Nervous Waters has turned its attention to Mexico and added Mayazul to their extensive portfolio. Drawn by its history of hospitality, skilled guides, and service-oriented culture the company has identified the ideal spot in the Sian Ka’an Reserve, Quintana Roo, Mexico – a location offering a challenging and phenomenal fishery.

Mayazul Lodge, situated in the heart of Mexico’s “permit alley,” welcomes fly anglers to a tradition of success in pursuing the elusive permit, known as the black-tailed devil of the flats.

Setting itself apart, Nervous Waters offers a distinctive experience at Mayazul Lodge. The intimate retreat features single rooms, individual guides, and a steadfast commitment to providing anglers with numerous opportunities to target permit. It’s an exclusive, focused experience for those sharing a passion for this unique pursuit.

Why choose Mayazul

• Easy travel: Accessible with 38 non-stop routes into Cancun from U.S. gateways daily.
• Efficient transfers: Private ground and water transfer from Cancun to the fishing zone without wasted time en route.
• Intimate oceanfront lodge: Mayazul Lodge features just four rooms, each with two queen beds, and offers attractive lounging and dining areas overlooking the fishing grounds.
• No trailering hassle: Boats pick you up directly in front of the lodge, eliminating downtime and bumpy overland journeys.
• Convenient schedule: Enjoy breakfast and head out for the day’s fishing; upon return, each afternoon, receive a welcome drink.
• Fully equipped pangas: Comfortable traditional pangas are completely kitted out for the flats.
• Dual guides per boat: Fish with two experienced guides per boat, increasing opportunities for permit shots.
• Diverse fishing options: Beyond permit, find bonefish, tarpon, and snook in good numbers seasonally on the flats.
• Quality fishing equipment: Access excellent fishing gear from leading brands at no extra cost, including appropriate permit leaders and the best flies.
• Ala carte dining: Indulge in a delicious menu with exceptional fresh, local dishes.
• Best-in-class accommodation and service: Mayazul Lodge provides top-notch accommodation and service in México.

Mayazul Lodge is small by design – intimate, eclectic, and elegant, and so near the ocean you will sleep soothed by the sound of rustling palms and waves. Close enough to Punta Allen – but a million miles away. The lodge itself is a beautiful structure of stained wood, finished with comfortable sofa-filled lounging rooms, thoughtful amenities, and four en-suite double bedrooms with queen-sized beds and air conditioning. In addition to the dining and living areas, there’s a quaint bar and fly-tying area, and plenty of outdoor porches overlooking the sea.

Beautifully prepared a la carte menus will delight permit anglers, with exceptional local dishes concentrating on magnificent fresh seafood and crafty cocktails to celebrate a fish released or help in forgetting one that got away. Lunches each day are custom-order picnics with cold drinks, and these are taken on the boat in frosty YETI coolers. A fully stocked fly shop, daily maid service, laundry service, Wi-Fi, and phone available

Capacity: 4 anglers single room & boat (up to 8 if sharing)

Rooms: 4 en-suite double bedrooms with queen size beds and air conditioning

Main Lodge: Dining room, living room, fly-tying desk and open bar, satellite TV, telephone, and WiFi available.

Getting There

Mayazul Lodge is located on the Yucatán Peninsula, just south of Punta Allen, Mexico within the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve. There are two (2) International airports which access the region, Cancún International (CUN) – approximately 107 miles – and the new Tulum International Airport (TQO) – approximately 60 miles and nearly a half hour closer to the lodge. Both airports have multiple direct flights from the USA or other countries as well as Mexico City.

When booking flights, plan to arrive Cancun or Tulum no later than 2:00 PM and plan on departing after 1:00 PM to ensure adequate time to transfer to/from the lodge. Anglers arriving Cancun might consider an overnight on arrival offering time to relax and added time to make the transfer.

Location
Sian Ka’an is home to nine different ecosystems, a wealth of flora and fauna, including 320 bird species, nearly 100 mammals, 90 species of native bees, 47 species of dragonflies, 74 species of beetles, 310 species of mosquitos, 318 species of butterflies, 84 species of coral, and five neotropical felines. It is also home to many archeological sites like Muyil, and, 120 kilometers of the Mesoamerican reef are included in it, which provides the area with a double heritage UNESCO designation.

Sian Ka’an, as a tourist destination, is also part of Maya Ka’an, a very rich region that offers unique experiences in natural environments combined with the historical and cultural elements of the Mayan communities of today. It is said that the channels of the biosphere reserve were used by the Mayan people (and other indigenous groups) as commercial trade routes to reach the site of Muyil. Canoes would enter from the Boca Paila side of the Caribbean Sea.

