There is a wealth of saltwater fly fishing opportunities along the Mexican coastline for the intrepid fly angler. From stalking bonefish in skinny water to jumping tarpon in lagoons and not forgetting the fact it is one of the finest permit destinations.
Mexico is easily reached from the UK with direct flights to Cancun on British Airways. Once in Cancun the lodges are reached by relatively short journeys.
With bonefish, permit and tarpon being prolific in Mexico it makes it a prime location to target the much sought after Caribbean Grand Slam, a bonefish, permit and tarpon. Here are three flies you should not leave home without:
BONEFISH – THE GOTCHA
The Gotcha is perhaps the most popular bonefish fly ever designed. It has accounted for thousands of bonefish for anglers worldwide. This simple and very effective pattern belongs in the box of every bonefish angler, and using the Gotcha in a variety of sizes, weights, and colours will help anglers match local fishing conditions. The light colourations work well on the expansive white sand flats of Ascension Bay, Chetumal and Xcalak.
Recommended fly fishing lodges in Mexico:
Punta Allen Fishing Club
Grand Slam Lodge
Aquarius Grand Slam
Casa Blanca Fly Fishing Lodge
Playa Blanca Lodge
Pesca Maya Fishing Lodge
PERMIT – CRITTER BUG TAN
The Critter Bug is one of those simple flies that can reliably imitate several prey species whether it is shrimp or baitfish. The leggy body brings the fly to life with the slightest of movement and the red epoxy eyes make it stand out amongst the crowd, particularly in dirty water. Ideal for fishing on very long leaders, a loop knot is best for maximum versatility. The hunting permit can often being drawn in by the enticing movements of this fly, the light colouration suits the light flats but can also pick fish off turtle grass.
Recommended fly fishing lodges in Mexico:
Punta Allen Fishing Club
Grand Slam Lodge
Aquarius Grand Slam
Casa Blanca Fly Fishing Lodge
Playa Blanca Lodge
Pesca Maya Fishing Lodge
TARPON – BLACK DEATH
This tarpon fly has an elongated tapered head design that provides little wind resistance on long casts while at the same time the contrasting coloured tailing materials seem to make this fly come alive in the water. The black and red combination has proven to be really effective over the years but it is also worth taking other variations such as black/tan, white/orange and chartreuse. Also carry a range of sizes, the lagoon tarpon will often require sizes 2, 1 and 1/0 whilst the bigger migratory fish will need size 2/0 and 4/0.
Recommended fly fishing lodges in Mexico:
Isla Holbox Fly Fishing Lodge
Tarpon Cay Lodge
Punta Allen Fishing Club
Grand Slam Lodge
Aquarius Grand Slam
Casa Blanca Fly Fishing Lodge
Playa Blanca Lodge
Pesca Maya Fishing Lodge
Looking to put a selection of flies together for your up and coming trip? Visit the Fulling Mill website here to view their full ranges for both fresh and saltwater.
If you would like more information about saltwater fly fishing in Mexico please contact Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847 389.