Tag: Mexico fishing

The Ascension Bay Fishery

As a fishery, Ascension Bay is a proven commodity, long considered one of the best locations in the world to accomplish the coveted “Grand Slam”; that landing a tarpon, a bonefish and a permit in one day. And the snook fishing can be excellent if you aspire to a “Super Grand Slam”. Grand Slam Fly Fishing Lodge was fortunate to recruit one of the most experienced and eminently qualified persons to manage the lodge and the fishing program. Bobby Settles spent the past 23 years on Ascension Bay as owner/manager and fishing director of Casa Blanca Lodge, located on the south side of the Bay as well as Playa Blanca Lodge. Bobby not only brings to the table his vast knowledge of Ascension Bay and how best to catch these fish on a fly, he’s brought with him a stable of loyal veteran guides, some of whom have guided the bay for over 20 years themselves. Under Bobby’s direction, the Grand Slam fishing program is as good as it gets.

Amazing Accommodtions at Grand Slam Lodge

Accommodations at Grand Slam Lodge are in six, two-story beachfront villas, each with two separate rooms featuring contemporary interiors. The ground floor rooms each have two king-sized beds, an ocean-view Jacuzzi, and a wrap-around deck with lounge chairs and a hammock. The second level bedrooms have one king-sized bed, a living area, an ocean-view Jacuzzi and a balcony with a hammock.

Each of the rooms has air conditioning, 24-hour electricity and hot water. Truly a boutique resort hotel, no expense was spared at Grand Slam with fixtures and amenities like with king-sized beds, a flat screen television with satellite service and DVD player, an iPod docking station for music and a stocked mini bar in each room. Each private bath is furnished with double Italian marble sinks.

The heart of the resort is the spectacular main lodge “palapa” housing the bar and the spectacular Kai Restaurant where gourmet meals prepared from the freshest local ingredients are served in air-conditioned comfort inside, or “al fresco” on the covered restaurant deck overlooking the Caribbean.

Situated on a spectacular stretch of white sand beach, the resort caters to hard core anglers, those who are new to the game, as well non-fishing guests. Non fishing guests will enjoy the ocean view pool as well as the gorgeous manicured, palm studded white sand beach with cabañas and “beach beds”. A “beach & pool butler” is ever present to take your orders refreshments, snacks or lunch. Other activities include snorkeling or scuba diving, guided kayak tours, kite surfing, bird watching and other various eco- and Mayan ruin tours may be arranged. Grand Slam is the perfect destination for anglers traveling with a non-fishing spouse.

Grand Slam Ascension Bay Lodge 2025 – 2026 Rates

HIGH SEASON (OCTOBER 2025 → End of June 2026)

Length of Stay	Double Occupancy	Single Occupancy
7 Nights Stay with 6 Days Fishing	$6,360	Please call or email us (see below)
6 Nights Stay with 5 Days Fishing	$5,475	↑
5 Nights Stay with 4 Days Fishing	$4,590	↑
4 Nights Stay with 3 Days Fishing	$3,705	↑
3 Nights Stay with 2 Days Fishing	$2,820	↑

Low Season (July 2026 → End of September 2026)

Length of Stay	Double Occupancy	Single Occupancy
7 Nights Stay with 6 Days Fishing	$5,520	Please call or email us (see below)
6 Nights Stay with 5 Days Fishing	$4,755	↑
5 Nights Stay with 4 Days Fishing	$3,990	↑
4 Nights Stay with 3 Days Fishing	$3,225	↑
3 Nights Stay with 2 Days Fishing	$2,460	↑

Rates are per person and subject to change | Single Accomodation rates are available – contact Angler Adventures

Booking at Grand Slam is easy.

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Angler Adventures & Grand Slam Fly Fishing Lodge create custom packages to fit individual anglers or groups needs. Give us a call and we’ll help you customize a package and quote you a customized package rate. The standard fishing package rates are quite competitive given the upscale nature of this property.

Included: Transfers to/from the airport; Fishing boat for 2 and personal fishing guide daily, except arrival and departure days; Air-conditioned beachfront villa with king-sized beds; Three meals a day with non-alcoholic beverages; Swimming pool; Beach and pool butler service; Satellite television; iPod docking station for music and alarm clock; Customized pre-arrival service; In-room safe; 24-hour security guard; Daily housekeeping service; Excursion concierge service; Card table and dominoes table; Dart board; Snorkeling equipment; Library of books and DVDs; Coffee and coffee maker in each bedroom; Two bottles of water per bedroom per day; Fishing license; Fishing magazines in the villas; Bali beach beds; Board games and sports balls

Not Included: Airfare; Alcoholic beverages and bar orders; Soft drinks, bottled water and beer in bedroom mini bar; International wine selection from our wine cellar; Taxes; Private fishing boat; Offshore sports fishing; Night fishing trip; Other special fishing options; Tip for your fishing guide; Items for sale or rent in the GrandSlam shop; Internet access in the lobby; Computer in the lobby; Satellite phone service; Regional excursions; Shuttle to golf courses; Scuba diving; Kite surfing; Laundry service; Tips for lodge staff; Personal trainer; Car rental.

