ABOUT FISHING AND SEASONS IN XCALAK
Fishing here in Xcalak area is all year round but there are some months on where activity is better than others for each fish specimen. The other key factor you have to keep in mind is weather.
EXCELLENT
GOOD
REGULAR
BONEFISH
Bonefish here in Xcalak can be found all year round mostly on the flats in Chetumal Bay. You will chase bonefish on multiple sceneries like flats, bays and lagoons near Xcalak village. The bonefish average here is 1-4 pounds but larger fish could also appear.
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Suggested gear
- Rod: 7-8 wt.
- Reel: Should have the capacity to hold at least 175 to 200 yards (160 to 180m) of 30 pound backing.
- Tippet: 12-16lb fluorocarbon.
- Flies: #6-8 size shrimps and clousers.
PERMIT
Probably one of the most desired saltwater species for worldwide anglers.
They usually range 4-20 lbs. (2-9kg) weight.
Permits are easily spooked fish that inhabit shallow waters. Here in Xcalak best way to approach those clever guys is wade on walk through the flats to avoid the noise produced by the boat.
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Suggested gear
- Rod: 9-10 wt.
- Reel: Should have the capacity to hold at least 200 yards (180m) of 20 pound backing.
- Tippet: 16-20lb fluorocarbon.
- Flies: #2-8 size crabs and shrimps
TARPON
Tarpons here are found inside the lagoons, along the beach and at deeper reef’s waters as well. Mostly tarpons you will catch here are 5-25 lbs. (2-12kg). During migration season (July-August) tarpons over 100 pounds could be founds along the reef bur weather conditions can be tough and that could difficult the fishing.
Typically early in the morning is the time to catch tarpons when they are feeding along the coastline and in the lagoons.
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN*
JUL*
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Suggested gear
- Rod: 8-10 wt.
- Reel: Should have the capacity to hold at least 200 yards (180m) of 30 pound backing.
- Tippet: 20 to 50lb fluorocarbon.
- Flies: 2/0-4/0 poppers, sardines and mullet imitations, 1/0 tarpon cockroach and purple-black or red-black minnows.
- *Tip: June and July is time for the big migratory tarpons so a 12wt rod equipped with a good disc drag reel with at least 300 yards of backing is recommended if you have the chance to cast them.
SNOOK
Typically the snook you can find here are 9-12lb (4-6kg) range but can get quite large – upward of 25lb (12kg).
Fall and winter months are best time of the year as they feed near the mangroves and lagoons.
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Suggested gear
- Rod: 7-9 wt.
- Reel: Should have the capacity to hold at least 200 yards (180m) of 20 pound backing.
- Tippet: 20 to 50lb fluorocarbon.
- Flies: 2/0-4/0 sardines and mullet imitations, 1/0 tarpon cockroach and purple-black or red-black minows
BARRACUDA
Both Chetumal Bay and Zaragoza channel are the best spots to fish for Barracuda. Those “crocodiles” swim alongs the bays chasing for bones and different kind of baitfish. Do not hesitate to cast your popper, mullet or needle fish imitations if you see one of that during your flats fishing journey.
Cast few meters near the fish and strip your fly as fast as you can!!
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Suggested gear
- Rod: 8-10 wt.
- Reel: Should have the capacity to hold at least 200 yards (180m) of 20 pound backing.
- Tippet: 30 to 50 lbs. fluorocarbon. We recommend wire tippet.
- Flies: 2/0-4/0 poppers, sardines, mullet and needle fish imitations.
