Facing the " Great Mayan Reef", the second largest reef in the world, Casa Caracola is located in a national park. This ancient Maya city boasts three excavated stone plazas and a towering pyramid. There is often the fear of a translation issue or a communication breakdown that leads to missed fish. Plan for overnights in Cancun on June 9 and June 18. Xcalak is a refreshingly undisturbed fishing village nestled along Mexicos southernmost Caribbean coastline. On windy days, the lagoons behind Xcalak provide shelter and productive fishing for baby tarpon and snook. Welcome to Permit Paradise! Returning to Costa was a no brainer for me, as I quickly became addicted to saltwater fishing after my first trip. Bring your gear, your fly box, your sunscreen, your best double-haul cast and your sense of adventure for an amazing time at one of my favorite places to fly Read More 2-8-23. foraging in the turtle grass, perfect cover for crabs and shrimps. Some fish get into our soul. Adventurous travelers will be curious to explore beyond Xcalaks tranquil beaches. Back then there wasnt really a trustworthy tourist website and we just couldnt figure out if the trip was worth the effort. Filters 1. 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? 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. Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. But maybe its good for you. Even after the opening of the Parque Nacional de Arrecifes (Xcalak Reefs Natonal Park) many of the inhabitants still feed their families from the sea but now often in the form of guiding fishermen or . They do not, however, command nearly the same respect in the angling world as a Permit. It would be my second trip chasing saltwater fish on the flats, while Tony is a fairly experienced saltwater angler and licensed Captain. Your flight is NOT included in the package and must be purchased separately. We strive to stifle our joy on a daily basis in order to achieve something we perceive as greater in the long run. The fishing day starts with meeting your guide on our new 200 foot dock directly in front of the lodge. In a protected area, this little fishermen's village highlights many activities and advantages : scuba diving, fly fishing and fishing, snorkelling, bird watching and wildlife trips on land and water. Get it together I told myself. width: 100%; We came to fish, not be pampered with warm bathrobes and spa treatments. Its a quaint statement that can be applied to many situations in life. 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. @media only screen and (max-width: 600px) { Diosa Del Mar Mahahual 25 ft 4 persons . The jungle starts to encroach on civilization and lines the road like a solid green wall. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site. a bit about my services and your options for exploring the Xcalak 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. .fullwidth-signup{ Appetizers and drinks awaited us at the main lodge restaurant after we settled in. These "ghosts of the flats" swim about 27 miles per hour . It depicts a good summary. 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. If you liked the story above, check out these stories below. These pickup trucks carry fresh seafood, fruit, vegetables, and snacks. 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. I often found that the best communication came early at the dock when discussing the plan for the day. Poor fisheries data, many fishers, and increasing tourism development: Interdisciplinary views on past and current small-scale fisheries exploitation on Holbox Island This was a now or never, make or break moment. Montana is home to some of the most productive wild trout rivers on the planet. hands. Would love to see more pictures! Xcalak is an out off the way destination that may lack the big-name draw of places like Ascension, but for the price, it may be the best deal in saltwater trips out there. Durango fly fishing guides on the San Juan River, Animas River, Dolores River, Florida River and Los Pinos River. Will dredging the Zaragoza Canal hurt Xcalak. Xcalak is renowned for fly fishing. Most tarpon I saw were in tannic colored water, so dark colored tarpon flies and toads were in order. Fly fishing for Pacific Rockfish is nothing new, but something that most anglers haven't sampled yet. Off the beaten track, Xcalak is an alternative to the throngs of people and high rise hotels found further north. March 3, 2023. 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. /* Create three equal columns that floats next to each other */ 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. On the way to Xcalak, you can stop for tacos and a cold beer in Tulum. 5 Places to Live in Mexicoand 3 to Avoid. may have. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. David Randall moved to Xcalak in the early '90s, after selling his catfish hatchery south of Kansas City. 1 While natural . Talk your guide about what you want to try for snook, tarpon, barracuda, or jacks. 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. 