Be prepared with cash and essential supplies, as amenities are limited and ATMs unavailable in the village.
Xcalak is remote—coming prepared with the right gear ensures you’ll spend less time worrying about details and more time enjoying world-class fishing.
The Mexican Government mandates that all individuals must possess a fishing license. Please click the link below to purchase your license.
Fly rods: We recommend bringing multiple rod setups in varying weights, so you can quickly switch gear to target different species throughout the day.
Bonefish: 8/9 wt set up floating line
Permit: 9/10 wt set up floating line
Tarpon: 10/ 11 wt set up floating line
Leaders: 9–12-foot fluorocarbon leaders ranging from 12 to 20 lb test for bonefish and permit, and 40 to 80 lb test shock leaders for tarpon, barracuda, and larger species.
Tapered leader to 16lb
Wire leader
Tippet: Fluorocarbon tippet spools between 12 to 20 lb test are ideal for most flats situations. For larger fish like tarpon, barracuda, and snook, heavier shock tippet (40–80 lb) is recommended.
Wire bite
50lb mono
80, 40, 30, 20, 16, 12lb flourocarbon
Personal:
Waterproof backpack or dry bag
Camera or smartphone (for capturing memories)
Sunblock & Insect Repellent
Clothing:
Lightweight Long Sleeves
Breathable, quick-dry pants
Sun Blocking Hat
Sun Blocking Buff
Polarized Sunglasses
Sun Gloves
Rain Jacket
Wading Boots
*Laundry is available if necessary*
Accessories:
Line cutters
Pliers
Hook sharpeners
Fly boxes
Rod holders
Flies:
Permit
Puglisi Mantis Shrimp Tan Size 1
Mantis Shrimp Size 4 or 6, & 8
Beck’s Fleeing Crab Size 2 & 6
Casa Blanca Crab Size 2 Bonefish
Bonefish
Turneffe Flats Charlie Tan Size 6
Crazy Charlie Shrimp Pearl Size 6
Crazy Charlie Shrimp Tan Size 8
Chili Pepper Size 6
Micro Crab
Becks Sili Legs
Tarpon & Snook
Yucatan Sabalo Size 1/0
Cockroach Size 1/0
Red & White Seducers
Clouser Minnows
Gummy Minnows
Barracudas & Jacks
Yellow/White/Red Deceivers
Needle Fish Flies
Silver, Red/White Poppers
Want an edge on your trip? Our guide and local legend Tommy can hand-tie a custom selection of flies—including his renowned Floating Crab—tailored specifically for your trip’s conditions and target species. Just ask our team about availability when booking your trip. Prefer to grab one ahead of time? Tommy’s Floating Crab is now available for purchase online through Umpqua’s website.
Casual clothing for lodge evenings
Sneakers
Sandals
Swimsuit
Reusable water bottle
Chargers, power adapters
Mexican pesos for tips and local purchases (there are no banks or ATMs in Xcalak)
Passport and travel documents
