Congratulations to John Basile, Jr.- the youngest angler to land a permit on fly in Pesca Maya's 10 year history! Way to go John!!!

Pesca Maya is a quiet, secluded location where you can watch the sun rise over the Caribbean from your thatch-roofed cabana and walk or swim from a beautiful, deserted, powder-white beach less than a hundred feet from your door.

History: Pesca Maya occupies the site of the old Chenchomac (Place of the Fox) property, 4 miles north of the village of Punta Allen. Originally developed by Mexican hotel owner and Punta Allen native, Raul Moguel, Chenchomac served as a base for mostly European bird watching and naturalist groups visiting the Sian Ka'an.

In the summer of 1995, Mexican entrepreneur Rogelio Velasco signed a long term lease and entered into a partnership with Moguel to develop the property into a fishing lodge and thus, Pesca Maya was born.

The Fishing: The waters of Ascension Bay and the adjacent lagoon system are most noted for flats fishing. Pesca Maya's location is ideal to fish both areas. The dock is a short walk from the lodge and productive fishing can begin immediately.

When fishing Ascension Bay, the boats run 15 minutes south to the outlet of the lagoon into the bay. From there, running times to some of the most productive areas are: 5 minutes to Marabia, 25 minutes to Palencia; 40 minutes to Tres Marias; 30 minutes to Esperanza. 

Most of the bay is exposed to prevailing easterly winds and periods of high wind can make fishing difficult. During such times one solution is to fish the lagoon system which runs north and south and offers miles of flats protected from the easterly wind by the barrier beach and vast mangrove system. 

DOUG SCHLINK OF ANGLER ADVENTURES
WITH A NICE PESCA MAYA BONEFISH.

Bonefish are plentiful and will average 1 - 3 pounds in the lagoon system and 2 - 5 pounds in the bay. Both areas are considered among the best in the Caribbean to catch permit which usually run from 8-15 pounds in the lagoon, but have been taken up to 40 pounds in the bay. Barracuda, jacks, snook, tarpon, ladyfish and cubera snapper are landed throughout the season. This fishery has produced more "Grand Slams" (bonefish, permit, tarpon in a single day) than any other fishery in the world.

Flats fishing is from locally built skiffs and pangas ranging in size from 18-23 feet, powered by 40 hp outboards. Pesca Maya boats carry 2 anglers, one guide and one apprentice guide. There are an abundance of good wading flats for bonefish and frequently permit are taken by the wading fisherman. Tarpon and snook are sometimes found on the flats, but are usually seen in slightly deeper coves and channels, especially those bordered by mangroves.

Fishing from the beach at Pesca Maya can also be productive. The guides will point you in the right direction. Beach fishing can be done on your own before or after the guided fishing day.

Available species from the beach include: bonefish, barracuda, jacks and mackerel. For jacks and mackerel try poppers or sinking lines.

Lodging: Pesca Maya accommodates a maximum of 16 guests in 8 double rooms in small but comfortable beach front cabañas. The cabañas are constructed with traditional Mayan palm-thatched "palapa" roofs, affording a high ceiling. Screened and louvered windows front and back create sufficient cross ventilation. Electrical service is provided two diesel generators. Each twin bedded room has a large tiled bathroom with walk-in, lighted shower and ample hot water. Four cabañas have screened porches complete with native hammock overlooking the beautiful white sand beach. Meals are graciously served in the main dining lodge, a large round palapa structure with a bar overlooking the beach. The main lodge features a well stocked fly tying bench, rod rack area and a fresh water wash down.

Comments:This area has every "flats" fish species you could ask for. The numbers and variety of fish make Pesca Maya a popular destination for anyone looking for more than bonefishing. Several Pesca Maya guides speak relatively good English; others speak very little English. All are experienced and hard working. For non-fishermen, Pesca Maya has one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean right at your door step. Good snorkeling is also available a few hundred yards off shore, but is weather dependent.

Fishing Calendar at Pesca Maya

JANUARY - MARCH: Bonefishing and permit fishing is excellent. Some tarpon and snook may be taken. Bottom fishing good on the reef, weather permitting.

