Mayazul Lodge

Season

Febuary - November

Getting There

Punta Allen, Mexico

The Fishing

Deck of the boat or wading

Target Species

Permit & Tarpon

Fishing Equipment

Sgl handed fly-fishing rods

Media Gallery

Photos & Videos

Rates

Per person p/package

Combine Your Trip

The KauTapen Group

It was just a matter of time until Nervous Waters looked to Mexico- it’s natural for us, as Mexico has a history of great hospitality, great guides, and a service culture that makes it fun to be a visitor. But we have been waiting for the right time and the right location and we have finally found both. A place in the Sian Ka’an Reserve, Quintana Roo, Mexico, where a challenging fishery awaits. Where you’ll meet passionate fishermen like yourself and embrace the challenge of being face to face with a permit, and when not fishing, sharing knowledge, theories, stories, and permit dreams. We look forward to welcoming you to Mayazul Lodge – an exclusive, elegant retreat in the heart of Mexico’s “permit alley” where fly anglers have a history and tradition of success pursuing, the elusive and coveted permit-plus bonefish and tarpon. While others have done it, nobody does it like Nervous Waters; a small lodge on the water, with just 4 rooms and a cadre of specialist guides that are laser focused on getting anglers as many shots at permit as possible. Single room/guide rates are available.

Why Choose Mayazul Lodge?

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. We are outside the bustle and traffic of nearby Punta Allen, close enough to utilize any services needed – 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 round out the Mayazul amenities for flats anglers to enjoy each exciting week.

  • 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, outside fire-pit and WiFi.

Spring (February, March, April, May)
Early Spring brings prime conditions for permit fishing as settled southeasterly trade winds prevail. This time of year sees heightened permit activity, especially larger pelagic permit, before their offshore spawning season. Despite occasional weather changes like late cold fronts or storms, this season offers excellent opportunities for anglers seeking these elusive giants.

Summer (June, July, August)
Summertime presents serene, windless days ideal for permit hunting, although sporadic summer storms are anticipated. Reduced crowds on the flats provide excellent sightings of permit, while Sargassum seaweed appearances create unique opportunities to spot them cruising the weed lines. This season also sees larger migratory tarpon, adding to the allure of the angling experience.

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

Winter (Late November, December, January, February)
Escape the northern winter and embrace the sunshine at Mayazul Lodge. Despite occasional disruptions from cold fronts that may push permit off the flats, the overall fishing conditions remain favorable. Winter brings a chance to target permit forced onto the flats due to decreased water levels near the mangroves, offering unique opportunities for anglers.

Getting There

Mayazul Lodge is located on the Yucatán Peninsula, just south of the sleepy fishing village 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, we suggest planning 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.

The natural importance of Sian Ka’an lies in the “PETENES”. Peten is the name given to the mangroves that are formed in several islets within the reserve that can grow up to 30 meters tall, and of course, they are home and hosts of endless biodiversity.

The Fishing

What to expect on the water.

Ascension Bay is located on the southeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and is home to some of the best fishing areas in the world. Located in the small beachfront town of Punta Allen about 45 kilometers off the beaten path and approximately three hours from the popular tourist destination of Cancun, our lodge is far from the distractions of everyday life. It’s perfectly situated to access our primary fishing objective – the permit.

Nestled in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, a vast international wildlife park that spans some 1.3 million acres, Ascension Bay has been protected from commercial fishing and development. This has allowed the local wildlife both above and below the water to prosper. The bay has developed into one of the most prolific and diverse bonefish, permit, snook, and baby tarpon fisheries in the entire Caribbean.

Blessed with miles of coastline, shallow flats, and lagoon systems, the fishing opportunities here are endless. Our season is long, providing anglers over 8 months of prime weather to come and stalk the shallow water fish of the Caribbean. Surrounded by pristine mangrove-lined shores with a backdrop of lush green rainforest, it’s the perfect habitat for all the famous flats species. Grand slams and super slams are undoubtedly achievable. Ascension Bay is a destination where the fish are getting bigger, and saltwater fly fishing is getting better with every passing season due to strict regulations implemented years ago to protect this amazing resource.

Permit fishing is well known for good reason – it is some of the most productive in the world. Actually, so much so that Ascension Bay is often referred to as ‘The Permit Capital’. This fantastic fish stands alone as one of the hardest to catch on the fly, the primary reason it is so appealing to anglers all around the world. Our guides fish for permit not only as a job but as a passion. Many take their days off to scout new locations or fish for permit themselves. They all share our common love of this amazing fish, and we as a team will make sure you have the best opportunity to be a successful permit angler at Mayazul.

For a long time, the permit was only pursued by certain specialists. There was not much information about permit fishing, and there were even fewer dedicated guides. Successfully pursuing and catching a permit therefore seemed unattainable for the majority of anglers. Nowadays, the angling world has poured resources and created the demand for an increased understanding of these special fish. We now know more about their behavior and habits than ever before, and every day there are more guides who have dedicated their lives to stalking and learning about permit. Specialized equipment and flies have been designed with the sole purpose of maximizing permit fishing odds. Our promise at Mayazul is to bring all these years of development into your hands and at your disposal when you arrive at the lodge.

Ascension Bay has one of the largest permit populations in the entire world, with a great diversity of situations that will undoubtedly fit your tastes and abilities. If it is your first time permit fishing, you need to have some fly casting skills, the ability to listen to your guide, and especially, the luck to find the ‘right’ fish. In permit fishing, you can do everything perfectly, but whether the fish eats your fly or not might simply depend on its attitude. Those of us who have been doing it for years always say “If you know what to do and you have the ability to do it, everything else depends on the fish.”

