XCALAK – GRAND SLAM IN THE YUCATAN with Graham Day
Xcalak (pronounced ish-ka-lack) Mexico, also known as Permit Heaven, is a small fishing village that sits behind the world’s second largest barrier reef. Located about five hours South of Cancun Mexico, and six miles north of the Belize border, Xcalak was once a key trade hub for the region from about 200 A.D. until it was leveled during a hurricane in 1955. After which, most of its residents relocated to Belize or towns located north and inland. Today, less than 600 residents now call Xcalak home. More than half of its population are natives to the town. The rest are migrants from other nearby townships including Chetumal, Mahual, and Belize. It is also home to a small group of North American ex-pats who have carved out a slice of paradise along the riviera.
Xcalak has slowly and quietly grown to be a fly fishing mecca for those who know. Here, healthy populations of permit, bonefish, tarpon and other key flats species thrive in a pristine, low pressure, tropical environment. Fly Fishing was introduced to Xcalak back in the early 80’s when travelers who held a common interest in the reef as a snorkel/dive resort realized its potential as a world class angling destination. Now, over forty years later, there are several low-key fly fishing lodges and a multigenerational network of fly fishing guides that offer expert level service. The waters in and around the reef have been protected as a national park since the 90’s.
In one single day on the water, one can wade shallow white sand flats, pole through vast eel grass beds and navigate a maze of mangrove lined channels to access hidden lagoons. Although fish populations are healthy, Xcalak also represents a level of challenge that places it high on the apex scale of fly fishing. Shallow, crystal clear waters make it easy to spot moving targets just below the surface. This means that these fish can also see you. A day of long, precise casts with a natural presentation and the right fly, in most cases is table takes for a productive day on the water. Add in rapidly changing weather with an average temperature that ranges from the mid 80’s to the mid 90’s, high humidity, and 15-knot afternoon trade winds are reminders of why fly fishing saltwater flats sits at the pinnacle of angling sports. Success only comes with patience, physical endurance, humility, and the willingness to learn.
Although anglers have enjoyed the opportunity provided by these accessible pristine waters over the last four decades, the times are changing. If you look thirteen nautical miles to the south to Ambergris Caye to Belize, you will see a picture of rapid expansion that has had a significant impact on what recently was a prized fishery. Ecological resources have been paved over to provide opportunities for tourism and economic expansion.
Through photography and words, you will travel to this paradise at the southernmost tip of the Yucatan peninsula. Details will include:
· Xcalak Info
· Where it is and how to get there
· Species and the angling opportunity
· Gear and Tactics
· Skills and knowledge
· Fishing Programs
· The Growing Village of Xcalak
We hope you join us to learn more about what is arguably one of the best-kept secrets in saltwater fly fishing and why Xcalak should be on the short list of places to wet a fly in your lifetime.
About the presenter:
Since 2018 Graham P Day has been hosting trips to Xcalak via the XFlats Fly Fishing Lodge. As an avid and experienced saltwater fly angler and fly tier, Graham is considered by his peers as an expert on Xcalak and loves to share his knowledge and experience of the area. A Southern California native, Graham was introduced to angling at the age of 4 by his father in the Eastern Sierra where his lifetime passion was ignited. By his 20’s, Graham had developed relationships with almost every independent tackle shop in Orange County as a reel mechanic and promoter of educational fishing events. In college, Graham studied journalism with the hopes of becoming an environmental writer, bringing awareness of the health of tuna populations and thoughtful harvesting practices in the Pacific Ocean. This passion eventually gave way to a career in the music industry where Graham went on to be a tour promoter and artist and repertoire man for a subsidiary of Warner Brothers Records. In his musical career working with certified platinum accredited acts such as Portugal the man and the Plain White T’s. Fifteen years ago Graham founded Driftwood Caravan; a brand dedicated to life on the water which encapsulated his lifestyle of surfing, personal care, and angling. During this time, Graham fell head over heels into fly fishing after being inspired by a dream about what is now his now favorite pastime. This led to part time involvement at a local fly shop where he promoted events and experienced fly fishing travel from a desk in the back of the store. Since 2017, he has played the role of guide, host, educator and artist. Today Graham follows his passion for music and angling but on a much deeper, personal level and still expresses himself as a passionate angler, father, and husband.