Items listed for Included/Not Included may have changed. Contact us for the most up-to-date info!

Casa Blanca Lodge

Updated on

October 17, 2025

Doug Schlink of Angler Adventures participated in the record-setting week at Casa Blanca, November 6th – 13th, 2004, when 18 anglers landed 56 permit on the fly and racked up 10 Grand Slams. Click here to read more about the record-breaking week for permit and Grand Slams at Casa Blanca & Playa Blanca. Dr. Ralph’s Cifaldi’s magic Permit crab fly, “the Gyno Crab” accounted for 17 of the 35 permit! Please click here for more information and tying instructions on the Gyno Crab.

bonefish, permit, tarpon, cuba snapper, jacks, snook + baracuda

Favorable weather conditions year-round

A varied fishing paradise with expansive flats

Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Mexico fly fishing!

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In and around Casa Blanca Fishing Lodge, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Lizard chilling on rock, looking around, contemplating taking up angling.

Casa Blanca Lodge is located in the heart of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This beachfront lodge is situated on the southern lip of one of the world’s greatest flats fisheries, Bahia de L’Ascencion, better known as Ascension Bay.

Ascension Bay comprises a large portion of the massive 1.3 million acre Sian Ka’an Biosphere Preserve. The Biosphere is wild and virtually uninhabited except for the tiny fishing villages at Punta Allen and Punta Herrera on Bahia Espiritu Santo. The Sian Ka’an is home to over 100 species of mammals and over 330 species of birds and is managed to minimize human impact.

Protected by the world’s second longest barrier reef, Ascension Bay offers miles of shallow bays, secluded mangrove-rimmed lagoons, white sand beaches fronting dense coastal jungle and countless miles of flats. Ascension Bay provides ideal habitat for the world’s top saltwater gamefish including bonefish, permit and tarpon. An angler landing all three of these species in a single day has just accomplished the coveted “Grand Slam”! Ascension Bay likely produces more Grand Slams and Super Grand Slams (add the snook as the 4th species) than any other fishery in the world.

Fishing can take place anywhere for 3 minutes to 60 minutes from the Casa Blanca marina. In fact, many bonefish are caught on the flat where the boats are moored. And tarpon, permit, snook, cubera snapper, jack crevalle and a host of others have been landed from the beach or the pier at Casa Blanca. Guests typically leave the dock around 7:30 am, two anglers per boat/guide in a Dolphin Super Skiff flats boat, spending an 8-hour day on the water. Bonefishing is both from the poled skiff or by wading as Ascension Bay has miles of firm bottomed, wading flats. The Bay is blessed with a huge number of resident bones, and while smaller on average than their Bahamian brethren, the average size has increased over the years, thanks greatly to commercial fishing restrictions within the Biosphere.

Permit are also available year round. They are sometimes caught while wading, but they typically prefer slightly deeper flats so the skiff fishing is usually

more effective. Ascension Bay’s permit average around 12 – 14 pounds, but trophies to 30, 40 and even 50 pounds have been taken. For some unknown reason, Ascension Bay fish seem to take the fly much better than permit in others areas. The Casa Blanca guides are particularly adept at both finding permit but also coaching in the techniques needed to hook this challenging quarry.

Ascension Bay is without question one of the world’s top permit fisheries and our top recommendation for flyrodders in quest of the elusive permit.

Tarpon are more seasonal. The big migratory fish arrive in late March or early April and populate the bay through November. From December through March, tarpon on the flats should be viewed as a bonus species. However, resident juvenile tarpon are found year round in a few areas such as Los Rios and other brackish water spots near the back of the bay. Casa Blanca also offers trips to their secret tarpon lagoon where resident fish from 10 – 50+ pounds are available year round. This special fishery is strictly limited to 3 boats per week to minimize any negative impact from over-fishing. Tarpon lagoon days must be requested at the time you make your reservation and are allotted on a irst-come-first-serve basis.

Snook are also year round residents of the bay, mostly in the backwater, brackish areas. While abundant (and big on average), snook can prove to be the most tricky to catch. They typically hold tight to cover (usually mangroves) requiring accurate casting into tight pockets. Unlike a tarpon, a hooked snook almost always runs for cover. It takes some skill and a stout leader to horse them out quickly so they don’t break or cut you off on a mangrove. On occasions, snook can be seen out cruising open flats, frequently mixed in with “the other three” species.

