Arguably there is not better place to fly fish for bonefish than some of the more remote parts of the Mexican Yucatan. Flats fishing for bonefish in places like Ascension Bay and the nearby Boca Paila lagoon is at times quite simple. Although fish are usually not as large in Mexico as they are in the Bahamas and other places like Los Roques, Venezuela, or the Seychelles, bonefish in Mexico are at least as numerous as they are in other locations.
Flats Fishing for Bonefish Destination: Ascension Bay
The bay, known as Bahia de la Ascension in Spanish, is located in the middle of the Mexican Yucatan's Caribbean coastline, in the state of Quintana Roo. It separates the southern part of a long peninsula (at the end of which lies the town of Punta Allen) from the sea, and the bay continues down as a pocket on the coastline. Just north of the bay, Boca Paila lagoon, which has plenty of fish of its own, separates the northern part of the thin peninsula from the Caribbean, and the lagoon is easily accessible from the bay.
Fly Fishing for Bonefish in Ascension Bay: the Flats
There are dozens of recognized flats scattered throughout Ascension Bay. On the flats, anglers may stalk bonefish on foot, although at times fish are so thick that walking far is not necessary. Some flats, such as the popular Paraiso, are hard-bottomed, covered with white sand, and such areas are some of the ones more commonly frequented by larger fish.
Around many of the small, scattered islands that are found in parts of Ascension Bay's waters lie beautiful, hard-bottomed flats covered with turtle grass. On calm days, fishing these flats, such as those around the islands of Tres Marias, offers anglers shots at nice bonefish and tailing permit, which often feed on the edges of turtle grass flats.
Also found in Ascension Bay are the soft, mucky flats that are difficult to wade, but they can be some of the most productive. These are usually very shallow, surrounded by mangroves, and they are often tidal; low tide can turn them into nothing more than fields of soft mud.
The largest concentrations of bonefish are found in deeper waters near shallow flats. Schools of hundreds of fish that are usually less than one foot in length tend to prefer feeding in the company of others, and their flashy bodies can give them away on clear days. Once a school like this is located, anglers can fish it for hours, catching fish left and right.
Bonefish Flies and Tackle, and Lodging for Ascension Bay, Mexico
Rods weighted 7-9, equipped with reels with floating lines and long leaders and tippets (of about 8 lb test) are perfect. Although 7 weight rods are great to use for bonefish, the area is not void of fluctuating weather, and on windy days, an 8 or 9 weight rod can really help an angler punch his or her casts through the wind.
Light colored flies of varying sizes and weights should be brought along. Mini puffs, gotchas, raghead and merkin crabs, and shrimp patterns that have long, craft fur tails should not be forgotten.
Several different lodges, such as Pesca Maya and Casa Blanca are located on the bay, giving guests easy access to prime fish. Great guides work at these fishing camps, and their expertise will surely hook anglers up with fish. Day trippers may come from Cancun or the nearby Riviera Maya for fishing.
Flats fishing for bonefish in the Mexican Yucatan's Ascension Bay is a treat indeed. Not only are bonefish present year round, but other fish, and beautiful scenery and wildlife find home in and around the bay as well. Arguably, there is no better place on earth for such a complete saltwater fly fishing experience.
Thomas Wyatt - Tom Wyatt grew up in Virginia. He has been interested in the outdoors (fishing, birding, camping, and other such activities) since he was ...
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