Mexico`s northern Yucatan offers the world`s most
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Mexico`s northern Yucatan offers the world`s most
Mexico’s northern Yucatan offers the world’s most exciting and accessible baby tarpon fishing. Photos: Rick Messner and Brian Gies B T T he fertile mangrove-lined waters of Mexico’s northern Yucatan Peninsula represent the most prolific, juvenile tarpon fishery in the world. Easy to get to, inexpensive, and well-suited to light tackle, this region is ideal for short trips or for longer adventures that combine two or more of the destinations below. While considered a year-round destination by some, we recommend visiting between April and November. Tarpon Cay Lodge Not far from the bustling madness of Cancun on the northern shore of the Yucatan is the charming town of San Felipe and an unparalleled opportunity to target juvenile tarpon in the 5 to 25+ pound class. Recognized by the government for its biological wealth, this incredible fishery has been designated a marine preserve, thus protecting this tarpon “nursery” from commercial netting and fishing. Accommodations for six at Tarpon Cay Lodge are airy and bright with all rooms featuring ocean views, ceiling fans, air conditioning and private baths. Delicious, hearty meals are served in the main lodge with most anglers taking full advantage of the rooftop decks in the evening hours. Rate: $3,295 per person for a 7 night/6 day package Campeche Located on the western Yucatan, the quaint historic city of Campeche offers access to more than 80 miles of mangrove coast, hundreds of inlet creeks, and numerous channels rich with baby tarpon. Offering skilled and kind-hearted guides, a wonderfully quaint town with Mayan and Spanish history and flats-style sight fishing for feisty tarpon in the 5 to 30 pound class, Campeche is a favorite for saltwater anglers of all skills. Standard packages offer accommodations at the Ocean View Hotel, comparable to a Best Western. Light breakfasts are served at the hotel and ample lunches are served aboard the pangas. Guests enjoy evening meals (not included) at various restaurants in this charming historical city. Upgraded accommodations are also available. Rate: $2,725-$2,800 per person for a 7 night/6 day package Isla del Sabalo Located about three hours north of Campeche by boat, Isla del Sabalo or Island of the Tarpon, offers anglers a quaint, small lodge venue from which to explore the most remote waters of the greater Campeche Bay region. With a vast array of habitats and crystal clear waters, anglers stalk juvenile tarpon from the bow of guided pangas with little if any competition. Groups of six enjoy ocean facing, beachfront cottages with private baths and tasty local fare served in the comfort of the main palapa overlooking the water. Anglers fly into the town of Merida where they will be met and transferred 1.5 hours in an air conditioned van to the island. Rate: $3,295 per person for a 7 night/6 day package 1-800 -552-2729 PAGE 11 Heading out for another day in paradise. Photo: Brian Gies NEW Season: Year-round Fish Species: Bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook, jacks, and barracuda Lodge Capacity: 22 anglers Rate: $2,205 per person for a 5 night/4 day package Full Details: See www. flywatertravel.com PAGE 12 P M L, M L with private baths and some with ocated on a white sand beach Where value, flexible stay ocean views. There is also an ocean 90 miles south of Cancun, Pesca lengths, variety of species, front terrace for relaxing and enjoyMaya Lodge is a casual favorite for and Mexican hospitality ing pre-dinner appetizers. Meals are serious anglers in search of Ascension come together home-style, with breakfast buffet Bay’s best fly fishing. Here bonefish, and box lunches for anglers. For non-anglers, the chef permit, tarpon, snook and barracuda cruise an endless will prepare a traditional Mexican lunch at the lodge. array of crystal clear flats, mangrove lagoons, chanThe lodge features its own fly shop, 15 boats with nels, and reefs. Anglers fish two per panga under the some of the region’s best guides as well as a beautiful watchful eye of both a senior and junior guide, maxibeach where you can relax while not fishing. Stays mizing their chances from the boat and while wading. of varying length are welcome and shuttles from the Additionally, Pesca Maya is one of the only lodges in greater Cancun region can be arranged for anglers the region that operates year-round. For some of our wanting to slip away from the bustle of the northern most seasoned permit hunting