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. Our bay fishery is a vast area made up of hundreds of cayes, rivers, ponds, lagoons, cuts and banks. Last updated 3/1/23. In part because both destinations are on my radar and in part because it's nice seeing pics of such a warm destination (as I type this I think the wind chill may have crept into the low double digits). Deep sea, light tackle, fly fishing - you name it! Experience the fishing, the culture, and the food . Capitn Jos You must log in or register to reply here. Costa De Cocos Lodge isnt totally out in the middle of absolutely nowhere, but it is out of the way. Get away from it all on our extensive network of private access waters. As in most places where one can find tarpon, there often are a few in the mix. you. The area surrounding Xcalak on the Chetumal bay side is a wild and relatively untouched place. Fresh Xcalak Fishing Reports . Curious about this undiscovered fly fishing mecca? Targeting the plentiful bonefish is always an option. Video: 9 more videos to help you discover Xcalak. Not to mention the list of 'other' species, such as Barracuda, Snapper, Jacks, Snook and Cobia that are all a real possibility on every trip. After about day 3, I finally figured out how to articulate permit: Some fish get into our heart. Learn about getting to Xcalak. 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. Top Fishing Charters in Xcalak. Your guide knows where to find the fish he spots them, and you hook them. This special guide covers real estate, retirement and more in Mexico and is yours free when you sign up for our postcards below. And he can also keep up Xcalak is home to a quintessential view of the Caribbean, with translucent turquoise waters and mostly undeveloped beaches, backed by swaying palms. March 2, 2023 Fishing Report. Im not able to watch the video for some reason. If you just have a day or two to spare, day trips are a great way to experience Montana's legendary fisheries. 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. Given Xcalaks limited development, youd be right to guess that the tourist hotels take sustainability seriously. You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. The fish are happy, the cooler is full and our skiffs are loaded, the only thing we are waiting for is you! 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. (3 spots remain.) The downside is the weather can be unpredictable this time of year. Hey Bjorn, 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. With a rental car and an early start, you can make a day trip to some of southern Mexicos intriguing, lesser-visited sights. Xcalak is located within a National Park, designed to protect the worlds second largest barrier reef. But maybe it's good for you. Weather in the Northern Rockies can be fickle and it is always a good idea to come prepared regardless of the season. After suffering several hurricanes, Xcalak maintains a small population dedicated to fishing and tourism, maintaining its . Outdoor Activities. 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? Jose on many occasions and I am pleased to recommend him. Fishing Charters & Tours in Xcalak. Bonefish on the Brain. To be sure, there can be some trepidation when headed out on a guided trip in a foreign country. Xcalak is one of the towns that has been maintained over time in its most natural state. In Xcalak, fly fishing is a treat it isnt crowded and has healthy marine life and excellent guides. 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) The Chetumal Bay flats in Xcalak are vastly larger than Ascension Bay further north, offering the fly. This is a video I made for some friends that were thinking of going on a trip with us. Accommodations are off-grid, which gives any vacation in Xcalak a touch of adventure. For those travelers contemplating a visit to the remote fishing village of Xcalak, Quintana Roo. My name is Jose, I live in Xcalak, and I am here to help you. In Xcalak, lush Mayan jungle meets turquoise Caribbean water. position: relative; The XTC Fly Fishing Experience. Get picked up right from the dock in front of the beach and enjoy supper at the on-site restaurant. 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! width: 100%; Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Can't find the video you're looking for? Video Tutorials. Fishing changes by the week in Montana. These were just a few spots that our guides had in their back pockets for the right situation. And with a white-sand seabed, the coastal water displays a stunning aquamarine tint. Accommodations then were spare and dirty, fishing was so-so. josexcalak@hotmail.com WhatsApp 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! It's a great read.way better then the movie of the same name, imo. