Gear & Packing Lists

Be prepared with cash and essential supplies, as amenities are limited and ATMs unavailable in the village.

The Essentials to Make
the Most of your Trip

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.

Update

The Mexican Government mandates that all individuals must possess a fishing license. Please click the link below to purchase your license.

Fishing Gear

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

Custom Flies by Tommy

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 pattern—tailored specifically for your trip’s conditions and target species. Availability is limited; ask about reserving your custom box before your visit!

For Off the Water

Clothing and Footwear

Casual clothing for lodge evenings

Sneakers

Sandals

Swimsuit

Extras and Recommendations

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