CASA BLANCA & PLAYA BLANCA

Casa Blanca and Playa Blanca are two of Mexico's most established saltwater fly fishing lodges, enjoying a remarkable location on the remote island of Punta Pájaros, within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve on the Yucatán Peninsula.

Situated between the celebrated fisheries of Ascension Bay and Espíritu Santo Bay, the lodges offer excellent opportunities for permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook, together with comfortable accommodation, experienced guides and outstanding hospitality.

Their secluded location is a particular attraction. With direct access to extensive fishing grounds, anglers can spend more time exploring the flats and less time travelling to reach them.

The Fishing

The waters surrounding Punta Pájaros offer some of the finest saltwater fly fishing in the Caribbean, with permit a particular attraction.

Both Ascension Bay and Espíritu Santo Bay contain an extraordinary variety of habitats, including shallow turtle grass flats, firm sandbanks, mangrove-lined lagoons, creeks and deeper channels. These support healthy populations of bonefish and permit, while tarpon and snook provide additional opportunities.

The permit fishing is particularly rewarding, with opportunities to sight-fish for cruising and tailing fish across a variety of flats. Bonefish are also plentiful, while the mangrove systems provide exciting fishing for resident tarpon and snook.

Barracuda, jacks, snapper and other species add further variety, making this an excellent destination for anglers who enjoy targeting several different species during a week's fishing.

Fishing is generally undertaken from specialist shallow-draft skiffs, with experienced local guides who have an intimate knowledge of the surrounding waters. There are also opportunities to wade suitable flats when conditions allow.

Although the lodges share the same high standards of guiding and hospitality, their locations provide access to two distinct fisheries.

Casa Blanca – Ascension Bay

Casa Blanca occupies a beautiful waterfront position on the northern end of Punta Pájaros, overlooking the southern reaches of Ascension Bay.

Established in 1988, the lodge has developed an excellent reputation amongst experienced saltwater fly fishermen, particularly those seeking challenging permit fishing.

Its location provides convenient access to productive flats in the southern part of Ascension Bay, allowing anglers to explore areas that are less readily reached from lodges based around Punta Allen.

The lodge offers ten comfortable, air-conditioned guest rooms with sea views, together with an attractive open-air lounge, bar and dining area.

The atmosphere is relaxed and sociable, with excellent food, attentive service and plenty of opportunities to discuss the day's fishing over a drink.

Casa Blanca is particularly well suited to dedicated anglers who appreciate a comfortable, established fishing lodge with excellent guiding and convenient access to the flats.

Playa Blanca – Espíritu Santo Bay

Approximately ten miles south of Casa Blanca lies Playa Blanca, a smaller and particularly secluded lodge overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Playa Blanca provides access to the remote waters of Espíritu Santo Bay and the extensive Santa Rosa Lagoon system. These beautiful fisheries receive relatively little fishing pressure and offer wonderful opportunities for permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook.

Espíritu Santo Bay is characterised by expansive shallow flats, mangrove creeks and lagoons, with excellent opportunities for sight-fishing. The variety of water makes it particularly attractive to anglers who enjoy exploring remote and lightly fished surroundings.

The lodge has seven spacious guest rooms in attractive beachside cabanas, set amongst palms and tropical gardens. Comfortable communal areas, a covered veranda and a beachfront palapa provide lovely places to relax after a day on the water.

Playa Blanca has a peaceful, intimate atmosphere and is particularly appealing to couples and small groups. Its beautiful beaches and relaxed surroundings also make it an excellent choice for non-fishing companions.

Getting There

Both lodges are reached by a private charter flight from Cancún to the airstrip on Punta Pájaros, a journey of approximately 45 minutes.

Guests staying at Casa Blanca continue to the lodge by a short boat transfer, while those travelling to Playa Blanca are transferred south along the island by vehicle.

The private flight makes these otherwise remote destinations surprisingly accessible, while providing wonderful views of the Yucatán coastline and surrounding Caribbean waters.

Fishing Holidays with Go Fishing Worldwide

Casa Blanca and Playa Blanca offer an excellent combination of serious saltwater fly fishing, comfortable accommodation and experienced local guiding.

Whether you prefer the established permit fishery of Ascension Bay or the more secluded waters of Espíritu Santo Bay, both lodges provide a wonderful opportunity to experience some of Mexico's finest flats fishing.

Go Fishing Worldwide can arrange individual bookings and group departures, with advice on the most suitable lodge, seasonal conditions and travel arrangements.

Suggested Package: 1 night's accommodation in Cancún, return private charter flights to Punta Pájaros, 7 nights' accommodation at Casa Blanca or Playa Blanca on an inclusive lodge basis, and 6 days' guided flats fishing.