Other species found in the bay include barracuda, sharks, jack crevalle, mutton and cubera snappers, ladyfish, tripletail and many other reef species.

Commensurate with this world class fishery, Casa Blanca is truly one of the top saltwater fishing lodges in the world. Situated on the northern tip of a private island known as Punta Pajaros (Parrot Point), the lodge provides comfortable accommodations in spacious air-conditioned rooms, each with private bath. The main “Palapa” is a traditional Maya thatched-roof open air common area overlooking the beautiful white sand beach and the emerald and blue hues of the Caribbean. This is where most fishermen will land after a day out on the water to enjoy a cocktail and share tales of the day’s fishing before dinner. Adjacent to this is the dining room/bar/kitchen area where libations are poured and gourmet meals are prepared by their talented chef and served by an attentive wait-staff.

The guides at Casa Blanca are among the most experienced and dedicated that you’ll find anywhere. Many of the guides have fished the bay for 20 years or more. They all speak sufficient English for the task, but more importantly they know the bay, the tides, and its sub-aqueous inhabitants intimately. And they love to get their anglers into fish and work hard to make it happen.

Casa Blanca Fishing Lodge 2026 Rates

HIGH SEASON (February – June)

Package Details	Double Occupancy	Single Occupancy
7 Nights/6 Days (Saturday→Saturday)	$7,192	$9,610
↑ (1 non-fishing)	$5,778	Call
5 Nights/4 Days	$6,074	$8,164
↑ (1 non-fishing)	$5,468	Call

Low Season (July – January)

Package Details	Double Occupancy	Single Occupancy
7 Nights/6 Days (Saturday→Saturday)	$6,787	$9,182
↑ (1 non-fishing)	$5,336	Call
5 Nights/4 Days	$5,701	$7,285
↑ (1 non-fishing)	$4,774	Call

Rates are per person in USD$ and subject to change. Contact us for seasonal promos.

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Rates Include: Deluxe Seaside Accommodations at Casa Blanca; all meals; non-bottled beverages; use of boats; guide service; refreshments on-board boats; round-trip air charter between Casa Blanca and Cancun (Saturdays only); snorkeling; wind surfing; sea kayaking; bicycling; natural history excursions; birding; unlimited use of recreational equipment.

Not Included: All scheduled commercial air transportation as required by itinerary from point of origin through return; alcoholic beverages; baggage overweight charges; surcharge if less than 3 passengers on charter aircraft; use of phone; laundry service; guide and staff gratuities.

Partial Week Itineraries: Itineraries for partial week packages should begin or end on a Saturday. In general, the lodge will not accept reservations, which span a Saturday, since this would eliminate the possibility of booking two full week packages. We can occasionally make an exception if space is available. Additional air charter charges will apply for groups of less than 4 or for which extra flights are required. See Air Charter Surcharges.

Air Charter Surcharges: The cost of the air charter from Cancun to the lodge is included in the rates listed, but these rates apply only to flights on Saturday. For itineraries requiring travel on days other than Saturday, there will be a surcharge based on the number of passengers on the flight. These surcharges will apply to all early/late arrivals or departures and to all Partial Week Itineraries. This includes extra charters required because of late arriving airline flights.

The following rates are one way/per person charges for extra charters required because of late arriving, canceled, or delayed airline flights; or other delays out of the direct control of Casa Blanca: 1 passenger: $1,818; 2 passengers: $909 per person; 3 passengers: $606 per person; 4 passengers: $454 per person. These rates apply to all early or late departures on regular weekly packages. These amounts are to be added to all Partial Week Itineraries.

Reservations and Deposit: To confirm reservations, a 50% deposit is required within ten days of booking. The balance is due 95 days prior to scheduled arrival at the lodge.

Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Mexico fly fishing!

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Playa Blanca Lodge

Updated on

October 14, 2025

For anglers seeking the ultimate in seclusion and a world-class flats fishery, it’s hard to top Playa Blanca on Espiritu Santo Bay.

Playa Blanca is actually Casa Blanca’s “sister lodge” and is also within the massive Sian Ka’an Biosphere. Guests take the 120 mile charter flight to the Isla Punta Pajaros airstrip at Casa Blanca, and are then transferred by vehicle another 10 miles south on the island. These 10 miles of jungle and secluded white sand beaches are what separates Playa Blanca guests from their nearest neighbor, Casa Blanca Lodge. The nearest settlement is the tiny fishing village of Punta Hererra, some 20 + miles away on the southern lip of Espiritu Santo.

bonefish, permit, tarpon, cuba snapper, jacks, snook + baracuda

Favorable weather conditions year-round

A varied fishing paradise with expansive flats

Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Mexico fly fishing!

