Espiritu Santo Bay Lodge

Arguably the most sought after saltwater fly fishing lodge in the World today

Espiritu Santo Bay Lodge (ESB), is a wilderness flats fishing destination specifically designed for serious saltwater fly fishers. ESB sits on a beautiful Caribbean beach in the southernmost part of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, just south of the sleepy lobster fishing village of Punta Herrero and within the massive 1.3 million acre Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

ESB Lodge allows anglers quick and easy access to the last frontier of Caribbean flats fishing – Espiritu Santo Bay. This fishery can provide fantastic action for all four of the Caribbean’s famous flats species – permit, tarpon, bonefish, and snook. This is “Super Grand Slam” country!

La Bahia del Espiritu Santo (ESB) is the true gem of the Yucatan, and perhaps the last remaining wilderness fly fishing outpost along the entire Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. It has always been the “second sister” to its larger, more accessible sibling to the north, Ascension Bay, but that’s changed… For the dedicated saltwater flats fly fisherman, ESB provides the least pressured angling opportunities in the entire Caribbean.

From a topographical and geographical standpoint, the bays are very similar. Both are shallow and create navigation challenges for vessels of any size. This is perfect habitat for the shallow saltwater flats that bonefish, permit, and tarpon and snook prefer, while prohibiting commercial navigation.

There are simply very few places left in the world with the same sort of unspoiled natural resources found in ESB. Robust and healthy populations of bonefish, permit, tarpon, and snook abound in its flats, creeks, and backcountry lagoons. And nobody has better access to or more intimate knowledge of the bay than the guides at Espiritu Santo Bay Lodge, who have spent years guiding there.

For permit fishermen, especially, there may be nowhere else on the planet that can compare to ESB. The populations of fish are amazing; especially in the prime permit fishing months when water temperatures are ideal and schools of fish abound on the flats of ESB. Welcome to Espiritu Santo Bay Lodge.

Headed out on your next adventure with us? The Fly ShopⓇ has you covered. As a thank you to our travel guests, enjoy 15% off all retail purchases for a year! — the perfect chance to gear up before your trip.

Whether it’s flies, leaders, apparel or a new rod and reel outfit, we’ve got everything you need to make your journey more comfortable, more successful, and more fun. (some exclusions apply)

Seasons Details

There are many reasons to choose one season over another to fish ESB Lodge. Your considerations may include vacation schedules, winter relief from cold northern climates, business commitments, best time for your target specie, etc. No matter when you choose to fish ESB Lodge, the weather, more than any other factor will influence your success in shallow water sight fishing. Typically, 90 plus percent of the fishing at ESB is sight fishing in clear shallow water. During inclement weather, your guide may suggest blind casting along mangrove shorelines, which is especially productive in the remote backcountry lagoons, creeks and back bays. While not your classic sight fishing; it can be extremely exciting and very productive, especially on the overcast days that make sight fishing difficult. Snook often suspend in the shadows of overhanging mangroves, ambushing their unsuspecting prey. Tarpon swim in and out of the mangrove roots, flushing and attacking baitfish. Their explosive strikes are often startling, and the next move for the angler is to turn a determined fish away from their mangrove sanctuary. Flats fishing guides have tremendous eyesight, spotting fish in seemingly impossible conditions. When sight fishing becomes difficult it’s critical to work with your guide. You may not see the fish, but he does. Follow his directions for casting and retrieving your fly during challenging conditions, and you will increase your success.

Winter (January and February):
While snow and ice line the banks of your favorite river in Montana, you can fly south to the Yucatan and wet wade the flats in comfort. The occasional cold front crossing North America may still send a chill down from the north, but the water temperature on flats warms up quickly in the tropical sun, and the bite after the front can be off the charts. Snook warm themselves on the flats on sunny afternoons, and permit eat crabs and mantis shrimp like it’s their last supper.

Spring (March, April and May):
One of the most predictable seasons at ESB, with long sunny days and a shift towards the typical south east wind pattern. The cold fronts have all but disappeared, and if they do pass through, they are typically short lived. The warm south-east trade winds are the norm with sunny, clear-sky days, perfect for sight fishing. All of the flats fishes are fat and sassy by now. The creeks, back bays and lagoons should be clear with excellent fishing for snook and tarpon. There could even be some migratory tarpon moving into the bays and along the Oceanside between the shore and the reef. The permit are happy in the bays and are available in schools, singles and doubles.

