A Saltwater Fly- Lodge in Pure Mayan Paradise – Xcalak,

PRE-TRIP INFORMATION & RECOMMENDATIONS The following is information that will allow you to be fully prepared for your upcoming trip to xFlats Fishing Lodge.

Please read carefully:

If you are like most of our guests, there are a number of factors you consider when deciding which saltwater destination for your fishing vacation. Here is some of what you can expect to see on your day(s) of fishing with the xFlats team.

Please also visit our web site (https://thexflats.com) for additional information, including perspectives from recent guests and an up-to-date fishing information. Also feel free to call toll free (844-493-5287) with any remaining questions you may have.

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The Fish of xFlats

The of Bay is a picturesque shallow water flats fishery, lies less than 30 minutes away by boat. Our two main targets are that of permit and bonefish, and we can have daily opportunities to catch tarpon, snook, barracudas, jacks and more. Chetumal Bay has been proven as one of the most reliable and consistent permit , and its uniqueness in many makes it one of the best places to chase permit in the world. The depth of the flats range from less than 1 ft to over 5 ft, creating the ideal fishery from foot or from the comfort of the boat.

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Permit

Considered by many as “the holy grail of ”, permit are an addiction that is well fed in the waters of Chetumal Bay. If you enjoy the thrill of the hunt, you’ll enjoy chasing permit. The number of opportunities you will typically get during a fishing day, will increase your odds your catching this elusive fish.

Our guide team likes to do a lot of wading to permit

+1 844-4XFLATS (493-5287) info@thexflats.com https://thexflats.com whenever possible. When the opportunity arises where they have spotted the fish at a long enough distance, they like to allow for their angler(s) to exit the boat (in 2-4 feet of water) and approach the permit on foot. Chasing Permit on foot does two things – 1 – allows you to get much closer to the fish (15-30 feet) and – 2 – often allows for multiple shots at the fish.

Fly-Fishing Equipment for Permit: Rod: 8 to 10 wt, 9 feet long, fast action, designed for saltwater. If you had one rod for permit, make it a 9 weight rod loaded with 10 weight line.

Reel: Solid and designed for saltwater with good disc brake, capacity 250 yards of 20 # backing

Line: 8 to 10 wt, weight forward, floating, tapered, designed for warm saltwater. It is recommended to overweight your fly lines. EX: Put a 9 weight on your 8 weight, a 10 weight on your 9 weight, and so on.

Leader: 9 to 12 foot 16# Fluorocarbon leader with 12# tippet in gear bag.

Flies: Puglisi Mantis Shrimp Tan Size 1, Mantis Shrimp size 4 or 6, & 8, Becks Fleing Crab Size 2 & 6, Casa Blanca Crab 2 & 4

Fly colors: Light Sand, Tan, Brown

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Bonefish

The ice breaker for many people on their first saltwater experience, the bonefish is pound for pound the fastest fish on the flats. They are very common in the waters of Chetumal Bay, and you will chase bonefish on multiple flats, bays and lagoons. The bonefish here average 2-4 pounds but larger fish are available. We are continually searching back bays and lagoons for their presence. Each year we see and catch fish approaching the 10# mark. Fly-Fishing Equipment for Bonefish: Rod: 8 wt, 9 feet long, fast action, designed for saltwater

Reel: Designed for saltwater with good disc brake, capacity 200 yards of 20 # backing

Line: 8 to 9 wt, weight forward, floating, tapered, designed for warm saltwater

Leader: 9 to 12 foot tapered 8 to 16 #

+1 844-4XFLATS (493-5287) info@thexflats.com https://thexflats.com Flies: Crazy Charlie, Gotcha, Bonefish Bitters, EP Micro Crabs, Veverkas Mantis, Shrimp Patterns on #6 to #8 saltwater hooks

Fly colors: Light colors like sand, tan, pearl, olive, brown

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Tarpon & Snook

Here in Chetumal Bay and the surrounding lagoons we have limited access to mostly Baby Tarpon in the 5-20# range. Our fishery exists around cenotes & blue holes in the bay along with surrounding lagoons. If you are hoping to have a shot at some of the large (100#+) migratory tarpon that move through the area then plan your trip in early June to end of July where spots in the bay and ocean front are regularly visited by the migrating fish. Fly-Fishing Equipment for Tarpon & Snook:

Rod: 8 to 10 wt, 9 feet long, fast action, designed for saltwater

Reel: Designed for saltwater with good disc brake

Line: 9 to 10 wt, weight forward, floating, tapered, designed for warm saltwater

Leader: 6 to 8 foot tapered 20 to 25 wt, with 15 to 20 inches of 40 to 90 wt hard shock tippet. Leader Option #2 : 7-9 ft of straight 50# mono

Flies: Cockroach, Yucatan Sabalo, Deceivers, Seaducers, Clouser Minnows, Poppers on #2/0 to #4/0 saltwater hooks

Fly colors: Red, white, purple, black & silver. Red & Black combo most popular.

