ASCENSION BAY

The Club uses one guide for each angler (2 anglers and 2 guides per boat). This is not to be confused with one proper guide and one “apprentice guide” that serves as a boat driver. Each angler gets their own experienced guide dedicated to ensuring no fishing time or opportunities are wasted.

The lower Yucatan is known for offering one of the most species diverse saltwater fishing experiences available in the Caribbean. From shallow sandy flats to backcountry lagoons, it is a fishery that offers different styles of fishing for numerous species including Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, Snook, Barracuda, Jack Crevalle and more. Palometa Club runs traditional Mexican Panga boats with comfortable seating, poling platforms, customized rod storage, and a nice casting deck. Unlike smaller flats skiffs, pangas make the run on choppy days across the bay manageable and still access the skinniest of flats.

Depending on the conditions and what species you are targeting, it may be possible to get out and wade skinny, hard, sandy flats for bones, pole and wade in a little deeper water for permit, or lurk the lagoons and backcountry mangroves for Tarpon and Snook. You also never know when you are going to run across a hungry Buda, a school of hard pulling Jacks, or any myriad of other species such as Tripletail, Grouper, Snapper – or even Cobia. Ascension Bay has it all.

PERMIT

Palometa Club runs a program designed to target all of the different flats species available on Ascension Bay, but with a particular emphasis on targeting permit. Ascension Bay is known as perhaps the greatest permit fishery in the world, with 90+ square miles of sandy flats and isolated islands protected by a barrier reef along the eastern edge of the bay. It is a shallow and seemingly endless fishery that is chock full of perfect permit habitat. Encounters with huge schools of teenager, 5-12 pound permit are pretty much an everyday occurrence, and you will get your shots at the smarter and more solitary beasts up to twenty or thirty pounds. Dick Cameron recently landed a fish estimated at over 50 pounds! (That is an unofficial world record by the way). The Club’s scientific approach to permit fishing techniques, tackle, and areas fished is very evident in the guides’ infectious enthusiasm and obvious desire to get the most out of every second in the fishing day. The guide staff is constantly comparing notes, tweaking fly patterns, and exploring new areas to find fish. The Palometa Club has succeeded in creating a culture of revved up guides with a smile on their face and genuine love of chasing permit – all of which translates to more opportunity to close the deal and get one in the boat!

BONEFISH

Even though permit are the high profile species, it is impossible to ignore the great bonefishing on Ascension Bay. Yucatan bones are typically smaller in nature than bones in the Bahamas or other Atlantic / Caribbean fisheries, however are found in huge numbers year round. The tremendous population of bonefish makes this a great destination to consider for beginner flats anglers looking for some easier reward. Ascension Bay has extensive, hard sandy flats that are great for wade fishing as well as deeper flats better fished from the boat – which also allows for possible encounters with permit or tarpon as well.

Although there are definitely a lot of small “schoolie” bonefish that are easy to catch, there are also sometimes encounters with larger bonefish in the 4-7 pound range at times. Ever since the commercial netting ban was put into place 18 years ago, we are beginning to see a larger age class of bonefish in the Bay again.

BABY TARPON & SNOOK

Although you should not consider Ascension Bay as a dedicated tarpon destination, there are plenty of juvenile “baby” tarpon in the vast backcountry lagoons in the area. A majority of these fish are residents which remain in the area throughout the year, providing anglers with consistent opportunities for completing the fabled Grand Slam. Adult migratory fish often busting the 80-100 pound mark also begin to show up in the beginning of May and numbers will increase significantly through July & August. Snook are also definitely worth the effort of poling around the mangroves, with multiple 20+ pound trophies landed each season.

OTHER SPECIES

There is a wide variety of underrated, under-fished species in Ascension Bay that will match the skill of the most sophisticated anglers. The fishing for jack crevalle is certainly not to be overlooked, and barracuda are also at the top of the list of alternative species. This wonderfully fast species can be caught on the fly or with conventional spinning gear. Don’t forget about snapper, grouper, cobia, tripletail, and ever some offshore opportunities with the right conditions.

The Lodging

The Club property is located on the active beach right in the heart of the lobster fishing village of Punta Allen. It is a newer two story structure built in 2005 and constructed of Mexican brick and mortar with indigenous hardwoods and tiles in the local tradition. Owners, Dick and Kaye Cameron, had their hands dirty throughout the design and construction of the lodge – and have designed the tailor made floor plan for fishing lodge guests. Each room has two double beds with comfortable pillows and linens, individual air-con control, a ceiling fan, and operable window, and large spaces and storage for clothing and gear.

