Back then there wasnt really a trustworthy tourist website and we just couldnt figure out if the trip was worth the effort. Xcalak Mexico - Xcalak Mexico More than once, it was remarked that the food was beyond our expectations. And thats how we truly fell for this beach town in the south of Mexico. To the north, we have the the Rio Huach lagoon system, boasting consisitent baby Tarpon and Snook fishing year round. .signup-row:after { 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. 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. What would it take to help others find Xcalak? We offer both full and half day options. } 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). These lagoons are mangrove-lined and accessible on all tidal phases. Xcalak is located within a National Park, designed to protect the worlds second largest barrier reef. Shorelines action is heating up with a few speckled trout, redfish, and decent numbers of black drum, and sheepshead, all on live shrimp. Along with many miles of Caribbean shoreline, Xcalak sits conveniently close to the entrance of Chetumal Bay. 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. At Miguels suggestion, we stop for a late lunch at a taco stand, where the four of us eat our fill of pollo and carnitas for only eight dollars. Myself and fellow Montana Angler guide Tony Nahorny traveled south to our partners at Costa de Cocos Lodge in Xcalak, Mexico in late February for a week-long escape from the Montana winter. Enjoy lightly fished streams and trophy lakes on one our exclusive ranch leases. 970-385-4081 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. margin: 1.5rem 0; Headwear to keep you dry, cool, sun free, warm, or whatever you need! +52 983 186 6112. Its a Xcalak is a small fishing village on the southern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the State of Quintana Roo. Xcalak - American AnglerAmerican Angler Xcalak Bonefishing | Bonefish on the Brain If you liked the story above, check out these stories below. They are opportunistic eaters and as picky as permit. My first two casts were off, but fortunately the fish were still in range. Get in, amigo, Julio tells me as he hands off the pole to his brother. 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. Within these numerous environments, we have a smorgasbord of options to fit every angler's needs. You can buy food from the local grocery trucks that ply the beach road. (And check out our highlight video from our trip last year below!). Bonefish and all that relates (maybe a bit about tarpon too). North Central Oregon/Mid-Columbia Waters: This week's report from Gorge Outfitters Supply (541-739-2222) in Rufus. Xcalak is a small fishing village on the southern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the State of Quintana Roo. If this was a sign of things to come, the foreshadowing was causing almost catatonic euphoria. If you delve into the history of Xcalak, you will be able to see its relevance in communications and supplies between large cities. EN C Change your measurements Hey Nate, certainly looks like a good time. 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. Appetizers and drinks awaited us at the main lodge restaurant after we settled in. The scenic, 250-mile drive from Cancn to Xcalak takes about five hours. Julio raises his hand, signaling me to stop. Experience the fishing, the culture, and the food . These are the fish we seek when the deeper questions of life are on the table. 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 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! Both Victor and Nick are great guys to fish with. Snorkel, kayak, and enjoy the constantly warm weather far from the snowy north. The line went tight instantly and the drag began screaming. Xcalak Real Estate & Homes for Sale | Point2 The permit are swimming right to left, on a diagonal line, but suddenly, they start coming toward us. Will dredging the Zaragoza Canal hurt Xcalak. Daily Xcalak Fishing Reports (January 2023) - FishingBooker Needless to say, the diving and snorkeling here is world class. This trip was with Bahia Blanca. It was like a rustic cabin right on the . There were times were we found bonefish tailing in schools of 10s and 20s in a foot of water and turtle grass. I look for alternatives from time to time, but didnt on this post. Some days were better than others for finding rolling tarpon, but when they were up, they were up! As it tends to do at inopportune moments, the windtoday blowing a steady 15 from the eastpicks up, increasing the chop. 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. Maximize your time on the water and make great memories on one of our deluxe overnight river camping trips. You know youre at a fly fishing-friendly place when theres a rod wash station. float: none; THE BEST Xcalak Fishing Charters & Tours. border: 0.2rem solid #ffb500; A resort, it is not. 