Mexico's Ascension Bay has been captivating the hearts of saltwater fly anglers for decades. It has, without a doubt, solidified its place in fly fishing folklore and established itself as a destination on most anglers' bucket lists or annual trip plans. The Ascension Bay/Boca Pila fishery offers anglers endless flats, mangrove lagoons, channels, beaches, and reefs where bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook, barracuda, jacks, snapper, and triggerfish are viable targets. Oftentimes, chances for many of these species are encountered in a single day, with this area being known as one of the best places in the world to pursue a Grand Slam - catching a bonefish, permit and tarpon in the same day. The Sian Ka'an Bioshphere Preserve is also home to more than 345 species of birds, including over one million wintering migratory songbirds. Along with the incredible bird life, visitors may witness sea turtles, crododiles, manatees, dolphin and sting rays.

At Kay Fly, anglers access the fishing areas on 23-foot traditional Mexican pangas. Each pair of anglers is joined by two guides - one senior and one junior guide. The boats are comfortable and easy to fish out of, featuring level casting desks and plenty of room for gear to be stowed. While most of the fly fishing is done from the boat, there are also some opportunities to wade fish for bonefish and permit.

Tarpon Cay Lodge is a fishing specific destination.

2026 Rates: Per person based on double occupancy

• 7 night/6 day package: $4,500

Included: Accommodations and meals at the lodge, guided fishing, non-alcoholic beverages, guest taxes, fishing licenses, Internet access

Not Included: Airfare, lodge transfers to/from Cancún or Tulum (paid on-site), meals in Cancún or Tulum, alcoholic beverages, staff & guide gratuities

Species: Bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook, barracuda, jacks, snapper, triggerfish

Season: Year-round

Capacity: 12 anglers

Who is best suited to this destination? Anglers interested in fly fishing Ascension Bay or keen on targeting permit as well as a wide range of saltwater species. Those who can stand on the bow of a flats boat for long days of fishing and when the time comes, deliver an accurate, long cast to a school of moving fish will have the best opportunities for the highest catch rates. Permit fishing is one of the most difficult pursuits in the angling world, and those who are up for the challenge and understand that the odds are always stacked against you will enjoy their time here the most.

Where is the lodge? Kay Fly Lodge is located 3.5 hours south of Cancun in the Sian Ka’an Bisophere Reserve on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, near the small fishing village of Punta Allen.

How do I get there? Guests fly into the Cancun International Airport and, upon arrival, are transported by van about 2.5 hours south to the Centro de Visitantes dock (about 8 km past the biosphere arch south of Tulum). Once at the dock, guests will proceed by boat to the town of Punta Allen (approximately 45 minutes). The lodge is a short drive south from the Punta Allen dock.

When should I go? Peak months are March through May. The summer months can also be very good as pressure on Ascension Bay is minimal. Additionally, anglers might get shots at migratory tarpon in the summer. The fall season can be very productive from September – November.

How will I fish? Anglers fish up to two per boat in 23-foot traditional Mexican Pangas with two guides on every boat (typically one senior guide and one junior guide). Fishing is done with one angler at a time on the bow of the boat and both anglers will take turns fishing throughout the day. This system is incredibly effective in that it allows for two sets of “guide’s eyes” to be on the water at all times, giving anglers twice the chance to get a shot at the fish of a lifetime. Most often, the senior guide will be poling the boat while the angler and junior guide are stationed on the level casting deck of the panga. The junior guide is there at your side to ensure your line is tangle free and to jump out with you when chasing a school of fish on foot is necessary.

Is there wade fishing? Yes, some wade fishing is available, although most of the fishing is accomplished from the boat. In Ascension Bay, the bottom is often soft but there are certain areas suitable for wading. It is important to note that good areas for wading tend to be more pressured which can make fishing difficult in these zones. Furthermore, in some circumstances, the senior guide may determine that getting out of the boat and chasing the fish on foot leaves you with the best possibility for success, so in these circumstances you will be on foot.

Where will I fish? Primarily in Ascension Bay or either on the inland or ocean side of Boca Paila, which is North of Ascension Bay.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? Runs of 15 – 50 minutes are common.

What type(s) of fish will I catch? Permit, bonefish, and tarpon are the main quarries. There are some opportunities for barracuda, snook, jacks and triggerfish as well.

How many fish will I catch? Anytime you land double-digit numbers of bonefish it is a good day. Even one permit for the week is very good and multiple permit is a rarity. Tarpon in the bay can be difficult at times but finding and hooking several fish is not uncommon for a week of fishing.

Will I see other anglers? Yes. In the high season, Ascension Bay can be a popular place. It is a common occurrence to see other guide boats on the bay and sometimes it is possible that your first pick of flats may not always be available. During the summer months, the bay is much quieter.

