Jan, 2016: As you leave the bustling Cancun Airport laden with tourists and drive down through Playa del Carmen passing entrances to grand hotels on the Riviera Maya, it’s hard to believe that a flats fishing paradise awaits a bit farther south in the protected waters of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere.
The Cancun and Riviera environments “South of the Border” have changed dramatically over the decades, but when you turn off the main highway at Tulum, you will still see and feel a very relaxed pace of life feeling as you pass some of the smaller eco-inns and beachfront cafes.
We were heading to Grand Slam Lodge, which is located near the town of Punta Allen at the tip of a tiny peninsula heading south from Tulum — ending at Ascension Bay. This lodge is expertly managed by a long-time Frontiers friend, Miguel Encalada. Since the lodge opened about seven years ago, Grand Slam has emerged as a favorite for Frontiers and our clients traveling to the Yucatan. It’s super comfortable with 12 air-conditioned suites overlooking the sea. The staff is very friendly and service focused. We were also impressed with the quality of the meals complementing the terrific and experienced fishing guides.
Mexico has always been a special place for me. My father took me on my first bonefishing trip to these waters when I was 12 years old. At that time, almost 40 years ago, the famous “Hotel Zone” had about two properties and there were virtually no accommodations between the airport and the Mayan site of Tulum.
I have fished this region more than any other flats resource globally, and it’s still wonderful. What I love most is the species diversity. You need at least three or four rods rigged at all times so that you are prepared for bonefish, permit, tarpon and snook. You can also add barracuda, shark, snapper, triggerfish and other species! There are certainly places to go to target bigger bones, trophy tarpon and permit, but there are very few places with this type of consistent diversity at one locale.
The lodge is ideally located providing convenient access to a vast lagoon, bay and flats system. Guests can fish to the north and be very protected in inclement weather or head to the west for large flats. Of course all of Ascension Bay is right to the south with lots of wadable flats. Also helping protect this wonderful resource is the Sian Ka’an, an incredible area of natural beauty with diverse flora and fauna that was designated a Biosphere Reserve in 1986. A year later, Sian Ka’an was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO and it remains the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean. The fishery is managed well and protected for generations to come.
My family really enjoyed the Grand Slam Lodge experience. It was great to put Jeremy on a number of bonefish, many of which were landed. We both had a great morning chasing permit and each had one take our flies. Kristene enjoyed the bonefishing and snorkeling. Kristene’s daughter is a non-fisher and she had fun snorkeling, exploring the town and relaxing by the pool in the sun with a good book.
While Grand Slam is very fishing focused, it’s also great for couples or families. For any clients looking for a family getaway, combining a few days fishing at Grand Slam with a couple of nights in Cancun at the end is a wonderful way to fill everyone’s travel objectives. Cancun is serviced from many US cities with direct flights on a daily basis. It’s a short flight and tickets tend to be reasonable. All clients are met and transferred privately. I cannot wait to return, which will probably be in late April for the Permit Tournament.
Escape the winter and enjoy Grand Slam. Contact Joe Codd and Bob Artzberger in our office for up to date availability and other details. Ask about the April tournament, which will be a blast!
By: Mike Fitzgerald
