Some places just have a rhythm to them, and the waters surrounding Xcalak, Mexico, are no different. It’s the hush of the wind across the mangroves, the push of the tide over white sand, and the whisper of a guide calling out from the poling platform, “Permit. Ten o’clock. Coming in hot.” In that moment, nothing matters more than the fly knotted to your tippet.
The flats around Xcalak aren’t just beautiful—they’re alive. Bonefish slide across turtle grass. Permit tail on stingray craters. And tarpon roll like ghosts in the creeks. Each species has its own mood, its own tempo. To beat that tempo and get one of these fish on your hook, you need the right flies and the right presentation. If you’ve got that in your box, you’re in the game.
Bonefish: The Local Hustlers
Xcalak bonefish are scrappy and willing, but don’t mistake them for easy. These fish are sharp. In clear flats over white sand, you want flies that land softly and disappear just enough not to spook them.
Size 6–8 flies like the Gotcha, Crazy Charlie, and Bonefish Bitters are go-tos. Around Xcalak, tan and pearl with a touch of orange or pink play well. Bead chain eyes give just the right sink rate without making a splash. Strip slowly. Let them follow. Wait for the weight.
Permit: The Heartbreakers
Permit make you earn it, and here in Xcalak, the population is strong. This is true permit fishing country. You’ll find them in singles, doubles, and sometimes cruising in small schools.
The fly? That’s sacred ground. Size 2–4 crab patterns like the Flexo Crab, Strong Arm, and a well-tied Raghead do serious work here. Stick to natural colors—olive, tan, and white—with rubber legs for movement and weight that helps the fly sink quickly in deeper flats.
Presentation is everything. Lead them. Let the fly settle. Let them find it. A tiny twitch is better than a big strip. And if they follow but don’t eat, just breathe. That’s permit fishing in Xcalak.
Tarpon: The Jungle Kings
In the lagoons, creeks, and mangrove cuts near Xcalak, juvenile tarpon roll like silver secrets. They’re aggressive, acrobatic, and absolutely addictive.
Black and purple flies such as the Tarpon Toad, EP Baitfish, or classic Black Death, in sizes 1/0–3/0, are solid choices. For clear water, don’t overlook white/chartreuse or olive-over-white patterns. Juveniles want something that pulses and moves with intent.
Strip slow and steady. When they eat, keep stripping, and when they jump, bow to the silver king.
Whether you’re stalking skinny water bonefish, feeding a crab to a tailing permit, or chasing silver in the jungle, the right fly makes all the difference.
At Xcalak On The Fly, we’ve spent years dialing in what works here—and we’re happy to share. Come ready, fish hard, and remember: it’s not about luck. It’s about preparation, patience, and the perfect fly.
🎣 Want to fish with guides who live and breathe the Xcalak flats? Book your fly fishing trip with Xcalak On The Fly today and get dialed in from your first cast.
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