews, view 87 photos, and find great deals for Acocote Eco Inn at Tripadvisor The town of Xcalak, Mexico sits at the end of the road. https://www.thexflats.com/, Another local, Jos is an experienced Xcalak fly fishing guide, and he loves the local area. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. 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). Enjoy unique accommodations right on the water. Very well done Kev, glad you had a great trip. Find out when to come, what equipment to bring, browse blog articles, and more. Options include all inclusive fishing lodges, convenient hotel packages and unique river front vacation cabins and homes. All of the guides at the lodge had lots of experience on the water (most around 15-20 years of guiding). Julio raises his hand, signaling me to stop. 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. width: 100%; Durango fly fishing guides on the San Juan River, Animas River, Dolores River, Florida River and Los Pinos River. Acocote Eco Inn, Located right in town, Casa Cangrejo is a straight up fly fishing lodge. The small fishing village of ~400 people sits on the second largest coral reef in the . After 5 minutes or so the fish was getting closer to the boat. I landed the fish, a bit disappointed, but happy nevertheless at putting a good fish in the boat. Here are our recommendations for rods, lines, flies, tippet, waders and more. David Randall moved to Xcalak in the early '90s, after selling his catfish hatchery south of Kansas City. 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. Work now, play later as they say. Here in Xcalak, Mexico, we have some of the most beautiful saltwater flats for fly fishing in the world. At a whopping six-hour drive from Cancun, not many tourists make it to Xcalak, and thats too bad for them. The second-longest reef in the world, it stretches nearly 700 miles, from Isla Mujeres in Mexico to the Bay Islands in Honduras. The upside is the permit fishing is consistently good through June and July (Julio notes that May is typically the best month), and June is also when big migratory tarpon begin to show up along the reef. Most of our trips include rods, flies and we rent waders. 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. 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. Maximize your time on the water and make great memories on one of our deluxe overnight river camping trips. Appetizers and drinks awaited us at the main lodge restaurant after we settled in. 30 Jul. Go far enough, and it's not that you forget about the worriesit's that the worries forget about you. That isnt to say they arent out there, the truth is often wilder than fiction. What more could you ask for? .signup-column { [Story by Nick Roberts / Photos by Patrick Williams]. 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! We're on our way back to Costa de Cocos resort, idling down the outside edge of a long . 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. Join International Living Today and Get the 2023 Global Retirement IndexFREE with This Special Offer. The excellent fly fishing is found on the bonefish and permit flats of Chetumal Bay. I'm sorry to say no permit for . Besides fishing he organizes tours of the reef and nearby Bird Island. Traveling a few hours further south youll discover Xcalak has bigger flats and more diverse sea life. Tags: Bahia Blanca, bonefishing, Mexico, Xcalak. 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. 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. .signup-row:after { The boat ride to the vast fishing area in Chetumal . My first two casts were off, but fortunately the fish were still in range. reefs, islands, lagoons and bays of the beautiful Xcalak National We have been offering one week fly fishing . Bonefish are easy to find, yet hard to spot. 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. Xcalak is cash-only, and theres no ATM; youd be wise to load up on pesos before arriving. 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. Its a quaint statement that can be applied to many situations in life. Bill Battles - Fly Fish America. (And check out our highlight video from our trip last year below!). Xcalak is renowned for fly fishing. 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. Fun Facts: All about the manatees of Xcalak. It comes with the package. The scenic, 250-mile drive from Cancn to Xcalak takes about five hours. Accommodations then were spare and dirty, fishing was so-so. Did I mention tarpon are my favorite fish to cast at with a fly rod? We had two slams in our group (tarpon, permit, and bonefish in a single day) and lots of action throughout. In the Xcalak National Reef Park, fishing is catch-and-release (release comes after you take a photo of your catch, of course). 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. Associated with Xflats fly fishing. Video Tutorials. The average catch is 6 - 12 bonefish per day. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site. josexcalak@hotmail.com WhatsApp I found our guides all warm and open once we got them talking about their lives and their guiding careers. It also happens to be one of the best places to DIY saltwater fly fish. Traveling back in time to a distant tropical land where time loses all meaning. xcalak-bonefishing-sabadeando.wmv. Some of the most exciting underwater experiences include seeing manatees and diving with schools of yardstick-long tarpon. Costa De Cocos finds it home in the small fishing village of Xcalak, situated within the southern realms of the Yucatan Peninsula, only a few miles north of the border of Belize. With a rental car and an early start, you can make a day trip to some of southern Mexicos intriguing, lesser-visited sights. We strive to stifle our joy on a daily basis in order to achieve something we perceive as greater in the long run. Poor fisheries data, many fishers, and increasing tourism development: Interdisciplinary views on past and current small-scale fisheries exploitation on Holbox Island I have had wonderful days fishing for bonefish DIY Saltwater Fly Fishing - Etiquette on the Xcalak flats. 8,621.89 Sqft. These were just a few spots that our guides had in their back pockets for the right situation. The town is remote, and so far south, it's only six miles to the Belize /Mexico border. 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. Information related to travelling to Montana: which airports to fly into, major towns, etc. I'd like to hear about the permit on the 10 weight. The area surrounding Xcalak on the Chetumal bay side is a wild and relatively untouched place. 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. Grand slams are not uncommon in Xcalak, so set your sights high! Email:xcalakotf@gmail.comPhone:+1.907.953.3992. Would cut the cost quite a bit me thinksor are you one of those resort dudes? Other random by-catch I managed were snappers, small jacks, needlefish, perch, some reef fish, and one small saltwater crocodile. The lodge will supply you with non alcoholic beverages and lunch to take on your fly fishing quest. Here in Xcalak, Mexico, we have some of the most beautiful saltwater flats for fly fishing in the world. PHOTOGRAPHY BY RASMUS OVESEN & MARTIN EJLER OLSEN, Blue Ribbon, Fly-Fishing Fever in Heber Valley, Fish It Well Diaries, Chapter 5: Camille Egdorf, Discovering Resilience: Photos by Jess McGlothlin. Fishing season here is year-round and the fish are abundant. a bit about my services and your options for exploring the Xcalak I looked back at Alberto, and the look on his face said it all. border: 0.2rem solid #ffb500; Spring 2023 trip dates: June 10-17 at the lodge. There's a lot of beauty and tranquility in our remote area of the Caribbean. One of those lucky ones was me. This isnt to say Chetumal is any less of a fisheryit just gets less pressure. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The jungle starts to encroach on civilization and lines the road like a solid green wall. In part because both destinations are on my radar and in part because it's nice seeing pics of such a warm destination (as I type this I think the wind chill may have crept into the low double digits). At a whopping six-hour drive from Cancun, not many tourists make it to Xcalak, and that's too bad for them. Given Xcalaks limited development, youd be right to guess that the tourist hotels take sustainability seriously. 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. 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. This trip was with Bahia Blanca. 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! Imagine floating into a deluxe camp on one of our private ranches or permitted islands where cold beverages and tasty appetizers await. It was like a rustic cabin right on the . For those travelers contemplating a visit to the remote fishing village of Xcalak, Quintana Roo. 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. As to your Appalachian Trail adventure, have you read the book "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson chronicling his Appalachian adventure? width:auto; The fishing. 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. TRAVEL There are several flights a day to Cancn, Mexico. I often think of bonefish as the saviors of any saltwater fishing destination, due to their sheer numbers and availability as targets. 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. Choose from over 20 fabled blue ribbon rivers that we target. 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. CAR Most visitors to Xcalak arrive at the Cancun International Airport (CUN). Choose from Montana's most comprehensive selection of fly fishing trips. Xcalak is both, so it was always going to be a win for me. We discovered there were lots of people with questions about Xcalak. Some days were better than others for finding rolling tarpon, but when they were up, they were up! Top Fishing Charters in Xcalak. white sand flats, throwing at cruising Bones and scouting the deep water for Permit. In Xcalak, fly fishing is a treat it isnt crowded and has healthy marine life and excellent guides. Need a fishing charter? 