clientele, this represents resorts for a few days of quality flats fishing. Soulful, the opportunity for well rested fish in the off season simple and fairly priced, Pesca Maya is a Fly Water months of August and September when all the other favorite for our seasoned permit hunters and first lodges have closed their doors. time saltwater anglers alike. Pesca Maya offers ten air conditioned rooms all WWW.FLYWATERTRAVEL.COM Tim Caine with one of his many Playa Blanca permit. Photo: Tim Caine C B P B, M L ocated at the southern end of Remarkably, the fishing in AscenThe most secluded, Ascension Bay in the heart of the sion Bay is actually improving due experienced and 1.3 million acre Sian Ka’an Biosphere to the biosphere’s protected status professional operations Preserve, Casa Blanca has established and a growing conservation ethic in the greater itself as Mexico’s premier saltwater among its inhabitants. Whether Ascension Bay region destination. you are a seasoned angler in search For nearly fifteen years Casa Blanca has mesof permit, or a novice angler intent upon landing merized anglers with its endless expanses of turquoise your very first bonefish, you will be eager to revisit flats and its exceptional service. The guides here are Ascension Bay year after year. among the most experienced anywhere, and many For those who want the same great fishing with have dedicated the majority of their lives to learning non-angling companions or family members, we the subtle intricacies of this prolific fishery. suggest Playa Blanca. Located just nine miles south In addition to bonefish, tarpon and permit, of Casa Blanca, Playa Blanca offers a more intimate anglers can fish for numerous other species, insetting, a wonderful beach, Mayan ruins, and a wide cluding snook, barracuda, snapper and jacks, range of outdoor activities. Packages vary in length making this the ultimate destination for anglers and include a private air charter flight to the island keen on variety. from Cancun. 1-800 -552-2729 Season: October – June Fish Species: Bonefish, permit, tarpon, barracuda, snook and jacks Lodge Capacity: 22 anglers (Casa Blanca); 14 anglers (Playa Blanca) Rate: $3,545-$4,365 per person for a 7 night/6 day package Full Details: See www. flywatertravel.com PAGE 13 Season: February – October Fish Species: Bonefish, jacks Lodge Capacity: 12 anglers Rate: $3,755 per person for a 7 night/6 day package Full Details: See www. flywatertravel.com With wade fishing, great accommodations, a long season and lots of hearty fish, Los Roques is a Fly Water favorite. Photo: Ken Morrish S C, L R, V W Wade fish for big bones hen placed on the spot and While the area abounds with tarpon, while enjoying fine meals asked which bonefishing desbarracuda, and jacks, it is the worldand boutique hotel tinations in the world get our highest class bonefishing that draws anglers accommodations marks, no conversation is complete back year after year. without mention of Chris Yrazabal’s opSimilar to Christmas Island, Los eration in Los Roques. The reasons are many: the fishery Roques is blessed with consistent weather and water is truly remarkable; the accommodations are exceedingly temperatures, not to mention high fish counts. Bonefish tasteful; and the guides and staff are as good as they get. average 4 pounds with numerous fish in the 6 to 10 Technically an atoll within the Lesser Antilles, pound class. Meals and accommodations at Acuarela the Los Roques region is made up of more than 300 Lodge are greatly enjoyed by anglers and discerning cays, with a vast diversity of saltwater habitats includnon-anglers alike. For anglers who love to wade fish ing magnificent coral beds, grass and hard sand flats, for high numbers of good sized bonefish, Los Roques pristine beaches, and remarkable “pancake” flats. Betis truly one of the finest flats fishing destinations in the ter yet, nearly all of the fishing is done while wading. world today. Stays of varying lengths are available. PAGE 14 WWW.FLYWATERTRAVEL.COM Rob Ramsay and Alphonse guide extraordinaire Wayne Haselau with yet another GT. Photo: Brian Gies A I, S N The ultimate island paradise o doubt you have heard the class resort, Alphonse offers guests with superb accommodations, stories from wide-eyed anrefined international cuisine, world class guides, and glers returning from the heart of the tasteful waterfront chalets comunrivaled, multi-species Indian Ocean. For those who have plete with private verandas, air flats fishing not yet been, the tales, while true, conditioning, open-air showers, are hard to swallow: