The town sits next to the Caribbean on a small spit of land that separates the Ocean from Chetumal Bay. 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. 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. Get in, amigo, Julio tells me as he hands off the pole to his brother. Not only is Jose a great flats guide, he To the north, we have the the Rio Huach lagoon system, boasting consisitent baby Tarpon and Snook fishing year round. Fly Fishing Xcalak, Mexico Jan 2019 - YouTube March 2, 2023 Fishing Report - Lilleys' Landing you. Costa de Cocos lodge, kitchen, and service staff did an absolutely fantastic job of making us feel comfortable, well fed, and equally hydrated. Before you head off to Xcalak, here is some advice for making the most of your trip: .jason-signup { Here in Xcalak, Mexico, we have some of the most beautiful saltwater flats for fly fishing in the world. Id love to make it down there. While we all had our target fish we obviously would love to catch, I found it better to ask our guide what they thought would be the best option. and permit with Captain Jose. After suffering several hurricanes, Xcalak maintains a small population dedicated to fishing and tourism, maintaining its . 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 . If this was a sign of things to come, the foreshadowing was causing almost catatonic euphoria. Welcome to Xcalak 101. I looked back at Alberto, and the look on his face said it all. Spring 2023 trip dates: June 10-17 at the lodge. CFF April 2022 Fishing Reports. Uncategorized. Scuba enthusiasts should consider an overnight trip to the Banco Chinchorro atoll, an underwater paradise with a pristine biosphere, shipwrecks, and coral canyons. } 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. When to Visit Xcalak - Xcalak Mexico A six hour drive south of Cancun, Xcalak resists mega-tourism and retains its natural beauty. width:auto; Let us answer all of your questions and help you choose exceptional lodges in Chile, Argentina, Alaska and the Bahamas. Xcalak Bonefish (1.000) Xcalak on a Monday (1.000) Bones of Costa de Cocos (1.000) Tags: Bahia Blanca, bonefishing, Mexico, Xcalak. Strangely enough, comfort should loose to joy, almost always. Between the shore and the reef, the calm saltwater flats are home to a thriving variety of game fish and tropical marine life. The average catch is 6 - 12 bonefish per day. Boats and Equipment All boats used by the lodge are 23-foot pangas that accommodate two fishermen and a guide. 2023. Email:xcalakotf@gmail.comPhone:+1.907.953.3992. There they arethree or four tailing permit leisurely zigzagging across the flat, their sickle fins slicing through the waters rippled surface. clients down who are beginners. Xcalak Mexico - Xcalak Mexico Let us help you build the perfect lodging and fishing package. with the best permit guides in the world in terms of expertise. Thanks for sharing! Your email address will not be published. Plan for overnights in Cancun on June 9 and June 18. Let me share my thoughts. They are spooky and quick to forget. Mexico - Remote Fly Fishing Experts: Pescador Solitario Victor's location in Xcalak means easy access to the flats of Chetumal Bay. Because of the diversity of waterscapes, Xcalak is an excellent place for fly-fishers to attempt the Grand-Slam, catching a bonefish, a tarpon, and a permit all in the same day. 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. They are opportunistic eaters and as picky as permit. The second episode of the two-part sit-down with the owner of XFlats Lodge, Jesse Colton. 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. 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. As a lifelong trout angler and guide, flats fishing is a totally different experience and challenge, and I am hooked. 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. 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. Not only is he an excellent Durango fly fishing guides on the San Juan River, Animas River, Dolores River, Florida River and Los Pinos River. Okay so I thought about this a lot today and let me restate my earlier comment. Now, obviously joy can be found everywhere and in every situation, we find ourselves in, including work (we must choose to find it)but we are talking about the joy that can be found in fly fishing. 2022 by Fly Fish Costa Maya. Video: 9 more videos to help you discover Xcalak. Some of the bonefish I personally took shots at while wading said secret lagoons led me to believe that a 10-pound bonefish in the Yucatan was entirely plausible. Xcalak. 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. Copyright 2020 American Angler. Two suites complete with kitchens sleep 6 people each. The fish are happy, the cooler is full and our skiffs are loaded, the only thing we are waiting for is you! Casa Cangrejo Xcalak - Your best fly fishing trip ever We strive to stifle our joy on a daily basis in order to achieve something we perceive as greater in the long run. For those travelers contemplating a visit to the remote fishing village of Xcalak, Quintana Roo. Again, I really enjoyed your report. All Rights Reserved. Xcalak Mexico - Dive Snorkel Travel Ultimate guide 2022 Bonefish on the Brain. To get to Xcalak, you can either rent a car at the airport, or the Costa de Cocos Resort in Xcalak can arrange for a complimentary shuttle to pick you up. 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. 8,621.89 Sqft. Fly Fishing | Loco Gringo 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. Rain has improved fishing conditions. 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. Get picked up right from the dock in front of the beach and enjoy supper at the on-site restaurant. 