Seasons

Spring

In early spring (February, March, April, May), anglers at Mayazul Lodge can take advantage of prime conditions for permit fishing. The prevailing southeasterly trade winds create settled conditions, leading to heightened permit activity, particularly among larger pelagic permit, before their offshore spawning season. Despite occasional weather changes like late cold fronts or storms, this season provides excellent opportunities for those seeking these elusive giants.

Summer

During the summer months (June, July, August), Mayazul Lodge offers serene, windless days ideal for permit hunting, although sporadic summer storms are expected. The reduced crowds on the flats enhance sightings of permit, while appearances of Sargassum seaweed create unique opportunities to spot them cruising along weed lines. The summer season also introduces larger migratory tarpon, adding to the experience.

Fall

In the fall (September, October, and November), as temperatures cool slightly, permit fishing remains productive with increased activity of barracuda, jacks, and all grand slam species. Favorable conditions persist with relatively lower fishing pressure. While keeping an eye on potential storms, this season consistently offers opportunities for dedicated permit anglers.

Winter

For those looking to escape the northern winter and bask in the sunshine at Mayazul Lodge, the winter months (late November, December, January, and February) bring favourable overall fishing conditions. Despite occasional disruptions from cold fronts that may push permit off the flats, this season presents unique opportunities as decreased water levels near the mangroves force permit onto the flats.

THE FISHING

Set within the protected Sian Ka’an Biosphere, spanning 1.3 million acres, Ascension Bay has thrived due to conservation efforts, evolving into one of the Caribbean’s most prolific and diverse fisheries for bonefish, permit, snook, and baby tarpon. Blessed with extensive coastlines, shallow flats, and lagoon systems, the fishing opportunities are boundless, with a season spanning over 8 months of prime weather. Surrounded by pristine mangrove-lined shores and lush rainforest, the habitat is ideal for renowned flats species, making grand slams and super slams achievable.

Ascension Bay, often dubbed ‘The Permit Capital,’ offers some of the most productive permit fishing globally, attracting anglers worldwide. The Mayazul team, passionate about permit fishing, ensures the best opportunities for success. Over the years, increased resources and understanding of permit behaviour have elevated the angling experience, with specialized equipment and flies designed to maximize odds. Mayazul promises to bring this wealth of knowledge into the hands of guests upon arrival.

Beyond permit, Ascension Bay features a thriving population of snook, bonefish, and juvenile tarpon. The snook, ultimate ambush predators on the flats, presenting a formidable challenge. Ascension Bay holds a vast bonefish population providing consistent opportunities for 20-30 fish days. The protection of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere has resulted in a significant nursery of juvenile tarpon, with migratory tarpon showing up during the summer months.

While the big four flats species are a highlight, Ascension Bay is also home to various other sportfish, including triggerfish, jack crevalle, barracuda, snappers, and groupers. Anglers arriving at Mayazul with an open mind are sure to experience the thrill of catching multiple species on the fly.

The typical trip does not fish on arrival or departure, but if time allows and guides are available, half-day trips can be arranged prior to getting here. Typically, arrive into your room, prepare gear, and spend an afternoon relaxing on the lodge grounds.

Here is a sample schedule of the daily program.:

• 6:30 am Coffee ready at the buffet table
• 7:00 am Breakfast
• 8:00 am Depart from the beach
• 4:00 / 4:30 pm Return to lodge
• 4:00 pm Cocktail hour
• 5:30 pm Appetizers
• 6:30 pm Dinner

Nervous Waters and Mayazul Lodge, with their vast experience of flats fishing, recommend the following:

RODS

• 7 wt 9’ (for bonefish)
• 9wt 9’ (for permit)
• 10wt 9’ (for tarpon and snook)

REELS/LINES:

• Saltwater capable reels with adjustable drags, capacity for 150 yds of 30lbs backing.
• 7wt weight-forward floating Bonefish Line (tropic taper)
• 9wt weight-forward floating Permit Line (for permit)
• 10wt weight-forward floating Floating Line (for tarpon and snook)

LEADERS

For Permit

• Leader Recommendations: 10’ – 12-20lb Fluorocarbon (mostly 16lb)
• Tippet Recommendations: (1 Spool of Each – Fluorocarbon) – 12lb, 16lb

The operator recommends 10-12 foot 16 pound test tapered leaders most often. There are times when you can get away with a 17-20 pound test, while sometimes you will need to downsize to 12 pound. For this reason, you should have additional leaders and tippet material on hand. They also recommend using fluorocarbon tippet material as it is more abrasion-resistant.

For Bonefish
Leader Recommendations: 9’ or 10’ – 8.8 and 10lb

Tippet Recommendations: (1 Spool of Each – Fluorocarbon) – 8 lb, 10 lb, 12 lb

Average Ascension Bay bonefish are not particularly large (2-3 pounds) and can be leader shy at times. Normally 9-10 foot 8 lb tapered leaders work fine. At other times you can get away with 10-12 lb leaders and tippet, so you should have these on hand.

