In 2024, the Yucatan Peninsula’s fly fishing lodges in Mexico stand as an excellent choice for saltwater fly fishermen. The Mayan riviera is renowned for its pristine waters, diverse marine life, and an abundance of bonefish, tarpon, permit and snook. This region offers a unique and thrilling experience for those passionate about fly fishing, whether they be a total novice in saltwater to the hardened veteran chasing permit. Amidst beautiful natural landscapes and boasting expertly designed accommodations, these lodges not only provide exceptional opportunities for angling but also offer a serene retreat, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich culture and stunning surroundings of the Yucatan Peninsula. Two lodges that you should consider are Casa Blanca and Playa Blanca.
The two lodges are run by the same group, they are 10 miles apart on the small private island of Punta Pájaros, situated on a spit of land that divides Ascension Bay to the north and Espiritu Santo Bay to the south. .
Casa Blanca
Casa Blanca is the lodge on the northern tip of Punta Pajaros with prime access to the Ascension Bay flats and Santa Rosa mangrove lagoon system. It is built right on the water overlooking a beautiful oceanside flat. All rooms are spacious and well-appointed with remarkable ocean views, air conditioning, tile floors and mahogany shutters. Casa Blanca has ten seaside rooms and can accommodate 22 people comfortably. In the open-air main lodge you will find comfortable lounging chairs and a fully stocked bar with accommodating bartender.
Ascension Bay features miles and miles of shallow flats, a perfect breeding ground for crabs, the cherished delicacy of permit, and the reason permit grow to world-record sizes here. The bonefish are plentiful, so your opportunities for landing these fierce fighters are numerous. The bay is world-renowned for its seemingly endless saltwater flats and fishermen come here primarily seeking the challenge of the elusive permit and bonefish, plus the chance to achieve a Grand Slam with numerous chances to target tarpon and snook.
Casa Blanca 2024 Availability:
1 to 8 June: 6 anglers
8 to 15 June: 4 anglers
15 to 22 June: 6 anglers
22 to 29 June: 4 anglers
29 June to 6 July: 10 anglers
6 to 13 July: 6 Anglers
13 to 20 July: 14 anglers
20 to 27 July: 12 anglers
3 to 10 August: 14 anglers
10 to 17 August: 14 anglers
17 to 24 August: 8 anglers
24 to 31 August: 12 anglers
31 August to 7 September: 10 anglers
7 to 14 September: 18 anglers
14 to 21 September: 12 anglers
21 to 28 September: 12 anglers
5 to 12 October: 10 anglers
12 to 19 October: 6 anglers
19 to 26 October: 16 anglers
26 October to 2 November: 10 anglers
9 to 16 November: 14 anglers
16 to 23 November: 4 anglers
23 to 30 November: 12 anglers
30 November to 7 December: 8 anglers
7 to 14 December: 10 anglers
14 to 21 December: 16 anglers
Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is towards the southern tip of Punta Pajaros with good access to the remote Espiritu Santo Bay. It is a spacious, luxurious lodge with a deep-set covered porch, perfect for reading and relaxing, as well as a roof top sanctuary – the perfect place for stargazing. Playa Blanca Lodge features large duplex cabanas spaced among the palms near the beach. The rooms have terracotta floors, large bathrooms with marble vanities, and natural wood furnishings set in white interiors with tropical accents. Each room has its own patio overlooking the grounds and nearby Caribbean. Rooms set back from the ocean have air conditioning, while ocean front rooms take advantage of the sea breezes. The lodge offers seven rooms and accommodates 14 guests perfectly.
Like Ascension Bay to the north, Espiritu Santo Bay is a prime location to target permit with large numbers spotted almost daily. The permit can be encountered in all sizes from 5-35lb o anglers should be prepared. The lower angling pressure in the bay is also a big factor on why so many anglers head to the remote bay to target the elusive permit. In addition, there are large number of bonefish, usually in the 2-3lb range but bigger fish are found, often on the more exposed oceanside flats. The mangrove lagoons and deeper channels are also a great place to target resident baby tarpon.
Playa Blanca 2024 Availability:
8 to 15 June: 6 anglers
22 to 29 June: 4 anglers
29 June to 6 July: 8 anglers
6 to 13 July: 6 Anglers
13 to 20 July: 8 anglers
20 to 27 July: 4 anglers
10 to 17 August: 4 anglers
24 to 31 August: 10 anglers
7 to 14 September: 6 anglers
14 to 21 September: 6 anglers
21 to 28 September: 2 anglers
28 September to 5 October: 2 anglers
12 to 19 October: 2 anglers
16 to 23 November: 6 anglers
23 to 30 November: 14 anglers
30 November to 7 December: 6 anglers
14 to 21 December: 14 anglers
Whilst fly fishing is the main activity at both lodges, this pristine slice of paradise has much more to offer. Snorkelling and kayaking the turquoise waters, hiking and biking along 25 miles of private beaches and coves, touring the mangrove lagoons and the Mayan ruins, or simply indulging in a massage and a day of relaxation are just a few possibilities. All activities are personally tailored to suit your schedule. Wireless internet is also available at both lodges and usually provides an adequate service.
If you would like more information about saltwater fly fishing in Mexico please contact Olly Thompson or Alex Jardine, alternatively you can call our office on +44(0)1980 847 389.