Published Feb 19. 2004 - 20 years ago
Updated or edited Feb 10. 2024

Bumpy Mexico

GFF partner Martin Joergensen took on the Mexican bonefish during a two week stay in Punta Allen north of Ascension Bay last winter. It wound up being a trip that was bumpy in more than one sense - both on and off the water. But with plenty bonefish.

Freshly caught

Cloudy fish

Michael G. Olsen - Nils Folmer Jørgensen

This is about a trip to Mexico—a two week trip that was supposed to consist of two parts: a bonefish part and a tarpon part. One down south on the Yucatan Peninsula in Ascension Bay and one further north in the area outside Rio Lagartos. It was not going to turn out that way
The trip was set up by my local fly shop Salmon Fly, and headed by the shop's owner and my good friend Kim Rasmussen.

Bumpy I—a car ride

It took place in January and we left a bitterly cold Denmark a party of four: Kim Rasmussen, Michael G. Olsen, Nils Joergensen and myself—GFF partner Martin Joergensen. We flew into Cancun and took a shuttle from there to our final destination Punta Allen. The ride was supposed to be a few hours—three or four maybe—but as it turned out we would take us seven hours to reach the small village through the jungle on an extremely rough dirt road. We were bumbing along all through the evening and didn't reach our destination until close to midnight.
Now, close to midnight is pitch dark down here, and a small town like Punta Allen isn't really a metropolis with lots of light and commotion that time of night. There was hardly anybody to ask for directions. But we managed to find Sirena—the American woman we rented our cabin from—and the primitive cabin itself with four beds.

Bumpy II—preparations

We spent the evening checking up on the gear and slept well after a couple of beers.
The next morning we hauled our rods and stuff to the beach to meet up with the guides and go for bones.
We said hello to the guides: Gaspar and his father Juanito. Gasper was fluent in English, his father unable to speak a word of any other language than his native tongue.
They started preparing and as always in these parts of the world things took time.
We had no idea about what to expect from the town, where to buy breakfast or anything else, so a search party of two was sent out to get bread, juice and fruit while the other two were watching the guides getting the boats ready.

They run!

Flats

Sirena

The supply team returned with food, and we could enjoy some calories while the guides were getting out outboards, fueling up, finding food, drink, ice and chatting with the other guides preparing for their clients on the beach.

Walkabout

Unhooking

Poling

Huge bonefish

Nils Folmer Jørgensen - Michael G. Olsen

Bumpy III—a boat ride

At long last we were ready, and entered the boats with our stuff. Kim and I with the old man and Nils and Michael with Gaspar. We would go together this first day and search for bonefish over some sandy banks an hour's boat ride away.
I soon learned why Kim had kept his wading jacket with him all the time and was wearing it in spite of the fairly warm weather.
A boat ride with a powerful engine over a slightly waved ocean surface can be very bumpy, very wet and actually very cold too. This was January and not nearly as hot as you could fear. Before ten minutes I was wet and cold.

Bumpy IV—the first day

Well, the place that we went was actually beautiful, and perfect for bonefishing: a set of coral sanded flats separated by mangrove patches and small sandy islands and sandbars, which revealed themselves at low tide. Lots of little channels for the fish to travel in, and lots of flat water for the to feed in.
The only disadvantage was that we didn't see many fish. The other one that we were four anglers and two guides fighting for space. And believe me, even on the vast flats, six people can have a hard time finding elbow room—especially when four of just arrived, feel insecure and want to listen to every word the guide says.

Guide and fisher

Reeling in

Scouting for bonefish

Tough fighters

Bumpy V—the guides

As the days passed our tension eased and we started catching fish. The guides—especially Gaspar—were eager to put us into fish and prove that they were worth their money. In the beginning we would follow their every wink, and do exactly as they said. But as time passed, we realised that spotting bonefish is not that difficult.
Thanks to our height and proper Polaroid sunglasses we often had a clear advantage over the guides—particularly the old man Juanito who denied wearing glasses. He was very depending on surface activity—also referred to as nervous water—and having the light in the face. We were more alert to shadows and movement over the light bottom and dearly preferred having the sun in our backs.

