Ascension Bay

It had been 12 years and too long since I last fished Ascension Bay and stayed at Casa Blanca Lodge. So, Judith and I dropped in for a week of flats fishing and were also introduced to Playa Blanca Lodge, 20 miles to the south on Bahia del Espiritu Santo. We lucked out and had six very sunny days, which is good for December.

Accommodations are first class at both lodges and the Mayan influenced food was outstanding. We can both live off of fruit on tropical trips, and both lodges provided beautiful fresh fruit plates each morning as a breakfast-starter.

Our guides made all of these photos possible, and during our week we landed bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook, jack crevalle, horse eye jack, green jack, barracuda and snapper. Although we did not hook any, we did cast at several permit over 30 pounds. The bonefish in Santo Bay were nice sized and the wade flats were exceptional. Tarpon in both bays were on the bite.

At Playa Blanca Lodge, one of the highlights of the trip were the boat rides through the Mayan made mangrove tunnels. It was like a ride at Disneyland with tarpon at the end. Playa Blanca also has a beautiful swimming beach for an after-fishing dip as well as bikes, sea kayaks and very interesting Mayan ruins 200 yards from your room.

In addition to the good fishing at both lodges, we very much enjoyed the bird life, seeing a croc and the variety of fish species available. This was a seamless trip that will go down as one of our favorite destinations.

For more information on tackle and other equipment that was important to the success of this trip, go to the Gear Review section after reviewing this photo essay. Enjoy.