steady streams of large, aggressive private bathrooms, international direct access telebonefish flooding pristine flats, huge trevally and barphone, TV and mini-bar. racuda, mysterious schools of super-charged milkfish, For non-anglers the Seychelles experience is and some of the best flats guides in the business. Often equally rich. Guests can choose from a list of incredreferred to as the best bone fishing in the world, the ible activities including, tennis, world-renowned scuba only downside to the Seychelles is that once you have diving, a grand pool, and a glorious beach that entertains fished here you will be forever spoiled. the majority of the island’s visitors. While truly a disTo complement the fishing is the unpretentious tant paradise, traveling to the Seychelles dovetails nicely luxury of Alphonse Island Resort. Truly a world with layovers in Paris or extended travels in Africa. 1-800 -552-2729 NEW Season: September – May Fish Species: Bonefish, milkfish, triggerfish, barracuda and giant trevally Lodge Capacity: 10 anglers Rate: $7,350 per person for a 7 night/6 day package Full Details: See www. flywatertravel.com PAGE 15 “When it comes to sheer numbers of fish, patient skilled guides, a flexible fishing program and warm friendly atmosphere, Christmas Island Outfitters has it all. I look forward to returning with another group soon.” – Al Kyte, Moraga, CA C I O T he fact that virtually every fly Experience the world’s most hunters and love nothing more than angler in North America has to share with their guests the thrill consistent year-round heard of Christmas Island is far from of hooking these monsters. Excellent fishing for bonefish and coincidence. Amidst the vast invenblue water fishing for tuna, wahoo, trevally with skilled, tory of the world’s saltwater destinaand trevally is also available. warm hearted guides tions, Christmas Island is a unique Catering to groups of eight to twelve and natural masterpiece that magically combines all anglers per week, accommodations at Christmas Island the elements critical to fly fishing success. Endless hard Outfitters consist of seven private bungalows that sleep sand flats, remarkable numbers of cruising bonefish two anglers each. Rooms are simple, clean and spaand trevally, and consistent year-round weather await cious and have private baths, fans, screened windows, all who visit this unique atoll. and refrigerators. The common meeting area features Guides at Christmas Island Outfitters have been a friendly bar and a casual dining area where fresh, handpicked for their overall level of experience and simple meals are served in the morning and evening skill, calmness under pressure, and instructional abilihours. Flexible by design to ensure quality fishing, ties. Each day anglers will depart via truck or catamathe daily schedule and meal times at Christmas Island ran for the day’s fishing. Virtually all fishing entails Outfitters often vary slightly in order to take advantage sight casting to visible fish while wading in shallow of the best tides and fishing conditions. water. Christmas Island’s plentiful bonefish average Whether you are an experienced saltwater 2 to 4 pounds, though each week presents numerous angler or a novice keen on honing your flats fishing opportunities for larger specimens in the 5 to 10 pound skills, Christmas Island Outfitters offers the finest class. The guides at Christmas Island Outfitters are also and most intimate angling experience the island among the atoll’s most skilled and passionate trevally has to offer. 1-800 -552-2729 Season: Year-round Fish Species: Bonefish, three species of trevally, wahoo, tuna Lodge Capacity: 8-12 anglers Rate: $2,220 per person for a 7 night/6 day package plus round-trip airfare from Honolulu to Kiribati Full Details: See www. flywatertravel.com PAGE 17 Southern Andros offers some of the Bahamas’ most diverse and productive flats. Photo: Andros South Season: October – June Fish Species: Bonefish, jacks and barracuda Lodge Capacity: 10 anglers Rate: $3,850 per person for a 7 night/6 day package Full Details: See www. flywatertravel.com PAGE 18 A S, B L ocated in the settlement of Kemp’s A very well managed that remote, rarely visited cays that are Bay on the southeastern shore of home to schools of bonefish numberand understated lodge Andros Island, Andros South Lodge ing in the thousands and expansive, where serious anglers fishes some of the most diverse, producoceanside flats that attract bruisers pursue their sport tive and least traveled waters in all of the from the deep, and you will begin to see