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Playa Blanca was originally built as an “Adventure Resort” for clients looking for a high level of seclusion and personal service in pristine natural surroundings. The beautiful beachfront property provided upscale accommodations, gourmet dining and such activities as snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, nearby Mayan ruins, and…oh by the way, if any one wants to go fishing… that can be arranged! However, word of the world-class fishery soon spread and the demand for the fishing far exceeded demand for the adventure resort. Playa Blanca has operated primarily as a fishing lodge for many years now, but retained all the other activities making this an ideal destination for anglers with non-fishing partners.

The fishing on Espiritu Santo is quite similar to Ascension Bay, but it is even more remote and less pressured. On rare occasions you might see a flats skiff out of Punta El Placir far to the south. However, it’s more common for Playa Blanca boats to go for weeks without seeing any other boats. For all intents and purposes, playa Blanca has exclusive use of literally hundreds of square kilometers of the Bay. The Playa Blanca guides were the first to explore and learn this still near-virgin fishery.

Espiritu Santo is rivaled only by Ascension Bay in its abundance and diversity of species. Bonefish are plentiful, and perhaps a bit larger in average size (particularly in Laguna Santa Rosa). Tarpon are found year round, although the bigger, migratory fish to 100 + pounds are most prevalent from April through November. Snook to trophy size (over 20 pounds) are found in the bay. And the permit fishery ranks on par with Ascension Bay – in other words, it’s one of the top permit fisheries in the world.

An added bonus to the miles of flats on the Bay proper, Playa Blanca has exclusive use of the renowned Laguna Santa Rosa. Santa Rosa features a reliable, year round fishery for juvonile tarpon, but also produces some of the largest bonefish found in Central America. Bones up to 33 inches (approximately 12 pounds) have been taken.

Playa Blanca also shares access to “the Tarpon Lagoon”. This is a special resource and to prevent too much fishing pressure from ruining it, access is strictly limited to a maximum of 3 boats (6 anglers) per week. And access may be further restricted at the fishing manager’s discretion if deemed necessary. The Tarpon Lagoon days are NOT GUARANTEED. Requests for a Tarpon Lagoon day must be made when you make your reservation. There is no extra charge and these are allotted on a first come basis.

Accommodations

Playa Blanca accommodates up to 14 anglers in 7 spacious guest rooms in cabanas situated on a sand dune bluff overlooking a palm studded white sand beach and the aquamarine hues of the Caribbean. The rooms are tastefully decorated in white with bright Caribbean accents and each have private verandas with hammocks, large baths, queen size beds, sitting area with couch and ceiling fans. Daily maid service is provided and laundry service is available for a nominal fee. Each room is unique in design and decor and may be reserved by room number.

The Playa Blanca dining room is located in the main lodge building and serves three meals a day (anglers usually take a cooler lunch in the boat) with light snacks available at your leisure. The menu features fresh seafood and a variety of expertly prepared regional specialties. A choice of two entrees is offered at each meal. Meals are served indoors or on the covered veranda per guest request. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

The bar is located in the restaurant and offers a changing atmosphere throughout the day. The bar offers indoor and outdoor services as well as covered seating on top of the building…a perfect spot to sip a tropical drink and watch the waves on the beach.

Recreation

Besides fishing, recreation at Playa Blanca revolves around its extraordinary beaches and beautiful Caribbean waters. Non-fishing guests may choose from Guided Snorkeling, Sailing, Sea Kayaking, Wind Surfing, Mayan Ruins Tour (the Chac Mool ruin site is a short walk from the lodge), or Bicycling. The spectacular and totally secluded white sand beach extends for miles in both directions and is protected by the Palencar Barrier Reef, providing great “beach combing” and ideal waters for swimming. And if all this tires you out, stretch out in your hammock on your private veranda or let the gently breezes and the sounds of the ocean lull you off into a Yucatan style siesta!

Accommodations Distribution

Deluxe Single Cabana – 1, Located on the dunes overlooking the beach and ocean, private veranda, 2 double beds, large bath, couch, indoor and outdoor seating.
Deluxe Duplex Cabanas – 2, Located on the dunes overlooking the beach and ocean, private veranda, 2 double beds or kings, large bath, couch, indoor and outdoor seating.
Deluxe Rooms – 2, Beach and ocean view, private veranda, 2 king size beds, outdoors seating; air-conditioning.

Transportation

The air charter from Cancun to the island takes 45 minutes. Then after a 5-minute boat ride across the bay, and another 30-minute drive in a vehicle (approximately 10 miles) south, you will arrive at Playa Blanca.

