Mexico

Fly Fishing in Xcalak, Chetumal Bay, Mexico

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. The excellent fly fishing is found on the bonefish and permit flats of Chetumal Bay. Additionally, mangrove ringed inland lagoons provide fly fishing opportunities to fish for small tarpon and snook, and ocean-side fly fishing is available with more permit and bones on turtle grass flats, and seasonal big tarpon. Chetumal Bay is the primary fishery and the boat run to the most productive flats is generally 20 to 30 minutes. There are a few locations that take 45 minutes or more to reach.

  

Accommodations:

For about 19 years Pescador Solitario has utilized the beach front lodge Tierra Maya, a modern facility with luxury rooms for double or single occupancy.  All face the beach, have excellent views, and each has a private bathroom.  Adjacent to the rooms is a quaint, beach side restaurant with a full bar.  Power is via generator and storage batteries so electricity is provided for full-time air conditioning and other conveniences.  The guide picks you up at the Tierra Maya dock, right in front of your room.

At the lodge you will enjoy three meals per day included in your package. Breakfasts vary and are full fare with hardy portions.  Lunch is almost always on the flats…..between casts. Four course gourmet dinners are excellent and include a full range of seafood, local fare, and more traditional foods.

Other Activities:

The Palancar Reef is the second largest barrier reef in the world, and is 500 yards off the beach at Tierra Maya. Snorkeling is excellent right off the beach and diving can be arranged through local dive shops. The area is famous for its quality of diving and varied and plentiful marine life.

Bird watchers can take special trips to bird island to see incredible numbers of water birds nesting, cavorting, and hunting.

Other wildlife includes manatees, small crocodiles known as caimans, and chachalacas, a large bird that looks like a cross between a pheasant and a cuckoo that will wake you up each morning. Jaguars are sometimes seen near Xcalak. Iguanas and geckos are generally on your roof.

Sea kayaks are available for the fly fishermen and are great for exploring the back-country lagoons, late evening fishing, or just exercise.

There is always revelry après fishing at the lodge. Typical beverages are provided. Special requests can be accommodated with advanced notice. The atmosphere is very casual.

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