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Other species: Barracuda, Jacks, Snapper, Cobia and more…

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+1 844-4XFLATS (493-5287) info@thexflats.com https://thexflats.com Our Lodge

Tucked along the world-famous Chetumal Bay, the Xflats at Tierra Maya’s 7 beachfront suites are elegantly furnished retreats with stylish Mayan décor, breezy exterior terraces, and dotted with tropical hammocks for guest to relax in the ocean front patio.

Our suites offer our guest a comfortable space to put your feet up after a long day of exhilarating fly fishing. We cater to the serious saltwater fly angler while also offering numerous daily tours and activities for our non fishing clients. Our property stretches over 150 ft of remote beachfront where permit and bonefish are daily visitors. Our Suites Ideal for a angler’s getaway or couple’s vacation, the lodge’s 7 beachfront suites carry an authentic Mayan style. These extraordinary suites feature roomy patios, a spacious bathroom, and living area that looks onto the bay. Each room can accommodate up to 2 guests with 2 comfortable full beds. Newly included per each suite are up to eight rod racks for your fully rigged setup and is accompanied by a security safe for additional particulars. Our rooms are now air conditioned! Our Restaurant & Bar The Xflats at Tierra Maya is known village-wide for its exquisite cuisine and rustic beachfront settings. Whether you are savoring local cuisine or a more casual toe-in-the-sand vibe, you’ll enjoy our authentic local specialties and favorites, prepared and served in a restaurant that showcases the art of fishing with the companionship of fellow anglers.

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Getting to Xcalak Most of our clients arrive on an air conditioned private shuttle with professional driver as part of your inclusive fishing package. Renting a car and driving is an option for those who wish to get out and about and enjoy a little more of what Xcalak has to offer. Airlines All major airlines will bring to us. Please fly to Cancun or Chetumal Mexico. Arrivals into Cancun should be no later that 3 pm (later arrivals can bee accommodated, but may require additional fees or an oversight stay in Cancun or ). For departures, we recommend departing after 12 pm.

Upon arrival into Cancun or Chetumal, you will have the choice of making the 4.5 hour drive (from Cancun. 2 hour drive from Chetumal) to xFlats lodge via shuttle or via rental car.

+1 844-4XFLATS (493-5287) info@thexflats.com https://thexflats.com Shuttle Vans Taking a shuttle van is a very reliable and comfortable way to get to Xcalak.

Round Trip Ground Transportation with Chauffeur from Cancun Airport to Xcalak is included in our fishing packages for Saturday arrivals and/or departures.

For non Saturday arrivals or departures, we can arrange a shuttle at an additional cost. See below for those details.

Person(s)Total Per Person 1 Person $754.00 $754.00 2 Persons $783.00 $391.50 3 Persons $806.00 $268.67 4 Persons $835.00 $208.75 5 Persons $865.00 $173.00 6 Persons $905.00 $150.83 7 Persons $1015.00 $145.00 8 Persons $1125.00 $140.63

*Price is per vehicle, includes driver, drinks, gas, Airport fees and taxes. Tips to the driver are not included but recommended. Rental Cars All major rental car agencies are available in Cancun and Chetumal. We suggest not using the local Mexican companies, as you will likely experience long delays during pick up and drop off of the vehicle. Be sure to consider a few different options when booking your car rental many different credit card companies offer car discounts. Things To Do In Xcalak There are many things to do in Xcalak on days you aren’t, or even days you are fishing.

Snorkel or Scuba Tour of the Xcalak pueblo Drive or bike up the beach road Walk out on the town dock. Very cool, very high up, you’ll see a lot of fish and get a great view of the . Kayaking or Stand up Paddle boarding Get a massage Visit the local ’s cooperative. Buy some fresh lobster or fish to cook at your lodging Take a drive to Visit one or more of the many Mayan ruin sites Just Relax and do nothing

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+1 844-4XFLATS (493-5287) info@thexflats.com https://thexflats.com FAQ Here are some frequently asked questions that may help you get familiar with what to expect.

