Xcalak Mexico Permit Fishing

The road ends at the quite fishing village of Xcalak (pronounced Ish-ka-lak).  Located just 7 miles by water from the country of Belize, Xcalak is the southernmost location in the Quintana Roo.  One of the best kept secrets in fly fishing travel, Xcalak is home to large schools of bonefish, permit, tarpon, jacks, cudas, trigger fish, and more.  The Meso-American reef protects the beach and offers non-angling activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving.  

During our travels through out the Caribbean, the permit fishing in Xcalak has become our benchmark.  Chetumal Bay is a short 10-15 minute boat ride from Xcalak and it offers the best permit fishing we've found.  Anglers can expect to have a variety of permit fishing experiences, from large schools, singles and doubles, tailing fish, and the unique 'muds'.  A common day of fishing in Chetumal Bay will produce more 'shots' at permit than anywhere else in the Caribbean.

productive permit fishing

Xcalak is known in most angling circles as the best place to escape the crowds on Northern Belize and other areas in Mexico.  The lack of pressure is a bonus to committed permit anglers who are looking to increase their knowledge of catching these fabulous fish.  The lack of pressure also gives anglers many opportunities to cast to 'happy' and hungry fish, improving the chances of connecting.

Much of the fishing for permit is done from the front of your guide's super panga.  The extra height gives the angler a visual advantage while hunting for permit.  A slightly longer cast maybe needed while fishing from the boat.  Many of the guides in Xcalak will use the boats while looking for fish, then approach the fish on foot.  Wade fishing for permit enables the anglers to get very close to the fish.  In some cases, anglers can get within 20-30 feet of feed fish.

One of the most unique aspects of permit fishing in Xcalak Mexico is the 'muds'.  Each day, typically afternoon, large schools of juvenile bonefish, jacks, snapper, and sting rays feed on the ocean bottom.  While they feed they kick up large amounts of mud, and along with it shrimp, crabs, and other permit food.  These large muds can be seen from long distance, and your guide will pole the boat along the edges in search of permit schools and larger singles.  The black tips of their tails and dorsal fins give them away.  One advantage of fishing the 'muds' is multiple shots of at permit.  Since the water is muddy, they seem to be more focused on feeding and less spooky.

Custom experiences

All of the itineraries we recommend can include elements to cater to your wants and desires.  There are more than one lodge and guide service in the small town of Xcalak, but there are only a few that we recommend.  

The Permit People will work with you to create the perfect experience for all levels of angler or non-angler.  Stand up Paddle boards can be arranged as well as snorkeling or scuba diving adventures.

All of our packages include meals and lodging.  Transportation can be arranged or you can rent a car.  

For more information about the perfect custom itinerary in Xcalak Mexico, Contact Us.

multiple species

The fishery in and around Xcalak Mexico is great for more than just permit.  There are large schools of bonefish in Chetumal Bay and the surrounding back country flats.  Some of the back country flats are home to bonefish in 6+ pound range and 10 pound bonefish have been hooked.

The tarpon fishing near Xcalak is just beginning to be discovered and the guides are learning more about it every year.  The cenote feed lagoons, protected by mangrove forests are home to eager tarpon (and snook).  These fish rarely see a fly and when they do, they want it.

There are many other species to fish for too: snapper and grouper on the reef.  Barracudas are seen nearly everyday.  Schools of big jacks move quickly across the flats and will hammer a popper cast near them.  

There is no shortage for angling targets in Xcalak Mexico.