What are the guides like? The guides at Kay Fly are experienced professionals and have a deep knowledge of the bay and the fish that inhabit it. Many grew up in Punta Allen and have spent the better part of their lives on the water here. They do their best to accommodate anglers and their desires. Sometimes, like at many locations, the guides can be a bit over-passionate, so it is best not to take all their comments too personally. They simply want you to be successful and catch as many fish as possible! Some of the guides speak very good English. Most speak only limited English or “fishing English”. The more Spanish you know, the easier it will be to communicate.

What are the physical demands? The physical demands are not high, although having good balance is a benefit when fishing from the boat.

Are there any special skills required? Anglers who can cast long distances and possess the ability to deal with the wind will always excel at saltwater destinations. In addition, those who can quickly and accurately pick up a misplaced cast and, in a matter of one or two back casts, set the fly back down in the correct spot will increase their hookup potential tenfold.

Does the lodge provide equipment? No. Guests should come prepared with the tackle and equipment necessary for a week of fishing Ascension Bay.

What is your favorite setup for the trip? For bonefish, a 9-foot, 7- to 8-weight fast action rod is preferred. For Permit, we recommend a 9-foot 10-weight rod, also with a fast action. An 8- to 9-weight will be sufficient for juvenile tarpon, but for migratory tarpon we recommend a 9-foot 11-weight rod. Weight-forward floating lines are recommended for all bonefish, permit and juvenile tarpon fishing. For migratory tarpon, and intermediate line is nice to have in addition to a floating line.

What are the top flies? Raghead Crab, Squimp, Casa Blanca Rag Head, Pearl Gotcha, Puglisi Tarpon Streamer.

What are the options if weather conditions become challenging? If conditions become unsafe to be on the water (such as high winds or storms), guests will remain at the lodge until conditions pass.

What is a typical day like? Guests wake up early to coffee and a freshly cooked breakfast. After eating, anglers will meet their guide at the beach in front of the lodge and load up for a full day on the water. Lunch will be eaten on the boat during a mid-day break. In the late-afternoon, guests return to the lodge where ice cold beverages and appetizers will be waiting. Guests will have time to shower and relax before dinner in the lodge’s main dining area. After dinner, guests can enjoy a cocktail at the bar or relax in the chairs or hammock in front of their room.

What is the general vibe, atmosphere, and style of the lodge?  Kay Fly has a casual, laid back, family-style atmosphere. The on-site lodge managers Lily Bertram and Jose Briceno (head guide) are welcoming, attentive, and skilled hosts that truly make guests feel like family. They have two young boys who are often on-site playing and interacting with guests. While the lodge is in Punta Allen, it is located on a secluded beach surrounded by palm trees, giving it a remote feel.

Is there an on-site owner, manager, or other point-person at the lodge?

The lodge owner/operator, Lily Bertram, is on-site and available to help with anything guests need. Lily is an American expat who speaks English and Spanish fluently.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? Delicious meals that typically consist of traditional Mexican and American cuisine are served in the central area of the lodge.

What is the alcohol policy? There is a small bar in the central dining area that is well-stocked with a variety of liquors, wines, beers, sodas, and mixers. Guests are welcome to bring their own alcohol as well.

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? There are six double occupancy guest rooms at Kay Fly Fishing Lodge. Each are thoughtfully styled and comfortable, featuring ample space for gear, air conditioning units and fans, private bathrooms and front porches with chairs and hammocks. While dependent on availability, single occupancy accommodations can be secured with an up-charge.

Is there internet and/or cell service? Yes, there is Wi-Fi in the main building and all of the guest rooms. Cell service is not widely available, but you may want check with your service provider for coverage maps.

Are there other activities? Non angling activities associated with Kay Fly Fishing Lodge, like most Ascension Bay lodges, are minimal. There is plenty of opportunity for reading at the beach and relaxing in the sun, but this is primarily a fishing lodge.

Are there any other expenses? Transfers to/from the lodge from Cancun, staff and guide gratuities, beverages at the lodge, additional laundry service and fishing licenses. Independent of transfer costs (which are known prior to your departure), we recommend each guest travels with $300 - $500 in travel cash.

Do I need a visa? Permanent residents in the United States, Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom do not need a visa to enter Mexico as a tourist.

Are there any health concerns, dangers, or annoyances? The CDC is currently advising that pregnant women visiting Mexico take extra precautions against Zika by guarding against mosquitoes. Bugs are generally not a big issue, however, there are some mosquitoes present. Bringing long sleeves and pants is a good idea, as well as bug repellent. Also, the presence of Sargasso grass has been an ongoing environmental issue on the Yucatan Peninsula. When Sargasso grass washes onshore, it decomposes, emitting a powerful, sulfuric scent that can at times be unpleasant. Guests visiting Kay Fly should know that the lodge is powered by generator. Power (and thus air conditioning) is only on when guests are back from fishing, beginning about 7PM or 8PM and lasting through the night. Only use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth while in Mexico.