Grand Slam Fly Fishing Lodge
THE FISHING
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere is a protected World Heritage site where all commercial fishing is banned, other than lobster trapping. There are no nets anywhere and this policy is strictly enforced by both the Mexican Government as well as the 47 fishing guides who are licensed to work in the park. What this means for anglers is that the fishing is consistently excellent and getting better every year since the commercial ban was put into place.
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, the mighty 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 untouched flats to fish, this entire area is so special because of the species diversity found in Ascencion. Bonefish, tarpon permit and snook are all available during the year, regardless of when you come. The snook fishing in particular gets very little mention compared to the other Big 3 flats species, and that is not doing this species justice in terms of the quality fishing that this species offers in Ascencion. This is a strictly enforced catch and release environment. The snook, which are usually one of the first fish to be harvested from an area because they are such a good eating fish, are thriving all over Ascencion Bay. This is a Top 3 global destinantion for a Grand Slam.
BOATS AND EQUIPMENT
The skiffs are 25 foot fiberglass Mexican Pangas powered by 60 HP four stroke engines. These skiffs draw very little water for their size and come equipped with radios, rod holders and generous casting platforms.
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 the Grand Slam Lodge 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. Because the dirt road down to Punta Allen is notorious for frequently being in terrible shape, the lodge has done something really clever that allows guests to avoid the up to 2 hour bumpy ride down.
Just inside the reserve, guests will be transferred from the van to a waiting boat and the boat will then take guests directly to the lodge. Instead of a kidney rattling couple of hours in a van on the dirt road, guests will instead be cruising through scenic mangrove lagoons with a cold beer in hand. The scenery is spectacular and cuts this leg of the trip from 2+ hours down to just 45 minutes. It’s a wonderful way to start the trip and the way down by boat is through a protected series of gorgeous lagoons offering beautiful scenery. In order to secure this option, guests will need to land in Cancun no later than 2 pm on their arrival day.
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
HIGH SEASON Janaury 1 to June 30, 2024
7 Nights / 6 Days of Fishing = $5,530 USD DBL
6 Nights / 5 Days of Fishing = $4,600 USD DBL
5 Nights / 4 Days of Fishing = $3,870 USD DBL
4 Nights / 3 Days of Fishing = $3,144 USD DBL
3 Nights / 2 Days of Fishing = $2,410 USD DBL
LOW SEASON July 1 to September 30, 2024
7 Nights / 6 Days of Fishing = $4,630 USD DBL
6 Nights / 5 Days of Fishing = $4,000 USD DBL
5 Nights / 4 Days of Fishing = $3,370 USD DBL
4 Nights / 3 Days of Fishing = $2,740 USD DBL
3 Nights / 2 Days of Fishing = $2,110 USD DBL
Please contact the ofice for SGL angler availability and pricing
- CUN - Cancun
- Year Round
- Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon
- 16 Rods per week guests
- Wifi: Yes
- Language: English/Spanish
- Physicality: Low
- CC Payment at Facility : Yes
From our gallery
Grand Slam Fly Fishing Lodge
Tour Location
LOCATION
PRIMARY SPECIES
SEASON OF OPERATION
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE LOGISTICS
ACCOMMODATIONS
The lodge has six beachfront villas, each with two separate rooms featuring contemporary interiors. The ground floor unit has two king-sized beds, an ocean-view Jacuzzi, and a wrap-around deck with lounge chairs and a hammock. The second level bedroom has one king-sized bed, a living area, and a balcony with a hammock.
The rooms are very comfortable and about as good as we have seen anywhere. Rod racks outside on the balcony of each room are a nice touch and the views are of the beach and well kept grounds of the lodge. Inside, the rooms are spacious and well laid out. Excellent A/C units keep the rooms cool and the large flat screen TV’s offer satellite service so guests can keep up to date with the latest news or sporting event. The bathrooms are large with double sinks, granite countertops, coffee maker, and walk in shower. Non anglers will be very comfortable here and the pool is a nice option to have for a swim after day on the flats.
The main lodge houses both the dining area and bar. Consisting of a large thatched palapa structure with a wrap around deck for cocktails and or dining, the main lodge area has a fly tying area and plenty of room both inside and out on the porch. The comfortable Polynesian style couches offer both a great view and relaxing environment. The main bar has a series of swing seats and there is a beach butler who is constantly on the look-out for guests in need of libations.
DESTINATION CAPACITY
Grand Slam Fly Fishing Lodge
Grand Slam Fly Fishing Lodge
INCLUDED IN PRICE
- Round trip ground and boat transfer from the Cancun Airport to the lodge
- The number of specified nights and guide days as per package purchased
- All Meals. Breakfast lunch and dinner. Plus after fishing snacks
- Mexican Fishing License
- All Mexican Taxes
NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE
- Round trip international airfare to Cancun
- Alcohol
- Gratuities for guides and hotel staff
- Rods, reels, flies, tackle
- Laundry done at the lodge and phone calls from the room
- Shirts and hats purchased from the lodge store Fishing gear
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
American, EU and Canadian citizens require a passport valid for at least six months after date of entry, along with a return ticket. You must supply proof of citizenship to obtain a Mexican Tourist Card and to enter the country. The Tourist Card application is issued at the ticket counter by airlines that fly into Mexico. Just fill it out while in flight and present it along with your proof of citizenship to the immigration officials when you arrive in Cancun. For proof of citizenship you can use only a valid passport (check expiration date). The tourist card will be checked at your first point of entry. The immigration official will retain one copy and give you the other, which you must surrender at the airline ticket counter when you check in for your return flight. Keep your copy (Tourist Card) in your possession during your stay in Mexico. No visas or inoculations are required for U.S, Canadian or EU citizens. A Mexican departure tax may be payable at the airport when leaving Mexico. Some airlines include this as a prepaid part of your ticket. Please check with us or your travel agent or carrier to verify this.