Will dredging the Zaragoza Canal hurt Xcalak. And stay open to opportunity, as you never know what you might come across while looking for something else. I make a long, slow strip. 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. The jetties are still holding trout and redfish. Many avid anglers, however, enjoy bringing their own gear. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. } 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. Fly fishing for Pacific Rockfish is nothing new, but something that most anglers haven't sampled yet. Simply enter your email address below and well send you a free special report Mexico: The Perfect Close-to-Home Retirement Haven. Park. Xcalak is one of the towns that has been maintained over time in its most natural state. The town is home to just 400 local fishers and a scattering of resident expats. I've heard anything from only an 8 weight to 8-10 weights needed for permit down there. 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). You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site. Experience the wilds of Montana on a multi-day horse pack adventure. 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? position: relative; Would love to see more pictures! Costa De Cocos Lodge isnt totally out in the middle of absolutely nowhere, but it is out of the way. you. and permit with Captain Jose. This technical match the hatch fishing produces big results. And with a white-sand seabed, the coastal water displays a stunning aquamarine tint. Night time temps were pretty cool, so having an AC was a non-issue and the showers were hot! Parsons et al., 2009; Senz-Arroyo et al., 2005).Research on the shifting baseline phenomena in marine science has tended to focus on the individual . Plan for your Montana fishing trip. 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. My name is Jose, I live in Xcalak, and I am here to help you. If you wish, you can join a kayaking tour, which is usually paired with a snorkeling excursion. Join International Living Today and Get the 2023 Global Retirement IndexFREE with This Special Offer. With a rental car and an early start, you can make a day trip to some of southern Mexicos intriguing, lesser-visited sights. 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. Report by Captain David Dillman, Galveston Bay Charter Fishing. 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. Manage your subscription or add a digital edition to your print subscription. 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. February 8, 2023. The town is remote, and so far south, its only six miles to the Belize/Mexico border. Xcalak Bonefish (1.000) Xcalak on a Monday (1.000) Bones of Costa de Cocos (1.000) Tags: Bahia Blanca, bonefishing, Mexico, Xcalak. The dry season typically lasts from November to April, when day after day of sunshine makes the beach a great place to be. 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. Not all locations fish well every month but there is always something peaking on any given week. Both the saltwater flats and inland lagoons make for excellent kayaking and SUP. The town of Xcalak, Mexico sits at the end of the road. Again, I really enjoyed your report. 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. 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 . I found this video fresh off the internets. Fly Fishing for bonefish in Chetumal Bay. Julio and I stealthily close in on the fish, their black spikes silhouetted in the fading light. You can buy food from the local grocery trucks that ply the beach road. While staying at El Pescador Lodge in Belize, weve seen boats from there flyfishing in the Bacalar Chico Reserve. Boats and Equipment All boats used by the lodge are 23-foot pangas that accommodate two fishermen and a guide. Looking into the water, something didnt seem right. This package includes transportation from Cancun International Airport, accommodation and all meals. width:auto; Posted on July 30, 2020 January 11, 2021 by islander. If youre craving a lively afternoon, head to Mahahuals pedestrian-only malecn, and find a beachside bar for some people-watching. 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. Running south, we have a maze of grass . We take care of all the gear and you just sit back and relax after arriving in camp. March 3, 2023. Specifically, the joy found in our trip to the salt to fish the lesser known of the great Yucatan bays: Chetumal. Both of us had traveled to Xcalak before, and we really enjoy the remote, off the grid feel as well as the excellent fishing for various species including Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit. We came to fish, not be pampered with warm bathrobes and spa treatments. It would be my second trip chasing saltwater fish on the flats, while Tony is a fairly experienced saltwater angler and licensed Captain. Xcalak Front Side Flats. } Its less developed (and less crowded) than its popular northern neighbor Ascension Bay, near Tulum. While the grand slam has the draw for fly fishing in Mexican saltwater, I think that one might be selling themselves short if you are not prepared and excited to catch other fish. TRAVEL There are several flights a day to Cancn, Mexico. For me, this fish is permit. Quiet about Xcalak! 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! /* Create three equal columns that floats next to each other */ Try Nick Denbow at Catchafish.net. float: left; More than once, it was remarked that the food was beyond our expectations. I have fished with Captain Casa Cangrejo, One of the first accommodations to open in Xcalak, at Cocos your room is a palapa hut. Sign in to access your subscriptions and subscriber-only content. Welcome to Xcalak 101. 