Xcalak on the Fly is located in the quiet fishing village of Xcalak, Mexico—an off-the-grid flats destination known for big permit, unpressured water, and classic sight-fishing. If your idea of the perfect trip is stalking tailing fish on endless flats with no crowds and no distractions, this is the place.
Xcalak offers one of the most consistent permit fisheries in the western Caribbean. Vast turtle-grass flats, hard white sand, and clear water create ideal conditions for spotting fish well in advance. Along with permit, anglers can expect legitimate opportunities for:
This is a technical fishery that rewards good casting, patience, and teamwork with your guide.
Local guides at Xcalak on the Fly are true flats specialists with decades of experience on these waters. They understand tides, wind, bottom composition, and fish behavior—and they take pride in giving anglers honest shots at quality fish rather than chasing numbers.
Expect long days on the flats, thoughtful instruction, and a focus on doing things right.
Lodging at Xcalak on the Fly is clean, comfortable, and purpose-built for anglers. Rooms are air-conditioned, meals are hearty and fresh, and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. This is not a luxury resort—it’s a fishing lodge, designed for anglers who care more about the flats than the fluff.
Each day is planned around tides, weather, and target species to maximize quality shots.
Because destinations like this are disappearing. Xcalak remains wild, quiet, and genuine—offering the kind of flats fishing most anglers only read about.
Mexican law requires a permit to fish in Mexican waters. You can get a fishing permit online at www.mexpermits.com.
Yes. Here is a gear guide that will help you.
Rods
Bring a selection of rods so you can target different species effectively:
Many anglers fish with 8, 9 and 10 wt rods so they can switch quickly based on conditions and target species.
Reels
Fly Lines
Leaders & Tippet
Stock a mix of fluorocarbon leaders/tippet:
Bring spools of leaders/tippet material (12, 16, 20, 30, 40 lb) so you can tie fresh leaders as needed.
A good mix of flies lets you adapt to conditions and target species:
Bonefish
Permit
Tarpon & Other
Tip: There are no fly shops in Xcalak, so bring enough flies for the entire trip — guides won’t restock you.
Don’t forget the extras:
$30-$50 per day per guest. This amount can be collected at the end of the trip as well and then distributed by the lodge manager.
$150 per boat ($75 per angler.) You can tip daily or at the end of the trip.
The quickest way to get to the lodge is to fly into Tulum International Airport. From there you have a 2.5 hour drive to Xcalak, which is included with your trip cost. Contact Stewart with any questions regarding travel.
Smokehouse Fly Fishing offers a multitude of high quality and detail oriented hosted trips that take place in various locations such as Montana, the Bahamas, Texas, Belize, Mexico and more. The best part is all the grunt work and planning will be taken care of by us, so all you do is fish and make wonderful memories.
