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Ascension Bay, Mexico |
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23 April - 5 May 2011 |
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Saltwater flats |
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What a destination, and my first trip targeting Permit on
fly. We have all heard the stories about how tricky these
fish can be. Well, overdone? I don't think so. You will never
get more worked up by a fish, than targeting a Permit on fly,
at least I have not been so far. You are targeting a fish
that is feeding aggressively, yards in front of you, you are
presenting a fly, perfectly (so you think), and it just won't
eat. What's worse, is that he will look at your fly, time
and time again, even inhale it and spit it out again before
you have had a split second to react. Mindblowing, exhilarating,
challenging. Just about everything you want in a fish!
Ascension Bay. Hundreds of square miles of expansive saltwater
flats, lagoons, mangroves and pretty much every habitat a
salt water fish could think of living in. Part of the Sian
Ka'an biosphere reserve, there are a limited number of boats
and operators allowed to run guided flyfishing in the bay.
This means, that although there are a great number of lodges
around, you are never crowded on the water, and hardly see
the other boats. Our team of Norwegians were a blend of experienced
Permit anglers, and total beginners. The lodge, owned and
operated by Manuel, is just perfect for a lad fishing trip.
Nothing over the top, but all the comforts you need, from
cold beer, superb margaritas, comfy hammocks, and fully en-suite
rooms, all with aircon. Two anglers to a boat, and two guides.
The guide team is truly of excellent quality, all with decades
of experience on these flats.
We were mostly focused on the Permit I have to say. Poling
the flats, with one angler rigged and ready at the front of
the skiff. Suddenly a cackle of Mexican swear words, mixed
around the heavenly word you will grow to love, Palometa,
Palometa. PERMIT. They are there. Hop off the skiff, and get
cracking. Wading through sometimes waste deep water, wind
blowing over your shoulder, and your guide shouting to make
a reverse cast at 2'o clock, 30 yards, gets the blood flowing
I can tell you. You work hard for every fish, but in our week,
only one of 8 anglers went home without the Holy Grail. The
rest managed to get their Permit on fly, all of varied sizes,
but the largest pushing 20lbs! A Grand Slam on the last day
was the perfect finish to a superbly valued weeks fishing.
If you have not cast at Permit, drop everything, and give
it a go. Its just plain madness.
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