You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. I looked back at Alberto, and the look on his face said it all. Re: DIY Fly Fishing. width: 100%; This isn't a trip for everyone but for those looking for a trip off the grid a bit, I would like to introduce you Xcalak Mexico. 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). 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. The town is remote, and so far south, its only six miles to the Belize/Mexico border. This is a video I made for some friends that were thinking of going on a trip with us. Your email address will not be published. Activities in Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Xcalak Triggerfish were a final noteworthy target that can show up in Xcalak, unfortunately, we did not get a shot. Fresh Xcalak Fishing Reports . 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! In Xcalak, lush Mayan jungle meets turquoise Caribbean water. Xcalak Fishing - Xcalak Fishing Returning to Costa was a no brainer for me, as I quickly became addicted to saltwater fishing after my first trip. 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. and an obscure mountain lake; Of the Sea, brothers explore the elusive Banco Chinchorro off the coast of Xcalak; Jacks, giant trevally attacking from deep ocean water; Father Nature . The flats all along Xcalaks coast are fair game for fly fishing, with some of the best found at Chetumal Bay, only 30 minutes away by boat. We have miles and miles of wade-able flats with large numbers of bonefish and permit, and if you want to get . 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. Xcalak 101: Everything you need to know - Xcalak Mexico If youre craving a lively afternoon, head to Mahahuals pedestrian-only malecn, and find a beachside bar for some people-watching. 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 . Poor fisheries data, many fishers, and increasing tourism development: Interdisciplinary views on past and current small-scale fisheries exploitation on Holbox Island Xcalak Mexico, one of the last traditional fishing villages on the There was some netting going on. At XOTF, our goal is to provide you with the most personalized and all-inclusive fly fishing experience. overflow: unset; Traveler ranking. More than once, it was remarked that the food was beyond our expectations. A little variation in the flow but not much. Quiet about Xcalak! The third cast was spot on and the entire school was over my fly. 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. Each is constructed with a forward casting deck . Montana is home to some of the most productive wild trout rivers on the planet. 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. } Traveling a few hours further south youll discover Xcalak has bigger flats and more diverse sea life. Required fields are marked *. Xcalak is a small fishing village on the southern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the State of Quintana Roo. 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. "It's all about the beaches": Sargassum algae, tourism, and coastal hands. It isnt completely remote either, but the first-day warnings do come with points on crocodiles and jaguars and how to avoid them. Powered by Let me share my thoughts. It's been at least 20 years, but did stay in Xcalak and fished 5 days, DIY with rented panga. 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. As in most places where one can find tarpon, there often are a few in the mix. This technical match the hatch fishing produces big results. Hi everyone. Permit fever is a real thing, and for those experiencing this diagnosis, Chetumal bay is a good place to seek a fix (I say fix, not cure as there is no such thing). The Parks daily entrance fee is payable to Park officials and it includes a wristband to show that youve paid to use the park. The reef runs from Cozumel all the way to Honduras, and is quite close to the shore in Xcalak. That was a great trip report k_e_v. Fun Facts: All about the manatees of Xcalak. }. 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. Costa de Cocos - Home display: table; The XTC Fly Fishing Experience. We fished for Permit, tarpon and Snook here also but I considered . The place is far nicer and mainstream than led to believe in the pictures. 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. Need a fishing charter? Xcalak/Chetemul Bay, Ascension Bay trip report When to Visit Xcalak - Xcalak Mexico 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. In the Xcalak National Reef Park, fishing is catch-and-release (release comes after you take a photo of your catch, of course). overflow: hidden; This proved to be a pretty exciting way to mix up the day when cuda were on the flats. The fishing. 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. 