Playa Blanca Fishing Lodge 2025 Rates

HIGH SEASON (February – June)

Package Details	Double Occupancy	Single Occupancy
7 Nights/6 Days (Saturday→Saturday)	$7,192	$9,610
↑ (1 non-fishing)	$5,778	Call
5 Nights/4 Days	$6,074	$8,164
↑ (1 non-fishing)	$5,468	Call

Low Season (July – January)

Package Details	Double Occupancy	Single Occupancy
7 Nights/6 Days (Saturday→Saturday)	$6,787	$9,182
↑ (1 non-fishing)	$5,336	Call
5 Nights/4 Days	$5,701	$7,285
↑ (1 non-fishing)	$4,774	Call

(Rates are per person and subject to change)

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All prices include round trip air charter from Cancun to the island. Deluxe seaside accommodations, all meals, snorkeling, wind surfing, sea kayaking, bicycling, natural history excursions, birding, unlimited use of all recreational equipment, non-bottled beverages. Fishing rates include guide & boat beverages. It does not include alcoholic beverages, use of phone, laundry, guide service and staff gratuities.

Partial Week Itineraries

Itineraries for partial week packages should begin or end on a Saturday. The lodge will not accept reservations which span a Saturday since this would eliminate the possibility of booking two full week packages. Additional air charter charges will apply for groups for which extra flights are required. See Air Charter Surcharges.

Air Charter Surcharges for all Late Arrival, Early Departure & Partial Week Itineraries
The cost of the air charter from Cancun to the island is included in the rates on the price list, but these rates apply only to Saturday. For itineraries requiring travel on days other than Saturday, there will be a surcharge based on the number of passengers on the flight. These surcharges will apply to all late arrivals, canceled or delayed airline flights, early departures from the lodge and to all partial week itineraries.

1 Passenger = $1,248; 2 Passengers = $624 per person; 3 Passengers = $416 per person; 4 Passengers = $312 per person

Gratuity

Recommended tip for a fishing guide is minimum $50 – $100 per day per boat. House / Staff tip is $20 – $30 per night per guest or $120 – $200 for the week per guest.

Mayazul Fly Fishing Lodge

Updated on

August 28, 2025

Mayazul Lodge is the newest boutique option on Ascension Bay, designed for anglers who want serious shots at permit without giving up style and comfort. With only 4 beachfront rooms, the lodge is intimate, personal, and focused. Each boat fishes with two guides — a senior guide plus an assistant — giving anglers more eyes on the flats, more instruction, and more chances at fish.

Whether you’re chasing a first permit or adding to a grand slam, Mayazul puts you minutes from the action with modern comforts waiting at the end of the day.

Permit year-round, tarpon Apr–Oct, snook Nov–Mar, bonefish always present

Located just south of Punta Allen on Ascension Bay

2026 UPDATE: Skip Cancun! Fly directly to Tulum

Air-conditioned rooms, en-suite baths, two queen beds per room

Open bar & à la carte dining

Wi-Fi and daily laundry service

Favorable weather conditions year-round

Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about fly fishing from Mayazul Lodge in Ascension Bay, Mexico!

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The Place

Perched on a quiet stretch of beach, Mayazul is tucked into the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, 5 minutes south of Punta Allen. The lodge offers sweeping views of Ascension Bay, easy access to the flats, and a small, personalized staff. After a day on the water, enjoy cocktails at the open bar and fresh meals built around local ingredients.

The Fishing on Ascension Bay

Ascension Bay is legendary for its diversity, and Mayazul maximizes it. The lodge specializes in permit fishing with two-guide teams, but anglers also find bonefish year-round and seasonal tarpon and snook in the lagoons. Fishing is primarily from 23’ pangas, with opportunities to wade select flats.

Tarpon: April–October
Permit: Year-round
Bonefish: Consistent year-round
Snook: November–March

Accommodations

4 double-occupancy rooms, each with two queen beds
En-suite bathrooms, daily maid service, nightly turndown
Air conditioning & Wi-Fi
Main lodge with dining, lounge, and open bar
Daily laundry service included

Mayazul Lodge is small by design – intimate, eclectic, and elegant – set just steps from the Caribbean so close you’ll fall asleep to the sound of rustling palms and waves. Away from the bustle of Punta Allen but near enough for convenience, the lodge feels like a serene oasis and a stylish retreat after long days on the flats.

The main lodge, built from stained hardwoods, is filled with cozy lounging areas, comfortable sofas, and thoughtful touches. Guests gather around the quaint bar and fly-tying area, or relax on shaded porches overlooking the sea. At night, the oceanside firepit is a favorite spot for swapping stories under the stars.