This is saltwater flats fishing, and there will be wind. But please remember, the wind is your friend. It’s much easier to present your fly to a fish in skinny water when the surface is lightly ruffled by the wind, than to land a fly in front of a bonefish or permit in slick glassy conditions. If this is your first time to the flats, you will significantly increase your success by taking a casting lesson from an instructor who has saltwater experience, and practicing your double haul before the trip. This is a game of accuracy, and you should be able to place your fly on a dinner plate at forty feet in the wind with three false casts.

Spring is the most popular time for saltwater flats destinations, and making your ESB Lodge reservations well in advance is strongly suggested.

Summer (June, August and September):
Summer can be some of the best fishing of the year, with lots of daylight, consistent water temperatures, and generally mild south east winds. The bonefish and permit are feasting on the flats with far fewer anglers on the water. Permit in this region are in their post spawning phase during August and September, and anglers often post their highest success rates for this notoriously finicky gamefish during these months.

There can be strong winds, rain and clouds associated with localized tropical storm cells, but it usually lasts only a short time, quickly returning to light winds and sunshine. Hurricane season officially begins June first and continues through November. With modern forecasting methods, we will never be surprised by a hurricane. They begin to be tracked off the coast of Africa, monitored twenty four hours a day as they move to the west. We will always know well in advance if a hurricane threatens, and will take appropriate actions as needed. Trip insurance is always advised, especially during the summer season. That said, our saltwater specialist, Eric Ersch, who lived there a couple of years while managing Paradise Lodge with his wife Lana, chooses this as his favorite season to fish ESB based on the terrific fishing opportunities.

Fall (October and November):
This season may be the most pleasant time of the year to fish, and the sight fishing for snook on the flats can be unbelievable. The air temperatures are very comfortable as the autumn sun slides toward the southern horizon. Sometime in mid to late October, the weather will start to change and begin to cool.

Snook spawn during the new and full moon phases in the mouths of bays and passes during June, July and August. Their post spawning phase sends them hungry and feeding on the flats of ESB. It’s not uncommon to find them in small schools on the flats, sunning themselves in very shallow water. Fall is absolutely the best time of the year to sight fish for trophy snook on the flats of ESB, and the numbers and size will amaze you. This is your opportunity to hook them in open water, without giving them the advantage of shredding your line and leader in the barnacle encrusted mangrove roots they typically call home.

The creeks and the bays are a joy to fish. There have been relatively few anglers on the waters and the fish are comfortable. The weather is the real key to this season. The fish are willing and the weather is good, and the fishing is great.

“…give me three days of consistent weather (no matter what it is) and we will show you great fishing…” – Dane Emerson owner ESB Lodge

Seasons

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Primary Season

Getting There Details

Cancun is serviced daily by nearly every airline with multiple flights daily to and from the U.S.A. Major airlines to consider include United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Aero Mexico, Virgin America, and Alaska Airlines.

Arrival to Cancun (Saturday):
On the day prior to your scheduled arrival date in the lodge, you should plan on traveling to Cancun (CUN) and overnighting at the Courtyard Cancun Airport.

The Courtyard Cancun Airport Hotel is very close to the Cancun International Airport, provides free shuttles at half-hour intervals, has a great pool, bar, restaurant, and the rooms are modern and spacious.

Upon arrival into Cancun, you will clear Immigration first, then retrieve your luggage and go through Customs.

Sunday - Arrival Day at Espiritu Santo Bay Lodge:
The entire group will be picked up from the Courtyard Cancun Airport near the airport, at approximately 8:00 am on Sunday, for transfer to the FBO – Private Aviation Terminal to meet your air charter to the lodge. It is located approximately two blocks before terminal 3. If you need to pick up some alcohol, there is a liquor store the driver can stop at before.

• 8:15 AM clients arrive to FBO (private terminal)
• 9:00 AM departure Cancun to Pulticub
• 10:15 AM land in Pulticub

Departure Tax:
A Departure Tax will be collected at Private Aviation Terminal of approximately 160 pesos ($9USD). They accept $US dollars or credit cards for payment.

The flight from Cancun to our designated airstrip just down the coast from the lodge departs the FBO Private Aviation Terminal at approximately 9:00 am and lasts approximately 1 hour. You should be on the ground no later than 10:30 a.m. You will be met by the lodge staff and transferred by air-conditioned van to the lodge, an approximate 1 hour and 15 minute drive.