Unlike many simpler accommodations in the region, the lodge is equipped with 24 hour electric power, wireless high speed internet, super cool air conditioning, and effective mosquito control. There are six bedrooms (3 upstairs and 3 downstairs), a fly tying study, library/living room, and a large dining room adjacent to the open kitchen. There are several outdoor patios and a beautiful outdoor bar. The style and culture at the lodge is very refined and professional, but also VERY laid back and charming.

“Kaye’s Bar” stocks complimentary Margaritas, cold Beer, and local Rum drinks during happy hour. The day begins at sunrise with mugs of rich Mexican coffee followed by a traditional hot breakfast of cereal, eggs, bacon, ham, juices, toast and pastries. Hardy box lunches are prepared for the fishing boats and typically include sandwiches, fruits, desserts, ice water and other beverages of your choice. After the day’s fishing it’s cocktail time at the outdoor beach lounge where icy Margaritas and sweet Pina Coladas help punctuate the recounting of the day’s adventure.
Dinner is served family style featuring delicious local Caribbean and Mexican dishes like mojo de ajo, pollo con mole, and chili rellenos, followed by scrumptious locally inspired desserts. Bottled water is used for drinking and ice.

Getting Here

Guests first start the adventure by traveling to Cancun, Mexico. Cancun is serviced by almost every major airline carrier, and is a direct flight from Dallas / Ft. Worth, Houston, Miami, and numerous other portals.

Once in Cancun, guests are met by lodge representatives and transferred approximately 1 hour 15 minutes south through Tulum and into the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve in a comfortable, air-conditioned van. The main highway from Cancun International Airport leads south at 100km/hour through the mega-resorts of Playa del Carmen en route to the ancient Mayan turned touristy town of Tulum. From Tulum, travelers enter the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve where they then hop into guide boats at the Boca Paila Bridge for a comfortable water transfer the remaining 45 minutes to the beach in front of the lodge.  The water transfer allows guests to avoid the majority of the bumpy road to Punta Allen.

Guests making their own flight reservations must plan to arrive in Cancun on Friday no later than 2:00 P.M. and schedule their return flight the following Friday no earlier than 1:00PM in order to make comfortable connections to the lodge.

PALOMETA CLUB OPERATES ON WEEKLY ITINERARIES THAT BEGIN AND END ON A FRIDAY.

It is possible to reach the lodge in the same day as departure as well as reaching your home city within the same day the following Friday. Shorter week itineraries are possible under some circumstances depending upon the lodge’s schedule. Please inquire for details regarding short week itineraries.

FRIDAY

Depart home city for Cancun, Mexico arriving no later than 2:00PM. Guests are then transferred to Tulum and onward to the Boca Paila Bridge in comfortable air conditioned vans.  Travelers then hop into boats for the balance of the 45 minute boat run to the beach in front of the lodge .  There is no guided fishing on the arrival day.

SATURDAY – THURSDAY

Fishing Days!

FRIDAY

After breakfast, guests are transferred by boat and van back to the airport in Cancun and to the international terminal for the flight to the U.S. Guests should not schedule return flights from Cancun to depart before 1:00PM.

ASCENSION BAY ECO-TOURS & WILDLIFE

A basic tour of Ascension Bay would consist of birding as it is the home to over 300 species of birds, and an equal amount migrate through each year. Common species of birds include roseate spoonbills, osprey, giant frigate, white ibis, egret, turkeys, parrots, toucans, great curassow, flamingos and herons just to name a few. Sea turtles are always easy to find and there are five species such as the green, leatherback, and hawksbill. Dolphins, several species of rays and sharks, cayman crocodiles, and the occasional whale shark or manatee can also be a part of any eco-tour.

Within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve exists an incredible array of other land-based wildlife such as howler and spider monkeys, white-lipped peccaries, pumas, brocket deer, tapirs, and jaguars. Our guides were born and raised in the Sian Ka’an and know where to find the elusive creatures that call it home.

SNORKELING

Within a short boat ride of The Palometa Club lies over 70 miles of Palancar Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world. Offering some of the finest snorkeling in the Northern Hemisphere, this brilliant marine paradise teems with an infinite variety of fish, rays, turtles, eels, starfish, shells, sea fans, corals, etc. Join us for a snorkeling eco-tour through the warm Caribbean waters where we’ll come face-to-face with a hawksbill turtle, photograph fish as colorful as a rainbow, or explore a ship wreck.

