Grand Slam Lodge

Fishing at Grand Slam Lodge

Ascension Bay in the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve offers one of the world's best opportunities for a Grand Slam or Super Slam. The 1.3 million-acre protected estuary creates ideal habitat for all four species.

The Fishery

Ascension Bay:

• 1.3 million acres of protected estuary
• Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
• One of the most productive fisheries in the Western Hemisphere
• Countless miles of shallow flats
• Ample breeding ground for crabs (permit food source)
• Good flats fishing just minutes from lodge
• Best spots 20-45 minute boat ride

Fishing Schedule:

• Typical fishing day: 8 hours (8am-4pm)
• Best light for spotting fish
• Flexible schedule (later start or afternoon siesta available)
• Private guide for each angler

The Grand Slam

The holy grail of saltwater fly fishing consists of landing a bonefish, permit, and tarpon in the same day. The ultra-productive fishery of Ascension Bay, coupled with some of the best guides on the planet, means few places on earth offer a better shot at a Grand Slam.

Super Slam: Add a snook to complete the Super Slam.

Target Species

Permit (Trachinotus falcatus)
World-record size fish in Ascension Bay.

• Size: World-record class
• Habitat: Shallow flats over crab breeding grounds
• Draw: Countless miles of flats with ample crab populations
• Season: Year-round, peak October-June
• Techniques: Sight-fishing with crab patterns, technical presentations

Bonefish (Albula vulpes)
Plentiful on the flats.

• Abundance: Enormous schools
• Habitat: Shallow flats throughout Ascension Bay
• Season: Year-round fishing
• Techniques: Sight-fishing, wade and boat presentations

Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus)
Rolling in the lagoons.

• Habitat: Lagoons and channels
• Presence: Often found rolling
• Season: Year-round opportunities
• Techniques: Sight-fishing, subsurface presentations

Snook (Centropomus undecimalis)
The Super Slam species.

• Habitat: Mangrove edges, structure
• Opportunity: Complete a Super Slam
• Season: Year-round present
• Techniques: Structure fishing, technical casts

Additional Opportunities

Beyond flats fishing:

• Reef fishing
• Offshore sports fishing (weather permitting, arranged at lodge)
• Spin and light trolling options

Grand Slam Lodge

More comparable to an exclusive resort than a typical fishing lodge, Grand Slam Lodge truly is a fisherman's paradise. The lodge faces the Caribbean on one side with the lagoon on the other, providing incredible views and quick access to Ascension Bay.

Beachfront Villas

Six beachfront villas, each with two separate rooms (12 total rooms):

Ground Floor Unit:

• Two king-sized beds
• Ocean-view Jacuzzi
• Wrap-around deck with lounge chairs and hammock
• Contemporary interiors

Second Level Bedroom:

• Two king-sized beds
• Living area
• Balcony with hammock
• Contemporary interiors

All Rooms Include:

• Air conditioning
• Electricity, hot and cold water
• Flat screen TV
• Satellite television
• Telephone
• Fully stocked mini bar
• Locking rod racks
• In-room safe
• Daily housekeeping service
• Coffee and coffee maker
• Two bottles of water per day

Main Lodge

Social Areas:

• Bar with swings for seats
• Library
• Fly tying station
• Books and magazines
• Board games

Recreation:

• Card table
• Ping pong table
• Dominoes table

Pool & Beach Amenities

• Swimming pool
• Bali beach beds
• Beach and pool butler service (drinks delivered)
• Caribbean beachfront location
• Lagoon views

Kai Restaurant

Fine dining experience:

• No set meal times
• No buffets
• Cooked-to-order meals
• Waiter service
• Fresh-caught lobster and fish
• Contemporary dining atmosphere

Fully Equipped Shop

• Fishing gear rental available
• Items for sale
• Rod and tackle options

Travel to Grand Slam Lodge

International Airport
Cancún International Airport (CUN), Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Airlines Serving Cancún

Major carriers with frequent service:

• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• United Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• JetBlue
• Spirit Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• Plus international carriers

Private Transfer (Included)

Grand Slam Lodge arranges private transfer from Cancún Airport:

Distance & Duration:

• 3.5 hours south of Cancún International Airport
• Most of trip on smooth highway
• Last hour from Tulum to lodge on rough dirt road

Daily Transfer Schedule:

• 10:00am local time
• 1:00pm local time
• 3:00pm local time

Important: Catch one of the three daily transfers. Coordinate arrival with these times.