Accommodations include four en-suite double rooms, each with two queen beds, air conditioning, and daily housekeeping. Amenities include Wi-Fi, nightly turndown service, and daily laundry. Meals are served in the main lodge with a rotating à la carte menu focused on fresh, local ingredients, paired with an open bar of beer, wine, and spirits.

Mayazul Fishing Lodge 2026 Rates

February – October

Package	Shared Room + Boat	Shared Room + Single Boat	Single Room + Boat
7 Nights / 6 Days	$6,550	$8,100	$9,650
6 Nights / 5 Days	$5,950	$7,350	$8,550
5 Nights / 4 Days	$5,650	$6,700	$7,650

(Rates are per person in USD and subject to change)

Take the guess-work out.

Tap a button below to start the conversation. Our services are free.

Included: lodging, all meals, open bar, guided fishing with two guides per boat, airport meet & greet, fishing license, VAT.
Not included: tips to guides and staff, air travel, transfers to/from lodge, tackle, items of personal nature.

Transfers (2025–26): Group ground + panga transfers from Cancún or Tulum, price per group based on number of passengers (approx. $700–$1,200 round trip).

August 27, 2025

Belize

Updated on

March 6, 2025

Belize is a unique fly fishing destination offering excellent fishing for bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook year-round; one of the few destinations to consistently produce “Grand Slams” (catching a bonefish, permit and a tarpon on a fly in the same day). One major feature that contributes to the consistency, variety, and quality of the fishing is the Barrier Reef (second largest barrier reef in the world) off the coast of Belize that extends almost 180 miles North – South and protects Belize’s entire shoreline.

year-round: bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook

Favorable weather conditions year-round

Professional guides and deluxe accomodations

Ecotourism and activities for families and non-anglers

Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Belize fly fishing!

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Central Belize Fishing Lodges

Thirty miles off the mainland of Belize, on the outside of the Barrier Reef, is the magnificent Turneffe Island (Atoll). The Turneffe Atoll has both interior and ocean-side flats, mangrove lined lagoons and a number of channels that support a uniquely diverse fishery. Angler’s can expect to see Permit and large numbers of smaller bonefish on the ocean-side flats with the interior flats, lagoons, and creeks offering the best shots at Tarpon or larger bonefish (8 lbs+). The two fine lodges operating there that we recommend are, Turneffe Flats and Turneffe Island Resort(formally Turneffe Island Lodge).

On the mainland of Belize, we recommend the long established Belize River Lodge, which sites on the western bank of the Belize River. Central Belize, where Belize River Lodge is located, is a year round fishery offering a variety of fishing opportunities for Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish or Snook. Belize River Lodge guests can fish any number of productive flats, channels, rivers, creeks and lagoons in a single trip. In addition to the lodge based fishing program, Belize River Lodge also offers “mother ship” fishing trips, which take anglers along the coast of Belize, allowing access to some of the more remote fishing grounds in Belize.

Northern Belize Fishing Lodges

Northern Belize is best known for it’s year-round population of tarpon and in the Ambergris Caye area, you’ll find the best conditions for stalking tarpon on clear, shallow flats. When conditions are right, you might see hundreds of tarpon and jump several in a day. Bonefish and good numbers of permit are also in residence, making northern Belize a notable destination for a “Grand Slam”.

In northern Belize, we recommend the beachfront El Pescador Fishing Lodge, and their upgraded accommodations at El Pescador Villas on Ambergris Caye. El Pescador has been hosting anglers who want to experience Belize fishing since 1974. The current owners, Steve and Chris Spiro and daughter Ali, have made significant upgrades to the property and continued to offer exceptional hospitality since they purchased El Pescador in 1997. Ambergris Caye is a unique fishery with resident Tarpon (10 – 100 lbs) on the flats 12-months out of the year, complimented with summer Tarpon migration. There are also excellent numbers of 2 – 4 pound bonefish and good numbers of small permit, occasionally reaching 15 lbs.

Southern Belize Fishing Lodges

The best Permit grounds south of Mexico are found in southern Belize. The Permit fishing is so good in southern Belize that it has been dubbed “Permit Alley” and is where Permit addicts come to get their fix, since Permit guru Charlie Leslie set up a remote, fish camp style lodge on Tarpum Caye, 15 miles off the coast of Belize. Tarpon Caye Lodge is best know for the excellent Permit fishing on the flats of southern Belize, however Tarpon Caye is also a true “Grand Slam” hotspot. Tarpon roll within view of the bedrooms and bonefish are available in good numbers.

At “Charlie Leslie’s” Tarpon Cay Lodge, the guides set the fishing day around the tide and not the clock, to ensure that anglers don’t miss fishing the best tide while they are eating dinner. The Permit flats are only minutes from Tarpon Caye Lodge by boat, where you’ll see tons of permit, however, catching them is up to you … and a rabbit’s foot, a four-leaf clover, or whatever works for you.

