Welcome to the Yucatan

Location, Type of Fishing:

Located just north of the fishing village of Punta Allen, Grand Slam Lodge is the most luxurious fishing lodge on the famous waters of Ascension Bay. One of the most unspoiled fisheries left on the planet, this 1.3 million-acre estuary is heralded as the place to go in search of big permit. Not far from International Airport in Cancun, it is located inside the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve from the north entrance. Situated on a narrow strip of peninsula extending south of Tulum, the lodge is strategically poised to access the bay from the both the lagoon side as well as the ocean, giving anglers extraordinary fishing options. Traditional flats fishing takes place aboard pangas for bonefish, permit, tarpon and snook. There are also excellent wading options available on the flats. The staff at Grand Slam is extremely accommodating. Whether it’s planning a late fishing start so you can have a more stress-free vacation, arranging a sunset boat ride, or just about anything that further assists your comfort and enjoyment, all you have to do is ask. More of a resort or upscale hotel than a simple fishing lodge with comfortable accommodations, amenities and fun activities for non-anglers to enjoy, it is the perfect get-away for both couples and fishermen.

 

 

• Season: Year-round
• Species: Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, Snook, Barracuda and Shark
• Rods: 6-10 wt. Saltwater, Fast-Action
• Rates: 7 night/6 days fishing $3200-$3830

 

 

 

 

 

What Makes It Special:

The epitome of luxury can sometimes be found in the most surprising places, and you will be amazed just how posh the Grand Slam Lodge can be. The staff works tirelessly to keep the lodge clean and sparkling at all times. It’s an easy place to relax and allow yourself to be lavished in the warm and friendly service you’ll receive while staying here. Well-appointed and artful decorations compliment the gorgeous ocean views. After a day of flats fishing, there are many quiet spots to relax and reflect on the beauty of this remote and exclusive place. The Grand Slam is an oasis for anglers who want to bring along their non-angling loved ones. Non-anglers are encouraged to spend the day enjoying the amenities of the lodge or becoming better acquainted with the area. They can schedule a massage, or take one of the sea kayaks and explore the wonders of reef. There’s plenty to keep non-anglers happy during the day, and you can fish guilt free knowing they’re comfortable and well-cared for by an attentive staff. Fishermen will be glad to know there is a dock on the leeward side of the peninsula just footsteps from the lodge, making the fishing on days with wind far more easy by granting instant access to the permit and bonefish flats of Boca Paila Lagoon, just minutes away. On calm days, boats can pick up guest right in front of the lodge right off the beach, and head out directly to all points of the bay.

 

Fishing:

Ascension Bay is recognized world-wide for its excellent permit fishing, as it is home to some of the world’s biggest permit. Fly fishermen come from every part of the globe for the chance to hunt these elusive, beautiful fish. After all, Punta Allen is known as the “Permit Capital of the World”. While many come to Ascension Bay for the opportunity to catch a big permit on the fly, some are not only trying to catch permit, but also more bones, tarpon and snook. Teeming with the little crabs and shrimp that permit and bonefish crave, Ascension Bay has just the right ecosystem to support many of the important marine invertebrates essential to the inshore food chain. In the bay there are many flats fishing options available, and it is one of the few places in the world where there are excellent year-round opportunities to pull a coveted grand slam, or even the more exclusive super slam. At Grand Slam, you will fish one guide per angler, which means you’re never left hung out to dry while out fishing. You’ll always have a pair of seasoned eyes right there with you to help you spot fish, instructing you on where the fish are and what you need to do to catch them. You’ll spend a lot less time having to turn around to see where the guide is pointing, and a lot more time working the fly in front of the fish. All of the guides are very skilled and have a minimum of fifteen years of experience fishing the myriad of flats, rivers, creeks and lagoons of the bay.

 

 

Lodge:

At Grand Slam, guests stay in villas right on the beach, just steps away from the waters of the Caribbean. Six in all, these plush villas are separated into two luxurious, five-star suites, with one upstairs and one on the ground floor. Well appointed, the rooms feature stylish artwork, fine furnishings and elegant marble surfaces. Spacious and comfortable, each room has two king beds. Enjoy climate controlled air-conditioning inside while watching satellite TV, or step out onto the wrap-around deck for beautiful ocean view. Each room has a stocked mini bar and refrigerator. Electricity in Punta Allen runs off a city generator which operates for just a few hours in the morning and then again for several hours in the evening. In order to have electricity and, more importantly, air conditioning all night, the lodge must run its own generators to provide electricity. This allows you to rest comfortably all night. While most shut down theirs for the day, Grand Slam keeps their generators running all day so that guests who stay at the lodge have cool rooms to return to all day long. Guests of the lodge fish out of 25’ flats boats, equipped with 40-60 hp engines that to get you to the remote parts of the bay quickly and comfortably. Maneuverable and quiet, they easily slip through the many channels and creeks, accessing even the tightest spots of the lagoon. The guides pride themselves on avoiding bad weather, and the boats can get you back to the lodge fast, if the need arises.