Upon arrival to the lodge, your baggage will be transferred by the staff to your room. You are welcome to relax and enjoy a cold beverage in our traditional Caribbean palapa and then make your way to your air-conditioned room to unpack and get organized. A delicious lunch will be served at 1:00 p.m. followed by a general orientation explaining daily schedules, facility layout, lodge policies and such. If you are unsure about some aspect of your trip, please be sure to ask questions – the staff is there to make your trip as enjoyable as possible.

There is no guided fishing on the day you arrive, but feel free to walk and fish along the beach. You can also use the lodge’s snorkeling gear to explore the reef, or just hang out and relax and re-set your clock to Caribbean time.

Full Fishing Days:
Each evening, during cocktail hour or after dinner, the angling options will be discussed with fishermen and a plan will be devised for the next day. Most commonly, anglers are up at 6:00 a.m. Fresh coffee, juices and a delicious breakfast buffet with cooked-to-order eggs will be ready to go at 6:30 a.m. You should be out the door and on your way to the fishing grounds no later than 7:30 a.m. The drive from the lodge to where the boats are moored takes no more than 15 minutes. The guides, who have left earlier in the morning, will be waiting at the flats skiffs, ready to go for the day. The fishing days at ESB Lodge are full, no less than 8 hours total. The most distant fishing areas in Espiritu Santo Bay are no further than a 45-minute boat run under normal conditions, with some areas as close as five minutes from the dock. Lunch is taken on the fly. The guides will have you back to the lodge between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. for a shower, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Dinner is normally served at 7:00 p.m.

After Hours:
If you have the will and stamina, there is usually a crowd that retires to the bar for after-dinner drinks, cigars on the deck, and plenty of fishing stories. The fly-tying table is available to guests that want to twist up some new flies for the next day’s fishing, and there is wireless internet access in the lodge for those who desire to check in with their family or friends.

Sunday - Departure from Espiritu Santo Bay Lodge:
There is no guided fishing on the day of departure. Be prepared to depart the lodge for the local airstrip no later than 8:30 a.m. The charter flight back to Cancun is scheduled to depart at approximately 10:30 a.m. The night prior to your morning departure, please reconfirm your flight departure time with the manager to ensure proper transfer arrangements. Please also be sure to clear your lodge account and have your bags packed and ready for transfer to the airstrip two hours before your scheduled departure.

Make sure you book your departure flight from the Cancun International Airport (CUN) back home NO earlier than 2:00 p.m.

Getting There

Lodging Details

ESB Lodge is a beach front lodge and accommodates a maximum of eight anglers per week, in four double occupancy rooms comprised of two duplexes built off the sand and separated by the lodge and kitchen complex and the large outside palapa. Each room is approximately 250 square feet in size and features a full bathroom, separate toilet area, shower, double sinks, two beds, two dressers and lots of shelving and hooks to store gear. Each room has its own thermostat controlled air conditioner, ceiling fan, and plenty of windows to take advantage of ocean breezes and natural light. The duplex cottages share a common deck overlooking the ocean with chairs; a perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer or ready your gear for the day.

The main lodge consists of massive traditional thatch roof palapa where the bar, lounge and gift shop are located. Attached to the palapa is a spacious air conditioned dining room and modern kitchen. The main lodge faces the barrier reef and Caribbean and the large front deck, a popular gathering spot and where fishing stories are told.

Food at ESB Lodge is a blend of traditional Mexican food, with a Mayan flair, taking advantage of fresh fish, lobster (in season) fresh produce and regional meat dishes. Dinners are simple and delicious, often fresh off the grill and accompanied by locally grown vegetables, salads and plenty of fresh fruit. Breakfast is served buffet style with plenty of fruit, cereals, toast, juices and starches and meats. Cook to order eggs are available. For lunch you will fill out a form in the evening for the next day’s fishing. You can order a variety of different sandwiches, salads, fruit, chips, cookies, beverages, etc.

ESB Lodge Hosts:
Dane Emerson has been involved in the fly fishing industry for better than 12 years and resided in Gunnison County, Colorado where he was a partner in the Crested Butte Angler.