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 have the safest, fastest, and driest boats in the . Xcalak Fishing is a fly fishing guide service located in the remote Mexican fishing village of Xcalak, Quintana Roo. .fullwidth-signup{ This keeps the populations healthy and means theres always plenty to catch. Triggerfish were a final noteworthy target that can show up in Xcalak, unfortunately, we did not get a shot. display: block; Hop in a panga, explain to your guide what you want to catch, and off you go. Powered by overflow: hidden; CFF April 2022 Fishing Reports. The fishing. Rain has improved fishing conditions. (And check out our highlight video from our trip last year below!). The cast is decent, and the 12-foot, 16-pound fluorocarbon leader unfurls in the path of the school, and the fly lands with a subtle plop. Poor fisheries data, many fishers, and increasing tourism development: Interdisciplinary views on past and current small-scale fisheries exploitation on Holbox Island We fished for Permit, tarpon and Snook here also but I considered . 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. 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. These were just a few spots that our guides had in their back pockets for the right situation. 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. For years, my work has been fishing and guiding in . Welcome to Xcalak. In our group, we had two that were lucky enough to connect and land a permit on the first day. may have. 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. 30 Jul. [emailprotected], HOURS: The downside is the weather can be unpredictable this time of year. And thats how we truly fell for this beach town in the south of Mexico. 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. Here in Xcalak, Mexico, we have some of the most beautiful saltwater flats for fly fishing in the world. I often found that the best communication came early at the dock when discussing the plan for the day. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Leave early to arrive before nightfall. Bring the basics and you are good to go. reefs, islands, lagoons and bays of the beautiful Xcalak National A pair of windmills power the resort, and like any good fishing lodge, it has its own restaurant and bar, which is where Patrick and I head after stashing our gear in our cabana, one of 16 spread along the waters edge. Plan for overnights in Cancun on June 9 and June 18. All Rights Reserved. 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. I landed the fish, a bit disappointed, but happy nevertheless at putting a good fish in the boat. 970-385-4081 Jacks are close relatives of Permit, and they sometimes swim in schools together. Durango fly fishing guides on the San Juan River, Animas River, Dolores River, Florida River and Los Pinos River. Tags: Bahia Blanca, bonefishing, Mexico, Xcalak. International Fly-Fishing Film Festival 2023 Gage Charlesworth Ogden City Corp gagec@ogdencity.com-801-629-8992. While beach destinations in Mexico, such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen, are well-known for their long, beautiful stretches of sand, theres another perfect spot along the Caribbean Sea that receives far less tourist attention: Xcalak. Anyway, long story short, we did visit. Choose from Montana's most comprehensive selection of fly fishing trips. Before you head off to Xcalak, here is some advice for making the most of your trip: .jason-signup { 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. Fishing Charters & Tours in Xcalak. Traveler ranking. His place is right in town where the fishing guides pick you up. 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. Costa De Cocos is truly a fishermans lodge. May 9, 2022 May 9, . Xcalak is a refreshingly undisturbed fishing village nestled along Mexicos southernmost Caribbean coastline. Bonefish and all that relates (maybe a bit about tarpon too). These "ghosts of the flats" swim about 27 miles per hour . @media only screen and (max-width: 600px) { Learn about getting to Xcalak. We flew into Cancun on a Friday the 6th of December, overnighted at the Cancun Airport Marriott, and then were picked up the following morning for a 5-hour drive south into the Mayan jungle. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. 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. This special guide covers real estate, retirement and more in Mexico and is yours free when you sign up for our postcards below. Although more populous than Xcalak, the crowds here are nothing compared to the Riviera Maya. Top Fishing Charters in Xcalak. 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. Double occupancy (boat and room) -$4,495.00 USD. Seven through ten weights were in order for the grand slam of species we would be chasing the upcoming week. The area surrounding Xcalak on the Chetumal bay side is a wild and relatively untouched place. Get in, amigo, Julio tells me as he hands off the pole to his brother. Thanks for sharing! 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. }. 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. Talk about hero to zero. If you just have a day or two to spare, day trips are a great way to experience Montana's legendary fisheries. 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. 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). The flats of Chetumal Bay are home to an incredible amount of bones, and I had a few days of specifically targeting them. 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. 2022 by Fly Fish Costa Maya. If you liked the story above, check out these stories below. color: white; This trip was with Bahia Blanca. But maybe it's good for you. Michael Graham was in Xcalak in the Spring of 2009 on a self-described walk-about. Bay wells producing sheepshead and black drum on live shrimp. 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. Video: 9 more videos to help you discover Xcalak. We didnt see a lot of snook on our trip, but the ones we did see were pushing 40. Acocote Eco Inn: Perfect for the adventurous - Read 144 reviews, view 87 photos, and find great deals for Acocote Eco Inn at Tripadvisor 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. been more beautiful or better here than they are now. I looked back at Alberto, and the look on his face said it all. I have had wonderful days fishing for bonefish The Parks daily entrance fee is payable to Park officials and it includes a wristband to show that youve paid to use the park. Renting a car from Cancun is the most common way to reach Xcalak. 