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. Had a great trip to Xcalak, fishing out of Casa Paraiso. International Fly-Fishing Film Festival 2023 | Ogden, UT a bit about my services and your options for exploring the Xcalak I will let those with more experience and confidence continue the debate from there. Shots at permit are what brought my fishing buddy Patrick and me to Xcalaka small pit stop on the Yucatn Peninsula at the southern end of Costa Maya, perfectly situated on one of the last undeveloped stretches along the Mexican Caribbean. Filters 1. 970-385-4081 Bonefish are easy to find, yet hard to spot. Choose your accommodation, pack your gear, and head to what might be the last undiscovered fly fishing paradise in the Yucatan. Would love to see more pictures! Costa De Cocos Lodge - Xcalak Fly Fishing | Yellow Dog Walleye fishing should start picking up now that we are into March. 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. Mixing bonefish, permit, and homemade bourbon on the Mexican Caribbean. All rights reserved. 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. 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. 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. @media only screen and (max-width: 600px) { I toss the Rag Head Crab into the air, load my 9-weight, and aim a couple feet in front of the lead fish. One thing I did notice was that, depending on the day and tides, the tarpon spots could be limited. The Xflats | Saltwater Fly-Fishing Lodge In Xcalak, Mexico He rents boats and can give you advice. Manage your subscription or add a digital edition to your print subscription. 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. The excellent fly fishing is found on the bonefish and permit flats of Chetumal Bay. He is an excellent teacher and my choice when I send Its a Fly Fishing | Loco Gringo Most of our trips include rods, flies and we rent waders. For those travelers contemplating a visit to the remote fishing village of Xcalak, Quintana Roo. One of those lucky ones was me. Needless to say, the diving and snorkeling here is world class. After suffering several hurricanes, Xcalak maintains a small population dedicated to fishing and tourism, maintaining its . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Like us, theyre here to take advantage of Costa de Cocos great off-season rates. They are spooky and quick to forget. I've heard anything from only an 8 weight to 8-10 weights needed for permit down there. Costa de Cocos lodge, kitchen, and service staff did an absolutely fantastic job of making us feel comfortable, well fed, and equally hydrated. @Glenn, I dont know why the video isnt playing for you it played for me straight off. Try Nick Denbow at Catchafish.net. We had two slams in our group (tarpon, permit, and bonefish in a single day) and lots of action throughout. When he is not plugging away in the basement of Duranglers, he can be found in the shop talking weird flies, throwing spey casts for few fish, eating pizza, drinking coffee, painting, and raising a family in Southwest Colorado. 0 Comments. of Jose, myself, and a nice permit. And he can also keep up For me, this fish is permit. On windy days, the lagoons behind Xcalak provide shelter and productive fishing for baby tarpon and snook. Costa de Cocos, Only 2 kms from town, this accommodation is the closest thing to a resort youll find in Xcalak. Experience some of the lower 48's most remote fisheries. And thanks to the protection enforced by the Xcalak National Reef Park, the waters around Xcalak are full of healthy, plentiful pescado just waiting for you to arrive. Fly Fishing in Xcalak Mexico - Holy Waters Choose from over 20 fabled blue ribbon rivers that we target. /* Clear floats after the columns */ We have been offering one week fly fishing . (And check out our highlight video from our trip last year below!). XTC local guides maintain a high degree of knowledge on fly fishing and casting artificial lures for all species of saltwater fish found in the area. 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. A typical fishing day has you departing the Lodge at 8:00 AM and returning around 4:00 PM. Although more populous than Xcalak, the crowds here are nothing compared to the Riviera Maya. There were times were we found bonefish tailing in schools of 10s and 20s in a foot of water and turtle grass. I booked Nick for this April and he comes highly recommended, out of Mahahual. You wont be roughing it though this palapa hut comes with its own private bathroom. His place is right in town where the fishing guides pick you up. } Looking into the water, something didnt seem right. Maybe you are very serious about 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. Welcome to Xcalak. I am looking up from my desk at a picture The dry season typically lasts from November to April, when day after day of sunshine makes the beach a great place to be. clear: both; If you delve into the history of Xcalak, you will be able to see its relevance in communications and supplies between large cities. All Rights Reserved. Enjoy lightly fished streams and trophy lakes on one our exclusive ranch leases. Jose on many occasions and I am pleased to recommend him. There they arethree or four tailing permit leisurely zigzagging across the flat, their sickle fins slicing through the