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. Jacks are close relatives of Permit, and they sometimes swim in schools together. 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. Some days were better than others for finding rolling tarpon, but when they were up, they were up! Many had a mix of experience guiding out of Xcalak along with guiding at Ascension Bay. Work now, play later as they say. And stay open to opportunity, as you never know what you might come across while looking for something else. Seven through ten weights were in order for the grand slam of species we would be chasing the upcoming week. A Beginners Guide to San Juan River Fly Fishing, Duranglers 2018 Xcalak, Mexico Trip Report, shoot me an e-mail and we can talk Mayan adventure, Tying Big Flies with Snowrunner, aka Nayat, 3 Lesser Known Fishing Spots Around Durango, CO, Winter and Springtime Fly Fishing and Tying Classes, Clinics, and Events, Duranglers is now an Orvis Endorsed Outfitter Fly Shop. 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. WordPress. Destination fishing trips - Experience Xcalak Mexico!!! So I will simply say that there is a broad range of acceptable tactics but with the permit I caught, in the weather I caught it and with cast I made I was happy to have the 10wt. a bit about my services and your options for exploring the Xcalak 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. Had a great trip to Xcalak, fishing out of Casa Paraiso. Curious about this undiscovered fly fishing mecca? 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! Xcalak He covers the coast and inland waters. Enjoy lightly fished streams and trophy lakes on one our exclusive ranch leases. Required fields are marked *. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We quickly spotted a school of Bonefish and Tony caught one, so it was my turn to fish. Headwear to keep you dry, cool, sun free, warm, or whatever you need! 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. Captain Victor Castro, Xcalak | Yucatan Fishing Guides & Charters For unknown reasons, Scheepstra broke away from his fishing partner and headed back toward the rental car. Its cheaper to stay at one of the non fishing lodges down there and book guides on your own and DIY. Traveler ranking. 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. 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 is a refreshingly undisturbed fishing village nestled along Mexicos southernmost Caribbean coastline. He and his wife Illana own Costa de Cocos resort, which sits on . Costa de Cocos - Home Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Often overlooked in favour of Ascension Bay to the north, this is a huge fishing ground and home to plenty of bonefish and permit, and plenty else besides. At XOTF, our goal is to provide you with the most personalized and all-inclusive fly fishing experience. Xcalak Front Side Flats. We know you'll love fishing with . On windy days, the lagoons behind Xcalak provide shelter and productive fishing for baby tarpon and snook. Looking into the water, something didnt seem right. 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. 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. Buy it online or buy it when you arrive, just be sure to buy it before you start fishing. Build lasting relationships with your best clients or reward your key employees with one of our custom built corporate fishing retreats. Day 6Our last day in Xcalak would be another rest day. 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. Walleye fishing should start picking up now that we are into March. Fly Fishing for bonefish in Chetumal Bay. This waterbody should produce fish year-round. This way of thinking might sell them far to short, however, because bonefish are extremely fun. 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. The reef is a physical barrier that breaks up big ocean surge and turns it to gentle waves. 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. 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. 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. Accommodations are off-grid, which gives any vacation in Xcalak a touch of adventure. Xcalak is located within a National Park, designed to protect the worlds second largest barrier reef. Park. Find out when to come, what equipment to bring, browse blog articles, and more. been more beautiful or better here than they are now. Needless to say, the diving and snorkeling here is world class. This is a video I made for some friends that were thinking of going on a trip with us. For me, it is tarpon. This special guide covers real estate, retirement and more in Mexico and is yours free when you sign up for our postcards below. However, for what the rooms might have lacked in luxury luster, everything was more than made up for with food, drinks, service, and staff! Go now, he whispers excitedly. 923 Main Ave | DURANGO, CO 81301 Andy manages Duranglers Flies and Supplies online store and web content. Inland, the ecosystem is a fragile mix of mangrove lagoons and thick jungle. https://www.thexflats.com/, Another local, Jos is an experienced Xcalak fly fishing guide, and he loves the local area. Costa De Cocos Lodge - Xcalak Fly Fishing | Yellow Dog 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. +52 983 186 6112. Click here to receive the sport of fly fishing's most authoritative magazine. Experience some of the lower 48's most remote fisheries. Xcalak (I have no idea how to pronounce that) is waaaay down there in Mexico past Cancun, past Ascencion Bay, almost to Belize. Required fields are marked *. Like us, theyre here to take advantage of Costa de Cocos great off-season rates. [emailprotected], HOURS: I hope to see you down here soon. The more I learned about these fish, the less I understand. Our good friend, Captain Rob Perkin of Connect Outfitters, has over 30 years of experience off the beach at Pacific City and has been running guided Rockfish/Salmon fly fishing trips for several years now in an awesome boat crafted by his own hands. 