Release assistant

Gaspar

Juanito

Most days we actually had less-than-optimal conditions with a cold northern wind and partly clouded sky. For bonefishing you will want a light riffle and a clear blue sky, with sharp sun that makes shadows clear and obvious.
The Northern wind brought several other problems. First of all it was cold and left the water cold. Even we Scandinavians could feel it. Secondly it meant casting into the wind if you spotted fish with the sun in your back.
The last week we had Hector as a stand-in for Juanito. Hector was able to speak English, but not a fishing guide. He wanted to learn, and his good mood, language skills and plain ciriosity made him very good company. He was usually a bird watching guide, and acted only as our boat man. He would take us to the lagoons, set us off and pick us up later at an agreed spot. We would then walk our way through the lagoons on our own, looking for fish. This actually worked quite well, and would be an excellent way of fishing—only marred by the fact that that we paid full guide fee to Hector...

Bumpy VI—too much service

Fishing with a guide can be an frustrating experience. On one hand you are very dependent on having him show you where the fish are—on the large and small scale. He is needed to ride the boat to the locations where the fish are, and the value of his local knowledge cannot be overestimated.
Once there he has the keen eye to find the fish. In the beginning you will feel intimidated by the massive amount of surface that you have to scan, and whenever he points and says "There!", you will feel tempted to think he is lying to prove the he is worth his fee, because you see nothing.
When you then at long last see a fish, or decide to trust his precise directions, and cast, he will immediately want to change your fly if nothing happens, thus blaming the fly and not your obviously lousy casting... Quite frustrating actually, because you can just watch the fish disappear while he is clipping, tying and trimming.
I usually fish alone, and have a hard time with guides. I prefer fouling up and acting stupid in my own company and learning from my own experiences and mistakes. I set my own pace, select my own flies and take my time. I stay if I want to and go if I want to.
Your mileage my vary, but don't necessarily take a guide's words for law. You pay, so you decide! Let them know, and get your money's worth. God knows that guides are expensive enough, and there is no reason to feel that your money is wasted or feel frustrated because the guide doesn't do what you want. Ha can't read your mind! Express you wishes. They are his command.

Unhooking

Strange creature

Michael G. Olsen
Conch

Conch eggs

Teeth

Martin Joergensen - Nils Folmer Jørgensen
Barracuda

Cuda fight

Martin Joergensen - Nils Folmer Jørgensen
The following email exchange took place in the beginning of 2004 after a comment submitted on GFF as a reaction to my article on Belize:

Lutz Schepers submitted the following comment:

Subject:
Carrebian Flyfishing

Comment:
Hey Martin,
how I loved to read your article, BELIZE IT....!
My first ride to Ambergris brought me 4 jumped fish and I landed two more. Not bad for the first time. I went to Belize two years later and felt the same desaster you have had: masses of fish, no take!
Third time it was rainy and stormy for the whole week and after blindcasting on my last day I hooked the largest (guide Erlindo: 90-100 pound) Tarpon I ever saw! Lost!
You see, Tarpon fishing is not to far away from Salmon fishing, you just have to be there the right time, the right place, the right weather...

By the way: I will go to Mexico (Cancun) in March for two weeks, do you have any contact who would like to give me some information about do-it-yourself flyfishing there or in nearby ascention bay???
It would be great to hear from you soon, otherwise let me thank you for making the best site in the net and wish you good luck, health and peace for the future!
Lutz

Name:
Lutz Schepers

Lutz,
Certainly! I was there this January. Let me return to you later with more specific info, but enjoy this article from Punta Allen while you wait.

Martin

Y Y E E E A A A A H H H H !!!!!
I felt to ask the right man for!!!!!!!
Thank you so much, Martin, looking forward for your reply with more info!
yours, Lutz
Lutz,
I was in Punta Allen, Ascencion Bay this January. You saw the pictures.

The short story: great trip, lots of small to medium size bonefish, other species such as barracuda, reef fish and much more. Nice town, peaceful, small and a bit primitive. The guides were a mixed bunch--some good, some very bad, but none excellent. Price level was low to medium.

The long story: We were four guys and there for 14 days. We flew to Cancun and drove in a chartered car with driver to Punta Allen. That's a long drive: 4-7 hours depending on the state of the last bit of road.

We lived in a small house in the middle of town the first week, rented from an American woman called Sirena. Go for the beach house that belongs to a nice American couple Shon And Niki in stead--an excellent house with good facilities. Aim for the ground floor only. The first floor is very primitive. See more about it here http://www.shardon.com/

We fished with the independent guides Gaspar and his father. Gaspar was good and fluent in English, his father was neither--close to useless as anything else than a captain on the boat, unfortunately.