waters rippled surface. The downside is the weather can be unpredictable this time of year. Xcalak, Mexico: The Yucatan Peninsula's Most Secluded Beach Town The average catch is 6 - 12 bonefish per day. Again, I really enjoyed your report. Specifically, the joy found in our trip to the salt to fish the lesser known of the great Yucatan bays: Chetumal. Options include all inclusive fishing lodges, convenient hotel packages and unique river front vacation cabins and homes. You must log in or register to reply here. Casa Cangrejo, One of the first accommodations to open in Xcalak, at Cocos your room is a palapa hut. At a whopping six-hour drive from Cancun, not many tourists make it to Xcalak, and that's too bad for them. International Fly-Fishing Film Festival 2023 Gage Charlesworth Ogden City Corp gagec@ogdencity.com-801-629-8992. Since our trip was in December, we had the youngsters of the species to target. 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. reefs, islands, lagoons and bays of the beautiful Xcalak National and nice guy. After about day 3, I finally figured out how to articulate permit: Some fish get into our heart. Most tarpon I saw were in tannic colored water, so dark colored tarpon flies and toads were in order. Nathan Bolerjack. The area surrounding Xcalak on the Chetumal bay side is a wild and relatively untouched place. Xcalak Caribe Lodge Our guides at Costa were no exception, often spotting permit 300 yards away or more. The jungle starts to encroach on civilization and lines the road like a solid green wall. Diosa Del Mar Mahahual 25 ft 4 persons . I watch Blantons Board, so Ill keep an eye out for that. Traveler favorites. Depending on traffic and how many stops you make, the trip will take about 6 to 7 hours. display: block; Mexico Xcalak has been a favorite for over ten years. There's a boat ramp in the southwest corner of the lake. 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. background-color: #1a3c95; Fly Fishing for bonefish in Chetumal Bay. We know you'll love fishing with . Destination fishing trips - Experience Xcalak Mexico!!! May 9, 2022 May 9, . We offer both full and half day options. The most popular fish in Xcalak are permit and bonefish, but theres a lot more than that for you to hook. With a rental car and an early start, you can make a day trip to some of southern Mexicos intriguing, lesser-visited sights. Ruin explorers can easily visit the Chacchoben archaeological site, about a two-hour drive from the village. After about 10 minutes of nothing, I looked to my right and a big school of Permit were heading our way. 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. You can buy food from the local grocery trucks that ply the beach road. Read about the seasonal patterns in our fisheries. 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. 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. 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. December through February, theses migrating snook show up and can be found lurking at likely ambush points. Simply enter your email address below and well send you a free special report Mexico: The Perfect Close-to-Home Retirement Haven. 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. The fish are happy, the cooler is full and our skiffs are loaded, the only thing we are waiting for is you! THE BEST Xcalak Fishing Charters & Tours - Tripadvisor The Chetumal Bay flats in Xcalak are vastly larger than Ascension Bay further north, offering the fly. News: Will dredging the Zaragoza Canal hurt Xcalak? Xcalak, Mexico - Duranglers Fly Fishing Shop & Guides Will dredging the Zaragoza Canal hurt Xcalak. 2-8-23. Boats and Equipment All boats used by the lodge are 23-foot pangas that accommodate two fishermen and a guide. These pickup trucks carry fresh seafood, fruit, vegetables, and snacks. 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. 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. If you wish, you can join a kayaking tour, which is usually paired with a snorkeling excursion. The boat ride to the vast fishing area in Chetumal . Let us answer all of your questions and help you choose exceptional lodges in Chile, Argentina, Alaska and the Bahamas. Here in Xcalak, Mexico, we have some of the most beautiful saltwater flats for fly fishing in the world. Capitn Jos Xcalak Institutional amnesia pushes fish spawning aggregations towards You might have heard of Xcalak, but because of its remote location its a relatively unknown, uncrowded fly fishing destination. We have the safest, fastest, and driest boats in the . 2 people are looking at this charter. Email:xcalakotf@gmail.comPhone:+1.907.953.3992. https://www.thexflats.com/, Another local, Jos is an experienced Xcalak fly fishing guide, and he loves the local area. Top Fishing Charters in Xcalak. .fullwidth-signup{ The reef is a physical barrier that breaks up big ocean surge and turns it to gentle waves. Heres a rundown of the Xcalak beach, and here are the Xcalak fly fishing basics: The saltwater flats are the biggest deal in Xcalak. We zip up our wading boots and slide over the gunnel into the lukewarm water as quietly as possible. Its cheaper to stay at one of the non fishing lodges down there and book guides on your own and DIY. There are three seasons in Xcalak - dry, wet, and hurricane. The small fishing village of ~400 people sits on the second largest coral reef in the . Destination Reports Xcalak Bonefish Round 2. 