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. All Rights Reserved. Casa Cangrejo Xcalak - Your best fly fishing trip ever 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. 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. Most hotels are self-catered. Be it status, financial security, or even something as fleeting as comfort. The lodge will supply you with non alcoholic beverages and lunch to take on your fly fishing quest. guide with great eyes, he is an enjoyable fishing companion 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. As to your Appalachian Trail adventure, have you read the book "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson chronicling his Appalachian adventure? Theres more to Xcalak than fly fishing, heres our Ultimate List of Things to do in Xcalak, https://www.josexcalaktours.com/index.html. 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. The first time I went to Xcalak, what stood out the most was the places authenticity. We came to fish, not be pampered with warm bathrobes and spa treatments. 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. Let me share my thoughts. 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. Its a secluded region perfect for travelers looking to experience a genuine beach-life. 2023 pricing for 7 nights / 6 days. Xcalak Bonefish Round 2 - Islander Precision Reels 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 . 2 people are looking at this charter. Deep sea, light tackle, fly fishing - you name it! Looking into the water, something didnt seem right. The Xflats | Saltwater Fly-Fishing Lodge In Xcalak, Mexico [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. Victor's location in Xcalak means easy access to the flats of Chetumal Bay. } I hadnt caught anything the day before and now I was blowing a great Permit shot. However, for what the rooms might have lacked in luxury luster, everything was more than made up for with food, drinks, service, and staff! Required fields are marked *. Fishing changes by the week in Montana. Did I mention all you can drink too? 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. Had a great trip to Xcalak, fishing out of Casa Paraiso. More from their website : "Tucked along the world-famous Chetumal Bay, the Xflats at Tierra Maya's 7 beachfront suites are elegantly . 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. Experience some of the lower 48's most remote fisheries. . Talk your guide about what you want to try for snook, tarpon, barracuda, or jacks. Can't find the video you're looking for? Not just a fishing and diving lodge, Costa de Cocos boasts a restaurant, brewery, and distillery. }. 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. These "ghosts of the flats" swim about 27 miles per hour . For me, it is steelhead. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. For Immediate Release: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 . 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. Fresh Xcalak Fishing Reports . width:auto; I would reccomend it, even just for the entertainment value. Harboring fewer than 400 souls at the far southern tip of Mexico's Caribbean coast, the small fishing village of Xcalak was arguably one of the best places to ride out a pandemic. Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. There are three seasons in Xcalak - dry, wet, and hurricane. The long ride south to Xcalak along scenic Highway 307 offers a fascinating look at the countryside and the villages dotting the eastern edge of the Yucatn Peninsula. For me, this fish is permit. Given Xcalaks limited development, youd be right to guess that the tourist hotels take sustainability seriously. IF YOU GO - Xcalak, Mexico - American AnglerAmerican Angler Like us, theyre here to take advantage of Costa de Cocos great off-season rates. Your guide knows where to find the fish he spots them, and you hook them. My name is Jose, I live in Xcalak, and I am here to help you. While an 8 or 9 weight could have handled these fish just fine, all our guides suggested a 10 weight in the event that the 30-pound bruisers of the juvenile bunch decided to show upwhich they did and quickly threw our flies. 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. reefs, islands, lagoons and bays of the beautiful Xcalak National Go now, he whispers excitedly. This isnt to say Chetumal is any less of a fisheryit just gets less pressure. In Xcalak, fly fishing is a treat it isnt crowded and has healthy marine life and excellent guides. This approximately 70-acre lake just north of Turner is open to public fishing along the southern half. 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. If youre craving a lively afternoon, head to Mahahuals pedestrian-only malecn, and find a beachside bar for some people-watching. The sheer power of the fish is incredible. 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. May 9, 2022 May 9, . 2-8-23. 