Yucatan

Fly Water Travel’s Saltwater Destination Manager, Dylan Rose with a prized Yucatan permit. Photo: Dylan Rose

Loocated 90 miles south of Cancun is the crown jewel of Mexico’s saltwater ecosystems: the 1.3 million acre Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, which encompasses and protects the rich turquoise waters of Ascension Bay. Here, among endless crystal-clear flats, mangrove lagoons, channels, and reefs, bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook, and barracuda abound. Due to its protected status and a growing conservation ethic among its inhabitants, many agree that the region’s fishing is improving. Today the area is rich in quality guides and accommodations, the majority of which are located in or near

the quaint fishing village of Punta Allen. Whether you are a family in search of a great fishing vacation or a seasoned angler seeking the coveted “grand slam,” we will help you find the lodge that is right for you.

Casa Blanca Lodge Casa Blanca Lodge is widely considered the most established, secluded, and professional operation in the greater Ascension Bay region. Located at the southern end of Ascension Bay, Casa Blanca Lodge’s superb location puts anglers in incredibly remote locations within minutes. Casa Blanca’s veteran stable of guides includes some of the most talented and experienced professionals on the entire Yucatan. An attentive, professional, and energetic management team keep this venerable operation in top shape and delivering on all fronts. Packages include a private air charter to the private island from Cancun. Rates: $4,553-$4,824 per person for a 7 night/6 day package

PAGE 88 Playa Blanca Lodge Playa Blanca is a top-quality saltwater lodge that focuses on fishing the little-known and lightly pressured flats of Espiritu Santo Bay. This is a beautiful fishery located entirely within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. When it comes to getting on the flats first and presenting flies to fish that have not seen

a lot of boat traffic, few places in the region compare. Espiritu Santo Bay is known for healthy populations of permit, bonefish, tarpon, barracuda, and jacks. Playa Blanca sits on a remote and beautiful white sand beach and is blessed with one of the most seasoned and longest-tenured guiding staffs in Mexico. They also have a remarkable and essentially private Mayan ruin within easy walking distance of the lodge. Fishing packages include a round-trip charter flight from Cancun to the lodge. Playa Blanca is in very high demand, so if this operation is on your radar, don’t delay getting in a request for dates. Rates: $4,553-$4,824 per person for a 7 night/6 day package

Pesca Maya Lodge When it comes to value, flexible packages, a variety of fish species, and warm Mexican hospitality, Pesca Maya Lodge has always been at the top of our list. The lodge maintains skilled, in-house guides that rank among our favorite in the Yucatan. Moreover, they offer two guides per panga, ensuring plenty of eyes to help you spot and catch more fish. Located on a white sand beach just outside the village of Punta Allen, Pesca Maya Lodge is a casual favorite for serious anglers in search of Ascension Bay’s best fly fishing. Rate: $4,290 per person for a 7 night/6 day package

Grand Slam Lodge Grand Slam Lodge sets the standard for quality lodging in Ascension Bay. It offers seasoned anglers, couples, and families world-class fishing opportunities paired with the region’s most luxurious accommodations. Located on a private beach outside the village of Punta Allen, Grand Slam boasts 12 private multiroom villas, a beautifully appointed main lodge, a bar area, and a swimming pool. In addition to fishing, guests can enjoy picturesque beach lounging or tour the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. Rates: $3,525-$4,335 per person for a 7 night/6 day package

Isla Blanca For anglers visiting the Cancun area with their families or transiting to other destinations across the Yucatan, Isla Blanca offers incredibly rich baby tarpon, snook, and permit opportunities proximal to the bustling tourist center of Cancun. The numerous flats and mangrove systems of Isla Blanca located northwest of Cancun are accessed by purpose built, 18-foot panga-style skiffs. This is the perfect way to sneak in some fishing while on a family vacation and day trips are welcome. Rate: $425 per day for 1 or 2 anglers

La Pescadora Lodge La Pescadora is a small family-run operation located in Punta Allen on the Yucatan’s famed Ascension Bay. With a maximum of only eight anglers, La Pescadora is the perfect option for those seeking a welcoming, casual, and affordable home base from which to access the numerous bonefish, permit, and tarpon of Ascension Bay. Together with her husband and head guide, Jose, lodge manager Lily Bertram has created a relaxing and budget-friendly operation that works with some of our favorite guides on the Yucatan. Rate: $3,960 per person for a 7 night/6 day package

Espiritu Santo Bay Lodge Espiritu Santo Bay Lodge is located on the southern shore of Espiritu Santo Bay near Punta Herrero. Espiritu Santo Bay Lodge allows saltwater anglers quick and easy access to the remote and highly productive waters of Espiritu Santo Bay. This exciting new lodge provides an affordable opportunity to target all four of the Caribbean’s most favored flats species (tarpon, bonefish, permit, and snook) and includes a convenient charter flight to the lodge direct from Cancun. Rate: $4,295 per person for a 7 night/6 day package