Friday, March 28, 2014

There Will Be Bones - Yucatan DIY Flats 2014

Photo Copyright 2014 Brent Wilson
Mexican mullet, a sergeant major and a damselfish cavorting among the rocks























Photo Copyright 2014 Brent WilsonI needed to get away.  Away from the last throes of winter, away from the cabin fever and, most of all, away from the constant 'pinging' of my godforsaken iPhone.

I needed to swim in the ocean.

It was that time of year again.  Time for our post-winter escape to the Mayan Riviera.

 
Photo Copyright 2014 Brent Wilson
I got out again on my favorite DIY flats south of Tulum.  'Twas a good day with a lot of nice fish - many bones and a few jacks.  Unfortunately, no permit.

You've got to love a place that affords walk and wade access to great bonefish flats.  All you've got to do is endure Tulum's speed bumps, eco-chic tourists and a pretty lousy jungle road and you're there.

Photo Copyright 2014 Brent Wilson
Mexican Bonefish vs. Merkin
Photo Copyright 2014 Brent Wilson
Mexican Bonefish vs. Gotcha





















Photo Copyright 2014 Brent Wilson






















Photo Copyright 2014 Brent Wilson


Photo Copyright 2014 Brent Wilson

The fishing was great and, although I did not get any shots at permit, I was determined to return for another chance.

Alas, I came back 48 hours later and was promptly escorted out of the water by a boatload of federales. 

"Senor, necesitas regresar ahora mismo.  No puedes pescar aqui sin una panga.  Este lugar es muy peligroso.  Hay gran crocodilios aqui."

"Damn," I thought. "The rules have changed and my DIY flats fishing option has gone down the tubes."  I knew there were crocs here, but I always avoid the green water and make it a point to be back on land long before dusk.  

Nonetheless, the man ain't having it here anymore.  Whether it's due to a legitimate safety concern or a desire to make sure gringos hire local guides, these flats are off limits without a boat.

That's it for the fishing report, but - if you're interested - you can read on to find out about the rest of the trip and my attempts to help instill a love for the ocean in my son and nephew.

Sam (4) and Hans (8) tried snorkeling, attended Xcaret's "Shark and Stingray Encounter," explored a cenote' and checked out a baby sea turtle nursery.  Here are some highlights:

Photo Copyright 2014 Brent Wilson



Photo Copyright 2014 Brent Wilson





















Photo Copyright 2014 Brent Wilson






















Photo copyright 2014 Brent Wilson






















Photo Copyright 2014 Brent Wilson






















Photo Copyright 2014 Brent Wilson



Photo Copyright 2014 Brent Wilson



















Photo Copyright 2014 Brent Wilson