Fishing in Mexico with Roxtons

Playa Blanca accesses some of best bonefish and permit flats in the world as well as a very productive tarpon lagoon but its unique attraction is the standard of accommodation which draws fishers and non fishers in equal measures.

For a destination to keep everyone happy this is hard to beat.

Isolated from the tourist meccas of the north and ringed by dense tropical jungles and Mayan temples, Playa Blanca is the true Mexico. Wild, uninhabited and extraordinarily beautiful the vast flats are the bedrock of Playa Blanca’s pristine and highly productive fishery.

Centred around the Espiritu Santa Bay and the lagoons within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere the fishing here is as productive as it is varied. Endless flats attract hoards of bonefish which you can cast to from the brand new 16ft Dolphin Skiffs with your excellent guide poling you or wading beside you.

Permit fishing can never be described as very productive but here you will have endless chances of decent shots at these maddening fish whilst the back waters of the bay provide superb tarpon and snook fishing.

From April to the middle of the summer the large tarpon arrive in Mexico on their annual migration and the channels and cuts that are available to them mean that the fishing can be superb. Year round you can catch the resident tarpon which grow to 25lbs which make a wonderful fishing target in their own right.

The sister lodge to Casa Blanca, Playa Blanca has a right to be proud of its bloodline and it is possible to explore different adventures every day of the week. As well as fly fishing amongst shoals of bonefish, tarpon, permit, barracuda and snook you have a wealth of cultural options at your disposal from exploring Mayan ruins, kayaking secluded lagoons, snorkelling secret reefs or watching turtles nesting on the beaches at night. Alternatively, simply lounge in a hammock and gaze over white sands and turquoise waters.

Snorkels were practically invented for Playa Blanca’s rich seas. The main recreation revolves around the extraordinary beaches and beautiful waters, home to a dazzling array of tropical fish and living corals.

The essence of relaxation, Playa Blanca is a rejuvenating balm for a world weary traveller. The white-washed cabañas and their spacious bathrooms overlook the beach or tropical gardens and are splashed with murals of bright colours and all are fitted with ceiling fans and private verandas. There are no neighbours other than the birds and fish, just a tranquil paradise for those seeking seclusion.

The speciality from the chef is, unsurprisingly, seafood, freshly harvested from the Caribbean and brought to your table, simply yet skilfully prepared. Even fishermen need the occasional diversion and Playa Blanca has such an abundance as to leave its rivals wallowing in the shade of its tropical palms.

Rod and Reel
The ideal rod for permit and bonefish is a 9ft 8 weight with a robust reel constructed from a non-corrosive metal such as aluminum with good smooth drag control. The reel should hold at least 150 yards of backing. You should ensure that you have a spare rod in case of breakage as well as a spare reel and spools in case of accidents. This tackle will also suite well to catching permit.

If you are going to be targeting tarpon these immensely powerful fish require a 9ft, 10 to 12 weight fly rod, outfitted with a good quality tarpon reel.

Lines
High visibility weight forward lines compensate for the ever-present trade winds and can be seen in the air or on the water in bright light. Take an extra fly line just in case the first suffers damage. For tarpon and permit fishing you should also have an intermediate line as well.

Nylon
Leaders should be 9 to 12ft, tapered clear nylon with tippet between 5 lbs. and 10 lbs. Ensure that you carry plenty with you. Most tackle stores stock excellent pre-tied bonefish leaders.

Flies
Playa Blanca stock flies which work well on the local permit, tarpon and bonefish. Below is a list of some of the flies we recommend.

Bonefish flies

• Pop's Bonefish Bitters
• Pop's Egghead Bitters
• To-Dy-For (small un weighted shrimp pattern)
• Gotcha, Horror, baited Breath
• Crazy Charlies - white, pink, brown
• Raghead Crab
• Various small shrimp and crab patterns

Permit Flies

• Del Brown's Permit Crab
• Raghead Crab
• McCrab
• Various other crab patterns

Tarpon Flies

• Apte style tarpon flies
• Cockroach, black & purple, orange & black, red & black
• Dark colours tend to be better in the early morning and brighter colors work best when it is bright

The list is endless and will depend to a large extent on the kind of flat you are fishing, its background color and depth.

Other Items

• Lightweight long sleeved shirts
• Lightweight long trousers/shorts
• Wide brimmed hat
• Wading shoes with socks
• Lightweight sweater or fleece
• Lightweight rain jacket

In addition to great fishing, guests at Playa Blanca can enjoy a host of non-fishing activities. The peninsula the lodge sits on has two post classic Mayan ruin sites. Chac Mool and the more remote tupac, accessible only by canoe.

The island is also home to hundreds of species of birds. Birding tours as well as nature tours can be set up with lodge manger. Bring your mask and fins for snorkelling the Palancar reef, the world's 2nd largest barrier reef. Playa Blanca also has kayaks, canoes and bicycles for guests to use at no extra charge.

16 gardeners tend to the garden and the beach to make every aspect of your stay as perfect as you had hoped.

Season
November until end of August.

Time Difference from GMT
- 6 hours.

Electricity
All electricity at Playa Blanca is provided by the lodge's generators. It is 110V AC. The generators are operated all night.

Currency
The official currency is the Mexican Peso but US dollars are widely used.

Tips
In Mexico, it is custom to tip the staff and guides for the services they provide.

Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
None.

Medical Requirements
Although at present no inoculations are required for travel to Mexico please consult your doctor prior to your trip. It is essential that you carry any personal medicines that you might require.

Insects
Mosquitoes can be a pest during the latter part of the day and evening as well as around the lagoons. We recommend good strong repellent and long sleeve shirts and trousers.