Entry Requirements

For U.S. Citizens:

• Valid passport required
• Tourist card (FMM) issued on arrival
• No visa required for tourism stays under 180 days

Arrival & Departure Day Fishing

• Private guide fishing NOT included on arrival/departure days
• Optional sunset fishing session can be arranged (notify on pre-arrival questionnaire)
• Fish on your own in front of lodge or from lagoon dock

Weekly Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival

• Fly to Cancún International Airport (CUN)
• Clear customs with valid passport
• Meet Grand Slam Lodge representative
• Private transfer to Ascension Bay (3.5 hours)
• Smooth highway, then rough dirt road final hour
• Arrive at beachfront lodge
• Check into beachfront villa with ocean views
• Settle in and unpack
• Explore lodge amenities (pool, beach, bar)
• Welcome dinner at Kai Restaurant
• Cooked-to-order meal with waiter service
• Trip orientation with lodge staff
• Rig rods at fly tying station
• Optional: Fish on your own from lodge front or lagoon dock
• Early night to prepare for fishing

Days 2-7 – Fishing Days (Six Full Days)

Morning:

• Big cooked breakfast at Kai Restaurant (6:30-10:00am)
• No set meal time, eat when ready
• Meet your private guide
• 8:00am departure (flexible based on preferences)

Fishing:

• 8-hour fishing day (typically 8am-4pm when light is best)
• Private guide for each angler
• Good flats just minutes from lodge
• Best spots 20-45 minute boat ride
• Hunt world-record size permit on shallow flats
• Target enormous schools of bonefish
• Tarpon rolling in lagoons
• Snook for Super Slam opportunity
• Packed picnic lunch on the water
• Continue fishing through afternoon

Return & Evening:

• Return to lodge late afternoon
• Cool off in swimming pool
• Beach and pool butler service delivers drinks
• Relax on Bali beach bed
• Shower and change in villa
• Dinner at Kai Restaurant (5:30-9:00pm)
• Fresh-caught lobster and fish
• Cooked-to-order meals, waiter service
• Aged rum and Cuban cigars available
• Bar with swings for seats
• Swap fishing stories in social areas
• Library and fly tying station available

Day 8 – Departure

• Final breakfast at Kai Restaurant
• Optional: Fish on your own from lodge front or lagoon dock
• Pack gear and luggage in villa
• Private transfer to Cancún International Airport (3.5 hours)
• Coordinate with one of three daily transfer times
• Connect to homeward flights

Package Rates

Peak Season (October 1 – June 30):

7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing:

• $7,250 per angler (double occupancy)

Low Season (July 1 – September 30):

7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing:

• $6,550 per angler (double occupancy)

Contact Front Range Anglers for current availability and booking

What's Included:

• Seven (7) nights beachfront villa accommodations
• Six (6) full days guided fishing with private guide
• Air-conditioned rooms with king-sized beds
• Ocean-view Jacuzzi (ground floor units)
• Wrap-around decks with lounge chairs and hammocks
• Private transfers roundtrip Cancún Airport to lodge
• Swimming pool access
• Beach and pool butler service
• In-room safe
• Daily housekeeping service
• Card table, ping pong table, dominoes table
• Coffee and coffee maker in each bedroom
• Two bottles of water per bedroom per day
• Books and magazines by the bar
• Board games
• All taxes

Not Included:

• $10 tourist tax per person
• International airfare to Cancún
• Alcoholic beverages and bar orders
• Soft drinks, bottled water, beer from bedroom mini bar
• International wine selection from wine cellar
• Private fishing boat for solo angler (extra cost)
• Offshore sports fishing (weather permitting, arranged at lodge)
• Special fishing options: spin and light trolling
• Gratuities for fishing guide (lodge recommends $75-100 USD per day per boat)
• Items for sale or rent in Grand Slam shop
• Internet access in lobby
• Computer in lobby
• Satellite phone service
• Regional excursions
• Laundry service
• Gratuities for lodge staff (lodge recommends $20 USD per night per client)
• Car rental
• Travel and medical evacuation insurance (highly recommended)

Reservation Policy

• At booking: 50% deposit due and payable
• 90 days before trip: Remainder plus all VAT and taxes due

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellation 90+ days out: Full refund less $100 fee (if replacement angler found)
• Cancellation within 90 days: No refund unless qualified replacement angler provided
• No refunds for: Weather, acts of God, airline/travel issues

