When I wrote my first article on bonefish fishing in Xcalak, Mexico, I mentioned that I was currently planning another trip back to pursue bonefish once again. Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Xcalak is cash-only, and theres no ATM; youd be wise to load up on pesos before arriving. Walleye fishing should start picking up now that we are into March. Bonefish on the Brain. All of the guides at the lodge had lots of experience on the water (most around 15-20 years of guiding). I'd like to hear about the permit on the 10 weight. 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. BEACH FRONT lote For Sale 9150 ft2 at Mahahual- Xcalak road P3413, Costa Maya, Quintana Roo. Let us help you build the perfect lodging and fishing package. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site. In an area as remote as Xcalak, you can always appreciate the natural beauty, but you might be wondering, what else is there is to do? The reef runs from Cozumel all the way to Honduras, and is quite close to the shore in Xcalak. +52 983 186 6112. 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. Strangely enough, comfort should loose to joy, almost always. 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. 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. Although more populous than Xcalak, the crowds here are nothing compared to the Riviera Maya. News: Will dredging the Zaragoza Canal hurt Xcalak? There was some netting going on. You also need to purchase a Mexican fishing license, which you can buy weekly, monthly, or yearly. josexcalak@hotmail.com WhatsApp May 9, 2022 May 9, . 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. width: 100%; There they arethree or four tailing permit leisurely zigzagging across the flat, their sickle fins slicing through the waters rippled surface. LODGING Costa de Cocos Resort (www . The second-longest reef in the world, it stretches nearly 700 miles, from Isla Mujeres in Mexico to the Bay Islands in Honduras. Some fish get into our soul. After suffering several hurricanes, Xcalak maintains a small population dedicated to fishing and tourism, maintaining its . 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. 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. Get in, amigo, Julio tells me as he hands off the pole to his brother. The town is remote, and so far south, it's only six miles to the Belize /Mexico border. For those travelers contemplating a visit to the remote fishing village of Xcalak, Quintana Roo. 318 were here. Options include unique fishing lodges, exclusive ranch stays, riverside vacation rentals, and affordable hotel packages. However, for what the rooms might have lacked in luxury luster, everything was more than made up for with food, drinks, service, and staff! I found our guides all warm and open once we got them talking about their lives and their guiding careers. Great report Kev,and IMHO you did everything right re your rod choice mate.As this was your first experience of this kind you didn't take knives to a gun fight. We zip up our wading boots and slide over the gunnel into the lukewarm water as quietly as possible. Let me share my thoughts. Two suites complete with kitchens sleep 6 people each. Some guides have over 25+ years of experience guiding fly fishers in the area. Both Victor and Nick are great guys to fish with. 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. Xcalak, with a present population of around 350 people, was the largest city in Quintana Roo until it was . There are three seasons in Xcalak - dry, wet, and hurricane. This waterbody should produce fish year-round. 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. Seven through ten weights were in order for the grand slam of species we would be chasing the upcoming week. If you have fished in the Bay of Ascension you can expect fewer but larger fish in Xcalak, the average being 3 to 4 pounds. I looked back at Alberto, and the look on his face said it all. This ancient Maya city boasts three excavated stone plazas and a towering pyramid. Would cut the cost quite a bit me thinksor are you one of those resort dudes? 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. And with a white-sand seabed, the coastal water displays a stunning aquamarine tint. 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. We have been offering one week fly fishing . If you just have a day or two to spare, day trips are a great way to experience Montana's legendary fisheries. The fishing day starts with meeting your guide on our new 200 foot dock directly in front of the lodge. A six hour drive south of Cancun, Xcalak resists mega-tourism and retains its natural beauty. What more could you ask for? This was a now or never, make or break moment. Bonefish are easy to find, yet hard to spot. I hope to see you down here soon. } Xcalak Front Side Flats. You know youre at a fly fishing-friendly place when theres a rod wash station. Not only is he an excellent .signup-column { Video Tutorials. 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. March 3, 2023. Get it together I told myself. 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. and guiding in Xcalak and I can tell you that things have never Thanks for sharing! May 2, 2016. Along with many miles of Caribbean shoreline, Xcalak sits conveniently close to the entrance of Chetumal Bay. Bonefish and all that relates (maybe a bit about tarpon too). There is often the fear of a translation issue or a communication breakdown that leads to missed fish. Hey Nate, certainly looks like a good time. For unknown reasons, Scheepstra broke away from his fishing partner and headed back toward the rental car. 