Fly fishing is a method in which traditional bait is not utilized; instead, an artificial “fly” is thrown in the water to catch fish. This technique is used most frequently in freshwater environments, including lakes and rivers; nevertheless, it is equally applicable to marine environments.
Fly fishing is a fantastic sport that may be enjoyed to its full potential at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. This is, without a doubt, the best location to spend a wonderful holiday and enjoy a unique experience and take a break from your typical daily routine. If you’re still on planning stage, consider adding fly fishing to your Tulum itinerary.
Here Are Everything You Need to Know About Sian Ka’an Fly Fishing
How to reach Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve from Tulum?
By car
The Sian Ka’an reserve belongs to the municipalities of Tulum and Felipe Carrilo. To get to the reserve’s entrance from the town of Tulum, you have to go to the end of the city, which is located through the hotel zone (when you see a beach sign saying Boca Paila you will know that you are in the hotel zone).
When you get to the end of the hotel zone in Tulum, follow State Highway 15 past Tulum and when you see a white arch called Arco Maya – there, you will be at the entrance of Sian Ka’an. The only road (15 mins by car) that follows the coastline through the reserve is here.
By bus
From Tulum, the quickest and easiest route to Muyil is to take the Mayab bus from the central ADO station. It costs 400 pesos ($20) and departs around once every hour.
Important notes:
Be cautious if you count yourself among the brave adventurers who prefer to do it alone with a car or small boat rental – both are excellent options to have the freedom to do what you want; however, in severe weather, the road is almost impassable, the waters are dangerous, and that’s why people might prefer going with a tour and a professional guide. Most of the tours start from Punta Allen. You can’t enter the reserve by yacht, but you can still rent a yacht and enjoy a luxurious adventure once you are back in the town
This area is protected and has a natural heritage; therefore, you must pay a federal tax to access it when you get to the entrance. The National Commission for Protected Natural Areas (CONANP) regulates the entrance to Sian ka’an and the fee costs around 90 pesos.
What do most of the tours include and don’t?
Primarily included in the tours
- Fishing licenses and costs associated with entering the reserve
- Snacks
- Beers for angler
- Lunch bag or sack (if you choose the whole day for this activity)
- Distilled bottles of water
- Various options for soft drinks
Not included in the tours
- Modes of transportation
- Fishing equipment
A bit about nearby areas
You and your guide will be dropped off ten minutes to an hour from Muyil or Punta Allen at a prime fishing place depending on the species you’re after.
Punta Allen
Punta Allen is a central urban hub where tourists may explore the rest of Sian Ka’an. The area has a rich history in lobster fishing and is home to several tour companies. Nature lovers will find nirvana here, since the area is home to a wide variety of animals and plants and features an excellent selection of lodges and bed & breakfasts. It sits on a long finger of land protruding into the ocean.
Note: if you plan to visit Punta Allen, bring enough cash since generally credit card are not accepted. Here are the best places for currency exchange in Tulum so you can get the best rate.
Muyil
Besides its Mayan ruins, Muyil is also a popular ecotourism destination thanks to its extensive trail system and seaside inlet. It’s in proximity to Tulum and simple to get to. Mayan ruins and blue lagoons make this tropical oasis a true heaven. There is hardly much to see or do in this town.
You may check the official website of Sian Ka’an for more information on tours.
Kinds of fish to expect to catch at Sian Ka’an
You should expect to catch the most fish species: bonefish, permit, tarpon, barracuda, and snook. In shallow water, swimming over a sandy bottom, bonefish look for flat areas only two to three feet deep. On the other side, the tarpon is hiding in the lagoon’s mangroves.
Months recommended for fly fishing
The months of October-November and July make up the fly fishing season in the Campeche lagoon, located in the Sian Ka’an and is a famous fly fishing destination in that area.
You can fly fishing throughout the following months, depending on the species of fish that you wish to catch:
- In October and November, there is a lot of bonefish, snook, and tarpon. You will locate many local bonefish, tarpon, and barracuda during December, January, and February.
- Permit, the most challenging fish to capture, are plentiful in April, May, June, and July.
Areas in Sian Ka’an where the possibility of catching fish is high
In the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, fourteen polygons have been identified where fly fishing is carried out of which 37 sites have been identified in the northern region (Campechen Boca Paila-Baia de la Acsencion-BAS) and 13 in the southern region (Bahia del Espiritu Santo- Laguan Mosquietero-BES).
What is needed to be able to go fly fishing in Mexico?
To be able to do fly fishing and have the opportunity to catch any of the main species for this activity, the client must be equipped with a variety of rods and flies for each species and to have a permit for the use of fly fishing. Each club must process this permit based on the General Law of Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture.
Fly fishing step by step
Here are the steps to take:
- The hook is placed in the press.
- The first base of the thread is placed with the needle of the reel. Once covered with the first layer of thread, the hook is decorated depending on the type of fly to elaborate.
- The synthetic material is selected and fastened with the thread that surrounds it.
- The eyes are placed to give weight to the fly.
- In the end, the rubber bands, which will be the extremities, are placed.
The Bottom Line
When native fish complete their life cycle in the aquatic system (from spawning to death), they help in nutrient recycling and keep natural ecosystem processes running smoothly. More native fish can survive and multiply thanks to fly fishing.
To guarantee that future generations can also enjoy fishing at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve, visitors are asked to release any native fish they catch.
Now that you’ve enjoyed the fly fishing experience, how about snorkeling and admires Riviera Maya’s marines life? Read more here: snorkeling in Tulum.
