Scorpion Reef a forgotten saltwater fly fishing paradise paradise. ise. Alacranes Reef Atoll aka Scorpion Reef Atoll Is the largest offshore coral structure in the Gulf of Mexico and belongs to the State of Yucatan. Located nearly 70 miles north offshore from the Yucatan mainland, this atoll is shaped by a system of five islands, shallow sandbars, and coral heads circled in a bean-shape of 20 miles long and 5 miles wide. Most of the islands have a wadable skirt of 2-5 feet deep flats and or grass patches. Some others have an 80 to 120 feet drop off just a couple of steps off the beach. Only one island is inhabited, with the lighthouse keeper and a marine park research unit having their base camps there. The atoll only visited in the summer by recreational yachters who are mainly into sport fishing for deep water species.
For many years, this bonefish and permit fly-fishing paradise was kept in well secret as it is only visited in summer by recreational yachters and deep sea fishermen. Exploratory trips in 2103, of three and a half fishing days with six anglers landed many bonefish, having a few over 25 inches long and 13.5 girth, averaging 19-20 inches, enormous barracudas, amberjacks, yellowtail snappers and blue runners. Permits are spotted in the range of 10-15 pounds. Large migratory Tarpon are supposed to be around. On a normal day, the boat ride from the mainland it will takes in approximately three to four hours and with the live-aboard boat it takes a smooth five hours. All baggage will be stored in dry compartments.
At Scorpion Reef Atoll there are two types accommodation depending on the group package: camping site and a live aboard option. Campsite Accommodation There are individual tents and air mattresses for everyone in the trip. Lighthouse keeper facilities are used for shower and toilet. All water is bucket carried either salt or fresh water from cisterns. Freshwater is very limited so a conscious use of it is mandatory. Breakfast and Dinner are cooked in the base camp grill or lighthouse stove while lunch is freshly made while fishing. You need to bring your own sleeping bag. To cruise along the atoll a 33 feet center console will be used.
Live-aboard A 55 feet custom built cruiser with triple cabins can accommodate the group and the crew under A/C in individual beds. The cabin coaches can also be used for a good sleep, including satellite TV, portable ice maker and two full bathrooms with sink and toilet. All meals are cooked in the boat's kitchen or grill. Boats There are two pangas available of 16 feet to reach the unexplored flats. These fishing grounds are also a territory yet to explore. Less than 10% of the area is explored yet! One guide per boat and two anglers aboard will reach these flats and either wade or fish from the boat. Season Only Group (!) trips for 2014 and 2015 are scheduled now on a weekly basis during May 15 th - September 20 th. Getting there Departing point is Merida, in the state of Yucatan. Many airlines are serving Cancun. Affordable rates and schedules make Cancun a first international option. Expect a transfer of 3.5 hours from Cancun to Merida.
Clothing & tackle During your week there is direct sunlight all day long. Wearing full sun protection is needed. We strongly suggest the use of long sleeve breathable fishing pants/shirts, facemask, hats, gloves, saltwater wading shoes or boots specially resistant to coral bottoms, sunscreen lotion at least 50 FPS. Using #8 or 9 rods/lines will suit perfectly in most of the occasions. A #10 rod is the right choice when big Permit and some Tarpon are around and can be very helpful when casting to large Barracudas. Floating lines and perhaps a spool with an intermediate line will work as well. There is no fishing pressure and fish is not leader shy at all. Use 12 up to 16 pound test leader for Bones and Permit. Facts Capacity: 6 Anglers, only full groups. Required Skills: Previous flat fishing experience is desired. None Angler Availability: Not available Duration: 6 nights / 5 days fishing Fish Species: Bonefish, Permit, Barracuda, Snapper, Amberjack and more... Crew: Captain, 1st Mate, two fly fishing guides. Type of Fishing: Guided and DIY. Level of Physical Effort: Intermediate, for the adventurous fly fishermen. Food Type: Fresh, plentiful & delicious.
2014 Rates: Camping $2850,- / Live Aboard $ 3450,- per angler. Rates include: airport transfers one night of accommodation in Merida/Cancun on each side of the trip 5 days of fishing crew all meals and beverages while on the atoll fishing licenses camping gear (tents, air matrasses) Rates exclude: International airfare, insurance, departure tax, gratuities and tips. Tarpon extension In conjunction with Tarpon Town Angler Outfitters we are able to extend your Scorpion Reef Atoll trip with some days of Tarpon fishing in the area of Campeche. Please email Tropical Fly Fishing at flyfish@home.nl for more information. Tropical Fly Fishing is planning to organize in 2015 three group trips to Scorpion Reef Atoll between mid May end June. The dates are not fixed yet. More information will follow in 2014. Are you interested in this great adventure, please drop an email at flyfish@home.nl and we will keep you informed. Tropical Fly Fishing Theo Huizing www.tropicalflyfishing.com flyfish@home.nl Your dream is our job!