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. Here in Xcalak, Mexico, we have some of the most beautiful saltwater flats for fly fishing in the world. Not only is Jose a great flats guide, he Parsons et al., 2009; Senz-Arroyo et al., 2005).Research on the shifting baseline phenomena in marine science has tended to focus on the individual . 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. Accommodations then were spare and dirty, fishing was so-so. Chetumal Bay is at the far southern tip of the Yucatan, near the border with Belize. Julio and I stealthily close in on the fish, their black spikes silhouetted in the fading light. Fly fishing for Pacific Rockfish is nothing new, but something that most anglers haven't sampled yet. The small fishing village of ~400 people sits on the second largest coral reef in the . He and his wife Illana own Costa de Cocos resort, which sits on . He is an excellent teacher and my choice when I send Targeting the plentiful bonefish is always an option. 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. guide with great eyes, he is an enjoyable fishing companion A typical fishing day has you departing the Lodge at 8:00 AM and returning around 4:00 PM. 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. The scenic, 250-mile drive from Cancn to Xcalak takes about five hours. His fly fishing writings have been published on blogs such as the Daily Drake and Simms Wading Room. They are spooky and quick to forget. I have fished with Captain Getting ThereThe 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. It was amazing fishing in a fantastic place with bones and permit caught right off the dock. Xcalak is located within a National Park, designed to protect the worlds second largest barrier reef. 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) The jungle starts to encroach on civilization and lines the road like a solid green wall. A little variation in the flow but not much. Xcalak is a refreshingly undisturbed fishing village nestled along Mexicos southernmost Caribbean coastline. Powered by 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. Even if the wind is howling out of the east, there are plenty of sheltered places to fish in Chetumal Bay, which is as large as Espiritu Santo and Ascension Bays combined. Costa De Cocos Lodge isnt totally out in the middle of absolutely nowhere, but it is out of the way. . 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. 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. Join International Living Today and Get the 2023 Global Retirement IndexFREE with This Special Offer. After getting into the groove of casting heavier rods, we even managed a few fish including the first bonefish of the trip caught by Jim. 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. Feel free to send me an email with any questions you Jack he muttered. 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. Off the beaten track, Xcalak is an alternative to the throngs of people and high rise hotels found further north. 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). For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. These fish are tough, with extremely hard mouths, so getting them to eat sometimes was not the hard partsticking the hook was. foraging in the turtle grass, perfect cover for crabs and shrimps. MONDAY-SATURDAY 8:00 am-6:00 pm For pricing on lodging packages visit each individual package for rates, inclusions and exclusions. Enjoy unique accommodations right on the water. The town sits next to the Caribbean on a small spit of land that separates the Ocean from Chetumal Bay. Cleanr theme by WPShoppe. 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. Climb the steps for a sweeping view of the entire site. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Quintana Roo, Mxico - Xcalak is a village of 375 inhabitants in the municipality of Othn P. Blanco, Quintana Roo, on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. 970-385-4081 Hop in a panga, explain to your guide what you want to catch, and off you go. I often think of bonefish as the saviors of any saltwater fishing destination, due to their sheer numbers and availability as targets. 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. 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. 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. Some days it was permit, some days it was tarpon, but the constant was of course bonefish. 30 Jul. Here are our recommendations for rods, lines, flies, tippet, waders and more. The sheer power of the fish is incredible. and nice guy. Go far enough, and it's not that you forget about the worriesit's that the worries forget about you. Get picked up right from the dock in front of the beach and enjoy supper at the on-site restaurant. Xcalak Fishing is a fly fishing guide service located in the remote Mexican fishing village of Xcalak, Quintana Roo. Back then there wasnt really a trustworthy tourist website and we just couldnt figure out if the trip was worth the effort. At a whopping six-hour drive from Cancun, not many tourists make it to Xcalak, and that's too bad for them. Bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook, and barracuda await your fly. February 8, 2023. border: 0.2rem solid #ffb500; Adventurous travelers will be curious to explore beyond Xcalaks tranquil beaches. 