The Ascension Bay Lodge

I had wanted to fish this area for quite some time!!! I emailed 3 places in the area prior to commitment, Daniel was the only one to respond. We hit it off immediately, as we had common ties to Colorado. I went down in Mid March for 3 days of fishing. Daniel was very detailed in helping me get the most of my time. As fast as flights could get me there from Lake Tahoe, I spent the first night in Tulum at Daniels recommendation, a nice little hotel off the main road. He then had transfers arranged for me in the morning from the hotel to the boat ramp just inside the bio-reserve!! Which when i got there, my guides "Phily & Sappo" were there waiting for me. Daniel said the road was too rough and i could get more time on the water going this route. It was the perfect set up. The guides were fantastic! I'm still a novice fly fisherman, but Phily was VERY patient with me and coached me well into having... what?? 70-80 shots at bonefish the first day!!!! We got back to the fish camp (B&B i guess some call it) and other guides and fly fisher aficionados were there having beers and telling stories of the day! PERFECT !!! I knew i landed in the right spot. From having dinner out with everyone each night was easy & fun going out to the few local spots available.... Punta Allen is very small. This is a flats paradise though!!! Day 2 was going after the elusive Permit!!! My first time, and what a blast!!! While i didn't catch one, i had many chances maybe 20!! The thrill and rush of jumping out of the boat into the flats chasing them down was a kick. Of course that Caribbean breeze played havoc with my skills. A well season fly thrower may have had a have a dozen hook ups?? Then again who knows. At the end of the day, back at the lodge for beers with the guys, (BTW, Daniel & George keep a VERY well stocked bar!!!) to learn that only two of the others got permits. Even George (Daniels' co-owner) was shut out,....but also had many shots! Day 3 was departure day, sad to leave already, but we would fish on the way up to the boat ramp outside of Tulum where i was picked up. This day would get me my first look at a Tarpon!! He wasn't interested in what we offered... my heart pounding...Phily said, "That's ok Mr Michael, it was only a 50-60 lber.!!!" Only!!!! I said... "Oh! They get much BIGGER here!!! OMG...... As we went on fishing the mangroves.... I had a great time getting my first Snook on a fly rod!!! What a special trip !!! If you like fishing the flats with no one else in site, this is your place!!! I cant wait to come back !!! Thank you Daniel, George, Phily & Sappo & Sappo's brother for such a memorable trip!!!