Bahamas. If you are looking for white tablecloths and why this operation is confident in showing you a unique, day spas, this is not your place. But if you are looking quality fishing experience every day of your trip. for clean and simple accommodations, skilled guides, All anglers enjoy clean, comfortable, and air quality equipment and a great fishing program, this conditioned, single occupancy rooms with private destination needs to be on your list. bathrooms. Meals feature fresh seafood including Variety is most definitely the spice of life on South lobster and conch, as well as other Bahamian favorAndros. If you like the thought of miles of easy to wade, ites. Focusing on the things that matter most, Andros white sand flats, hidden and unspoiled mangrove creeks, South prides itself on friendly service, great food and remote inland lakes, and numerous locations that offer a well-tuned fishing program that will show you the shelter from the wind, Andros South is ideal. Add to best of what this remarkable region has to offer. WWW.FLYWATERTRAVEL.COM Season: Mid-October – June Fish Species: Bonefish Lodge Capacity: 12 anglers Rate: $4,250-$4,650 per person for a 7 night/6 day package Full Details: See www. flywatertravel.com Bair’s has a well earned reputation as one of the Bahamas most tasteful and comfortable lodges. Photo: Nervous Waters B’ L, B S pared seafood, personal and professional trategically located midway between South Andros’ local guides, maid service, full bar, and the South Bight and Curly Cut Cays most tasteful fly shop round out the experience. The of South Andros, Bair’s Lodge benefits and sought after lodge represents a benchmark in terms from some of the most remote and bonefish lodge of quality water and guiding, delicious productive flats in all of the Bahamas. food, comfortable accommodations, and warm Anglers can fish from the bow of 18 foot Dolphin skiffs hospitality. or choose to wade a wide variety of protected flats. Of Anglers are encouraged to fly one hour from all the Bahamian destinations, Bair’s offers a superb Miami to Congo Town in South Andros via private mix of high numbers of fish, large fish, and a wide charter. Due to a high percentage of repeat clientele, range of productive, wind-protected fishing areas. early bookings are essential. For anglers who can plan This intimate and cheerful lodge caters to twelve their trips well in advance, this is a Bahamian destinaanglers per week and offers air conditioned rooms tion not to be missed! with private bathrooms. Fresh and beautifully pre- 1-800 -552-2729 PAGE 19 Tiamo is the ultimate tropical getaway for couples and discerning anglers alike. Photo: Tiamo Resort Season: October – June Fish Species: Bonefish, tarpon, and jacks Lodge Capacity: 10 anglers, 12 non-anglers Rate: $5,175 per person for a 7 night/6 day fishing package Full Details: See www. flywatertravel.com PAGE 20 T R, B A t Fly Water Travel we are A luxurious and secluded While Tiamo boasts an always on the lookout for excellent fishing program, it tropical resort where couples tropical destinations that have it prides itself on being one of the and anglers alike will enjoy all: the private, white sand beach, Caribbean’s top nature resorts the best of everything that walk and wade fishing right where non-anglers enjoy snorAndros has to offer outside the door, skilled guides, keling, scuba diving, sea kayakelegant accommodations, and numerous high quality ing, sailing, freshwater pool and guided nature hikes. activities for non-anglers. Located in one of the most Add to that a main lodge with fine cuisine, a quality beautiful and pristine areas in the Caribbean, Tiamo wine list, full bar, library, and very tasteful, air conResort on South Andros is a unique and refreshing ditioned rooms and you will quickly see the appeal of gem. Technically an eco-tourism resort that can acthis unique destination. Tiamo’s private beachcommodate 22 guests, Tiamo also offers an exceptional front bungalows with private baths epitomize bonefishing venue limited to ten lucky anglers per day. rustic luxury and are located mere steps from the In addition to high numbers of hearty bonefish, anglers water. For couples, serious anglers, and families will also encounter tarpon, barracuda, and jacks on the with children twelve or older, this is the ultimate turquoise flats of the region. tropical paradise. WWW.FLYWATERTRAVEL.COM So close to home, yet so far away – Grand Bahama Island. Photo: Ken Morrish P B B, B E ing beaches, while the anglers in xperience has shown that even A trophy bonefish venue