For Tarpon

• Straight Fluorocarbon Recommendations
• Juvenile “Baby” Tarpon: 40-50 lb Straight Fluoro
• Adults(May -September): 80lb Straight Fluorocarbon
• Class Leader Recommendations
• Juvenile “Baby” Tarpon: 16lb Class – 40-60lb Shock
• Adults (May – September) 16-22 lb Class – 80 lb Shock

For Snook
Snooks are generally not very leader shy and you should be able to present your typical baby-tarpon fly rigged with 40 or 50 lb successfully without having to change flies or leader.

For Barracudas & Sharks
Barracuda will eat long needlefish and baitfish patterns stripped very quickly. Ideally, your ‘cuda fly has a tandem or trailer hook to increase the likelihood the hook will hold. Both lemon sharks and barracuda will eat poppers as well. A 4-5 foot piece of straight monofilament with a 30” wire “bite” tippet is required. A minimum of 35-40 lb wire and our favourite brand is the knottable wire by Rio, as it is easy to knot and super strong.

FLIES

For Permit
Permit’s primary food source in Ascension Bay mainly consists of small crabs and spawning or mantis shrimp. The choice of crab and shrimp patterns, varying in sizes and weights (such as lead eye and bead chain eyes), depends on the fishing location and the depths being explored. A diverse array of flies becomes crucial to match the right pattern, accounting for distinct bottom structures, water depths, and fish behaviors. Among the essential flies for permit, variations of tan and white ragheads, typically in size #2 or #4, top the list. Equally significant are patterns imitating spawning and mantis shrimp. Notably, Enrico Puglisi’s range offers the finest Spawning Shrimp patterns, available in diverse styles, colors, sizes, and with different eye types (bead chain and lead).

• Casa Blanca Raghead Crab | COLOR: White | SIZE: 2, 4
• Casa Blanca Raghead Crab | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 2, 4
• Raghead Crab | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 2, 4
• Tequila Twister | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 2, 4
• ER Crab | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 2, 4
• Enrico Puglisi Spawning Shrimp | COLOR: Tan, White | SIZE: 2, 4
• Enrico Puglisi Ascension Bay Crab | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 2, 4
• Cathy’s Fleeing Crab | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 2, 4
• Various Enrico Puglisi Crabs | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 2, 4
• Avalon Fly | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 2

For Bonefish
Typically, Ascension Bay’s bonefish exhibit a preference for smaller flies, ranging from size #6 to #8, though having a couple of size #4 flies on hand is advisable. Instead of having numerous patterns, a smart approach involves curating a practical assortment of the top 8 to 10 most effective flies in diverse colors, sizes, and weights. This strategy enables precise matching of patterns to varying bottom structures and water depths. Choosing the ideal bonefish selection for Ascension Bay need not be overly complex—adhering to fundamental patterns is the key.

• Gotcha | COLOR: Pearl | SIZE: 6, 8
• Bunny Gotcha | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 4, 6
• Crazy Charlie | COLOR: Brown, Tan, White, Pink | SIZE: 6, 8
• Beck’s Silli Legs | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 6, 8
• Bonefish Scampi | COLOR: Tan/Pink, Tan/Brown | SIZE: 6, 8
• Bonefish Junk | COLOR: Tan, Brown | SIZE: 6
• Pink Puff | COLOR: Pink | SIZE: 6
• Bonefish Bitter | COLOR: Amber | SIZE: 6, 8
• Veverka Mantis Shrimp | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 6

Gotchas, Charlies, Sillilegs, Puffs, Bitters, and other basic shrimp and small crab imitations Flies size #4, #6, #8

For Tarpon
The majority of the tarpon fishing on Ascension Bay is in the backcountry lagoons and lakes for juvenile “baby” tarpon in the 5-25 pound range. During the late spring and summer months you may also encounter large adult, migratory tarpon on the flats or near the reef on a calm day. Almost any type of baitfish pattern or standard issue tarpon pattern will work well – in accordance to the size of the fish being targeted. Baby tarpon flies should be 1/0 – 2/0 & adult tarpon flies should be as large as 3/0 – 4/0. There is no scientific method to prepare your tarpon box, so just have a nice cross-section of the following recommendations as well as any of the standard tarpon patterns you may already have. It is also a good idea to have a few tarpon toads and deceivers in the arsenal.