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. Xcalak Fishing is a fly fishing guide service located in the remote Mexican fishing village of Xcalak, Quintana Roo. Xcalak Fly Fishing Basics - Xcalak Mexico As a fishing village, the vast majority of Xcalak's 400 people have earned a living from the sea for generations and that tradition continues. .signup-column { On the boats at 8am and back at the dock 4-430pm. Water has cleared up. These were just a few spots that our guides had in their back pockets for the right situation. Experience the wilds of Montana on a multi-day horse pack adventure. This fly fishing service can book your tour and accommodations, and has access to a network of Xcalak guides. 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. From there, the best way to get to Xcalak is to rent a car and drive south on Highway 307. Curious about this undiscovered fly fishing mecca? 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. Go now, he whispers excitedly. He was never seen or heard from again. Youre sitting at your computer, dreaming of fly fishing, and wondering what your next destination will be. Many avid anglers, however, enjoy bringing their own gear. Along with many miles of Caribbean shoreline, Xcalak sits conveniently close to the entrance of Chetumal Bay. More than 11222 fishing boats in 110 countries. In the past we have fished all six days, but this year decided to take it easy a bit. Captain Victor Castro, Xcalak | Yucatan Fishing Guides & Charters The town of Xcalak, Mexico sits at the end of the road. Xcalak is both, so it was always going to be a win for me. Did I mention all you can drink too? Our packages and trips were designed by fishing-obsessed father and son duo Jim and Chase Looney with anglers in mind. Xcalak - American AnglerAmerican Angler Some fish get into our soul. 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. I often think of bonefish as the saviors of any saltwater fishing destination, due to their sheer numbers and availability as targets. [Story by Nick Roberts / Photos by Patrick Williams]. Shop White's Tackle Chetumal Bay is at the far southern tip of the Yucatan, near the border with Belize. Where the palm trees sway, and the tide ebbs and flows a place where nature is wild, and its environment is vast. Its a secluded region perfect for travelers looking to experience a genuine beach-life. Brandon, I am careful when I write these reports because I am not an expert and dont want to pretend to be one. Xcalak, with a present population of around 350 people, was the largest city in Quintana Roo until it was . Fishing season here is year-round and the fish are abundant. https://www.josexcalaktours.com/index.html. Oregon fishing report for March 4 - The Guide's Forecast Required fields are marked *. I look for alternatives from time to time, but didnt on this post. may have. Fly fishing Xcalak with XTC Dive Center is a unique experience unlike any other adventure in the Yucatan. Costa De Cocos is truly a fishermans lodge. It grew into something that lets us connect travelers to the small businesses of Xcalak. width: 100%; float: left; Search, book & review the best deals online with us! Night time temps were pretty cool, so having an AC was a non-issue and the showers were hot! Hey Nate, certainly looks like a good time. It's a great read.way better then the movie of the same name, imo. 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. Dan Blantons board has a had a few posts on ocassion. Very well done Kev, glad you had a great trip. The closest town to Xcalak is Mahahual, home to a cruise ship port, restaurants, shops, hotels, and a Mayan-themed water park. Big, small, funny, and fast. Both the saltwater flats and inland lagoons make for excellent kayaking and SUP. Enjoy unique accommodations right on the water. Inland, the ecosystem is a fragile mix of mangrove lagoons and thick jungle. What more could you ask for? Xcalak Bonefishing | Bonefish on the Brain 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. To be sure, there can be some trepidation when headed out on a guided trip in a foreign country. 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. 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. I landed the fish, a bit disappointed, but happy nevertheless at putting a good fish in the boat. Acocote Eco Inn | Xcalak Mexico Andy manages Duranglers Flies and Supplies online store and web content. Daily Xcalak Fishing Reports (January 2023) - FishingBooker It depicts a good summary. This was a now or never, make or break moment. 2023. It also happens to be one of the best places to DIY saltwater fly fish. X-Flats - Xcalak, Mexico June 10-17, 2023 - Fish Tales Fly Shop