I found that with our guides at Costa de Cocos, we had very little issues with any of our guides. Xcalak is cash-only, and theres no ATM; youd be wise to load up on pesos before arriving. Im not able to watch the video for some reason. 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. Xcalak. The fishing was simply outstanding - the best I've ever had in Mexico - and Costa de Cocos proved to be a little gem of a lodge. Xcalak is a refreshingly undisturbed fishing village nestled along Mexicos southernmost Caribbean coastline. Really like your blog. Looking at the case now10 years removedis like trying to investigate a crime that was never actually a crime. Here are our recommendations for rods, lines, flies, tippet, waders and more. Join us on a 6 Night & 7 Day Guided fishing trip to beautiful Xcalak, Mexico. The town is home to just 400 local fishers and a scattering of resident expats. That isnt to say they arent out there, the truth is often wilder than fiction. 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. Palometaalla, he whispers, pointing into the glare. The permit are swimming right to left, on a diagonal line, but suddenly, they start coming toward us. This approximately 70-acre lake just north of Turner is open to public fishing along the southern half. 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. On the boats at 8am and back at the dock 4-430pm. 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 . Each is constructed with a forward casting deck . For me, it is tarpon. What would it take to help others find Xcalak? Report by Captain David Dillman, Galveston Bay Charter Fishing. float: none; Choose your accommodation, pack your gear, and head to what might be the last undiscovered fly fishing paradise in the Yucatan. IF YOU GO - Xcalak, Mexico - American AnglerAmerican Angler Bonefish and all that relates (maybe a bit about tarpon too). Need a fishing charter? Acocote Eco Inn | Xcalak Mexico Oregon fishing report for March 4 - The Guide's Forecast Mexico Fly Fishing Trip Report: Costa de Cocos Lodge, Xcalak, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Five Classic Rivers to Flyfish on Your First Trip to Argentine Patagonia, 5 Trips for Fishing the Mother's Day Caddis Hatch on the Yellowstone River, May Fly Fishing: Montana's Mother's Day Caddis Hatch, A Guide to Spring Fishing on the Gallatin River, Chile fishing trip report: Magic Waters Patagonia Lodge March 2022, Argentina Fishing Trip Report: February 2022 at El Encuentro Lodge and the Brook Trout Basecamp, Belize April Trip Report To Turneffe Flats Lodge - 2021, Ascension Bay Mexico Flats Fishing Report: Grand Slam Lodge, Patagonia Chile Fishing Report: Magic Waters Lodge February 2020, Jurassic Lake Lodge Argentina Fall 2019 Trip Report, Alaska September Fly Fishing Trip Report; The Bristol Bay Region at Intricate Bay Lodge, Steelhead Scouting Mission to Southeast Alaska, Jurassic Lake Lodge Argentina Fishing Trip Report. We didnt see a lot of snook on our trip, but the ones we did see were pushing 40. Uncategorized. 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. Fly Fishing @ XTC The fresh (but slightly salty) water in the lagoons hosts an entirely different species of wildlife than the saltwater flats. Experience some of the lower 48's most remote fisheries. 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. Shop White's Tackle Double occupancy (boat and room) -$4,495.00 USD. Weather in the Northern Rockies can be fickle and it is always a good idea to come prepared regardless of the season. 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. The line went tight instantly and the drag began screaming. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Xcalak on the Fly Knowing a bit of Spanish from the client never hurt, but it was not a detriment if we didnt. I've heard anything from only an 8 weight to 8-10 weights needed for permit down there. Not only is Jose a great flats guide, he Required fields are marked *. 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. TRAVEL There are several flights a day to Cancn, Mexico. Accommodations then were spare and dirty, fishing was so-so. 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. Our guides at Costa were no exception, often spotting permit 300 yards away or more. 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 fishing routine was simple and timely. Go far enough, and its not that you forget about the worriesits that the worries forget about you. 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. Hosted Trips, Classes, and Events - Tyer's Table with Captain Rob Fun Facts: All about the manatees of Xcalak. Chetumal Bay is at the far southern tip of the Yucatan, near the border with Belize. width: 100%; Bay wells producing sheepshead and black drum on live shrimp. 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. float: none; 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. Some guides have over 25+ years of experience guiding fly fishers in the area. Deep sea, light tackle, fly fishing - you name it! } Mexico Fly Fishing Trip Report: Costa de Cocos Lodge, Xcalak font-size: medium; Triggerfish were a final noteworthy target that can show up in Xcalak, unfortunately, we did not get a shot. The cabanas fit 2 anglers, had ceiling fans, plenty of windows, and a fine and functional bathroom. This place is real and its called Xcalak. Xcalak Bonefishing | Bonefish on the Brain Finally, heading south of Xcalak town, the water turns coloured and offers excellent opportunities to target rolling Tarpon, as well as Snook and Jacks as they feed on Sardines and glass minnows sheltering close to the mangroves. Filters 1. Overall conditions on Lake Taneycomo couldn't get any more stable than we've experienced the last couple of weeks. There's a lot of beauty and tranquility in our remote area of the Caribbean. News: Will dredging the Zaragoza Canal hurt Xcalak? You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site. Since our trip was in December, we had the youngsters of the species to target. There they arethree or four tailing permit leisurely zigzagging across the flat, their sickle fins slicing through the waters rippled surface. (And check out our highlight video from our trip last year below!). Returning to Costa was a no brainer for me, as I quickly became addicted to saltwater fishing after my first trip. On the way to Xcalak, you can stop for tacos and a cold beer in Tulum. 