Ascension Bay is, without doubt, one of the best saltwater fly fishing destinations on the planet, situated one hundred miles to the south of Cancun and covering over eight hundred square miles; it sticks out on the map. The Casa Blanca Fishing Lodge is a unique lodge nestled in the heart of this fishery, situated on the northern tip of the private Punta Pajaros island, located in the southernmost waters of Ascension Bay.
The island of Punta Pajaros, where the Casa Blanca Fishing Lodge is found, extends for twenty-five miles between Ascension Bay and Espiritu Santo Bay, in the Yucatan state of Quintana Roo and is a true tropical paradise. Situated at the centre of one of the worlds most significant protected areas and Unesco World Heritage site, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Protected by the world’s second-longest barrier reef, it offers miles of shallow bays, secluded mangrove-rimmed lagoons, white-sand beaches fronted by dense coastal jungle and countless miles of flats. If one were to dream up the perfect location for a saltwater flats fishing lodge, it would be hard to find a better one.
Quickly becoming a spot on every saltwater anglers bucket list, Casa Blanca Lodge in Ascension Bay is a place where all the stars align. The bay is teeming with all the flats species year-round and is one of the best locations in the world to target a grand slam and even a super slam. There are endless fishing possibilities, wading or boat fishing from the rivers, lagoons, and classic sand flats.
The vast, pristine waters of Ascension Bay, with its estuary, mangrove, flats system, and adjacent reef, provide the ideal habitat for a wide variety of marine species and fish.
Bonefish are plentiful in the waters and found everywhere, from the hard sand flats to mangrove lagoons; there is plenty of habitat for the biosphere’s grey ghost. While this area was once famous for large numbers of smaller Bonefish, the reputation is slowly changing, and now fish over 5lb are common, and every season 10lb plus fish are landed by visiting anglers.
Permit fishing at Casa Blanca is quite possibly the best in the world. They may still be hard to catch, but thanks to thriving fish populations under the protection of the biosphere, you’re almost sure to get many opportunities every day. They’re constantly on the move, so quick, accurate casts and a good dose of luck are essential.
The average stamp of Tarpon found at Casa Blanca Fishing Lodge is primarily midsized specimens between 20-70 lb; however, migratory fish up to 150lb get caught every year. They are the most enormous, muscular and acrobatic of all the flats species found in the waters of Ascension Bay. On ‘dead calm’ days in June and July, the Tarpon fishing on the Caribbean side of the lodge can be excellent.
Snook are the ultimate mangrove specialist and inhabit all areas of water but love sheltering under the roots of the mangroves and along the fringes of the flats. They can be moody and aggressive, but when you catch one, it’s a rewarding experience. They can reach over 20lb and provide a true challenge for the saltwater fly fishermen.
As well as the traditional flats species, there’s also a whole host of reef species on offer, such as Jacks, Barracuda, Cubera Snapper, Mutton Snapper and a variety of Sharks.
To find out more about Mexico and the fly fishing at Casa Blanca Fishing Lodge, visit our YouTube channel.
The autumn or fall fishing seasons typically begins in October and lasts through November. The fishing can be excellent at this time of year, with the lack of angling pressure the previous month combined with the increase in water temperatures, offering some great sport to anglers. The only slight downside to fishing this time of year is that the weather can be stormy; however, in most cases, the fishing opportunities on offer far outweigh the risk of getting wet.
December through to February are the winter months at Casa Blanca Fishing Lodge and are lovely months to visit and fish. They are the months with the lowest humidity of the year and can feature some of the best weather and fishing of the season. At this time of year, it’s possible to experience a cold front, but these pass through quickly and seldom affect the fishery for more than a day or two.
In the spring between March and May, the weather stabilizes, temperatures are pleasant and the water begins to warm up. As days lengthen, the change in the sun’s angle makes for optimal light conditions when trying to spot fish on the flats. The main challenge which can affect anglers and fishing at this time of year is the wind, which tends to strengthen as winter gives way to spring.
June, July and August are the summer months and the hottest but also wettest of the season. However, water temperatures are at their warmest, and the flats fish are at their most active. Most lodges are closed at this time of year, so anglers travelling and fishing can have vast swathes of water to themselves.
As with all fishing destinations worldwide, an excellent guide makes all the difference, and at Casa Blanca Fishing Lodge, their guides are second to none. With well over a century of combined experience fishing the waters of Ascension Bay, they intimately know the local waters, the fish’s movements, and the tides that differentiate between fishing and catching. They all speak excellent English, are patient, incredible boatmen and masters at finding fish on any tide.
The fishing is from 16-foot Dolphin Super-Skiffs, the perfect boat to stalk wary fish on the flats with your guide. They’re smaller than traditional Pangas used elsewhere in Mexico but considerably more manoeuvrable; they also offer a lean bar capability for those wanting a little added stability up on the casting deck. This brand new fleet of boats feature four-stroke 50HP Yamaha motors and are fast, dependable and much better for the environment than the more common two strokes. To further increase performance and smooth out the ride, Doel-fin hydrofoils are fitted to all motors.
