Xflats Lodge, Mexico
A MEXICAN PERMIT AND BONEFISH HOTSPOT
The Xflats lodge in Xcalak offers some of Mexico’s best saltwater fly fishing. The Chetumal Bay fishery is a stunning, shallow water flats paradise, proven as a reliable and consistent permit fishing destination. It’s an excellent spot for bonefish too with a decent chance of finding tarpon and snook at certain times of the year.
GREAT PERMIT FISHING ADVENTURES WITH SUPERB LOCAL GUIDES
Early morning here offers prime permit conditions with typically calm weather and fish on the hunt for food. Wherever possible you will be out of the boat wading for permit so if you have spotted the fish at a long enough distance, you can leave the boat and approach on foot. Generally, in two to four feet of water you can get much closer than on a boat and are more likely to be able to get multiple shots. The bonefish here average two to four pounds, with larger fish approaching the 10lb mark. Bonefishing can be enjoyed from the boat or on foot, with anglers wading in areas where the guides expect to find cruising and tailing fish.
There is good access to baby tarpon in the five to 20lb range in the cenotes (natural sinkholes specific to the Yucatan area) and blue holes in the bay, along with the surrounding lagoons. Larger migratory tarpon move through the area in June and July so if you are after one of these monsters, plan your visit then. The local lagoons have a population of snook year round, while migratory snook tend to arrive mid-December to February when you will find them along the mangrove shorelines and cruising the flats. Barracuda and jacks are among the other species found here.
PRETTY BEACH SUITES ON A WORLD-FAMOUS BAY
The seven beachfront suites that make up Xflats’ Tierra Maya Lodge in Xcalak are elegantly furnished with stylish Mayan décor, breezy terraces and dotted with hammocks where you can relax and soak up the ocean front atmosphere. Each room has a spacious bathroom, air conditioning and a living area overlooking the bay. These comfortable suites provide the perfect location to unwind after a day of exhilarating fishing. The ocean side restaurant showcases local specialities, and the bar is a great place to swap stories from the day.
The long pier in the middle of the property is the fishing hub where anglers are picked up by the expert saltwater guides each day. You will generally be in the fishing areas within 30 minutes of leaving the lodge.
EASY ACCESS TO THE PROLIFIC CHETUMAN BAY FISHERY
Xcalak sits on the southern most tip of the Yucatan Peninsula along Mexico’s Caribbean coast and is a great base from which to explore the prolific fishery. There are plenty of other activities in the area if you fancy a change from fishing.