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. position: relative; Xcalak Bonefish Round 2 - Islander Precision Reels 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? I recently returned from Southern Mexico after my first salt water trip. Accommodations then were spare and dirty, fishing was so-so. I often think of bonefish as the saviors of any saltwater fishing destination, due to their sheer numbers and availability as targets. Acocote Eco Inn: Perfect for the adventurous - Read 144 reviews, view 87 photos, and find great deals for Acocote Eco Inn at Tripadvisor 970-385-4081 You know youre at a fly fishing-friendly place when theres a rod wash station. Xcalak Mexico - Where is Xcalak? Find Out Here! - Tulum.com Hey Bjorn, Costa De Cocos Lodge isnt totally out in the middle of absolutely nowhere, but it is out of the way. The lodge will supply you with non alcoholic beverages and lunch to take on your fly fishing quest. Traveler favorites. Episode 37 - JESSE COLTEN: The Xcalak Episodes - Part Two of Two If you just have a day or two to spare, day trips are a great way to experience Montana's legendary fisheries. Some fish get into our head. Im not able to watch the video for some reason. And thats how we truly fell for this beach town in the south of Mexico. Fly Fishing in Xcalak, Chetumal Bay, Mexico. Where the palm trees sway, and the tide ebbs and flows a place where nature is wild, and its environment is vast. 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. 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. I've heard anything from only an 8 weight to 8-10 weights needed for permit down there. Bill Battles - Fly Fish America. clear: both; 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. Renting a car from Cancun is the most common way to reach Xcalak. 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. Given Xcalaks limited development, youd be right to guess that the tourist hotels take sustainability seriously. I am looking up from my desk at a picture Our guides at Costa were no exception, often spotting permit 300 yards away or more. Some days it was permit, some days it was tarpon, but the constant was of course bonefish. Xcalak is both, so it was always going to be a win for me. Xcalak is one of the towns that has been maintained over time in its most natural state. We came to fish, not be pampered with warm bathrobes and spa treatments. As with Xcalak, nothing special on the fly front here. 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. Barracuda patrol is also in order in Chetumal: while one angler is on the bow with the bonefish rod, the second is on deck with a 10 weight and wire rig tied to a needlefish fly. Depending on traffic and how many stops you make, the trip will take about 6 to 7 hours. My name is Jose, I live in Xcalak, and I am here to help you. It is an old borrow pit and features largemouth bass, panfish such as bluegill, and a few trout. Your email address will not be published. Read about the seasonal patterns in our fisheries. That was a great trip report k_e_v. great time to plan a visit. 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. Chetumal Bay is at the far southern tip of the Yucatan, near the border with Belize. 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. It comes with the package. Bring the basics and you are good to go. With a rental car and an early start, you can make a day trip to some of southern Mexicos intriguing, lesser-visited sights. There are three seasons in Xcalak - dry, wet, and hurricane. After about 10 minutes of nothing, I looked to my right and a big school of Permit were heading our way. Daily Xcalak Fishing Reports (January 2023) - FishingBooker Xcalak is a quiet fishing town on the southern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. DIY Fly Fishing - Xcalak Forum - Tripadvisor 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. 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. Big, small, funny, and fast. preserve. Whether you are searching for the elusive permit specifically or are just looking for the best salt-water fly fishing experience in Xcalak, Mexico down in the Yucatan, The Xflats at Tierra Maya, established in 1982, is a privately-owned saltwater fly-fishing lodge that combines the luxury of a resort, yet still maintains the casualness of beach front living. Jack he muttered. Your flight is NOT included in the package and must be purchased separately. News: Will dredging the Zaragoza Canal hurt Xcalak? Capitn Jos The flats of Chetumal Bay are home to an incredible amount of bones, and I had a few days of specifically targeting them. Down The Path - The FlyFish Journal Choose from over 20 fabled blue ribbon rivers that we target. 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. The fresh (but slightly salty) water in the lagoons hosts an entirely different species of wildlife than the saltwater flats. Xcalak Fly Fishing Basics - Xcalak Mexico 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! Some of the most exciting underwater experiences include seeing manatees and diving with schools of yardstick-long tarpon. width: 100%; Our packages and trips were designed by fishing-obsessed father and son duo Jim and Chase Looney with anglers in mind. This isnt to say Chetumal is any less of a fisheryit just gets less pressure. I'm sorry to say no permit for . We offer both full and half day options. 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. 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).