MUYIL DAY TRIPS

Our boat trips to Muyil are an all day commitment – but well worth the effort. The day begins with a boat ride up the Boca Paila Lagoon viewing several species of birds, turtles, dolphins and other wildlife as you traverse through tight channels in a comfortable panga (boat). There are numerous freshwater swimming holes along the route.

Although small in comparison to Tulum or Chichen Itza, Muyil is one of the most recently discovered ancient ruins. We have been told Muyil was a stopping point to pay taxes for spices and other goods traded and sold on Ascension Bay. The area is also home to many types of orchids that begin blooming in late April. After you are finished with the ruins there is a fabulous boardwalk jungle tour, with signage describing flora and fauna written in Mayan and English. If you are brave enough there is an enormous viewing platform with a breathtaking view of Tulum and most of the Ascension Bay. Trips to Muyil require one of our fishing guides to accompany the group – so they are not possible when we have a full house of anglers.

Fall 2022 Rates (September 2 – December 2)
**Note Full week and shorter week stays and private room or boat price configurations have been modified proportionately (roughly 15% off Spring 2022 rates).

Based on Shared Room / Boat
7 Nights / 6 Days = $3850
6 Nights / 5 Days = $3450
5 Nights / 4 Days = $3050
4 Nights / 3 Days = $2750

Based on Private Room / Shared Boat
7 Nights / 6 Days = $4700
6 Nights / 5 Days = $4200
5 Nights / 4 Days = $3700
4 Nights / 3 Days = $3300

Based on Shared Room / Private Boat
7 Nights / 6 Days = $5350
6 Nights / 5 Days = $4700
5 Nights / 4 Days = $4050
4 Nights / 3 Days = $3500

Based on Private Room / Boat
7 Nights / 6 Days = $6050
6 Nights / 5 Days = $5300
5 Nights / 4 Days = $4550
4 Nights / 3 Days = $3950

Spring 2023 Season Dates January 27 – June 23 & July 28 – December 1

***In the event we have demand for January 20-27 or July 21-28 we can accommodate.

Spring 2023 Rates Based on Shared Room / Boat
7 Nights / 6 Days = $4500
6 Nights / 5 Days = $4000
5 Nights / 4 Days = $3500
4 Nights / 3 Days = $3000

Based on Private Room / Shared Boat
7 Nights / 6 Days = $5550
6 Nights / 5 Days = $4900
5 Nights / 4 Days = $4250
4 Nights / 3 Days = $3600

Based on Shared Room / Private Boat
7 Nights / 6 Days = $6000
6 Nights / 5 Days = $5250
5 Nights / 4 Days = $4500
4 Nights / 3 Days = $3750

Based on Private Room / Boat
7 Nights / 6 Days = $6700
6 Nights / 5 Days = $5850
5 Nights / 4 Days = $5000
4 Nights / 3 Days = $4350

A La Carte Solo Fishing with Shared Rooms: $550 Total (Additional $275 per boat / per day)
Non-Friday Ground / Water Transfers: $400 per van

WHAT’S INCLUDED

7 Nights accommodations; 6 Full days of guided fishing; All Meals; Ground transportation to lodge; Happy hour beverages (Margaritas, Beer, Local Rum Drinks); Non-alcoholic beverages; Telephone Calls & Wireless Internet; Mexican VAT tax;  Laundry Service

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Commercial air to Cancun, Mexico; Additional alcoholic beverages outside of Happy Hour (BYOB welcome); Guide and staff gratuities; Fishing Tackle & Flies; Rental Rod & Reel Outfits ($20/day);  Organized eco-tours;  Departure Taxes

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

A fifty percent deposit is required at the time of booking in order to confirm all reservations. Final balance is due sixty days from departure. All deposits and/or final payments are non-refundable. Refunds or credits cannot be issued for fishing time lost due to inclement weather. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses. Travel insurance is highly recommended.

Travel Insurance

Front Range Anglers recommends all anglers to have Medical Evacuation Insurance- we recommend Global Rescue, and we HIGHLY recommend Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance. FOR ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT: Jessica Minard at 617.210.8106 (direct) or email [email protected].

CLICK HERE TO VIEW FRA GENERAL TERMS & CANCELLATION POLICY