Snook are the ultimate ambush predator on the flats, typically holding up tight on the coastline under branches or mangroves waiting for unsuspecting prey to swim past. The population is protected and features some of the most significant specimens you’ll encounter anywhere in the world.

Ascension Bay has the largest bonefish population per square water acre than anywhere else in the world. Unlike some other species in the bay, bonefish will readily eat a well-presented fly, making 20 – 30 fish days a regular occurrence. They are the most honest species on the flats, and if you do your part, they will usually do theirs.

Thanks to the protection of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, Ascension Bay has a huge nursery of juvenile tarpon. These fish are often called “Baby Tarpon”, but they still average between 10 and 30 pounds, with fish over 50 pounds coming to hand each year. To make it even more interesting, migratory tarpon show up during the summer months, with sizes that average 70 pounds but they can reach 130 pounds or more. These fish are found on the sandy coastal flats and also inside the Bay.

While the big four flats species are often at the top of saltwater fly fisherman’s list, Ascension Bay is home to many other species of sport fish such as triggerfish, jack crevalle, and barracuda, as well as many types of snappers and groupers. If anglers come with an open mind, they are sure to catch many species on the fly at Mayazul.

Mayazul Itinerary
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, you’ll arrive in your room, prepare gear, and spend an afternoon relaxing on the lodge grounds. Here is a sample schedule of the daily program.

Daily Itinerary
6:30 AM Coffee ready at the buffet table
7:00 AM Breakfast
8:00 AM Depart dock
4:00 / 4:30 PM Return to lodge
4:00 PM Cocktail hour
5:30 PM Appetizers
6:30 PM Dinner

Permit, revered for their power-to-size ratio, rank among the most thrilling and resilient saltwater gamefish. Scientifically known as Trachinotus falcatus, they’re often referred to as the “glamor fish” in fishing circles. Anglers recognize them for their silvery presence and their mystical habit of appearing and disappearing swiftly, earning them the moniker “vanishing silver shadows.”

Permit are renowned for their migration from deeper waters to shallow flats during feeding, offering anglers a challenging yet immensely rewarding pursuit. Tailing permit, seen on these flats, represent one of the pinnacle experiences in saltwater angling. With the changing tides, they gracefully retreat to deeper waters. While trophy-size permit can reach weights upwards of 30 pounds, a more common size ranges around a third of that weight. Among fly anglers, anything equal to or exceeding fifteen pounds is considered a good trophy.

These majestic fish often break away from schools, navigating the flats in singles or doubles, creating remarkable opportunities for sight-fishing adventures.

The flats of Punta Allen in Mexico’s Mayazul Lodge are known to host such spirited encounters with these elusive giants.

Fly fishing equipment

Mayazul lodge provides anglers with high quality loaner fishing equipment

Fly-Fishing Equipment

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

We recommend fishing 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. We also always 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. Although not mandatory, we always recommend using fluorocarbon tippet material as it is more abrasion resistant.

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. We recommend a minimum of 35-40 lb wire and our favorite 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.

Culinary Experience​ in Mayazul Lodge

At Nervous Waters, out goal is to deliver a true taste of Mexico.

The Fusion of Sea and Culture:

At Mayazul Lodge, our culinary journey mirrors the rich blend of Punta Allen’s cultural heritage and the treasures of the sea. We take pride in showcasing the finest in fresh local produce, with a distinct emphasis on Mahi, Tuna, Grouper, Hog Snapper, conch, and lobster, each dish embodying the essence of our coastal paradise.

Awaken your taste buds with a hearty breakfast spread, featuring an array of cereals, fresh fruits, eggs cooked to your liking, accompanied by bacon, sausages, and grits.

Delight in our chef’s daily creations of freshly baked bread, pastries, and cookies, complemented by aromatic freshly ground coffee.

Choose your lunch from our daily menu card to customize your next day’s boat cooler contents. Upon your return from fishing, find a refreshing collection of cold beers, spirits, and a blender for crafting cocktails, along with stacks of soft drinks. Local spirits await at the lodge, free for your enjoyment.

Embark on a gastronomic voyage at Mayazul Lodge, where each meal is a celebration of Punta Allen’s coastal treasures and cultural diversity, bringing the essence of the sea to your dining table amidst our arid yet vibrant environment. 

Mayazul Lodge Rates

Season 2025: February to November

*

Prices are in US$ and per person

Single boat & room

7 nights & 6 days fishing

$ $ 9,350 p/person
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6 nights & 5 days fishing

$ $ 8,250 p/person
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5 nights & 4 days fishing

$ $ 7,250 p/person
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4 nights & 3 days fishing

$ $ 6,250 p/person
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Shared boat & room

7 nights & 6 days fishing

$ $ 6,250 p/person
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6 nights & 5 days fishing

$ $ 5,750 p/person
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5 nights & 4 days fishing

$ $ 5,250 p/person
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4 nights & 3 days fishing

$ $ 4,350 p/person
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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 specialty 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
The transfers lodge rates 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. 

Best Fishing Video Gallery

Photo Gallery

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Combine your Trip

Double down on your sporting adventures and experience all The Kautapen Group has to offer by combining your stay with another of our hunting or fishing lodges.

Our research and experience tell us that over 65% of anglers are also actively interested in bird hunting and big game hunting. If you are a part of that majority and are interested in adding variety to your sporting life, look no further than David Denies Bird Hunting and Red Stag Patagonia. All three brands are owned and operated by the same company, The Kautapen Group, and each operation is dedicated to making your outdoor experience fun, memorable, and productive.

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