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. I booked Nick for this April and he comes highly recommended, out of Mahahual. Im not able to watch the video for some reason. 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. A six hour drive south of Cancun, Xcalak resists mega-tourism and retains its natural beauty. If this was a sign of things to come, the foreshadowing was causing almost catatonic euphoria. Choose from over 20 fabled blue ribbon rivers that we target. Did I mention all you can drink too? 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. Can't find the video you're looking for? THE BEST Xcalak Fishing Charters & Tours. (3 spots remain.) Fly fishing Xcalak with XTC Dive Center is a unique experience unlike any other adventure in the Yucatan. Traveling a few hours further south youll discover Xcalak has bigger flats and more diverse sea life. Traveler favorites. The fish are happy, the cooler is full and our skiffs are loaded, the only thing we are waiting for is you! 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. Upon our arrival to Costa De Cocos, we were greeted by Zach, the fly fishing manager of the lodge who directed us to our rooms. Copyright 2020 American Angler. It was amazing fishing in a fantastic place with bones and permit caught right off the dock. 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. The sheer power of the fish is incredible. One of those lucky ones was me. Last updated 3/1/23. hands. EN C Change your measurements +52 983 186 6112. content: ""; 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. It's been at least 20 years, but did stay in Xcalak and fished 5 days, DIY with rented panga. Maybe you are very serious about fly fishing maybe you are very excited about snorkeling or maybe you are just very ready for a vacation to explore the reefs, islands, lagoons and bays of the beautiful Xcalak National Park. 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. We offer both full and half day options. Information related to travelling to Montana: which airports to fly into, major towns, etc. Other random by-catch I managed were snappers, small jacks, needlefish, perch, some reef fish, and one small saltwater crocodile. 8,621.89 Sqft. 318 were here. Montana Angler guides fish the famous Livingston creeks in addition to several other spring creeks on some of our exclusive ranch leases. For Immediate Release: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 . A typical fishing day has you departing the Lodge at 8:00 AM and returning around 4:00 PM. 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Accommodations then were spare and dirty, fishing was so-so. 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). .fullwidth-signup{ To be sure, there can be some trepidation when headed out on a guided trip in a foreign country. josexcalak@hotmail.com WhatsApp The farthest most tourists go is Tulum, a lively resort town named after the nearby Mayan archeological site and lined with hostels, cafs, bars, and openair restaurants. My name is Jose, I live in Xcalak, and I am here to help It also happens to be one of the best places to DIY saltwater fly fish. 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. 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. Get picked up right from the dock in front of the beach and enjoy supper at the on-site restaurant. Between the shore and the reef, the calm saltwater flats are home to a thriving variety of game fish and tropical marine life. Then we visited again. For years, my work has been fishing The small fishing village of ~400 people sits on the second largest coral reef in the . . Fresh Xcalak Fishing Reports . Ruin explorers can easily visit the Chacchoben archaeological site, about a two-hour drive from the village. You also need to purchase a Mexican fishing license, which you can buy weekly, monthly, or yearly. 0 Comments. 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. Our group boated everything from 3-pound babies to 15-pound juvies. Xcalak The average catch is 6 - 12 bonefish per day. 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. Its a Please check the website to learn There's a lot of beauty and tranquility in our remote area of the Caribbean. A little variation in the flow but not much. For pricing on lodging packages visit each individual package for rates, inclusions and exclusions. The town is set on a peninsula separating the Caribbean Sea from the Bay of Chetumal, and offers three unique areas for fly fishing: the saltwater flats, the mangrove lagoons, and the edge of the bay. 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. . For me, it is steelhead. a bit about my services and your options for exploring the Xcalak 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. Costa de Cocos, Only 2 kms from town, this accommodation is the closest thing to a resort youll find in Xcalak. WordPress. 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. December through February, theses migrating snook show up and can be found lurking at likely ambush points. They are spooky and quick to forget. 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. Bonefish - Bonefish live on both hard and soft bottom flats so fly fishing will be wading and boat casting. More from their website : "Tucked along the world-famous Chetumal Bay, the Xflats at Tierra Maya's 7 beachfront suites are elegantly . 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. Enjoy unique accommodations right on the water. Required fields are marked *. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. Experience the fishing, the culture, and the food . The restaurant at Cocos is a popular place to cool off with one of their microbrews and trade stories with other fishers. The jungle starts to encroach on civilization and lines the road like a solid green wall. The town sits next to the Caribbean on a small spit of land that separates the Ocean from Chetumal Bay. These fish are those we hold most dear. After about 10 minutes of nothing, I looked to my right and a big school of Permit were heading our way.