Punta Allen Fishing Club Lodge

THE FISHING

The Ascencion Bay fishery is part of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. It is a protected World Heritage site, where all commercial fishing is banned, other than lobster trapping. The long narrow peninsula that runs from the mainland down into the heart of the biosphere has created a large back lagoon that runs for close to 45 kilometers back up to the mainland. This lagoon is incredibly productive and holds all manner of flats species. The guides will go as far north in the lagoon as the Boca Paila Bridge in search of tarpon, snook, bonefish and permit. This back lagoon area holds some of the best places to wade and stalk bonefish in the entire biosphere. Hard packed flats offer good solid footing and the white sand allows anglers excellent visibility to see fish from along way off. In these areas, bonefish will often be found tailing in close to the mangrove lined shore.

At the south end of the peninsula, Ascencion Bay opens up to the south and west, stretching back to the mainland. Ascencion Bay is actually a series of smaller bays and lagoons that combine to create one vast flats ecosystem that is nothing short of an anglers paradise. Miles and miles of skinny water flats run in every direction, interconnected by creeks and channels that act as highways for both fish and the skiffs that chase them. It would likely take 20 trips to really get a handle on this fishery and what it holds for flats fishermen.

Many scattered islands dot the southern part of the bay, with only the most prominent having names. Cayo Cedro and Lagartijas hold some nice sized bonefish and if you head further west, the Islas Tres Marias is a spectacular area for permit, tarpon and snook. One of our all-time favorite places to fish in Ascencion Bay is the enormous Xobon Flat, which rises up from the depths in the middle of the south west part of the bay. This huge white sand flat holds both bonefish and permit and offers excellent wading opportunities for both species. There are also several lagoons further west of Xobon that will hold big tarpon, starting in the spring.

Aside from the hundreds of miles of flats to fish, this entire area is so special because of the species diversity found in Ascencion Bay. Bonefish, tarpon permit and snook are all available during the year, regardless of when you come. This is a Top 3 global destination for a Grand Slam and or a Super Slam.

BOATS AND EQUIPMENT

23-25 ft. pangas.The pangas are specially outfitted for flats fishing and are very stable in the shallow water. They have a wide casting area on the flat bow, and a poling platform at the back for sighting fish. Each boat is powered with a 40-60 hp engine, comfortable seats, rod holders, and coolers. All the boats are equipped with radio, first aid, life jackets and tagging tackles (tagging programs for grand slam fish).

GETTING THERE

Guests will fly into the Cancun International Airport. Upon clearing customs, guests will exit the customs area and walk to the arrival lobby which is outside. It’s a bit chaotic at times but a Slipstream representative will be there holding a sign, ready to meet you. He will escort you to the van for the trip down to the lodge. The drive from the Cancun Airport down into the Sian Ka’an Biosphere takes about an hour and forty five minutes.

Slipstream is a full-service travel company that can handle a variety of services relating to your trip. For assistance, please contact us directly at 1 866 644-7703.

RATES FOR 2024

7/6   $4,150 USD DBL per week for shared room and guide/skiff

7/6   $6,150 USD SGL per week for private room and guide/skiff

Please contact our office for shorter stay availability and pricing