For those travelers contemplating a visit to the remote fishing village of Xcalak, Quintana Roo. Xcalak Fishing is a fly fishing guide service located in the remote Mexican fishing village of Xcalak, Quintana Roo. Click here to receive the sport of fly fishing's most authoritative magazine. He was never seen or heard from again. 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. Each is constructed with a forward casting deck . Theyre partnered with Hotel Tierra Maya. Xcalak Local skipper Victor has lived in the area for 35 years and has been guiding fishermen in the area . Okay so I thought about this a lot today and let me restate my earlier comment. 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. 2022 by Fly Fish Costa Maya. 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. The permit are still there, about 20 yards out. } Most hotels are self-catered. 3. 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. 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. If you delve into the history of Xcalak, you will be able to see its relevance in communications and supplies between large cities. It's a great read.way better then the movie of the same name, imo. Maximize your time on the water and make great memories on one of our deluxe overnight river camping trips. Contact david@whitestackle.com to suggest our next tutorial. https://www.thexflats.com/, Another local, Jos is an experienced Xcalak fly fishing guide, and he loves the local area. For unknown reasons, Scheepstra broke away from his fishing partner and headed back toward the rental car. 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. Julio and I stealthily close in on the fish, their black spikes silhouetted in the fading light. At XOTF, our goal is to provide you with the most personalized and all-inclusive fly fishing experience.Our packages and trips were designed by fishing-obsessed father and son duo Jim and Chase Looney with anglers in mind. I hope to see you down here soon. Bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook, and barracuda await your fly. and nice guy. Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. I may have framed my question a bit different than I wanted. Go far enough, and it's not that you forget about the worriesit's that the worries forget about you. margin: 1.5rem 0; Acocote Eco Inn: Perfect for the adventurous - Read 144 reviews, view 87 photos, and find great deals for Acocote Eco Inn at Tripadvisor Tierra Maya Lodge, At 9 kms north of town, this secluded accommodation is a fantastic destination for DIY fly fishing. 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. Julio raises his hand, signaling me to stop. The town is remote, and so far south, its only six miles to the Belize/Mexico border. Climb the steps for a sweeping view of the entire site. You can buy food from the local grocery trucks that ply the beach road. Two suites complete with kitchens sleep 6 people each. Since our trip was in December, we had the youngsters of the species to target. Bonefish are easy to find, yet hard to spot. MONDAY-SATURDAY 8:00 am-6:00 pm After about day 3, I finally figured out how to articulate permit: Some fish get into our heart. Some guides have over 25+ years of experience guiding fly fishers in the area. Maybe you are very serious about In the past we have fished all six days, but this year decided to take it easy a bit. Can't find the video you're looking for? American Angler magazine covers fly-fishing tactics, tackle, destinations, news, and fisheries conservation for a national readership of more than 40,000 fly fishers of all levels. 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! You wont be roughing it though this palapa hut comes with its own private bathroom. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. 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. 1 While natural . Your email address will not be published. Xcalak is renowned for fly fishing. Our packages and trips were designed by fishing-obsessed father and son duo Jim and Chase Looney with anglers in mind. These "ghosts of the flats" swim about 27 miles per hour . Its less developed (and less crowded) than its popular northern neighbor Ascension Bay, near Tulum. These are the fish we seek when the deeper questions of life are on the table. @media only screen and (max-width: 600px) { And thats how we truly fell for this beach town in the south of Mexico. The small fishing village of ~400 people sits on the second largest coral reef in the . The line went tight instantly and the drag began screaming. 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). The closest town to Xcalak is Mahahual, home to a cruise ship port, restaurants, shops, hotels, and a Mayan-themed water park. foraging in the turtle grass, perfect cover for crabs and shrimps. 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). josexcalak@hotmail.com WhatsApp The downside is the weather can be unpredictable this time of year. In 2015, we almost didnt visit Xcalak. Costa de Cocos, Only 2 kms from town, this accommodation is the closest thing to a resort youll find in Xcalak. Dr. Mike Larkin on Bonefish The Tom Roland Podcast. The town is remote, and so far south, it's only six miles to the Belize /Mexico border. 2-8-23. 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. After about 10 minutes of nothing, I looked to my right and a big school of Permit were heading our way. 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. Originally started as a diving and snorkeling lodge to cater to tourists wishing to explore the Mesoamerican barrier reef 400 yards from shore(more on that later), the owners of the Lodge quickly realized the immense potential of the fishery in front of and behind their lodge. 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. Looking into the water, something didnt seem right. Here is where you'll acquire a wealth of knowledge about Xcalak, in just . guide with great eyes, he is an enjoyable fishing companion Our guides at Costa were no exception, often spotting permit 300 yards away or more. Getting ThereThe town of Xcalak, Mexico sits at the end of the road. 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. We zip up our wading boots and slide over the gunnel into the lukewarm water as quietly as possible. If this was a sign of things to come, the foreshadowing was causing almost catatonic euphoria. 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? However, for what the rooms might have lacked in luxury luster, everything was more than made up for with food, drinks, service, and staff! For me, this fish is permit. Jose on many occasions and I am pleased to recommend him. overflow: unset; Triggerfish were a final noteworthy target that can show up in Xcalak, unfortunately, we did not get a shot. Traveling a few hours further south youll discover Xcalak has bigger flats and more diverse sea life. 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. Xcalak is home to a quintessential view of the Caribbean, with translucent turquoise waters and mostly undeveloped beaches, backed by swaying palms. .signup-row:after { Mexico gets a reputation as a small bonefish destination, but when you are willing to put in a little time, and think of it as hunting (like we do with permit), you might be surprised. Chetumal Bay is located near the small fishing village of Xcalak, Quintana Roo, Mexico, about 8 miles north of Ambergris Cay, about 150 miles south of Ascension Bay, and eight miles north of the Belize Border. Renting a car from Cancun is the most common way to reach Xcalak. }. Destination Reports Xcalak Bonefish Round 2. Experience the fishing, the culture, and the food . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. 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. I watch Blantons Board, so Ill keep an eye out for that. 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. Montana is home to some of the most productive wild trout rivers on the planet. One thing I did notice was that, depending on the day and tides, the tarpon spots could be limited. 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. With a rental car and an early start, you can make a day trip to some of southern Mexicos intriguing, lesser-visited sights. 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. Hotel Tierra Maya also offers fly-fishing packages for 6-7 nights (US$3,496-4,237 s, US$2,243-2,760 d), though they don't include all the perkslike airport transportation, open bar . Read about average temperatures and weather patterns month by month. Need a fishing charter? After stretching our legs, refueling on appetizers, chips, homemade salsa (a personal favorite), and downing a few beverages; it was time to rig up. We didnt see a lot of snook on our trip, but the ones we did see were pushing 40. } Simply enter your email address below and well send you a free special report Mexico: The Perfect Close-to-Home Retirement Haven. Xcalak, with a present population of around 350 people, was the largest city in Quintana Roo until it was . CAR Most visitors to Xcalak arrive at the Cancun International Airport (CUN). Welcome to Xcalak. Everyone was excited; my first permit, and it seemed like a good one. There's a lot of beauty and tranquility in our remote area of the Caribbean.