Palometa Club

Ascension Bay Flats Fishing

Ascension Bay is known as perhaps the greatest permit fishery in the world. The bay encompasses 90+ square miles of sandy flats and isolated islands protected by a barrier reef along the eastern edge. Located within the 1.3-million-acre Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, this is pristine Yucatan flats fishing in a World Heritage Site.

The Water

The bay's extensive shallow flats, channels, and mangrove-lined islands create ideal habitat for permit, bonefish, and tarpon. Crystal-clear water allows for sight fishing, and the protected reserve ensures healthy fish populations.

The Fishing

Palometa Club's guides employ a scientific approach to permit fishing, with infectious enthusiasm and a desire to maximize every second of the fishing day. You'll wade and pole flats targeting all three species for Grand Slam opportunities.

Target Species

Permit (Trachinotus falcatus)

Ascension Bay's premier species and the lodge's specialty.

● Size: Daily encounters with 5-12 pound fish; many shots at 20-30 pounders
● Behavior: Feed on sandy flats, cruise channels, tail in shallow water
● Season: Year-round fishery with consistent opportunities
● Techniques: Crab flies, shrimp patterns, sight fishing on flats
● Notes: Multiple shots per day; guides' scientific approach to permit techniques

Bonefish (Albula vulpes)

Yucatan bones are smaller than Bahamas fish but present in huge numbers.

● Size: Typically smaller than Atlantic/Caribbean fisheries
● Population: Tremendous numbers year-round
● Season: Year-round consistent fishery
● Notes: Ideal for beginner flats anglers seeking easier rewards, builds confidence for permit fishing

Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus)

Both resident and migratory fish provide year-round opportunities.

● Resident fish: Small tarpon present throughout the year for Grand Slam opportunities● Migratory fish: Adult tarpon 80-100+ pounds arrive beginning of May, peak numbers July-August● Season: Resident fish year-round; large migratory fish May-August● Techniques: Fly fishing on flats and channels

Palometa Club Lodge

The lodge property sits directly on the active beach in the heart of Punta Allen, a quiet lobster fishing village. Built in 2005 of Mexican brick and mortar with indigenous hardwoods and tiles, this two-story structure offers refined comfort in the traditional local style.

Guest Rooms

Six bedrooms accommodate 12 guests:

● Three bedrooms upstairs
● Three bedrooms downstairs
● Each room: Two double beds, comfortable pillows and linens
● Individual A/C control
● Ceiling fan
● Operable windows
● Large storage spaces for clothing and gear

Amenities

Unlike simpler accommodations in the region:

● 24-hour electric power
● Wireless internet throughout
● Air conditioning in all rooms
● Effective mosquito control
● Hot water
● 2 full bathrooms plus 1 half bathroom

Common Areas

● Fly tying study
● Library/living room
● Large dining room adjacent to open kitchen
● Several outdoor patios
● Beautiful outdoor bar (Kaye's Bar)
● Beachfront location

Lodge Culture

Very refined and professional, but also VERY laid back and charming. This is authentic Yucatan hospitality with modern comfort.

Kaye's Bar

The outdoor bar stocks complimentary Margaritas, cold beer, and local rum drinks during happy hour. The perfect spot to relive the day's fishing and watch the Caribbean sunset.

Meals

Breakfast: Traditional hot breakfast at sunrise including cereal, eggs, bacon, ham, juices, toast, and pastries. Coffee available early.

Lunch: Hardy box lunches for the boats including sandwiches, fruits, desserts, ice water, and beverages of your choice.

Dinner: Family-style service featuring delicious local Caribbean and Mexican dishes such as mojo de ajo, pollo con mole, and chili rellenos, followed by scrumptious locally-inspired desserts.

Travel to Palometa Club

Airport

Cancun International Airport (CUN), Cancun, Mexico

Airlines

Direct flights to Cancun from many US cities including Dallas, Houston, Miami, and others.

Ground Transfer

After arriving in Cancun, guests are met by lodge representatives and transferred south in comfortable, air-conditioned vans.

Transfer Route:

● Cancun Airport to Tulum: 1 hour 15 minutes by van
● Tulum to Boca Paila Bridge: Enter Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
● Boca Paila Bridge to Palometa Club: 45 minutes by boat

The water transfer from Boca Paila Bridge allows guests to avoid the majority of the bumpy road to Punta Allen while enjoying the scenery of the biosphere reserve.

Location

Punta Allen is located approximately 3 hours south of Cancun on a narrow peninsula at the northeastern point of Ascension Bay. The pavement ends in Tulum, and with it the hustle, crowds, and resort development. This is the authentic, ecologically rich Yucatan Peninsula—remote enough to remain pristine but reachable in half a day.

Documentation

US citizens need a valid passport for travel to Mexico. Tourist visas are provided upon arrival.

