Xcalak, Mexico: The Yucatan Peninsula's Most Secluded Beach Town 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. You know youre at a fly fishing-friendly place when theres a rod wash station. 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) hands. Down The Path - The FlyFish Journal Montana Angler guides fish the famous Livingston creeks in addition to several other spring creeks on some of our exclusive ranch leases. and guiding in Xcalak and I can tell you that things have never 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. I landed the fish, a bit disappointed, but happy nevertheless at putting a good fish in the boat. Options include diverse lodging packages, camping trips, wilderness horse pack expeditions, day trips and world wide travel. 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. 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. I have had wonderful days fishing for bonefish Capitn Jos It's just that I've heard so many different reports about what rods to use there and you, having done it yourself, may be able to give some insight on what you liked about having the 10 weight vs a lighter weight in that situation. great time to plan a visit. They are opportunistic eaters and as picky as permit. The dry season typically lasts from November to April, when day after day of sunshine makes the beach a great place to be. 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. 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. He rents boats and can give you advice. That was a great trip report k_e_v. The scenic, 250-mile drive from Cancn to Xcalak takes about five hours. Acocote Eco Inn: Perfect for the adventurous - Read 144 reviews, view 87 photos, and find great deals for Acocote Eco Inn at Tripadvisor The flats of Chetumal Bay are home to an incredible amount of bones, and I had a few days of specifically targeting them. For me, this fish is permit. } This is a video I made for some friends that were thinking of going on a trip with us. Now that I've been home from that trip for over a year, I figured it was time . The third cast was spot on and the entire school was over my fly. 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. Xcalak, Mexico - Driftwood Caravan Outdoors This keeps the populations healthy and means theres always plenty to catch. Bonefish and all that relates (maybe a bit about tarpon too). More from their website : "Tucked along the world-famous Chetumal Bay, the Xflats at Tierra Maya's 7 beachfront suites are elegantly . Not just a fishing and diving lodge, Costa de Cocos boasts a restaurant, brewery, and distillery. March 2, 2023 Fishing Report. a bit about my services and your options for exploring the Xcalak Xcalak Fishing - Xcalak Fishing 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. Coral Garden Inn. CFF April 2022 Fishing Reports - Clackamas FlyFishers We enjoyed another day eating lunch in town and drinking beers sitting by the sea. I am looking up from my desk at a picture Not only is Jose a great flats guide, he Given Xcalaks limited development, youd be right to guess that the tourist hotels take sustainability seriously. 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. 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. The jetties are still holding trout and redfish. } From there, the best way to get to Xcalak is to rent a car and drive south on Highway 307. 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. 20-40 lb leader is perfect and when they're in the mood to bite they will eat a variety of bait fish patterns in sardines and mullet intimations and og tarpon flies like tarpon toad, black death, gummy minnows and ep minnows, in black and . Welcome to Xcalak, Mexico. I may have framed my question a bit different than I wanted. [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. 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! trips from $300 : Sapos Del Mar . News: Will dredging the Zaragoza Canal hurt Xcalak? The permit are swimming right to left, on a diagonal line, but suddenly, they start coming toward us. 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. Traveler ranking. Spring creeks offer the ultimate challenge in the fly fishing world. Xcalak is a small fishing village on the southern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the State of Quintana Roo. Destination Reports Xcalak Bonefish Round 2. With clear underwater visibility, warm temperatures, and the presence of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the coast of Xcalak offers fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling. 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. The downside is the weather can be unpredictable this time of year. Xcalak Front Side Flats. These fish are tough, with extremely hard mouths, so getting them to eat sometimes was not the hard partsticking the hook was. background-color: #1a3c95; Its a secluded region perfect for travelers looking to experience a genuine beach-life. Im not far behind. Buy it online or buy it when you arrive, just be sure to buy it before you start fishing. Did I mention tarpon are my favorite fish to cast at with a fly rod? Diosa Del Mar Mahahual 25 ft 4 persons . overflow: unset; My name is Jose, I live in Xcalak, and I am here to help I'm sorry to say no permit for . Destination fishing trips - Experience Xcalak Mexico!!! More than once, it was remarked that the food was beyond our expectations. Night time temps were pretty cool, so having an AC was a non-issue and the showers were hot! Boats and Equipment All boats used by the lodge are 23-foot pangas that accommodate two fishermen and a guide. THE BEST Xcalak Fishing Charters & Tours. 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. Local skipper Victor has lived in the area for 35 years and has been guiding fishermen in the area . For me, it is tarpon. . The fishing routine was simple and timely. Get it together I told myself. 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. Grand slams are not uncommon in Xcalak, so set your sights high! Fly fishing Xcalak with XTC Dive Center is a unique experience unlike any other adventure in the Yucatan. 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. with the best permit guides in the world in terms of expertise. I personally felt it was incredible, but I am partial to anything coastal, and anything Mexican. Running south, we have a maze of grass . Weather in the Northern Rockies can be fickle and it is always a good idea to come prepared regardless of the season. And again. color: white; Poor fisheries data, many fishers, and increasing tourism development: Interdisciplinary views on past and current small-scale fisheries exploitation on Holbox Island 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. BEACH FRONT lote For Sale 9150 ft2 at Mahahual- Xcalak road P3413, Costa Maya, Quintana Roo. Luggage options for the traveling angler. I will let those with more experience and confidence continue the debate from there. This proved to be a pretty exciting way to mix up the day when cuda were on the flats. 