ASCENSION BAY LODGE

Situated in the small fishing village of Punta Allen, on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, Ascension Bay Lodge offers outstanding saltwater fly fishing in one of the Caribbean's most celebrated permit fisheries.

The lodge lies within the beautiful Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a vast protected area encompassing shallow flats, mangrove lagoons, channels and open bays. This remarkable variety of habitats provides excellent opportunities for permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook, together with a host of other saltwater species.

Go Fishing Worldwide has a longstanding relationship with Ascension Bay Lodge, regularly arranging several fishing weeks each year. It is a destination we know particularly well and one we are always delighted to recommend.

The Fishing

Ascension Bay is renowned for its permit fishing. These challenging fish can be encountered across a wide variety of habitats, from shallow turtle grass flats and sandy bays to the edges of deeper channels. Opportunities range from individual cruising fish to small groups feeding across the flats, providing exciting and often demanding sight-fishing.

Bonefish are also plentiful, while tarpon and snook inhabit the mangrove creeks, lagoons and channels. Barracuda, jacks and snapper offer additional sport, making this an exceptionally varied fishery.

The sheer extent of Ascension Bay is one of its greatest attractions. Each day offers opportunities to explore different areas, with the guides selecting suitable fishing grounds according to the tides, wind and movements of the fish.

Fishing is undertaken from traditional Mexican pangas, generally with two anglers and two guides per boat. The combination of a senior and junior guide is a particular strength of the operation, providing excellent opportunities for spotting fish and allowing anglers to benefit from the guides' extensive local knowledge.

Although much of the fishing is undertaken from the boat, there are also opportunities to wade suitable flats when conditions allow.

Ascension Bay is particularly appealing to anglers wishing to concentrate on permit, but the variety of species makes it equally rewarding for those who enjoy a broader saltwater fly fishing experience.

The Lodge

Ascension Bay Lodge occupies a peaceful position at the edge of Punta Allen, just a short distance from the Caribbean Sea. It is a small, comfortable and welcoming fishing lodge, with a relaxed atmosphere that encourages guests to feel at home.

The lodge has six guest rooms, each with two beds, a private bathroom, air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Single occupancy accommodation can also be arranged at an additional cost.

The communal bar and dining room provide a sociable setting for guests to enjoy freshly prepared Mexican food, discuss the day's fishing and plan the following morning's adventures. Beer, wine and margaritas are included, and the hospitality is a real highlight of the experience.

The lodge is run by Daniel Marquez and his wife, Mari, who have created a wonderfully friendly and personal atmosphere. Their attention to detail, together with the enthusiasm of the guides and lodge staff, is an important reason why so many anglers enjoy returning year after year.

Punta Allen itself is a small, traditional fishing village, far removed from the larger resorts of the Riviera Maya. Its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings are very much part of the appeal.

Fishing with Go Fishing Worldwide

Ascension Bay Lodge is one of our principal saltwater fly fishing destinations, and we arrange several weeks here each year, including regular group departures.

Our longstanding relationship with Daniel, Mari and the guiding team gives us an excellent understanding of the lodge and the fishing. We are happy to advise on the different times of year, tackle requirements and the species anglers are most likely to encounter.

Whether you are an experienced permit fisherman or planning your first visit to Ascension Bay, the combination of varied fishing, knowledgeable guides and genuinely warm hospitality makes this a particularly rewarding destination.

Getting There

Guests generally fly into Cancún International Airport and spend a night in Cancún before travelling south towards Punta Allen.

The journey continues by road to the embarkation point, followed by a boat transfer through the beautiful coastal waters and mangrove channels of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve to the lodge.

Suggested Package: 1 night's accommodation in Cancún, return road and boat transfers to Ascension Bay Lodge, 7 nights' all-inclusive accommodation and 6 days' guided flats fishing.