the most seasoned couples can with a bustling nightlife the group are whisked off by their guides to fish the trophy flats of the suffer from differing images of what and a wide range of island’s remote western reaches. a perfect trip to the Bahamas actunon-angling options Non-anglers can arrange nually entails. One might think of a merous day trip options including golf, tennis, sun-drenched pool, rum punch, snorkeling, and an equestrian tours, glass bottom boat tours, and endless white sand beach, while another thinks of snorkeling, while the anglers can test their skills a #4 Gotcha plopping gently down in the path of against some of the largest bonefish in the Bahaa cruising 10 pound bonefish. mas. Dinners are not included in the package price, Located in the heart of Grand Bahama’s Lucayenabling party members to enjoy the town and an Marina, Pelican Bay Bonefishing offers a unique numerous restaurants each evening. Additionally, and uncompromising solution to this common Pelican Bay is one of the easiest destinations to dilemma. Here, from a comfortable hotel complete reach in all the Bahamas, and they welcome stays with pool and outdoor bar, non-anglers can enjoy of varying lengths. the area’s vibrant retail district, casinos and adjoin- 1-800 -552-2729 Season: Mid-October – mid-June Fish Species: Bonefish, barracuda and permit Lodge Capacity: 12 anglers Rate: $3,370-$3,845 per person for a 7 night/ 6 day package Full Details: See www.flywatertravel.com PAGE 21 Fly Water Travel’s Florida specialist, Rachel Andras, slugs it out with a trophy tarpon. Photo: Mike Mazur F F or the experienced angler, Florida offers a vast array of some of the most diverse and demanding trophy saltwater opportunities in the world. Whether you are after a quick weekend getaway or week of world-class sight fishing, Fly Water Travel can help you find the venue that best suits your needs and schedule. Marco Island With year-round access to tarpon, snook and redfish, it is no surprise that hard charging guides like Captain Kyle Giampaoli, Al Keller, and Wright Taylor have made Marco Island their home. Within easy driving distance of Naples and Fort Myers, Marco Island is an ideal hub from which to sight fish the fertile waters of Goodland, Chokoloskee and the greater Everglades region. With simple accommodations at the Boat House Motel, this cost-effective venue offers exceptional variety, uncrowded waters and is ideally suited for stays of any length. Prime time for the giant migratory tarpon is from mid-March through July. Rate: $1,800 per person for a 5 night/4 day fishing package The Keys When not traveling to the far corners of the world in pursuit of billfish on the fly, world-renowned big game angler and instructor Jake Jordan has enjoyed a 30 year career guiding the turquoise waters of the Florida Keys. Ranging from Key Largo south to the Marquesas, Jake’s guests enjoy classic sight fishing for giant tarpon, night fishing opportunities, and skilled instruction. Quality tackle and flies are also included. Anglers can stay at the Tranquility Bay Cay Club Resort or a number of local motels. Early reservations required for giant tarpon in April, May and June. Rate: $600 per boat per day The Panhandle The western reach of Florida could rightly be considered the “other Florida,” a region that still holds secrets and some of the most coveted and ephemeral, shallow water tarpon opportunities in the world. These migratory tarpon require big game mentalities and casting skills to connect. This is the big leagues and a place where you may fight your “dream fish.” Anglers enjoy bungalow accommodations at a local golf resort as well as colorful, fresh seafood meals out on the town. Tarpon anglers are encouraged to book a year in advance. Rate: $4,200 per person for a 7 night/6 day package 1-800 -552-2729 PAGE 23 The elusive and spectacular roosterfish is one of fly fishing’s most coveted catches. Photo: Ken Morrish C B, M lose to home yet far away, Baja offers a wide range of easy to reach angling opportunities for billfish, roosterfish, dorado, jacks, tuna and more. Whether you are after a few day trips out of Cabo, an economical, family vacation with quality fishing on the East Cape, or a deluxe saltwater inshore fly fishing experience, we have the connections you need to make your envisioned Baja experience a success. Bahia De Los Sueños, East Cape For years we have waited and watched, hoping for the creation of the ultimate, inshore Baja angling venue. We wanted first class accommodations, guides skilled in understanding the needs of fly fishers, quality