1. What are the gratuity guidelines? Tipping can be done in US Dollars or Pesos Guides:$50.00 per day per boat (ex: 2 anglers is $25 each) Lodge Staff: $2-$5 per day/ per guest. Shuttle driver: Airport to lodging: $20-$50 per group.

2. Is the area safe? The area is safe. We ask that you take precautions when in the area the same as you would when traveling anywhere on vacation. Dont leave your fly rods or valuables outside at night. Lock your room doors when you are not in them or while sleeping at night. We have a night watchman and our friendly dogs alert us to any unusual activity.

3. Can I drink the water? We do not recommend drinking the water. You will be provided water for brushing your teeth and drinking that can be refill.

4. Can I use US dollars? Yes, US dollars are accepted all over Mexico and we ask that tips for staff and guides be paid in US dollars. If you wish to do a little shopping out in Xcalak you will want a few pesos. Usually $100 per person is plenty for their week long inclusive trip to Xcalak.

5. Will I be able to access the internet? Yes, most all lodging facilities have wifi.

6. Are rooms air conditioned? Yes! All lodge rooms now have air conditioning!

7. Is there laundry service? Yes, laundry service is available for $5 dollars per load at most lodging locations.

8. How long is the drive from Cancun? The shuttle from Cancun to Xcalak is around 4.5 to 5 hours. A little more if your group stops for shopping and dining, and a little less on the direct drive bak to the airport.

9. Can I fly to Xcalak? Yes. We have access to an airstrip located 45 minutes from Xcalak. Contact us for private charter pricing.

10.Do you recommend travel insurance? Yes, we recommend that you consider these options for Travel Insurance:

Basic trip cancellation insurance – Allianz Global Assistance. Trip evacuation insurance – Global Rescue. If you’re headed outside the U.S. – Atlas Medical Insurance.

+1 844-4XFLATS (493-5287) info@thexflats.com https://thexflats.com Packing & Preparation As an important reminder; be sure to bring appropriate attire for your saltwater fly fishing experience in the Yucatan sun (long-sleeves, light-weight pants, hat, and SPF 60 sunblock.)

You are not required to have a license when fishing with one of our licensed guides. If you plan to fish unguided at any point on your vacation in please acquire a license here: Mexican Fishing License. Suggested Packing list:

Personal Items: Passport Driver’s License ATM Card Cash Credit Card(s) Rental Car Confirmation Rx Prescriptions Keys Sunblock Small First Aid Kit Sports Tape/Duct Tape Lip Block with Sunscreen Insect Repellent Zip Lock Baggies

Clothing Lightweight Long Sleeve Shirts Quick Drying Shorts and Pants Sun Blocking Hat(s) Buff(s) Sun Gloves Rain Jacket & Pants Wading Boots: Neoprene Wading Boots are adequate Polarized Sunglasses Glasses Cleaner Clippers/Nips Small Pocket Knife Hook Sharpener Wading Pack Hemostats Fly Rods & Reels Waterproof Boat Bag Leader(s)/Tippet Material Fly Boxes Line Cleaner/Dressing & Pad

+1 844-4XFLATS (493-5287) info@thexflats.com https://thexflats.com Quick Reference Saltwater Flies

Permit Bonefish Puglisi Mantis Shrimp Tan Size 1 Turneffe Flats Charlie Tan Sz 6 Mantis Shrimp size 4 or 6, & 8 Crazy Charlie Shrimp Pearl Sz 6 Becks Fleing Crab Size 2 & 6 Crazy Charlie Shrimp Tan Sz 8 Casa Blanca Crab 2 & 4 Becks Sili Legs Sz 6-8

Tarpon & Snook Barracudas & Jacks Yucatan Sabalo Size 1/0 Yellow/White/Red Deceivers Cockroach Size 1/0 Needle Fish Flies Red & White Seaducers Silver, Red/White Poppers Gummy Minnows

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We look forward to meeting you in person and sharing our wonderful fishing lodge with you. Please let us know if there is any special needs or requests and we will do everything we can to accommodate those requests.

If you have any other questions, please let us know.

See you soon!

The Xflats at Tierra Maya Jesse Colten Owner info@thexflats.com +1 844-4XFLATS (493-5287)

+1 844-4XFLATS (493-5287) info@thexflats.com https://thexflats.com