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. Anyone ever fish Xcalak, Mexico? - Dedicated To The Smallest Of Skiffs We had two slams in our group (tarpon, permit, and bonefish in a single day) and lots of action throughout. 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. They are spooky and quick to forget. The town is remote, and so far south, it's only six miles to the Belize /Mexico border. Bonefish - Bonefish live on both hard and soft bottom flats so fly fishing will be wading and boat casting. Fishing pressure has been very light, even with a lot of steelhead in the river. It's a great read.way better then the movie of the same name, imo. I booked Nick for this April and he comes highly recommended, out of Mahahual. hands. I found that with our guides at Costa de Cocos, we had very little issues with any of our guides. Chetumal Bay is at the far southern tip of the Yucatan, near the border with Belize. Fly Fishing | Loco Gringo March 2, 2023 Fishing Report. clear: both; Acocote Eco Inn, Located right in town, Casa Cangrejo is a straight up fly fishing lodge. Last updated 3/1/23. Feel free to send me an email with any questions you Xcalak Front Side Flats. Fly Fishing for bonefish in Chetumal Bay. Shop White's Tackle Most of our trips include rods, flies and we rent waders. Xcalak (Skiff Fishing) | Fly Fish Costa Maya 1 INSTITUTIONAL AMNESIA. 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. Xcalak Mexico - Where is Xcalak? Find Out Here! - Tulum.com white sand flats, throwing at cruising Bones and scouting the deep water for Permit. .fullwidth-signup{ At a whopping six-hour drive from Cancun, not many tourists make it to Xcalak, and that's too bad for them. 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. Try Nick Denbow at Catchafish.net. He is an excellent teacher and my choice when I send Enjoy unique accommodations right on the water. 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. .fullwidth-signup{ BEACH FRONT lote For Sale 9150 ft2 at Mahahual- Xcalak road P3413, Costa Maya, Quintana Roo. Other random by-catch I managed were snappers, small jacks, needlefish, perch, some reef fish, and one small saltwater crocodile. Hey Bjorn, Accommodations are off-grid, which gives any vacation in Xcalak a touch of adventure. Besides fishing he organizes tours of the reef and nearby Bird Island. Really like your blog. Read about the seasonal patterns in our fisheries. And again. 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. This proved to be a pretty exciting way to mix up the day when cuda were on the flats. Xcalak is cash-only, and theres no ATM; youd be wise to load up on pesos before arriving. Pesca Y Paseos (Chetumal) - Updated 2022 Prices - FishingBooker We have miles and miles of wade-able flats with large numbers of bonefish and permit, and if you want to get on a kayak or SUP, you can access lagoons with lots of baby . Although more populous than Xcalak, the crowds here are nothing compared to the Riviera Maya. Traveler favorites. 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. Again, I really enjoyed your report. 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! and nice guy. Strangely enough, comfort should loose to joy, almost always. Fishing Report - Willamette Zone | Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife Youre sitting at your computer, dreaming of fly fishing, and wondering what your next destination will be. Bay wells producing sheepshead and black drum on live shrimp. PHOTOGRAPHY BY RASMUS OVESEN & MARTIN EJLER OLSEN, Blue Ribbon, Fly-Fishing Fever in Heber Valley, Fish It Well Diaries, Chapter 5: Camille Egdorf, Discovering Resilience: Photos by Jess McGlothlin. I may have framed my question a bit different than I wanted. The place is far nicer and mainstream than led to believe in the pictures. 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. Targeting the plentiful bonefish is always an option. Tierra Maya Lodge, At 9 kms north of town, this secluded accommodation is a fantastic destination for DIY fly fishing. 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. } The switch was flipped from fishing to hunting oftentimes when 18-20 inch fish could be found cruising in groups of 2s and 4s along the sandy mangroves, searching for food in 4 inches of water. These were just a few spots that our guides had in their back pockets for the right situation. Information related to travelling to Montana: which airports to fly into, major towns, etc. We take care of all the gear and you just sit back and relax after arriving in camp. Options include unique fishing lodges, exclusive ranch stays, riverside vacation rentals, and affordable hotel packages. You wont be roughing it though this palapa hut comes with its own private bathroom. Not all locations fish well every month but there is always something peaking on any given week. Some of the most exciting underwater experiences include seeing manatees and diving with schools of yardstick-long tarpon. 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