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Bay wells producing sheepshead and black drum on live shrimp. Xcalak has been a favorite for over ten years. Its a We fished for Permit, tarpon and Snook here also but I considered . This entry was posted on Monday, March 22nd, 2010 at 3:04 am and is filed under Locations. width:max-content; A typical fishing day has you departing the Lodge at 8:00 AM and returning around 4:00 PM. The permit are swimming right to left, on a diagonal line, but suddenly, they start coming toward us. been more beautiful or better here than they are now. The walleye fishing has been good on the days anglers can get out on the water. We offer both full and half day options. 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. border: 0.2rem solid #ffb500; Xcalak Fishing is a fly fishing guide service located in the remote Mexican fishing village of Xcalak, Quintana Roo. The place is far nicer and mainstream than led to believe in the pictures. Some guides have over 25+ years of experience guiding fly fishers in the area. (And check out our highlight video from our trip last year below!). The small fishing village of ~400 people sits on the second largest coral reef in the . Beyond Tulum, the communities become more rural and become fewer and farther between. Thanks for sharing! This waterbody should produce fish year-round. Xcalak (I have no idea how to pronounce that) is waaaay down there in Mexico past Cancun, past Ascencion Bay, almost to Belize. 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. 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. Your journey begins by flying to Cancun, where you will be whisked away from the urban hustle and bustle to the much more relaxed pace in real Mexico. It's been at least 20 years, but did stay in Xcalak and fished 5 days, DIY with rented panga. Its less developed (and less crowded) than its popular northern neighbor Ascension Bay, near Tulum. display: table; 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. 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. Knowing a bit of Spanish from the client never hurt, but it was not a detriment if we didnt. Your email address will not be published. In the past we have fished all six days, but this year decided to take it easy a bit. 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. Looking into the water, something didnt seem right. 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. display: block; Come wade the warm, tropical flats of Xcalak in search of Permit, Jacks, Bonefish and juvenile Tarpon from the quaint fly fishing village of Xcalak, Mexico. 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. If you have spent any time on a saltwater flat with a guide, then you are always amazed by how far an experienced guide can spot fish. Would cut the cost quite a bit me thinksor are you one of those resort dudes? I look for alternatives from time to time, but didnt on this post. 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. Our group boated everything from 3-pound babies to 15-pound juvies. And again. 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. 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. Report by Captain David Dillman, Galveston Bay Charter Fishing. overflow: unset; 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. Boats and Equipment All boats used by the lodge are 23-foot pangas that accommodate two fishermen and a guide. This entry was posted on Monday, March 22nd, 2010 at 3:04 am and is filed . Traveling a few hours further south youll discover Xcalak has bigger flats and more diverse sea life. 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. Please check the website to learn Farmington, ill. -Stop by for a cold beer on your, Byron Bayeasternmost point of Australia. Needless to say, the diving and snorkeling here is world class. . Were on our way back to Costa de Cocos resort, idling down the outside edge of a long expanse of turtle grass, when suddenly our guide, Julio Gomez, cuts the engine and plants his bamboo pushpole, bringing the panga, aptly named Permit Me, to a halt. 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. For the majority of anglers traveling from the United States, the most direct route is to fly into the spring-break mecca of Cancn and drive the rest of the way, which takes about five hours. with the best permit guides in the world in terms of expertise. That isnt to say they arent out there, the truth is often wilder than fiction. LODGING Costa de Cocos Resort (www . Id love to make it down there. Renting a car from Cancun is the most common way to reach Xcalak. The clear water and marl bottom mix allow for great biodiversity within each lagoon, providing plenty of food for Bonefish, Snook, Cuda, small Permit, and Tarpon. 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. 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. Some days were better than others for finding rolling tarpon, but when they were up, they were up! For me, this fish is permit. Really like your blog. I toss the Rag Head Crab into the air, load my 9-weight, and aim a couple feet in front of the lead fish. More from their website : "Tucked along the world-famous Chetumal Bay, the Xflats at Tierra Maya's 7 beachfront suites are elegantly . I hadnt caught anything the day before and now I was blowing a great Permit shot.

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