We sailed about an hour from the town to either inland mud flats (lagoons) or outer mud and coral sand flats and had some fine fishing most days. The water was cold, though, and the wind hard and Northern some days, which kept the fish down and the fishing slow.

We managed to do some fine wading on our own, and if you know bonefishing, you actually only need the ride to the fishing flats, and not really a guide. There are other (and probably better and more expensive) ourfitters in town. Search Google for Punta Allen fishing guides and you will find some.

I'm off to bed here, but will continue my little story some other day.

Martin

Bumpy VII—bonefishing

Well, we managed to get some fishing done anyway. All of us got on the scoreboard within a couple of days and started getting the feel for the fishing and the fish.
And it is a rush!
Catching bonefish is probably the best fun you can have with lightweight tackle, and about the best you can have with any tackle.
The fishing can be challenging. Casting heavy flies on light gear to very spooky fish is not easy. I had selected my old, trusty Loomis IMX 7 weight to be my main rod for the trip, but had a hard time getting it to do what I wanted. I swithed to my Hardy 9 weight Pike Teaser in our last week, and that made some difference! This rod was much more responsive, much better at getting through the wind, and perfect in action for the fights.
On my next trip I will probably bring a light 7 weight with more crisp action than the IMX. My partner Kim was fishing a Scott 8'8" for an 8 weight and that seemed to be a perfect combination.

Bonefish

Bonefish... another one

Bonefish... yet another one

Gaspar

Bumpy VIII—the inland lagoons

Our most productive area was the inland lagoons behind the village, about an hour's boat ride south of the peninsula and into the Northern part of Bahia de la Ascension. These areas were huge, with one small lagoon after the other, broken up into smaller areas by islands, strips of mangrove and the mainland creating a myriad of narrow peninsulas.
Wading was easy, even though the bottom was quite muddy most places, and spotting fish was quite easy too—in spite of some windy conditions and the occasional day with unclear water.
During the last days of our stay we ventured on our own fishing alone with no guide, and during that period we found what seemed to be almost unfished, pristine water with excellent bottom and very good fishing.

Bumpy IX—other species

The area hold other types of fishing too. Apart from the odd needlefish and barracuda that will rush out and take your fly, the outer reef offers fishing for a host of species, including large barracudas, jacks, snappers and many others.

Jack

Snapper

Michael G. Olsen

This fishing can be done trolling or casting, and most guides can be convinced to take a few hours out there. It's a different fishing, but if you want to feel some different action, this is the way to go. You may want to put on a mask, fins and a snorkel and go under the surface. On calm, warm days with clear water an amazing experience awaits you in the abyss. Seeing the fish in their natural environment is at least as fascinating as hauling them out of it on a line.

Pumping

Michael G. Olsen

Bumpy X—no tarpon

Our original plan was to leave Punta Allen after a week and go to Rio Lagartos for tarpon on the North coast of Yucatan. A call to our local contact spoiled that. The cold wind was head on the coast up there, and his best advice was to stay where we were and get the best out of what we had. There was no fishing in Rio Lagartos!
That was the end of dreams about tarpon, a hot shower and having some laundry done!
We decided to move from our primitive cabin in the village and rented the lower floor of a beautiful beach house from American Niki and Shon. The house was great, not that expensive and Niki and Shon were very kind and helpful hosts.
So doomed for yet another week of bonefishing, we had to overcome the disappointment of not seeing any tarpon this time around.
Nils, Michael and Gasper tried one day for tarpon in Ascension Bay, but to no avail, and even though we spotted Permit on several occasions, we never got a proper cast to any. So bones it was... for another week.
Shame on us for thinking bad about a situation like that!

House guest

Nils Folmer Jørgensen

Bumpy XI—leaving... if we can!

We were supposed to leave from Punta Allen early and ride up to Cancun. Leaving in the morning and flying out in the late afternoon would give us a chance to see some Mayan ruins in Tulum on the way.
Knowing full well that the trip down here had taken about twice the time expected, we took no chances. We had booked a shuttle to pick us up at 7 AM and asked Sirena—our first hostess—to call and confirm it the day before.
Unfortunately this had not happened! We were up and waiting at 7, but no shuttle was in sight. At 8 we were getting impatient and checked with Sirena. Well, not she hadn't called, but she could do it now. Yes please! Well, they hadn't sent anybody, but they would do it now... YES PLEASE! We have a flight to catch! With connections!
So it was watching paint dry slowly for hour upon hour. We decided to give it until noon, but started looking around for other options anyway.
Now, in most places you would expect that some local driver would be willing to help—for good words and money. But not here. Not that they didn't want to help, but they had no cars! And the few who had, had no gas. Not even to take us to Tulum or as far as we would get before we could rendezvous with our shuttle.
We were getting desperate.
About five past noon a large four wheel drive rode into town, and about five minutes later we were on our way—assured by the driver that getting to the airport in time was no problem at all!
Goodbye Bumpy Mexico!