Weekly Itinerary

Friday – Arrival Day

● Depart home city for Cancun (arrive no later than 2:00 PM)
● Meet lodge representatives at Cancun Airport
● Transfer to Tulum in air-conditioned van (1 hour 15 minutes)
● Continue to Boca Paila Bridge, enter Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
● Board guide boats for water transfer to lodge (45 minutes)
● Arrive at Palometa Club, settle into your room
● Welcome dinner and trip orientation

Saturday–Thursday – Fishing Days

● Sunrise coffee
● Traditional hot breakfast
● Depart for full day of guided fishing (box lunch included)
● Fish Ascension Bay flats for permit, bonefish, tarpon
● Return to lodge late afternoon
● Happy hour at Kaye's Bar (complimentary Margaritas, beer, rum drinks)
● Family-style dinner featuring Caribbean and Mexican cuisine
● Evening at leisure (fly tying, library, storytelling, planning tomorrow's fishing)

Friday – Departure Day

● Breakfast at lodge
● Transfer by boat from lodge to Boca Paila Bridge
● Van transfer from Boca Paila to Cancun International Airport
● Arrive Cancun Airport for departing flights
● Do not schedule return flights before 1:00 PM

Package Rates

7 Nights / 6 Days: $4,750 per angler (based on double occupancy)

Contact Front Range Anglers for current availability and booking.

What's Included:

● Seven (7) nights lodging at Palometa Club
● Six (6) full days of guided fishing
● All meals: breakfast, streamside lunches, and dinners
● Happy hour beverages (Margaritas, beer, local rum drinks)
● Non-alcoholic beverages
● Ground transportation from Cancun Airport to lodge and return
● Boat transfer from Boca Paila Bridge to lodge and return
● Telephone calls and wireless internet
● Mexican VAT tax
● Laundry service

Not Included:

● Commercial flights to Cancun, Mexico
● Additional alcoholic beverages outside of happy hour (BYOB welcome)
● Guide and staff gratuities
● Fishing tackle and flies
● Rental rod and reel outfits ($20/day if needed)
● Organized eco-tours
● Mexican departure taxes
● Travel and medical evacuation insurance (highly recommended)

Cancellation Policy

50% deposit required at booking to confirm reservation. Final balance due 60 days before departure.

● All deposits and final payments are non-refundable
● No refunds or credits for fishing time lost due to inclement weather
● Travel insurance highly recommended

Travel Insurance

Front Range Anglers strongly recommends Medical Evacuation Insurance (we recommend Global Rescue) and HIGHLY recommends Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance.

For insurance questions, contact: Kim D'Amico – kdamico@globalrescue.com – 617.459.4200

Connect with Our Mexico Experts

Ready to learn more about fishing Ascension Bay's legendary permit flats? Our Adventure Travel team can answer all your questions about Palometa Club, travel logistics, gear, and what to expect.

Rob Kolanda – Adventure Travel Manager

Rob is a Front Range Anglers guide, Sage Elite Pro, and can provide detailed insights on permit fishing techniques, fly selection, and preparation for Mexico saltwater fishing.

John Brown – Adventure Travel Coordinator

John handles trip logistics and coordination, ensuring every detail of your Ascension Bay adventure is handled seamlessly from booking to departure.

What We Can Help With:

● Permit fishing techniques and fly selection
● Gear recommendations for Yucatan flats fishing
● Travel coordination and flights to Cancun
● What to expect at Palometa Club
● Combining fishing with eco-tours or Mayan ruins visits
● Pre-trip preparation and packing consultation
● Pairing you with compatible trip partners
● Grand Slam strategies

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 permit gear, test cast rods, and talk with our team about your Palometa Club adventure.

What to Bring to Palometa Club

Fishing Gear

Rods & Reels:

● 8-9 weight rod for permit and bonefish
● 10-12 weight rod for tarpon (if targeting migratory fish May-August)
● Large arbor saltwater reels with strong drag
● Backing (200-300 yards)
● Weight-forward tropical floating line
● Intermediate sinking line (optional for tarpon)

Flies:

Permit:
● Crab patterns (Merkin, Avalon, Raghead Crab) in tan, olive, brown
● Sizes 2-6
● Bring plenty—permit fishing goes through flies

Bonefish:
● Gotchas, Crazy Charlies (sizes 4-8)
● Shrimp patterns
● Tan, pink, white colors

Tarpon:
● Tarpon toads, cockroaches (sizes 2/0-4/0)
● Black, purple, red/black patterns
● Deceivers and baitfish patterns

Leaders & Tippet:

● Permit: 12-20 lb fluorocarbon
● Bonefish: 10-15 lb
● Tarpon: 60-80 lb

Wading Gear:

● Flats boots or wading shoes (hard soles for walking flats)
● Gravel guards or flats booties

Clothing for Yucatan Climate

Sun Protection (Essential):

● Long-sleeve UPF fishing shirts (light colors)
● Lightweight quick-dry pants or shorts
● Wide-brim hat or cap
● Neck gaiter or buff
● Lightweight rain jacket

Essential Accessories:

● Polarized sunglasses (multiple pairs—crucial for sight fishing)
● Sunglasses retainer/strap
● Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reef safe)
● Lip balm with SPF
● Insulated water bottle

Personal Items

Documents:

● Valid passport (required for Mexico travel)
● Cash for gratuities and beverages
● Credit card for extras

Other Essentials:

● Personal medications
● Basic first aid
● Insect repellent (lodge has effective mosquito control but good for excursions)
● Toiletries
● Waterproof phone case/dry bag
● Camera

Optional:

● Binoculars for wildlife viewing
● Book or tablet for downtime
● Extra beverages for the week (BYOB welcome outside happy hour)

Gear Consultation

Front Range Anglers can outfit you with everything you need for permit and saltwater flats fishing. Visit our Boulder shop or contact our team for personalized recommendations.