Our southern most lodge in Belize is located 5-miles north of Punta Gorda, the brand new Belcampo Resort (formerly El Pescador Punta Gorda / Machaca Hill Resort) is an incredible facility with incredible views of the Laughing Falcon Reserve, the Rio Grande River, and the Gulf of Honduras in the distance from the hilltop lodge.

Which Belize fishing destination is right for me?

Let us help you find the perfect destination and travel package. Our services are free. We save you time and make all the arrangements!

January 29, 2024

Pesca Maya Fishing Lodge

Updated on

February 20, 2025

Pesca Maya Fishing Lodge is located 90 miles south of Cancun in the amazing 1.3 million acre Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve– Sian Ka’an is Mayan for “where the sky is born”. Situated on a long, narrow strip of barrier beach, the lodge is virtually surrounded by water. To the east lies the blue Caribbean and a few hundred yards off shore, the Palencar Barrier Reef, the second longest barrier reef in the world, stretching from southern Belize to north of Cancun. To the western side lies the vast “El Rio” system of flats, channels and mangrove. 10 miles to the north is the famed inlet through the barrier beach known locally as the “Boca”. And 4 miles to the south lies the incomparable Ascension Bay, offering some of the world’s greatest flats fishing for bonefish, permit, snook, tarpon and more.

bonefish, permit, tarpon, cuba snapper, jacks, snook + baracuda

Favorable weather conditions year-round

A varied fishing paradise with expansive flats

Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Mexico fly fishing!

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Fly Fishing at Pesca Maya

Ascension Bay

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 10 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 Maravilla, 25 minutes to Cayo Culebra; 40 minutes to Tres Marias; 30 minutes to Esperanza or the tip of Vigia Grande. Blessed with the protection afforded by the barrier reef, the bay is a unique ecosystem providing literally miles of flats and ideal habitat for bonefish, tarpon, permit and snook. Ascension Bay is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest permit fisheries. The average size permit is around 12 – 14 pounds but the Bay has produced monsters topping the 50-pound mark! And for some unknown reason, Ascension Bay permit seem to eat flies better than permit in other areas. For flyrodders in quest of landing this most coveted and challenging of species, we know of no other fishery that produces more fly caught permit than Ascension Bay.

While migratory tarpon up to 100 + pounds may be encountered on the flats anytime from April through November, resident juvenile tarpon are found near the back of the bay year round. Areas like Los Rios (The Rivers) bring fresh water into the bay providing an ideal brackish water environment tarpon favor.

The back of the bay is also where you’ll find the snook. Ascension Bay produces some exceptionally large snook, some topping 30 pounds! They are typically found tight to the mangroves presenting dual challenges of getting the fly to them, and then landing them! But on occasion, you’ll find them crossing the flat. Seeing a 20 + pound snook cruising across shallow open water is a thing of beauty!

The bay opens to the east and periods of strong easterly winds can make fishing difficult. One solution is to fish the El Rio 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.

Fishing El Rio Lagoon

Fishing the lagoon can begin at El Rio Lagoon, and fish are sometimes caught within poling distance of the Pesca Maya dock (one client caught a 20 pound permit within 100 feet of the dock!). Heading north the lagoon system are San Miguel Lagoon (20 minutes); the “Boca” and Boca Paila Lagoon (45 minutes); and the Campachen Lagoon (60 minutes). Bonefish and permit are found the entire length of the lagoon and there a few known hot spots for baby tarpon and snook.

Bonefish are plentiful at Pesca Maya and will average 1 – 3 pounds in the lagoon system and 2 – 5 pounds in the bay. In recent years, the average size of the bones seems to have increased, and fish in the 6 – 8 pound class may be encountered in the bay. There are an abundance of good wading flats for bonefish on Ascension Bay, and permit are often taken by the wading fisherman.

This fishery has produced more “Grand Slams” (bonefish, permit, tarpon in a single day) than any other fishery in the world, and the rare Super Grand Slam (the snook as the 4th) has been achieved a number of times. Other species you might encounter include barracuda, jacks, mutton snapper, ladyfish, triple tail and cubera snapper.

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Fishing from the Beach

Fishing from the beach at Pesca Maya can also be productive. 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.

Pesca Maya Boats

Pesca Maya runs a fleet of 23 foot, shallow draft “pangas” powered by 50 – 60 hp 4-stroke Yamaha outboards. All 8 boats were completely redone with new gel coat and paint in 2013. The boats are equipped poling platforms and casting decks with optional leaning posts, rod holders, comfortable bucket seats for the anglers, radio and safety equipment including life preservers and first aid kits. These pangas are exceptionally seaworthy and feature higher gunnels, which provide added protection from splash on windy days.