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. 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 is a small fishing village on the southern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the State of Quintana Roo. Copyright 2020 American Angler. 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). 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. clear: both; On the boats at 8am and back at the dock 4-430pm. Depending on traffic and how many stops you make, the trip will take about 6 to 7 hours. Wet season runs from May to October and you can still expect sunny days, but . } 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). Get in, amigo, Julio tells me as he hands off the pole to his brother. Some fish get into our soul. I toss the Rag Head Crab into the air, load my 9-weight, and aim a couple feet in front of the lead fish. 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. It grew into something that lets us connect travelers to the small businesses of Xcalak. 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. MONDAY-SATURDAY 8:00 am-6:00 pm Chetumal is no exception as it boasts resident baby and juvenile tarpon, along with large migrating adult tarpon in the summer months. Last updated 3/1/23. Tierra Maya Lodge, At 9 kms north of town, this secluded accommodation is a fantastic destination for DIY fly fishing. Chetumal Bay, an expansive wonderland for the intrepid flats fisherman! Fly Fishing shop, the owner of this B&B is a fly fishing enthusiast. Re: DIY Fly Fishing. May 9, 2022 May 9, . Heres a rundown of the Xcalak beach, and here are the Xcalak fly fishing basics: The saltwater flats are the biggest deal in Xcalak. 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. . xcalak, Mexico A World Class Fly Fishing Destination Xcalak and Chetumal Bay are rated among the top fishing destinations in the worldwe leave nothing out All-Inclusive Fly Fishing Packages As any experienced angler knows, it's not just about the fishing, it's the location too. For years, my work has been fishing There are three seasons in Xcalak - dry, wet, and hurricane. There were times were we found bonefish tailing in schools of 10s and 20s in a foot of water and turtle grass. width:max-content; Filters 1. Xcalak is a refreshingly undisturbed fishing village nestled along Mexicos southernmost Caribbean coastline. Snorkel, kayak, and enjoy the constantly warm weather far from the snowy north. It isnt completely remote either, but the first-day warnings do come with points on crocodiles and jaguars and how to avoid them. I make a long, slow strip. 1 While natural . Let us answer all of your questions and help you choose exceptional lodges in Chile, Argentina, Alaska and the Bahamas. Shorelines action is heating up with a few speckled trout, redfish, and decent numbers of black drum, and sheepshead, all on live shrimp. News: Will dredging the Zaragoza Canal hurt Xcalak? I have fished with Captain He was never seen or heard from again. Shots at permit are what brought my fishing buddy Patrick and me to Xcalaka small pit stop on the Yucatn Peninsula at the southern end of Costa Maya, perfectly situated on one of the last undeveloped stretches along the Mexican Caribbean. may have. Brandon, I am careful when I write these reports because I am not an expert and dont want to pretend to be one. @media only screen and (max-width: 600px) { Targeting the plentiful bonefish is always an option. Read about the seasonal patterns in our fisheries. Xcalak is home to a quintessential view of the Caribbean, with translucent turquoise waters and mostly undeveloped beaches, backed by swaying palms. It also happens to be one of the best places to DIY saltwater fly fish. One of the other guests at the lodge claimed they caught a 10 pounder, and the blurry iPhone selfie seemed to support such a claimbut so did the blurry photos of bigfoot. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. Far too often we are working to build insulation of comfort around our existence to protect us from the uncomfortable realities of the modern worldbut sometimes the casualty to our padded lives becomes our joy. A resort, it is not. Night time temps were pretty cool, so having an AC was a non-issue and the showers were hot! Site cast to trophy trout cruising the shallows of several productive lakes. Two units have generated flow nonstop, day and night. Maybe you are very serious about 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. 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. Search, book & review the best deals online with us! clients down who are beginners. Off the beaten track, Xcalak is an alternative to the throngs of people and high rise hotels found further north. Feel free to send me an email with any questions you We zip up our wading boots and slide over the gunnel into the lukewarm water as quietly as possible. .fullwidth-signup{ Xcalaks shore is made mostly of tiny coral fragments that arent exactly powdery-soft. Cell coverage is non-existent in Xcalak, so make sure you have an offline map before making the drive. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Duranglers Flies and Supplies Fly Shop Hop in a panga, explain to your guide what you want to catch, and off you go. Options include unique fishing lodges, exclusive ranch stays, riverside vacation rentals, and affordable hotel packages. float: left; So, head to the ADO bus terminal in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar or Chetumal . The place is far nicer and mainstream than led to believe in the pictures. It depicts a good summary. In addition to boat fishing, Chetumal also offers excellent wade fishing. Enjoy lightly fished streams and trophy lakes on one our exclusive ranch leases. With XOTF at Casa Paraiso, youre sure to have a rewarding and relaxing time. /* Clear floats after the columns */ THE BEST Xcalak Fishing Charters & Tours. trips from $300 : Sapos Del Mar . 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. We came to fish, not be pampered with warm bathrobes and spa treatments. This package includes transportation from Cancun International Airport, accommodation and all meals. While comfortable, the accommodations are rusticwhich for all of us was just fine. Xcalak For pricing on lodging packages visit each individual package for rates, inclusions and exclusions. The restaurant at Cocos is a popular place to cool off with one of their microbrews and trade stories with other fishers. To the north, we have the the Rio Huach lagoon system, boasting consisitent baby Tarpon and Snook fishing year round. BUS First you need to get to Mahahual. At XOTF, our goal is to provide you with the most personalized and all-inclusive fly fishing experience. 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. 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. Fishing changes by the week in Montana. and nice guy. 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. Then we visited again. 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. BEACH FRONT lote For Sale 9150 ft2 at Mahahual- Xcalak road P3413, Costa Maya, Quintana Roo. Our guides at Costa were no exception, often spotting permit 300 yards away or more. Many had a mix of experience guiding out of Xcalak along with guiding at Ascension Bay. 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. Speaking of accommodations, here are the most popular accommodations for fly fishers in Xcalak: Home of the Fxcalak (fish-ka-lak, get it?) Palometaalla, he whispers, pointing into the glare. The flats of Chetumal Bay are home to an incredible amount of bones, and I had a few days of specifically targeting them. And again. 2023. There is often the fear of a translation issue or a communication breakdown that leads to missed fish. I would reccomend it, even just for the entertainment value. 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. The closest town to Xcalak is Mahahual, home to a cruise ship port, restaurants, shops, hotels, and a Mayan-themed water park. 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. This approximately 70-acre lake just north of Turner is open to public fishing along the southern half. 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. Double occupancy (boat and room) -$4,495.00 USD. 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. Your email address will not be published. The jetties are still holding trout and redfish. Luggage options for the traveling angler. Id love to make it down there. 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. Both the saltwater flats and inland lagoons make for excellent kayaking and SUP. Running south, we have a maze of grass . I found that with our guides at Costa de Cocos, we had very little issues with any of our guides. 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. If youre craving a lively afternoon, head to Mahahuals pedestrian-only malecn, and find a beachside bar for some people-watching. 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. This entry was posted on Monday, March 22nd, 2010 at 3:04 am and is filed . display: block; 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. LODGING Costa de Cocos Resort (www . More from their website : "Tucked along the world-famous Chetumal Bay, the Xflats at Tierra Maya's 7 beachfront suites are elegantly . font-size: medium; March 2, 2023 Fishing Report. Welcome to Xcalak. Quiet about Xcalak! The more I learned about these fish, the less I understand. The reef runs from Cozumel all the way to Honduras, and is quite close to the shore in Xcalak. 4.2 / 5 (2 reviews) Mahahual 26 ft 4 persons . If you liked the story above, check out these stories below. 1 INSTITUTIONAL AMNESIA. And stay open to opportunity, as you never know what you might come across while looking for something else.