Last Minute Changes & No Shows

If you miss your flight but still plan to arrive:

• Inform lodge of new arrival date
• Charged for original booking
• Entitled to remaining nights
• Extra nights considered new booking at standard rates

If you don't show up on arrival date:

• Charged full amount of vacation stay

Hurricane Policy

• Lodge will evacuate under threat of hurricane
• Refunds will not be granted
• Trip insurance recommended

Travel Insurance

Front Range Anglers strongly recommends:

• Medical Evacuation Insurance (Global Rescue recommended)
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance (highly recommended)

For insurance questions contact:Kim D'AmicoPhone: 617.459.4200Email: kdamico@globalrescue.com

Connect with Our Ascension Bay Experts

Ready to experience luxury Grand Slam fishing in one of the world's most productive fisheries? Our Adventure Travel team can answer all your questions about Grand Slam Lodge, Ascension Bay tactics, travel logistics, and what to expect at this exclusive resort.

Rob Kolanda – Adventure Travel Manager
Rob is a Front Range Anglers guide and Sage Elite Pro with extensive saltwater fly fishing experience. He can provide detailed insights on Grand Slam strategies, permit tactics, and trip preparation for Ascension Bay.

John Brown – Adventure Travel Coordinator
John handles trip logistics and coordination, ensuring every detail of your Grand Slam Lodge adventure is handled seamlessly from booking through international travel to Mexico to departure.

What We Can Help With:

• Grand Slam and Super Slam strategies
• World-record permit tactics
• Fly selection for permit, bonefish, tarpon, snook
• Tackle recommendations (rod weights, reels, lines)
• Peak vs. low season timing
• International travel to Cancún
• Private transfer coordination and timing
• What to expect at Grand Slam Lodge
• Resort amenities and luxury features
• Arrival/departure day fishing options
• Pre-trip preparation consultation

Contact Us:
Email: rob@frontrangeanglers.com
Phone: 877-935-2975
Visit: 2344 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302

Stop by our Boulder fly shop to see saltwater fly fishing gear and talk with our team about your Grand Slam Lodge adventure.

What to Bring to Grand Slam Lodge

Fishing Gear

Note: Fishing gear available for rent in fully equipped lodge shop

Rods & Reels:

• 8-9 weight rod for bonefish
• 9-10 weight rod for permit
• 10-12 weight rod for tarpon
• Large arbor saltwater reels with strong drags
• 250+ yards of backing (tarpon)
• Floating tropical saltwater lines (primary)
• Intermediate lines for permit/tarpon

Leaders & Tippet:

• 9-12 foot leaders (variety of weights)
• Fluorocarbon tippet (10-16 lb bonefish, 12-20 lb permit, 20-40 lb tarpon)

Flies:

Permit:

• Crab patterns (Merkins, Del's Merkin, Avalon Crab)
• Tan, olive, brown colors
• Variety of weights (#2-1/0)

Bonefish:

• Gotchas, Crazy Charlies, Squimp (#6-8)
• Shrimp patterns
• Various weights

Tarpon:

• Toads, Black Death, Cockroaches
• Large baitfish patterns (#2/0-4/0)
• Purple, black, chartreuse

Snook:

• Baitfish patterns
• Clouser Minnows

Wading Gear:

• Flats boots (non-marking soles)

Clothing for Mexican Caribbean

Sun Protection (Essential):

• Long-sleeve sun shirts (UPF-rated, quick-dry, multiple)
• Long fishing pants (lightweight)
• Wide-brim sun hat
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Polarized sunglasses (amber or copper lenses)
• Sunglasses retainer/strap
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+, reef-safe)
• Lip balm with SPF

On-Water Clothing:

• Quick-dry shirts (long sleeve, multiple)
• Quick-dry pants
• Light rain jacket

Resort/Evening Wear:

• Casual resort wear for Kai Restaurant
• Comfortable clothes for social areas
• Swimsuit for pool and beach
• Sandals or comfortable shoes

Essential Accessories:

• Waterproof dry bag
• Stripping basket
• Fishing pliers
• Nail clippers or nippers
• Insulated water bottle

Personal Items

Documents:

• Valid U.S. passport (required)
• Return flight confirmation
• Cash for gratuities (USD accepted)
• Credit card

Medications & Essentials:

• Personal prescription medications
• Sunburn treatment
• Insect repellent
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Pain relievers