Fishing in Ascension Bay.

Ascension Bay, nestled on the southeast coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, stands as a premier destination for angling enthusiasts, boasting some of the world’s finest fishing grounds. Situated in the tranquil coastal village of Punta Allen, approximately 45 kilometers from the beaten path and a scenic four-hour drive from the bustling tourist hub of Cancun, our lodge offers a tranquil escape from the rigors of daily life. Strategically positioned, our lodge provides easy access to our primary pursuit: the elusive permit.

Ascension Bay boasts one of the world’s most abundant permit populations, offering a diverse array of scenarios tailored to suit your preferences and skill level. If it is your first- time permit-fishing, you need to have some fly-casting skills, the ability to listen to your guide, and especially, the luck to find the ‘right’ fish. In permit fishing, you can do everything perfectly, but whether the fish eats your fly or not might simply depend on its attitude. As seasoned anglers often remark, “knowing what to do and having the ability to do it is crucial; the rest is up to the fish.”

Ascension Bay boasts the highest concentration of bonefish per square water acre globally, offering frequent opportunities for 20 to 30 fish days. Renowned for their reliability in accepting well-presented flies, bonefish epitomize honesty on the flats, rewarding anglers who execute their part with consistent success. 

Protected by the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Ascension Bay serves as a vital nursery for juvenile tarpon, affectionately dubbed “Baby Tarpon.” Despite their moniker, these tarpon still average between 10 and 30 pounds, with occasional specimens exceeding 50 pounds. During the summer months (April to August), migratory tarpon grace the bay, with sizes averaging 70 pounds and occasionally surpassing 130 pounds. These majestic fish inhabit both sandy coastal flats and the bay’s interior, offering an exciting angling experience.

Snook, the ultimate ambush predator of the flats, lurk along the coastline, seeking shelter beneath branches or mangroves, poised to strike at unsuspecting prey. Protected within Ascension Bay, these waters harbor some of the largest specimens found worldwide, presenting an exhilarating challenge for anglers. Snooks are more oftenly found during the spring and winter times, although Ascension Bay has a local population of snooks living on the “back-waters” of the bay.

While the “big four” flats species often dominate the saltwater fly fisherman’s agenda, Ascension Bay hosts a myriad of other sport fish, including triggerfish, jack crevalle, barracuda, sharks, as well as various snapper and grouper species. Anglers with an open-minded approach are bound to enjoy a diverse fly-fishing experience at Mayazul, encountering a multitude of species.

 

Season by specie

 

 

Daily Itinerary

During a typical trip, fishing isn’t scheduled on the arrival or departure days. However, if time permits and guides are available, arrangements can be made for half-day trips prior to your arrival. Upon arrival at the lodge, guests typically settle into their rooms, organize their gear, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon relaxing on the lodge grounds. If anglers arrive around noon the eco-tour (scuba diving, turtle & dolphin sightseeing, etc) is highly recommended. Here’s a sample schedule of the daily program:

  • 6:30 am Coffee ready at the buffet table 
  • 7:00 am Breakfast
  • 8:00 am Depart from the beach
  • 4:00 / 5:00 pm Return to lodge
  • 5:00 pm Cocktail hour
  • 5:30 pm Appetizers
  • 6:30 pm Dinner