Fly Fishing The Yucatan Peninsula - Punta Allen,....
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By:
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admin
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Mood:
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- Fishing Destinations
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Date:
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Feb 01, 2011
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Music:
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None
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Some of the best saltwater fly fishing in the world exists in Ascension Bay which is located on the Caribbean side of Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula. Many of the most popular saltwater species are found here in relative abundance such as bonefish, tarpon, snook, permit, barracuda and jack. Fishermen can wade on foot the vast saltwater flats stalking bonefish or site cast to tarpon that are cruising in the mangrove swamps.
The Ascension Bay area is located several hours south of Cancun and is an ecological gem. Fishermen will be hard pressed to find a more beautiful and productive fishery. From the city of Tulum, one takes a small (and rough) dirt road south to a very small town called Punta Allen. The town provides easy access to Ascension Bay by boat.
Punta Allen has its own appeal. Due to its isolation (a four hour drive from the Cancun airport) it is unspoiled. While many parts of Mexico have been corrupted to a certain extent due to drug trafficking, drunken college kids or massive tourism, Punta Allen remains a hidden gem. The town is perfectly safe and perfectly beautiful, lined with beaches and has several fine local restaurants and bars.
The fly fishing is good year round. The best fishing days are clear and sunny with low wind, because if it is too windy or cloudy you will have trouble seeing the fish. Make sure you practice your fly casting before you visit; you will be making 60 foot casts and accuracy is crucial. A nine weight rod is sufficient for most of the fish that you will encounter in the area.
I definitely recommend staying at the Grand Slam Fly Fishing Lodge (www.grandslamflyfishinglodge.com) should you plan to visit the area. The lodge is located right on the beach and the rooms, restaurant and bar are all incredible. Several of the employees at the lodge are very knowledgeable about fishing and can help you to rent equipment and are more than willing to chat with you about how the fishing has been. Every night you can enjoy fresh cooked fish, lobster and other Mexican dishes. The food was one of the highlights of my visit. Make sure that you get Ronnie, the bartender, to hook you up with a margarita while you are there too. The margaritas are spectacular.
Grand Slam Fly Fishing Lodge can set you up with transportation to Punta Allen as well as connect you with local and knowledgeable fly fishing guides. I strongly recommend looking into one of their fly fishing packages which includes guided fishing, meals, room and transportation to the lodge.
The Grand Slam Lodge and the Ascension Bay area is a paradise of sorts; there is incredible fly fishing, warm weather, beautiful scenery, awesome food and drinks and great people. If you are looking for a great fly fishing trip then I would highly recommend a package from Grand Slam. I have traveled all over the world for fishing and have gone to popular fishing locations such as Costa Rica, Alaska, Cabo San Lucas and Wyoming and the Grand Slam Lodge and Punta Allen area is second to none.
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