For added safety on the water, all guides carry VHF marine radios to communicate with one another and the lodge if necessary. Thanks to our recently installed signal-boosting repeater, our guides can speak from even the deepest reaches of the fishery.
Formerly a lodging facility for cocoa plantation workers, the remodelled Casa Blanca Fishing Lodge offers eleven rooms that can accommodate 22 people comfortably. All the rooms are seaside and situated only a stone’s throw away from the beautiful waters of the Caribbean; they are spacious, well-appointed with remarkable views. They feature air conditioning, tiled floors, mahogany shutters and spacious baths.
In the main Lodge, you will find a fully stocked bar and an accommodating bartender along with friends, old and new, swapping stories about the day’s fishing and the one’s that got away. Margaritas are the house speciality, but only a lucky few receive a scorpion garnish. Drinks are moderately priced, and guests are welcome to keep an open tab for the week.
After returning from a long day on the flats, reward yourself with some fresh ceviche or nachos under the palapa. After a shower, make your way to the dining room to enjoy the chef’s daily speciality.
The menu varies from chicken, fresh fish, conch, lobster and, of course, steak. The house speciality is fresh Caribbean seafood. You will always find the day’s catch and skillfully prepared and garnished with native fruits and vegetables presented to please your eye as well as your palate. All meals are served in the Lodge’s waterfront dining room, at beautifully set tables, by professionally trained staff.
The Lodge also boasts a 100-yard long concrete pier, where you can fish for cruising Tarpon and Permit at night under the lights, and some of the best fishing happens right off the pier with a cold beer in hand!
All drinking water and water used for ice is purified using the ‘reverse osmosis’ process. You will find drinking water in your room in a cooler, which is re-filled daily. The water from the tap is from a natural well, or ‘cenote’; the locals drink it; we recommend that you do not. Please help us by conserving the water whenever possible.
All electricity at the Lodge is supplied by generators, which operate daily from approximately 3:30 pm until 8:00 am. This schedule will vary seasonally; in the spring and summer, the generators are used all night to power the fans.
Casa Blanca is remote but not disconnected. The main Lodge has wireless Internet for guest use. There is no regular telephone service, but satellite phones are available for a small fee.
The area surrounding the accommodation is wild, virtually uninhabited and extraordinarily beautiful. There are miles of shallow bays, secluded mangrove-rimmed lagoons, white-sand beaches, and dense coastal jungle. Once you have been to Casa Blanca, take the time to explore its vast tropical landscape and experience exquisite isolation. You will find that it will remain with you long after you have boarded your plane and returned home to civilization. It’s genuinely unforgettable and one of those rare places you will want to return to again and again until you have made it your own.
Although the fishing days are fixed, the below itinerary is still flexible should you require additional free days to explore at the beginning or end of your holiday; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.
Depart Any international Airport (See Details)
Arrive Newark Depart Newark
Arrive Cancun
On arrival, you will take a taxi to your hotel in Cancun.
Overnight accommodation: Cancun Hotel (Twin Rooms) B/B
At the pre-agreed time, you will make your way to the internal airport.
Depart Cancun (General Aviation Terminal)
Arrive Casa Blanca Lodge Airstrip
Once you have arrived a staff member from Casa Blanca Lodge will transfer you by boat to the resort.
Overnight accommodation: Casa Blanca Lodge (Twin Room) F/B
You will depart to fish all day with your guides who focus on sight fishing for Bonefish, Permit and Tarpon, but Snook, Snapper, Jacks and Barracuda are also present. The lodge provides experienced fly fishing guides who are well suited to help both beginning and expert anglers alike.
Overnight accommodation: Casa Blanca Lodge (Twin Room) F/B
The majority of the fly fishing is done from 16 foot Dolphin Skiffs. Wade fishing is also possible in some areas. If you want to wade, be sure to tell your guides and they will help you to make this happen as much as possible.
Overnight accommodation: Casa Blanca Lodge (Twin Room) F/B
You will depart the lodge by private plane. Your schedule will be posted the evening before you depart for your convenience.
Arrive Cancun (General Aviation Terminal)
On arrival, our representative will transfer you to the International terminal.
Depart Cancun
Arrive Newark Depart Newark
Arrive Home
The season runs from October to June.
