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Ambergris Cay, on the southern tip of the Yucatan peninsula, is a long, thin, sliver of land protecting the entrance to Chetumal Bay. Ambergris Cay is known for gin-clear flats that stretch for more than fifty miles and for the bonefish, permit and tarpon that prowl these flats in search of crustaceans and baitfish.
For anglers looking for a dedicated, fishing-oriented lodge on Ambergris Cay, we strongly recommend a small, 13 room hotel aptly named El Pescador. The lodge was built in the colonial style with a long veranda overlooking a pristine white sand beach. Each clean and comfortable room has a private bath and overhead fan. El Pescador is remote and private, yet close enough to reach the local town of San Pedro by foot, bicycle or water taxi.
In addition to its full scuba and dive center, El Pescador ("the fisherman" in Spanish) specializes in light-tackle, saltwater fishing. The English speaking guides use shallow-draft skiffs and are experienced at both guiding fly and spin fishermen. The majority of the guides have been working with El Pescador for over 15 years. Most are fly fishermen themselves and can help anglers with all aspects of the sport.
The fishing grounds are only 10-20 minutes from the lodge. While most of the bonefishing is done from the bow of a boat, there are four or five flats that can be waded. Most bonefish run from two to five pounds and are quite plentiful. Generally speaking, there is good tarpon fishing year round, but not all the tarpon flats are fishable every day due to changing weather conditions and currents. At times, the sightfishing for tarpon on the flats can be truly exceptional. Ambergris Cay permit average about 8-10 lbs. and are found on the bonefish flats and on some of the shallow tarpon flats. Jack crevalle, barracuda, cobia and snook are also found on the flats and in the surrounding mangrove lagoons.
There are many activities and tours available on Ambergris Cay and on the mainland making El Pescador an ideal spot for non-angling guests or for those that do not want to fish every day. These include diving, snorkeling, kayaking, tours of Mayan ruins and excursions into the rain forests. Meals are served family style. They are healthy, plentiful and a delightful blend of local seafood, fresh fruits and vegetables and American dishes.
El Pescador provides the essential combination of knowledgeable guides, comfortable rooms, and delicious food at a price most experienced anglers recognize as a real bargain.
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