Bumpy facts

Punta Allen is located in the North part of Bahiah del la Ascension—or just Ascension Bay. This is again located in the province of Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula—the most Eastern part of Mexico renown for its Mayan cultural heritage and many astonishing sights for tourists. The whole area of Yucatan's Eastern coast caters to tourists and hotels are numerous as are diving sites.

Breakfast

Sleeping quarters

Sunrise

No metropoilis

Punta Allen itself is a small, remote and fairly primitive village, with few facilities and little to do apart from fishing. The restaurants are few as are the options for accommodation. But people are very friendly, seem honest and kind and the village hosts a few American citizens who for the most own businesses—outfitting anglers and other tourists, feeding them and providing them a place to sleep.
We found two shops and less than five places to eat, of which the local Coop's place close to the beach was our clear favourite. They provided us a robust breakfast every morning and dinner every night almost every day during our stay—with excellent service (at least 4-5 people in the open kitchen), and more than fair prices.
You will fly into Cancun, and a shuttle from there is the perfect way to go to Punta Allen. There may be busses some of the way, but hardly all the way.

Bumpy gear

Wheel barrow

Preparation

Bring your best saltwater rods in the 7-9 weight range equipped with lines for tropical fishing. You may want to try out the new clear tipped lines, but people who have tried them, tell me that straight WF floaters are just as good at less money.
Bring plenty backing on your reels and check your knots. GFF partner Steve Schweitzer recently lost a whole line to a Hawaiian bone, which decided that it didn't want to be handled.
The leaders can be knotted or tapered leaders. About a rod length or 9' should suffice. Get some good fluorcarbon tippet material in 1X, 2X and 3X.
Flats boots are highly recommended. Wear plain socks inside them.
Wear suitable, versatile clothing, which dries fast. Long sleeves and legs if you don't withstand the sun well.
And tote your gear in a light vest, a chest or fanny pack with room for water. Always bring water.

Bumpy flies

Our single most successful fly was a small Gotcha. Gaspar recommended that over almost anything else, and would constantly ask around for a small Gotchas

Gotcha
Pattern type: 
Warm saltwater fly
Species: 
Materials: 
Hook
Tiemcon 800S or similar size 4-10
Thread
Pink or orange
Body
Mylar tubing, clear
Eyes
Bead chain or dumbbell
Wing
Craft fur, tan
Skill level/difficulty: 
Easy

But the fish would take other patterns too. I had particular luck with Bonefish Bitters and a small white shrimp creation that I had put together before we left home. I had about six in my box, and all except one were shredded before we headed back. The fly had no name, but to honour this trip I have named it The Bumpy White Shrimp.
General considerations about flies should be: not too big and not too shiny. Sizes from 6 to 10 seemed perfect. And bring a variation of densities and weights. Some with dumbbell eyes, some with bead chain and some with nothing—or plastic eyes.
And do bring a bunch of crab flies. Bahia de la Ascension is one of the world's best places to hunt for Permit. Especially if you come later in the season

Brown Bonefish Bitters

Neutral Bonefish Bitters

Red Bonefish Bitters

White Bonefish Bitters

Read more about the Bonefish Bitters here

Comments

Hola Martin, Wan...

Hola Martin,

Wanted everyone to know that they have grated the road to Punta Allen, and as of late November, 2011, it is as smooth as a babies bottom. At least until the next rainy season! Anyone can feel free to contact for road conditions or info.

Cheers, Capt. Greg & Lupita

Just returned from P...

Just returned from Punta Allen. The road is still terrible. BUT, the Club Grand Slam, run by Greg Rahe and his terrific gourmet chef wife, Lupita, seems like the place to stay. Much more reasonably priced than the confusingly named Grand Slam Lodge which has just opened in Punta Allen, plus Greg was a guide in Key West, so he knows exactly was the serious fly fisher wants to have in a lodge-- Excellent guides (the 2-guide system in a ponga- very effective and if there are 2 fisherman, both can fish, with the wading opportunities). Fantastic fishing opportunities- one day we cast to a 10# bone, tarpon and snook within a 30-minute stretch. Great wade fishing. Overall excellent!