Season: October to June
Peak: February to May
Weight: 1lb to 10lb
Average Weight: 3.5lb
Season: October to June
Peak: February to May
Weight: 4lb to 30lb
Average Weight: 10lb
Season: October to June
Peak: February to May
Weight: 5lb to 60lb
Average Weight: 15lb
N/A
Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.
| From | To | Duration | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/04/2024 | 30/04/2024 | 10 | £6,997 | Enquire Now |
| 01/05/2024 | 31/05/2024 | 10 | £6,997 | Enquire Now |
| 01/06/2024 | 30/06/2024 | 10 | £6,997 | Enquire Now |
| 01/07/2024 | 31/07/2024 | 10 | £6,783 | Enquire Now |
| 01/08/2024 | 31/08/2024 | 10 | £6,783 | Enquire Now |
| 01/09/2024 | 30/09/2024 | 10 | £6,708 | Enquire Now |
| 01/10/2024 | 31/10/2024 | 10 | £6,708 | Enquire Now |
| 01/02/2025 | 28/02/2025 | 10 | £7,256 | Enquire Now |
| 01/03/2025 | 31/03/2025 | 10 | £7,256 | Enquire Now |
| 01/04/2025 | 30/04/2025 | 10 | £7,256 | Enquire Now |
| 01/05/2025 | 31/05/2025 | 10 | £7,256 | Enquire Now |
| 01/06/2025 | 30/06/2025 | 10 | £7,256 | Enquire Now |
| 01/07/2025 | 31/07/2025 | 10 | £7,027 | Enquire Now |
| 01/08/2025 | 31/08/2025 | 10 | £7,027 | Enquire Now |
| 01/09/2025 | 30/09/2025 | 10 | £6,952 | Enquire Now |
| 01/10/2025 | 31/10/2025 | 10 | £6,952 | Enquire Now |
Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, fishing and accommodation (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharges.
We have just returned from our trip to Casa Blanca and are happy to report that we all had a marvellous time.
What a nice lodge, so friendly, the staff are just so keen to help in anyway they can.
Guides and fishing are all first class, we fished with 3 different guides during the week and they all managed to put us on lots of fishing opportunities everyday.
It was also nice spending the night in Cancun on the way out.
Can not think of anything we would change.
regards Jack
Jack
Thank you so much for the review and calling me back, happy you all had a good time. I will forward you details of all the information you asked for.
Until next time regards Paul
My friends and I have been going every year for the past two years, and recently went back for more of the same -- and again we were not disappointed in the least. The place books you for 7 days, plus the day you arrive. You get 6 days of fishing, all meals, snacks, and a lot of relaxation.
Brian it is alway a pleasure to have you back each year, we hope you continue for a long while. Regards Paul
Our second and not last visit to Casa Blanca Lodge, after two trips there things only seem to get better and better.
I was so nice being welcomed back as the staff and guides genuinely remembered us from the previous year. It now feels like home and I am sure we will be back for a third year in a row.
Glad the second trip lived unto and exceed the first, plus that you wish to return for a third.
As normal thanks for the review / feedback
Unfortunately the fishing was not very good all week due to a lot of rain and windy afternoons. I understand that you can not control the weather, apart from that its a perfect destination and you can see the potential given better weather.
Richard, its a real real pain when the weather lets everyone down, we all work hard planning your trip in peak season only to be battered by the weather. I would love to get you back out to the resort again and if you wish I will happily sort you out a deal as I like all customers to be happy. Regards Peter
What a perfect 6 days fishing.
We travelled as 4 anglers and having fished many places around the world, we were pleasantly surprised by both the standard of the lodge and fishing.
In summary 5 star lodge.
Peter thank you for the review and taking the time to talk to us on the telephone, its a real help to receive customers reviews and feedback.
Tight lines
Review.
Casa Blanca Lodge, Ascension Bay, Mexico. May 2022
I thought that Casa Blanca Lodge was the best I have encountered out of all the Ascension Bay lodges I have visited, (3 other lodges). The rooms were excellent, clean, lots of space and very comfortable with fantastic views to boot. There was an excellent rapid same day laundry service available every day for a very modest $20 a week. The food was also the best served up out of all the lodges that I have visited in Cuba, Belize or Mexico. The team that served the bar and food could not do enough for you and the whole week ran totally smoothly and I was very well looked after with my stay a complete pleasure.
The fishing was variable but I think the low tide most of the fishing hours we were out possibly did not help with some anglers not catching anything some days. However, our guide Aaron put my partner and myself onto good numbers of fish on 5 out of the six days with many shots at permit on our first morning out plus my partner did manage to land a good-sized one the following day. We also caught numerous very good-sized bone fish in the 3lb class and numerous baby tarpon in the 5lb-10lb range. One morning a few larger tarpon turned up unexpectedly and we both jumped a few with myself landing one about 70lb. Most afternoons were poor but again probably down to the tide times. Excellent bone fish up to 5lb were normally present in the bay right in front of the lodge and we managed to catch several of them up to 4lb while waiting for the evening meal to be served.
The Casa Blanca Lodge representative Andrea Solidoro, who organised all the connections to and from the hotel in Cancun to the lodge, (minibuses, flights etc.) for all the various anglers, ran the whole thing like clockwork and nothing was left to chance. She even arranged a day pass at the hotel in Cancun so we could relax in comfort and save us a long day at the airport before our flight home which was really welcome.
A very well-run lodge with excellent organisation although fish numbers were disappointing judging from the other anglers’ daily reports. However, I would certainly consider another visit.
Neil MacIntyre
Neil Thank you so much for your review they are always important to both us and future customers. Lets talk soon and see what's next on your list of travels
Regards Peter
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