APRIL - JUNE: Bonefishing and permit fishing remain excellent. More numbers of tarpon are seen on the flats and coves. April is the peak month for migratory pelagics (sails, white marlin, dorado) just off the barrier reef.

JULY - SEPTEMBER: These are rainy months but winds are usually light, which facilitates seeing and casting to bonefish and permit. Tarpon fishing continues to improve.

OCTOBER - DECEMBER: Excellent for all flat species. The rainy season diminishes through October, and November and December are dry months. An excellent time for "Grand Slams".

How to Get There From the U.S.: You'll need to fly to Cancun, Mexico and plan on arriving between noon & 3:00 pm Cancun time. Cancun is serviced by numerous domestic carriers including American, Continental and US Air, and non-stop flights are available from Miami, Dallas, Houston, Newark and several other U.S. cities (air services are subject to change). Angler Adventures will be happy to suggest and book your flight itinerary.

Customs & Immigrations: Upon arrival in Cancun, you'll first clear Mexican Immigrations where you'll present your documentation of citizenship and have your Tourist Card (which is provided by your international carrier) stamped. You must then fill out a Mexican Customs Declaration Form (available at counters in the terminal) which you'll need to present before departing the terminal. Next, you will claim your luggage and clear Mexican Customs. As you leave Customs, proceed to the arrival lobby.

Transfer to Lodge: As you exit the Customs area to the arrival lobby, you will be met by a representative of Pesca Maya who will provide your transfer to the lodge. The drive to the lodge takes about 3 hours. Due to the duration of the transfer, Pesca Maya usually schedules one transfer vehicle per day. If you are arriving early, you may have to wait for other guests to arrive before making the transfer. There is a restaurant in the airport should you need to wait. If there are no other later arrivals that day, you will depart Cancun immediately. Guests arriving in Cancun after 3:00 pm, may be charged a special transfer surcharge if the normally scheduled Pesca Maya transfer has already departed for the lodge. If there are no other earlier arrivals on your arrival day, Pesca Maya will try to schedule the transfer to accommodate your late arrival time. The current special transfer surcharge is $200 per vehicle trip, divided by the number of late arriving guests (subject to change).

Upon arrival at the lodge, you'll be greeted by resident manager who will assist with luggage and show you to your cabana. You'll have time to unpack, settle in, take a swim or even fish from the beach before dinner at 7:00 pm.

Daily Schedule: If you request it the night before, coffee will be delivered to your door with a wake up call at a time of your specification. If not, coffee is ready in the dining area at 6:00 am. Breakfast is ready at 7:00 am (earlier if requested). The normal fishing day runs from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Each morning your guide will stock your cooler with lunch and a selection of complimentary soda, beer and bottled water. If you would like more or less of either, please tell the manager the evening before.

The walk to the Pesca Maya boat dock is approximately 500 yards. If you need assistance carrying your gear to the boat please advise the manager and he'll recruit a staff member to assist you.

Fly Tying: Pesca Maya has a fly tying table set up and guests are encouraged to try to improve on known patterns. A limited supply of fly tying materials is supplied by the lodge or bring your own.

Rain Gear: Windy days can cause rough weather and boat spray. Rain can also occur at any time. We recommend you bring a set of rain gear (jacket and pants) to carry with you in the boat each day. Note: many outdoor stores do not recommend Gore Tex for use around salt water. We recommend you carry any additional clothing, cameras, etc. in a waterproof bag aboard the boat.

Care of Tackle: We recommend the use of neoprene reel mitts to protect your reels whenever the boat is underway. Wipe sun creams off your hands before handling rods, leader materials, flies and lures. Creams act as lubricants and can cause slippage and possible rod loss. Also, they are frequently scented and both bones and permit have highly developed senses of smell and will refuse lures tainted with unnatural odors. Pesca Maya has a fresh water wash down area for rods, adjacent to the dining room. It's a good idea to thoroughly rinse rods, reels, flies and lures in fresh water after they have been exposed to salt water. Carry a small can of WD-40 for cleaning off corrosion where it accumulates.