There is a new lodge...

There is a new lodge in the area, the Grand Slam Fly Fishing Lodge, I was there in November. Spectacular. They are offering a 2 x 1 special this Summer and, I have heard, your fishing package is free if you're able to get a Grand Slam during your stay; accommodation free if you get a Super Grand Slam. Tempting.
The area is a paradise not only for fishing but it is wilderness at its best, dolphins, crocs, flamengos... It is really a place out of the beaten path where to take tour wife and even your teens, specially if you have a jacuzzi waiting for you when you return to the room... like at the Grand Slam Fly Fishing Lodge.
By the way, now they have Bobby "Jack" Settles, former Casa Blanca GM, managing the operation, plus a great combination of guides, definitely, they make the difference. I tried to fish by my own and just got a couple of barracudas. With a great guide next day I caught two permits, one tarpon and one bonefish. My experience was rewarding. I am planning to go back this fall, they say fish is more abundant, maybe I get the GS this time! But instead of driving by that killing road again, I think I am going to take the boat at the Arch after Tulum.

I don't fish,but I w...

I don't fish,but I was just in Punta Allen for the day on Dec. 17. We went just to see miles and miles of nothing but beautiful deserted beaches and jungle.There were fish camps every so often along the way all the way to Punta Allen (57km) I would have to assume that if they put a fish camp in some of the out of the way areas that we saw there has to be fish. Remember, I don't fish, but if you found this site then you should find web sites for fish camps. I came across this one trying to find out why we could not find lobster for sale in Punta Allen. It was originally a lobster fishing village. I guess there is more money in being a fishing guide. Punta Allen -IS -a bare bones town. I could not imagine spending two weeks there, I don't care what your hobby is. They could be holding an Orgy and I wouldn't stay that long . Ok, one week tops!! It's worth the trip down that long road just to get a feel of what Florida beaches would have looked like a hundred years ago

Martin Joergensen's picture

Harris, Punta All...

Harris,

Punta Allen and Boca Paila are two different locations as far as I know. Punta Allen is further south on the peninsula and on the way there you pass the area Boca Paila. I don't know exactly where the lodge Bocan Paila is - it doesn't really show from their web site. As far as I remember, I thought "what a great place to fish" when we passed Boca Paila, and the area seemed well suited to wade fishing. It's different from the area outside Punta Allen, which seems deeper seaside and requires some sailing before your reach the flats. At Boca Paila the flats seemed immediately reachable from the beach. But we didn't fish there, mind you, so I might be wrong.

Martin

Could anyone comment...

Could anyone comment if this is the same fishery as the lodge "Boca Paila"...any thoughts appreciated as my wife and I may go to the lodge over holidays in a few weeks.thank you

I prefer to wade fis...

I prefer to wade fish for bones on my own without a guide.
Are there any options for getting to good fishing areas without paying for a guide?

I prefer to wade fis...

I prefer to wade fish for bones on my own without a guide.
Are there any options for getting to good fishing areas without paying for a guide?

This is an excellent...

This is an excellent article. I am going to PA for 23 days starting Mar. 31, 2006. After reading this article I get the "real" picture.

I have been to punta...

I have been to punta allen many times to fish the bay. This article is a good representation of the area. Fun to read and look at. Heading there in 3 weeks again. cant wait. It is a special place and the Mayan people are too! What better bones and permit on the fly!

Martin Joergensen's picture

Tony, Boca Paila ...

Tony,

Boca Paila may be worth a visit on your own. It's a limited size area, but does look really appealing. Check out this article and Christian's site for some inspiration.

Martin

Great story. Do you ...

Great story. Do you think it would be worth the effort to fish right out of the town of Boca Paila on ones own? It seems like a boat and guide is necessary to get to the better flats.

Martin Joergensen's picture

Guides are about 300...

Guides are about 300 USD per day or more for a boat with room for two or three anglers. There are lots of outfitters. Try looking for guides in Punta Allen, Cancun or Boca Paila on Google.

Martin

How much did the gui...

How much did the guides charge per day? Web site?
We are most likely going to Cancun on the 27/11 and we will bring the rods.

.

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