Fishing facts
Fish species
This destination is unique compared to other flats fishing loctaions in the Yucatan Peninsula. The Bonefish and Permit are larger than what are found in Ascenison Bay. There are also other species to fish for such as barracudas, trigger fish, sharks, amberjacks, mutton snappers and more.
Season
The best weather for fishing is from April through November and it is also the best wind conditions for the 70 miles cruise. We do skip July and August. The expeditions are limited to eight to ten trips per year and scheduled per-week basis according to a yearly calendar.
Trip capacity
Trips are limited from 4-to-5 angler and need full groups to depart. There is no availability for non-anglers. It is strongly suggested to get a party of your own so the anglers know each other for this liveaboard expedition. If necessary, we can build trips on a sign in list for people who don’t travel with others. Let us know what is your case when contacting us.
Gear
It is important to note that you’ll be traveling to an area where there are no fly fishing shops or sporting goods stores. Purchase what you need before departing for your trip. Tackle up for flats and a bit of wind. 8 WT or 9WT rods/lines will suit most of casting chances. Having a 10WT rigged is also a good decision as we know the big Permit are around. Also the 10 wt will be very helpful when casting to large barracudas or against wind. Floating lines and perhaps a spool with an intermediate line will work as well. Fill up your reels with 200-300 yds of backing at least. These fish have not been pressured at all so they are not leader-shy so far.
Either a 12 or 16 pound test leader for bones will work for permit and vice-versa. Sink tips would work in some areas where dropping a fly would produce some runners or snappers. Bring your full set of pliers, line clippers, leaders, wire leader, knife, headlight, and if you want to bring some tying material, we will carry a vise for last minute fly tying. However, we carry some backup gear in case of unforseen malfunctions or broken items.
Bonefish
Permit
Cuda/Snapper/Sharks
Flies
ADAMS BIG UGLY
CRAZY CHARLY
GOTCHA
BUNNY GOTCHA
PUGLISI SPAWNING
SHRIMP
PUGLISI MANTIS SHRIMP
CLOUSER MINNOW
RAGHEAD WHITE, TAN PUGLISI SPAWNING SHRIMP PUGLISI SPAWNING MANTIS SWIMING CRAB MERKIN CRAB REEFER MANTIS
NEEDLEFISH GREEN/YELLOW
CLOUSER MINNOW
POPPERS
LEAD EYES TARPON BUNNY RED /
BLACK
SEADUCER RED/WHITE
DECIEVER ASSRT COLORS
Hook size
# 4, 2
# 4, 2
# 2, 1
Rod wt
9 WT
9 WT, 10 WT
9 WT, 10 WT
Lines
FLOATING
FLOATING, SINKING
FLOATING, SINKING
Leader
10 FT # 12 – 16 POUNDS
12 FT # 12 – 16 POUNDS
12 FT # 12 – 16 POUNDS
Itinerary
Note: The schedule can vary depending upon weather. There is no exact schedule, but we try to keep it close to what is expressed in the itinerary. Planning an extra day in Merida is not a bad idea in the event of being delayed should bad weather occur. It gives you time to get your rods rigged and ready to go or if you like, you can use that first day to explore Merida, the capital and largest city of the Mexican state of Yucatán.
DAY 1 (Sunday)
Arrival to Merida or Cancun. If arrival at Cancun airport, plan in advanced your arrival schedule so you can catch the shuttle no later than 3:00 pm. Transfer to Hotel in Merida.
DAY 2 (Monday)
4:00 a.m. Pick up at Hotel, transfer to Marina
5:00 a.m. Boarding and Depart
9:00 a.m. Arrival to Base Island, Marine Park and Navy Base Registration.
Deboard, and DIY Fishing for the rest of the day in the main island.
DAY 3-4-5 (Tue, Wed, Thurs)
07:00 a.m. Breakfast
08:00 Deboard and Fishing different Island/Flats. Fish till noon, back for
lunch to the Mothership. Back to fishing from 3:00 to 6:30 pm.
DAY 6 (Friday)
7:00 am Fishing on DIY
1:00 pm Return to Harbor. Pack. Transfer to Hotel in Merida or Cancun
DAY 7 (Saturday)
Depart Home or Connect with any other of our fishing Destination