non-angling activities, and a pristine, protected white sand beach in front of it all. Last year veteran guide and founder of Beulah Rods, James Shaughnessy, answered our call. Located 45 minutes southeast of La Paz, Mexico, Bahia de los Sueños is centrally located amidst Baja’s most prolific waters. Here fly anglers enjoy world-class fishing for roosterfish, dorado, billfish, tuna and wahoo under the guidance of James and his crew of skilled pangueros. Accommodations are in lavish, beachfront villas that feature master suites with private baths and Jacuzzi tubs. The villas also feature covered patios, pool, weight room and tennis court. Evening fishing on the white sand beach is an option and snorkeling, kayaking as well as golf are all close by. Rate: $2,750 per person for a 5 night/4 day fishing package, non-angling rate $1,000 per person PAGE 24 Rancho Leonero, East Cape Simply put, this is the place for families and serious anglers alike who want the full Baja experience at a reasonable price. With a wide variety of inshore and offshore boats, freshwater pool, full bar, open air restaurant, sea kayaks and a great beach with fabulous snorkeling, this destination has plenty for everyone. Anglers can elect the number of days they fish as well as the nature of the fishing and size of boat they would like to fish from, making this one of the most flexible and friendly venues in Mexico. Rate: $1,005 per person for a 6 night/3 day fishing package Baja Anglers, Cabo San Lucas If you are heading to Cabo and would like to break up the usual routine with a few days of fishing, give us a call and we can set you up with the local pros at Baja Anglers. Grant Hartman and his crew of seasoned captains have the local waters wired for both inshore and offshore fly and conventional fishing. Rate: $660 per day for two anglers WWW.FLYWATERTRAVEL.COM Captain Gregg Arnold poling the trophy redfish flats near New Orleans. Photo: John Sherman I R n many respects, redfishing is a unique fishery that combines all the wonders of bonefishing in to a close to home, easy to reach venue. Not only a unique sight fishing opportunity, redfishing also presents an opportunity to catch fish in excess of 30 pounds on light fly tackle. Casa Arroyo City, Texas NEW With over 268 square miles of clear, shallow water and white sand beaches, south Texas’ lower Laguna Madre is a redfisher’s dream come true. Located 45 minutes northeast of Harlingen, the small community of Arroyo City is a perfect hub from which to stalk these plentiful game fish. With a nice selection of waterfront units, stays of varying lengths, and the option for guided and unguided days, this easy to reach economical trip is a great option for groups of up to 30 anglers. Anglers can also combine several days of guided fishing with additional days of self-guided fishing from kayaks. Custom packages are available. Rate: $1,575 per person for a 5 night/2 day guided/2 day unguided package Marco Island, Florida NEW Kyle Giampaoli and his crew of master guides call the vast and varied waters of Everglades National Park home. During low water periods that accompany each new and full moon cycle, the 10,000 Island’s region consistently offers great sight fishing for numerous redfish. Anglers keen on targeting redfish should focus on the moon phases between October and April for the best results. Accommodations are available at a number of hotels in the region making it a great easy to reach winter getaway. Rate: $1,800 per person for a 5 night/4 day package New Orleans, Louisiana NEW There are lots of good reasons to visit New Orleans but for us, the prospect of sight casting to monster redfish, huge black drum and gator-sized speckled trout, tops the chart. Gregg Arnold and his team of expert, licensed captains know this region better than anyone. You will fish from modern skiffs equipped with elevated casting platforms, maximizing your chance to sight fish to big, feeding fish in knee-deep water. To further sweeten the deal, the targeted marsh complexes are true wilderness areas, where you rarely see another boat, much less another fisherman! For anglers who catch their fill of big redfish, offshore fishing for tuna, cobia, and other pelagic species is also available. With a range of accommodations near the action in town, the evenings also hold considerable promise for a taste of what New Orleans is all about. The best time to visit for trophy fish is in late fall. Rate: $2,200 per person for a 4 night/4 day package 1-800 -552-2729 PAGE 25
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