Each year we run 3 weeks back to back in the fabulous saltwater fly fishery of Ascension Bay. Paul Procter leads the groups and here is his report on the 2015 trip…………….
Ascension Bay 2015
Our popular November trip to Ascension Bay-Mexico is timed with the notion of escaping from the UK winter, so imagine our disappointment when storms circled all around during touch down in Cancun. Thankfully though conditions began to improve over the first few days and despite a nagging easterly breeze, which holds water back in this huge bay, our group were soon notching up some impressive stats under blue skies.
Newcomer to tropical saltwater fishing Neil Weedon led the charge with good numbers of bonefish, eclipsed by a stunning permit. Getting hold of your first permit is exciting enough that he tempted this solid fish using an 8-weight outfit is a remarkable feat. Obviously, he went through the usual agonies of being towed about a fair bit before gaining the upper hand.
A blip in conditions by way of a storm front rattling through often sends flats species like bonefish and permit scurrying for deeper water. However predators such as tarpon, snook, barracuda and sharks really switch on now and thankfully these remained true to form. In particular the snook were incredibly active, no doubt due in no small part to the massive shoals of sardines which had been ushered in on that persistent easterly wind.
Week number two then saw much of our talk and tactics revolve around snook with small baitfish patterns being the most effective. So aggressive were these fish that more than once we recorded catches in to double figures between two rods. Of course, plenty of notable fish were to be had with many snook around the 6-8lb bracket and a few specimens topping 10lb thrown in for good measure.
Admittedly, Ascension Bay might not be known for its huge bonefish, however, so diverse is it here, a Grand Slam is always a possibility. Fly Odyssey regular and good friend Chris Hartley managed to realise this coveted achievement during our stay. That he was beaming from ear to ear all day and night is testament to what this means in fishing circles.
On a personal note, as ever good friends and new acquaintances are what make our Fly Odyssey weeks so special and memorable. Interestingly, what I miss most is motoring out whilst looking at all our other skiffs and wondering what lays in store for them? One thing is for certain, whether the conditions are good, bad or indifferent every single day offers a new adventure. This is made possible by Manuel Chac of Casa Viejo Chac and his team of hard working, knowledge guides who year on year seem to understand what UK anglers like when they visit a saltwater destination for the first time.
Our weeks in 2016 are booking out fast. Please see below for remaining space:
7 night/6 days fishing Casa Veijo Chac, Ascension Bay, Mexico
Dates: • 12th-19th November, 2016 (4 rods remaining)
• 19th-26th November, 2016 (4 rods remaining)
• 26th November – 3rd December, 2016 (4 rods remaining)
Cost: £1990 per rod
Includes: 7 nights accommodation (double occupancy) including full board, 6 days guided fly fishing (2 guides per boat) and return transfers from Cancun to the lodge.
Excludes: International flights, meals on arrival day, beverages and gratuities ($US40-50 per day).
Paul Procter Dec 2015