1 While natural . It isnt completely remote either, but the first-day warnings do come with points on crocodiles and jaguars and how to avoid them. Choose your accommodation, pack your gear, and head to what might be the last undiscovered fly fishing paradise in the Yucatan. 2023 pricing for 7 nights / 6 days. The area surrounding Xcalak on the Chetumal bay side is a wild and relatively untouched place. Its uncommonly easy to find a stretch of the Caribbean all to yourself in Xcalak. margin: 1.5rem 0; If youre craving a lively afternoon, head to Mahahuals pedestrian-only malecn, and find a beachside bar for some people-watching. At a whopping six-hour drive from Cancun, not many tourists make it to Xcalak, and thats too bad for them. 2-8-23. 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. It is located on the southernmost tip of the Mexican Riveria, on a peninsula about 1.5 hours boat ride north of San Pedro Belize. That was a great trip report k_e_v. Maybe its a magical place where you can hook permit all day long, wade mudflats without another fly fisher in sight, or finally hook the Grand Slam youve been aching for. Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you a free special report - Why Millions of Americans Are Moving to Mexico. 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. March 2, 2023 Fishing Report. Fishing changes by the week in Montana. Farmington, ill. -Stop by for a cold beer on your, Byron Bayeasternmost point of Australia. The line went tight instantly and the drag began screaming. 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. Luggage options for the traveling angler. It also happens to be one of the best places to DIY saltwater fly fish. Scuba enthusiasts should consider an overnight trip to the Banco Chinchorro atoll, an underwater paradise with a pristine biosphere, shipwrecks, and coral canyons. Video: 9 more videos to help you discover Xcalak. Triggerfish were a final noteworthy target that can show up in Xcalak, unfortunately, we did not get a shot. I recently returned from Southern Mexico after my first salt water trip. Each is constructed with a forward casting deck . Mexico Our blog offers a vast collection of useful articles that include topics related to hatches, seasons, rivers, destination trip reports and more, Helpful checklists to make sure you include the proper clothing and gear for your Montana fishing trip, Information on rates for Montana and Yellowstone National Park fishing licenses. You can buy food from the local grocery trucks that ply the beach road. One of those lucky ones was me. The lodge will supply you with non alcoholic beverages and lunch to take on your fly fishing quest. Build lasting relationships with your best clients or reward your key employees with one of our custom built corporate fishing retreats. Fly fishing Xcalak with XTC Dive Center is a unique experience unlike any other adventure in the Yucatan. 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! width:auto; Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. display: block; David Randall moved to Xcalak in the early '90s, after selling his catfish hatchery south of Kansas City. The resort also offers half- and full-day fishing trips (US$175-350), in case you want to fish while in Xcalak without making it a full-on fishing vacation. Water temperatures are still cold. Top Fishing Charters in Xcalak. You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. 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. Coral Garden Inn. Last updated 3/1/23. Curious about this undiscovered fly fishing mecca? 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. Learn about getting to Xcalak. All rights reserved. Everyone was excited; my first permit, and it seemed like a good one. 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. We take care of all the gear and you just sit back and relax after arriving in camp. Our packages and trips were designed by fishing-obsessed father and son duo Jim and Chase Looney with anglers in mind. Andy manages Duranglers Flies and Supplies online store and web content. The town sits next to the Caribbean on a small spit of land that separates the Ocean from Chetumal Bay. One thing I did notice was that, depending on the day and tides, the tarpon spots could be limited. But maybe its good for you. Durango fly fishing guides on the San Juan River, Animas River, Dolores River, Florida River and Los Pinos River. 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. Not to mention the list of 'other' species, such as Barracuda, Snapper, Jacks, Snook and Cobia that are all a real possibility on every trip. 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. Xcalak is a small fishing village on the southern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the State of Quintana Roo. Experience some of the lower 48's most remote fisheries. Sign in to access your subscriptions and subscriber-only content. The permit are swimming right to left, on a diagonal line, but suddenly, they start coming toward us. @Glenn, I dont know why the video isnt playing for you it played for me straight off. The XTC Fly Fishing Experience. 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. 