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? There they arethree or four tailing permit leisurely zigzagging across the flat, their sickle fins slicing through the waters rippled surface. Ever look for places to camp in some of these exotic locations? may have. /* Create three equal columns that floats next to each other */ If youre craving a lively afternoon, head to Mahahuals pedestrian-only malecn, and find a beachside bar for some people-watching. That isnt to say they arent out there, the truth is often wilder than fiction. Click here to receive the sport of fly fishing's most authoritative magazine. .signup-row:after { Shorelines action is heating up with a few speckled trout, redfish, and decent numbers of black drum, and sheepshead, all on live shrimp. The small fishing village of ~400 people sits on the second largest coral reef in the . I booked Nick for this April and he comes highly recommended, out of Mahahual. Your guide knows where to find the fish he spots them, and you hook them. CFF April 2022 Fishing Reports. This phrase is somewhat of a mantra for a few who joined us on our recent trip this past December to Costa De Cocos in Xcalak, Mexico. Fishing Report - Southwest Zone | Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife 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. 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. Getting ThereThe town of Xcalak, Mexico sits at the end of the road. Farmington, ill. -Stop by for a cold beer on your, Byron Bayeasternmost point of Australia. 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. 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. Xcalak Wet season runs from May to October and you can still expect sunny days, but . @Rob, not a resort dude, really just easier to find videos from folks staying at resorts. Nathan Bolerjack. Xcalak Real Estate & Homes for Sale | Point2 Hosted Trips, Classes, and Events - Tyer's Table with Captain Rob Cleanr theme by WPShoppe. Like us, theyre here to take advantage of Costa de Cocos great off-season rates. We fished for Permit, tarpon and Snook here also but I considered . Inland, the ecosystem is a fragile mix of mangrove lagoons and thick jungle. What more could you ask for? 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. Site cast to trophy trout cruising the shallows of several productive lakes. We have miles and miles of wade-able flats with large numbers of bonefish and permit, and if you want to get . 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, Mexico - Duranglers Fly Fishing Shop & Guides Your email address will not be published. For those travelers contemplating a visit to the remote fishing village of Xcalak, Quintana Roo. Im not able to watch the video for some reason. Bonefish are easy to find, yet hard to spot. Its a quaint statement that can be applied to many situations in life. Rain has improved fishing conditions. Quiet about Xcalak! overflow: hidden; Xcalak is located within a National Park, designed to protect the worlds second largest barrier reef. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. 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. 2023 pricing for 7 nights / 6 days. He covers the coast and inland waters. Where the palm trees sway, and the tide ebbs and flows a place where nature is wild, and its environment is vast. Walleye fishing should start picking up now that we are into March. I make a long, slow strip. Most hotels are self-catered. Xcalak Fly Fishing Basics - Xcalak Mexico Required fields are marked *. Costa De Cocos Lodge - Xcalak Fly Fishing | Yellow Dog The fishing day starts with meeting your guide on our new 200 foot dock directly in front of the lodge. Chetumal Bay, an expansive wonderland for the intrepid flats fisherman! 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. The jungle starts to encroach on civilization and lines the road like a solid green wall. Xcalak Bonefish Round 2 - Islander Precision Reels If you delve into the history of Xcalak, you will be able to see its relevance in communications and supplies between large cities. It grew into something that lets us connect travelers to the small businesses of Xcalak. Here in Xcalak, Mexico, we have some of the most beautiful saltwater flats for fly fishing in the world. 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. Chetumal Bay is at the far southern tip of the Yucatan, near the border with Belize. 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. Let us help you build the perfect lodging and fishing package. Fresh Xcalak Fishing Reports . I found this video fresh off the internets. This approximately 70-acre lake just north of Turner is open to public fishing along the southern half. maybe you are just very ready for a vacation to explore the 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. 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. With XOTF at Casa Paraiso, youre sure to have a rewarding and relaxing time. Options include all inclusive fishing lodges, convenient hotel packages and unique river front vacation cabins and homes. 8,621.89 Sqft. Or, use the free kayaks and SUPs offered at most beachside hotels. Xcalak (I have no idea how to pronounce that) is waaaay down there in Mexico past Cancun, past Ascencion Bay, almost to Belize. I often found that the best communication came early at the dock when discussing the plan for the day. I recently returned from Southern Mexico after my first salt water trip. Talk your guide about what you want to try for snook, tarpon, barracuda, or jacks. The XTC Fly Fishing Experience. Welcome to Xcalak. Anyway, long story short, we did visit. December through February, theses migrating snook show up and can be found lurking at likely ambush points. Required fields are marked *. With a rental car and an early start, you can make a day trip to some of southern Mexicos intriguing, lesser-visited sights. However, for what the rooms might have lacked in luxury luster, everything was more than made up for with food, drinks, service, and staff! These fish are those we hold most dear. and permit with Captain Jose. We're on our way back to Costa de Cocos resort, idling down the outside edge of a long . Find out when to come, what equipment to bring, browse blog articles, and more. 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. The walleye fishing has been good on the days anglers can get out on the water. He and his wife Illana own Costa de Cocos resort, which sits on . Julios younger brother and apprentice, Eduardo, spots the fish right away. To be sure, there can be some trepidation when headed out on a guided trip in a foreign country. The more I learned about these fish, the less I understand. 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. 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. EN C Change your measurements This trip was with Bahia Blanca. Jack he muttered. Join International Living Today and Get the 2023 Global Retirement IndexFREE with This Special Offer. and nice guy. The Xflats | Saltwater Fly-Fishing Lodge In Xcalak, Mexico Since our trip was in December, we had the youngsters of the species to target. Its uncommonly easy to find a stretch of the Caribbean all to yourself in Xcalak. The town of Xcalak, Mexico sits at the end of the road. 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. After about 10 minutes of nothing, I looked to my right and a big school of Permit were heading our way. As it tends to do at inopportune moments, the windtoday blowing a steady 15 from the eastpicks up, increasing the chop.