• Fishalicious | COLOR: Red / White | SIZE: 2/0
• Tarpon Toads | COLOR: Red/Black, Purple, Chartreuse, Brown, Tan | SIZE: 1/0 – 3/0
• Triple Threat | COLOR: Brown | SIZE: Large & Small
• Big-Eyed Tarpon | COLOR: Brown/Orange | SIZE: 1/0 – 3/0
• Green Zima | COLOR: Green | SIZE: 2/0
• Tarpon Snake | COLOR: Black | SIZE: 3/0
• Various Clousers & Deceivers | COLOR: Green, Blue, Chartreuse, Black, White | SIZE: 3/0-2

OTHER SPECIES // SELECTION OF FLIES FOR OTHER POPULAR SPECIES

For Barracuda & Sharks

• Snookeoo | COLOR: Red/White | SIZE: 2
• ‘Kuda Fly | COLOR: Chartreuse | SIZE: 4
• Major Herring | COLOR: Blue / White | SIZE: 3/0
• Clouser Minnow | COLOR: Chartreuse / White, Blue / White | SIZE: 2/0, 2, 4
• Saltwater Popper | COLOR: Chartreuse, Red/White, Blue | SIZE: 2/0, 2
• Seaducer | COLOR: Red / White | SIZE: 2
• Various Deceivers | COLOR: Multiple | SIZE: 2/0, 2, 4
• Various Enrico Puglisi Spawning/Mantis Shrimp | COLOR: Tan, Root Beer, Olive, Pink | SIZE: 4, 1/0

For Snook
Snook will eat most all standard baitfish and baby tarpon flies, however, as a rule of thumb snook tend to key in on red and white colored flies in particular. Make sure to have a handful of red/white clousers, deceivers, and even a few poppers in the box for snook. Snooks are generally not very leader shy and you should be able to present your typical baby tarpon fly rigged with 40 or 50 lb successfully without having to change flies or leader.

FOOTWEAR

High-quality wading boots for bonefish areas.

If you are planning on fishing for permit exclusively, you can get away with some simple closed-toed sandals (Keen, Simms, or Teva). A Hip/Chest Pack for essentials is crucial when wading.

SEASON 2024:  February to November

Single Boat and Room

7 NIGHTS, 6 DAYS: $ 8,500 p/person
6 NIGHTS, 5 DAYS: $ 7,450 p/person
5 NIGHTS, 4 DAYS: $ 6,550 p/person
4 NIGHTS, 3 DAYS: $ 5,650 p/person

Shared Boat & Room

7 NIGHTS, 6 DAYS: $ 5,750 p/person
6 NIGHTS, 5 DAYS: $ 5,250 p/person
5 NIGHTS, 4 DAYS: $ 4,650 p/person
4 NIGHTS, 3 DAYS: $ 3,950 p/person

Non-Fisher: $650 per night per person sharing on Single Angler Rate

SEASON 2025:  February to November

Single Boat and Room

7 NIGHTS, 6 DAYS: $ 9,350 p/person
6 NIGHTS, 5 DAYS: $ 8,250 p/person
5 NIGHTS, 4 DAYS: $ 7,250 p/person
4 NIGHTS, 3 DAYS: $ 6,250 p/person

Shared Boat & Room

7 NIGHTS, 6 DAYS: $ 6,250 p/person
6 NIGHTS, 5 DAYS: $ 5,750 p/person
5 NIGHTS, 4 DAYS: $ 5,250 p/person
4 NIGHTS, 3 DAYS: $ 4,350 p/person

What’s Included

Lodging; all meals and beverages (open bar); professional guide services, loaner fishing equipment (rods, reels, and lines), wireless internet, Mexican VAT Tax.

What’s Not Included

Commercial air to Cancún (CUN) or Tulum (TQO); ground & water roundtrip transportation between Cancún (CUN) or Tulum (TQO) airport & the lodge, additional speciality ordered alcoholic beverages; guide and staff gratuities; flies, organized eco-tours; laundry service; any items of a strictly personal nature; personal and baggage insurance; cost of itinerary modifications requested by the passenger.

Transfer Policy

Transfers are based on one (1) collective round-trip transfer per group. The rate is for every transfer that departs to and from the airport per person.

Transfers: (Collective transfer)
1 Guest: $ 550.00 per way per person.
2 Guests: $ 275.00 per way per person.
3 to 6 Guests: $ 200.00 per way per person.
7 Guests: $ 175.00 per way per person.
8 Guests: $ 150.00 per way per person.

Check-in After 3 PM

Half-day fishing on arrival & departure: $950 per boat (1 or 2 anglers)

PAYMENT TERMS
A fifty percent deposit is required when booking to confirm all reservations. The final balance is due ninety days from departure. All deposits and/or final payments are non-refundable. Refunds or credits cannot be issued for fishing time lost due to inclement weather. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is an acknowledgement that the registrant has read and accepts the cancellation, refund, and responsibility clauses. Travel insurance is highly recommended.