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? Montana Angler holds a federal permit to guide our guests on these legendary waters, Fish over 20 legendary Montana rivers across multiple valleys or get off the beaten path on our exclusive private access ranch leases. 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. The most popular fish in Xcalak are permit and bonefish, but theres a lot more than that for you to hook. padding: 1.25rem 1.25rem 1rem; In our group, we had two that were lucky enough to connect and land a permit on the first day. He covers the coast and inland waters. JavaScript is disabled. Both the saltwater flats and inland lagoons make for excellent kayaking and SUP. Very well done Kev, glad you had a great trip. The restaurant at Cocos is a popular place to cool off with one of their microbrews and trade stories with other fishers. [emailprotected], HOURS: Julios younger brother and apprentice, Eduardo, spots the fish right away. I personally felt it was incredible, but I am partial to anything coastal, and anything Mexican. If you delve into the history of Xcalak, you will be able to see its relevance in communications and supplies between large cities. Report by Captain David Dillman, Galveston Bay Charter Fishing. Ruin explorers can easily visit the Chacchoben archaeological site, about a two-hour drive from the village. This entry was posted on Monday, March 22nd, 2010 at 3:04 am and is filed under Locations. Besides fishing he organizes tours of the reef and nearby Bird Island. Many had a mix of experience guiding out of Xcalak along with guiding at Ascension Bay. This technical match the hatch fishing produces big results. I am looking up from my desk at a picture Again, I really enjoyed your report. 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). And he can also keep up Click here to receive the sport of fly fishing's most authoritative magazine. The jetties are still holding trout and redfish. /* Clear floats after the columns */ While staying at El Pescador Lodge in Belize, weve seen boats from there flyfishing in the Bacalar Chico Reserve. Water has cleared up. Xcalak is home to a quintessential view of the Caribbean, with translucent turquoise waters and mostly undeveloped beaches, backed by swaying palms. [Story by Nick Roberts / Photos by Patrick Williams]. This approximately 70-acre lake just north of Turner is open to public fishing along the southern half. Welcome to Xcalak. Let us answer all of your questions and help you choose exceptional lodges in Chile, Argentina, Alaska and the Bahamas. 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. So, head to the ADO bus terminal in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar or Chetumal . After about 10 minutes of nothing, I looked to my right and a big school of Permit were heading our way. background-color: #1a3c95; Xcalak is renowned for fly fishing. I watch Blantons Board, so Ill keep an eye out for that. .signup-column { Options include diverse lodging packages, camping trips, wilderness horse pack expeditions, day trips and world wide travel. Or, use the free kayaks and SUPs offered at most beachside hotels. 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). 4.2 / 5 (2 reviews) Mahahual 26 ft 4 persons . Speaking of accommodations, here are the most popular accommodations for fly fishers in Xcalak: Home of the Fxcalak (fish-ka-lak, get it?) . Xcalak is a quiet fishing town on the southern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Two units have generated flow nonstop, day and night. We know you'll love fishing with . I hadnt caught anything the day before and now I was blowing a great Permit shot. Plan for your Montana fishing trip. Lakes above and below us are all . We discovered there were lots of people with questions about Xcalak. I will let those with more experience and confidence continue the debate from there. Other random by-catch I managed were snappers, small jacks, needlefish, perch, some reef fish, and one small saltwater crocodile. Chetumal is no exception as it boasts resident baby and juvenile tarpon, along with large migrating adult tarpon in the summer months. I make a long, slow strip. It's less developed (and less crowded) than it's popular northern neighbor Ascension Bay, near Tulum. Xcalak. /* Create three equal columns that floats next to each other */ What would it take to help others find Xcalak? I've heard anything from only an 8 weight to 8-10 weights needed for permit down there. Go far enough, and its not that you forget about the worriesits that the worries forget about you. Appetizers and drinks awaited us at the main lodge restaurant after we settled in. I look for alternatives from time to time, but didnt on this post. @Rob, not a resort dude, really just easier to find videos from folks staying at resorts. 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. I'm sorry to say no permit for . reefs, islands, lagoons and bays of the beautiful Xcalak National Montana Angler guides fish the famous Livingston creeks in addition to several other spring creeks on some of our exclusive ranch leases. Depending on traffic and how many stops you make, the trip will take about 6 to 7 hours. 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. Costa de Cocos lodge, kitchen, and service staff did an absolutely fantastic job of making us feel comfortable, well fed, and equally hydrated. Fishing Charters & Tours in Xcalak. .signup-row:after { 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.