Pesca Maya boats carry 2 anglers, one guide and one “apprentice guide”. All of the guides speak English, (some better than others) and have years of experience. In fact the core of the guide staff have guided for the lodge since it opened in 1996. The apprentice’s are part of Pesca Maya’s innovative guide training program. Each must participate in the lodge’s “Guide School” (and pass) before spending several years as an apprentice guide. Those who excel ultimately are promoted to Guide. The apprentices are adept at basic guide skills including knot tying and spotting fish and can be a tremendous aid to the anglers, especially when wading.

Pesca Maya’s rental tackle inventory has also been beefed up with the addition of 8 new top of the line Sage Xi3 rods with Hatch reels spooled with new Rio Bonefish taper flylines. 10 new Shimano spinning rods and reels are also available for spinfishers.

Accomodations at Pesca Maya Fishing Lodge

Pesca Maya offers accommodations in a beautiful 4-bedroom house for up to 8 anglers at a time. The house is located a few steps from our white sand beach. Close enough where guests can enjoy the Caribbean breeze and the sound of the waves. The four double occupancy rooms are well appointed and very comfortable, each has air conditioning and a quality Starlink internet connection. Pesca Maya uses solar panels to provide the electricity.

The house has a comfortable dining room where Pesca Maya serves a variety of Mexican dishes for dinner. Breakfasts are also expertly prepared and served in the dinning room. A lunch buffet is set out each morning consisting of a selection of meats, spreads, breads, condiments, fruits and other snacks for anglers to build their own designer lunch. There is a comfortable sperate sitting area with a sea view where clients are often found enjoying a cold beer after a long day of fishing.

While first and foremost a fishing lodge, non-anglers will feel welcome at Pesca Maya. Besides miles of world-class beaches to comb, the lodge can arrange a number of ecotours or sightseeing excursions including a boat trip to the Mayan ruins at Tulum.

Fishing Calendar at Pesca Maya

Dates	What to Expect
JANUARY – MARCH	Bonefishing and permit fishing is excellent. Some tarpon and snook may be taken
APRIL – JUNE	Bonefishing and permit fishing remain excellent. The larger migratory tarpon arrive in early April and stay well into November.
JULY – SEPTEMBER	These are rainy months but winds are usually light, which facilitates seeing and casting to bonefish and permit. There’s a “Little Dry” season in August. Tarpon fishing continues to be very good.
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”. The migratory tarpon start to move out in late November.

Pesca Maya 2025 Season Rates & Information

Length of Stay	Price Per Person
7 night/6 day	$4,962
6 night/5 day	$4,690
5 night/4 day	$3,972
4 night/3 day	$3,164
3 night/2 day	$2,401
2 night/1 day	$1,638

(Rates are per person and subject to change) | Rates listed are still being confirmed as of Feb 11, 2025

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Included: round-trip ground & boat 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; Sian Ka’an entrance fee.

Not included: 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; gratuities for guides (suggested $50 – $58 per boat per day) and kitchen/housekeeping staff (suggested $20 per person per day); fishing license; special transfer costs necessitated by late arriving, early departing or missed flights ($250 per vehicle trip); optional trips to fresh water lagoon and Mayan Ruins (arranged in advance with resident manager).

Get a Grand Slam at Pesca Maya!

Mexico

Mexico

Yucatan Peninsula | Carribean: outstanding flats fishing for tarpon, permit, bonefish and snook

Baja Peninsula | Pacific Coast: amazing inshore and offshore fishing for everything from roosterfish to striped marlin

Updated on

February 13, 2025

Mexico offers great saltwater fishing on both coasts – The Yucatan Peninsula on the Carribean side and the Baja Peninsula on the Pacific Coast. The Yucatan has offers outstanding flats fishing for tarpon, permit, bonefish and snook, and the Baja offers great inshore and offshore fishing for everything from roosterfish to striped marlin.

The Yucatan boasts a number of top quality fishing lodges in fantastic and remote fisheries like Ascension Bay, one of the world’s great flats fisheries.

Go for tarpon, permit, bonefish, snook, roosterfish, striped marlin

Head to the lagoons and mangroves when wind picks up!

Wade-fishing, shore fishing, flats fishing, boat fishing in the shallows or the deep seas

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Get more info on exciting Bahamas fly fishing packages.

No travel agency knows the Mexico fishery better than Angler Adventures. Staff members Evan Peterson, Doug Schlink, and Liam Rosati have accumulated vast experience with the lodges and expansive flats in this beautiful country.

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