Mexico’s Chetumal Bay has the best saltwater fly fishing you’ve never heard of—a guide for Canadian anglers

THE FISH

One of the other popular tropical destinations for Canadian fly anglers is the Out Islands of the Bahamas, which share many of the same fish species with Mexico’s Caribbean coast. The fisheries differ greatly in character, however. The Bahamas are primarily a bonefish destination, famous for vast, hard-bottomed flats that teem with fish, often in large schools. With its shallow, turtle-grass lagoons, on the other hand, Chetumal Bay offers anglers a chance at all of the major species found on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. That includes the Grand Slam trio of bonefish, tarpon and permit, along with feisty snook, barracuda and jacks.

Bonefish are common throughout the bay, averaging one to three pounds in size, with a chance at one twice as big. Permit, the holy grail of flats fishing, are present year-round. In addition, snook lurk among the mangrove roots and creek mouths, along with other species that aren’t considered prime gamefish, but still fun to catch. You’re also likely to see various jacks and large cuda, which can pop up on the flats at any time. It’s a thrilling mix.

Then there are the tarpon, including both resident juveniles and migratory adults, which provide heart-stopping fly action. The resident fish—known as “baby tarpon”—range from 10 to 40 pounds, and can be found in the mangrove-lined backcountry. Migratory giants up to 150 pounds, meanwhile, appear in the basin from May through September. Those fish are a particular specialty for Carlos, who has personally landed dozens of huge specimens, and is an expert at finding and landing the mighty silver king.