Electrical: Pesca Maya operates on generated power, which provides lights and power for kitchen and other camp appliances. General 110 volt service is not available in the cabanas so you won't be able to use personal electrical appliances (hair dryers, electric razors, etc.) If you need to recharge a battery pack for a camcorder, please speak to the manager about doing this in the main palapa.

Laundry: If you would like to have laundry done, just leave it in an obvious place in your room in the morning and it will be ready for you in the afternoon. Laundry service is $5 for each load of laundry done.

Water: All drinking water and water for ice is purified using the reverse osmosis method. You will find drinking water in your room in a vacuum bottle, which is filled daily. The water from the tap is from a natural well or "cenote". The locals drink it, but we recommend that you do not drink it.

Departure Tax: You will have to pay the Mexican Airport Departure Tax (currently $12, subject to change) upon check in for your return flight.

Fishing License: Anglers will be required to purchase a fishing license to fish Ascension Bay. The cost is $23 per week. Licenses are available at the lodge. Proceeds will be used to further protect the Bay and entire biosphere.

2010 Season Rates & Information
January 1 - December 31, 2010
(Rates are subject to change)

.The above rates include: round-trip ground transfer from Cancun Airport to Pesca Maya; lodging in beach front cabana with private bath and air conditioning; three meals a day; flats skiff with native guide daily; use of lodge's tackle (offshore trips only); use of lodge's fly tying facility and materials;  beverages, table wine, beer, liquor.

The above rates do not include: air travel to Cancun; baggage overweight charges; airport departure tax; laundry bills and other items of a personal nature (NOTE: cellular phone service is available at camp for emergency use. Long distance and cellular charges will be added to your final bill); tackle; fishing license (118 pesos per person per day / 256 pesos per person per week, paid in cash at the lodge); gratuities for guides (suggested $40 per boat per day) and kitchen/housekeeping staff (suggested $20 per person per day); special transfer costs necessitated by late arriving, early departing or missed flights ($200 per vehicle trip); optional trips to fresh water lagoon and Mayan Ruins (arranged in advance with resident manager).

Off Season Rates: For reservations from November 1 - December 17 and January 5 - January 31, deduct 10% from the high season rates shown above. For reservations from June 15 - October 31, deduct 20% from the high season rates shown above.

Rods, Reels and Tackle: Pesca Maya has no tackle for rent (the lodge provides offshore tackle only). Therefore, we recommend that you bring your own tackle suitable for bonefish, permit, tarpon and snook, the most prominent flats species at Pesca Maya. A limited inventory of fly patterns are available for purchase at the camp.

Gratuities: While gratuities are at the discretion of the customer, we are often asked to suggest a guideline. At Pesca Maya, a guideline would be about $40 per boat per day, given to the guide who will take care of his assistant, and about $20 per person per day for the kitchen and housekeeping staff. Guide tips are best given directly to your guide and staff tips to the resident manager for distribution. Please plan to pay cash for gratuities.

Bringing Your Own Liquor: National (Mexican) liquors, beer and wine is included in your rate. If you have a particular brand preference, please let us know well in advance of your trip and Pesca Maya will try to stock this prior to your arrival.

Payment Policies

Deposit & Final Payment: A non-refundable deposit of 50% or $600 per person (whichever is greater), payable by check to Angler Adventures, is necessary to secure a reservation. Final payment is due 60 days prior to your trip. After receiving your deposit we will send you a complete list of tackle and equipment to bring.

Cancellation & Refund Policy: Deposits and final payments are non-refundable unless a replacement is furnished. Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended.

Trip Insurance: Because of the non-refundable nature of the deposit and final payment, we recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. We offer Trip Cancellation Insurance through the Travelex Insurance Services. This insurance provides protection for trip cancellation, accident and sickness medical, accidental death, medical evacuation and baggage insurance for up to the covered limit should you be forced to cancel a trip for medical or other emergency reasons as described in the policy. 

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