 

 

Dining:

The main lodge houses the restaurant and bar. The Kai Restaurant features a spacious room with vaulted ceiling made of thatched grass and a bar that has seats made to resemble the swings you might find at a park where your inner child can feel free to delight as your grown-up side enjoys one their incredible house Margaritas. Just to warn you, this is not the margarita you’ll find at Chili’s or Applebee’s. This is the original Mexican cocktail. Appetizers include delicious, fresh guacamole, beer battered fish chips, traditional nachos and fresh ceviche served with house tortilla chips. Exquisite, fine dining is included in your fishing package. Meals are made fresh using local ingredients. Dinner options vary between seafood and traditional Yucatan dishes, like Poc Choc (grilled pork or chicken fillet). Three course dinners are skillfully prepared and artfully presented by Chef Luis, who has spent many years infusing contemporary and traditional dishes into superb culinary experiences with a distinctively Mayan Riviera flair. Save room for dessert, Chef Luis makes some delicious creations, and all of the breads and pastries are made in house. After dinner, walk out onto the restaurant’s large deck to enjoy the fresh ocean air under the stars and take in the truly beautiful nighttime scenery of the lodge.

 

How to Get There:

Air travel to Cancun International Airport (CUN) is both easy and affordable. A private transfer to the lodge will need to be obtained. 2Salt Tavel will be happy to help you with your ground transportation arrangement. Located 3 ½ hours to the south of Cancun, the majority of the drive to the Grand Slam Fishing Lodge is on a four-lane highway, but the last hour of your trip may take place on a rough dirt road from Tulum to the lodge. One of the services that the lodge offers, that we highly recommend, is to arrange to have the water taxi take you to the lodge once you’re in the park. At times, the road inside the park is laughably rough, to say the least, and if your schedule allows for it, the water shuttle can double as an ecotour or a half-day of fishing on Boca Paila Lagoon. Plan to get there early so that you give yourself enough time to take advantage of the ecotour or fishing. It is an additional cost that we believe is money well-spent for your added comfort and the overall likely-hood of enhanced enjoyment. Grand Slam also offers full day Boca Paila fishing trips out of Tulum. Picking up at the Ultimo Mayo campground, it is a good option for visitors not staying at the lodge who would still like to get out and fish a full day, but are not interested in an hour’s drive each way to do so.

 

Typical Day:

Guests are welcome to breakfast between 6:30 am to 10 am. Enjoy coffee, juice, fresh fruit, cereal and breakfast made to order. Lunch items are available for anglers to pack before leaving for the day. Sandwiches and chips are available every day, and there’s always the option to return to the lodge for lunch and have a laid back siesta before returning to fish in the afternoon. Anglers fish up to eight hours a day with boats typically departing the lodge at 8 am. Runs to the fishing grounds can range anywhere from just a few minutes to up to 45 minutes. Happy Hour starts at 5pm with appetizers and cocktails in the restaurant or on the large deck at the main lodge. The lodge usually serves two different appetizers per day. The bar is stocked nicely with a variety of fine wines, both red and white. They carry the more economical liquors, as well as the top shelf. A three course meal begins at 7pm. During lobster season, guests have the option of upgrading to a three-course lobster dinner by purchasing lobster from the local co-op for an addition charge of $35. All dinners include dessert and coffee. Indulge in Cuban cigars and aged rum while enjoying the evening with friends in a calm, laid-back atmosphere.

 

What’s Included:

Fishing Packages include deluxe accommodations, all meals, guided fishing in between travel days, and a fishing license.

Not included: International Air to/from Cancun, ground transportation to/from the lodge, taxes and gratuity for the staff and guides.

 

Non-angling Activities:

Eco-tours, bird-watching, snorkeling and sea kayaking. Many guests enjoy walking the beach or visiting the fishing village of Punta Allen.