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. Whether it's the birdlife, stunning Caribbean vistas, or world-class fishing, we can promise you that we will show you a unique and memorable experience out on the water. Accommodations are off-grid, which gives any vacation in Xcalak a touch of adventure. Strangely enough, comfort should loose to joy, almost always. Read about average temperatures and weather patterns month by month. 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. The dry season typically lasts from November to April, when day after day of sunshine makes the beach a great place to be. a bit about my services and your options for exploring the Xcalak I personally felt it was incredible, but I am partial to anything coastal, and anything Mexican. Its a secluded region perfect for travelers looking to experience a genuine beach-life. 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! As it tends to do at inopportune moments, the windtoday blowing a steady 15 from the eastpicks up, increasing the chop. Facing the " Great Mayan Reef", the second largest reef in the world, Casa Caracola is located in a national park. At a whopping six-hour drive from Cancun, not many tourists make it to Xcalak, and thats too bad for them. Fishing changes by the week in Montana. Grand slams are not uncommon in Xcalak, so set your sights high! They are spooky and quick to forget. CFF April 2022 Fishing Reports. December through February, theses migrating snook show up and can be found lurking at likely ambush points. Okay so I thought about this a lot today and let me restate my earlier comment. What's the #1 Thing Every Expat Says They Wish They'd Done Before Going to Latin America? @Glenn, I dont know why the video isnt playing for you it played for me straight off. Seven through ten weights were in order for the grand slam of species we would be chasing the upcoming week. I booked Nick for this April and he comes highly recommended, out of Mahahual. 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. position: relative; 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. you. Your guide knows where to find the fish he spots them, and you hook them. 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. He was never seen or heard from again. We take care of all the gear and you just sit back and relax after arriving in camp. For pricing on lodging packages visit each individual package for rates, inclusions and exclusions. Farmington, ill. -Stop by for a cold beer on your, Byron Bayeasternmost point of Australia. Watch on. 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. Night time temps were pretty cool, so having an AC was a non-issue and the showers were hot! In Xcalak, lush Mayan jungle meets turquoise Caribbean water. is a great caster himself, casting equally well with both 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. Xcalak on the Fly is the Yucatan Peninsula's newest fly fishing lodge based out of Casa Paraiso. 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. color: white; More than once, it was remarked that the food was beyond our expectations. The XTC Fly Fishing Experience. Would love to see more pictures! North Central Oregon/Mid-Columbia Waters: This week's report from Gorge Outfitters Supply (541-739-2222) in Rufus. Work now, play later as they say. 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. Traveler favorites. Big, small, funny, and fast. 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 . To the north, we have the the Rio Huach lagoon system, boasting consisitent baby Tarpon and Snook fishing year round. 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. May 9, 2022 May 9, . The small fishing village of ~400 people sits on the second largest coral reef in the . Bonefish are easy to find, yet hard to spot. International Fly-Fishing Film Festival 2023 | Ogden, UT It would be my second trip chasing saltwater fish on the flats, while Tony is a fairly experienced saltwater angler and licensed Captain. Traveler favorites. Leave early to arrive before nightfall. 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. Last updated 3/1/23. Acocote Eco Inn, Located right in town, Casa Cangrejo is a straight up fly fishing lodge. LODGING Costa de Cocos Resort (www . Oh, Mexico. Fly Fishing the Coastal Maya Flats at Xcalak, Mexico. The town is remote, and so far south, it's only six miles to the Belize /Mexico border. Imagine floating into a deluxe camp on one of our private ranches or permitted islands where cold beverages and tasty appetizers await. JavaScript is disabled. Learn about getting to Xcalak. trips from $300 : Sapos Del Mar . 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. Tarpon, aka "Sabilo" We recommend an 8-9 wt rod, typically we are chasing the tarpon early in the morning along the mangrove edges and in the lagoons. Some days it was permit, some days it was tarpon, but the constant was of course bonefish. Chetumal Bay, an expansive wonderland for the intrepid flats fisherman! But maybe its good for you. 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. Be it status, financial security, or even something as fleeting as comfort. The Fish Xcalak on the Fly Xcalak Bonefish (1.000) Xcalak on a Monday (1.000) Bones of Costa de Cocos (1.000) Tags: Bahia Blanca, bonefishing, Mexico, Xcalak. Please check the website to learn Needless to say, the diving and snorkeling here is world class. 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. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. This way of thinking might sell them far to short, however, because bonefish are extremely fun. It also happens to be one of the best places to DIY saltwater fly fish. 1 While natural . Activities in Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Xcalak 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. Options include all inclusive fishing lodges, convenient hotel packages and unique river front vacation cabins and homes. 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. The fish are happy, the cooler is full and our skiffs are loaded, the only thing we are waiting for is you! For unknown reasons, Scheepstra broke away from his fishing partner and headed back toward the rental car. Site cast to trophy trout cruising the shallows of several productive lakes. border: 0.2rem solid #ffb500; There's a boat ramp in the southwest corner of the lake. We're on our way back to Costa de Cocos resort, idling down the outside edge of a long . Boats and Equipment All boats used by the lodge are 23-foot pangas that accommodate two fishermen and a guide.