In the winter months, on behalf of Crested Butte Angler, Dane has travel throughout Mexico and Belize and hosted several trips each season with friends and clients to saltwater fly fishing destinations in the Caribbean. Some years back, Dane made a trip to Paradise Lodge to check it out and see if was a destination he was interested in taking his clients to. Dane’s week at Paradise was filled with incredible fishing, food, and graciously entertained and looked after by host/owner Alejandro de Tomaso. Coincidently Alejandro’s (Alex) daughter Chiara was also visiting that week and they have been together since. Great trip, Great Catch!

Dane is an experienced saltwater angler and guide with an incredible work ethic and genuine concern for his guest’s well being and happiness. Dane manages and orchestrates the fishing program at ESB Lodge, the guide team, as well as lodge support staff. First up, last to bed, always with a smile and warm handshake, you can count on him to make your trip everything you want it to be.

Chiara de Tomaso is the daughter of Alejandro de Tomaso and has a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, with a major in Business Administration. She has worked in logistics for Multinational companies in FMCG industries in Argentina and Australia. Chiara is in charge of the administration and finances of ESB Lodge as well as an onsite hostess. She helps with daily lodge operations and the staff and insure that the standards of hospitality well be met to the highest potential. Chiara is fun, always smiling and brings that “ladies-touch” and welcoming Argentina hospitality and spirit to this destination fly fishing lodge.

Electricity:
Power comes from generators. Electricity is 110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style two-pin plugs.

Water & Ice:
All drinking water and water for ice is purified. The water from the tap and shower is from a well and not potable.

Liquor & Refreshments:
The lodge has local Mexican beer, tequila, vodka, gin, and rum for cocktails. If you enjoy any specialty beverages, such as single malt scotches or hard to find bourbons, you should bring your own. Cold beers can be packed in your cooler for each day you are on the water and delicious Chile and Argentine wines are available for purchase with dinner.

Alcohol:
There is a hosted/free “Happy Hour” serving beer and margaritas, after fishing and before dinner. The lodge has a full bar where cocktails and beers are available for purchase between $3 and $5. You are welcome to bring your own spirits – the lodge has plenty of ice and mixers.

Meals:
Centerpiece of the Lodge is the lovely dining room where your meals are served. Meals are an excellent blend of Mexican and international cuisine, with emphasis on fresh meats and fish, and fresh fruits & vegetables. Before or after meals, relax in the comfortable lounge area looking east to the Caribbean. Enjoy your favorite book or magazine or just contemplate the beautiful seaside scenery, or tie some special fly patterns. Long strolls on the beach or a swim in the Caribbean are yours for the taking. If you require a special diet, please let us know well in advance so your needs can be accommodated.

Boat Refreshments:
Every morning your boat’s cooler will be well stocked with complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Boat beers can be ordered and cost $2 per bottle. Be sure to inform someone if you would like more or less of a specific beverage.

Dress Attire at the Lodge:
The atmosphere is very laid back at ESB Lodge. You’re on vacation! Please feel free to wear whatever is comfortable during the day.

Maid & Laundry Service:
The lodge has daily made service. There is no Laundry service.

Lodging

Angling Details

Espiritu Santo Bay:
Espiritu Santo Bay is an un-impacted and wild flats fishery, the least-fished of all Mexico’s entire Caribbean coast. Fishing can start less than 5 minutes from where the boats are kept. Top-of-the-line flats boats from Hells Bay are amazingly comfortable to fish out of and powered by 40-hp 4-stroke Yamaha outboards; they will top out at approximately 35 knots...plenty fast.

Espiritu Santo Bay is made up of a myriad of creeks, lagoons, back bays, channels and seemingly endless flats. It remains one of the most remote and unfished saltwater fly fishing destinations in the Caribbean. There are only two lodges that have permits to sport fish there. ESB Lodge is one of them. Over the last 10+ years lodge guides have spent thousands of hours exploring and fishing the bay. Espiritu Santo offers very consistent fly fishing for permit and bonefish and can produce excellent fishing for baby tarpon, as well as giant pelagic tarpon in the late summer and fall. Large snook can also be found here throughout the season and especially the fall months. Our own personal experience in the bay has resulted in, hands-down, some of the finest flats fishing we have ever had. The permit fishing is incredible with fish of all sizes, with some true monsters to cast at, and they have not been over-pressured as at other more popular permit fisheries. The bonefishing offers consistent action, and there are always fish up to 5 pounds ready to rip into your backing. The tarpon and snook we’ve encountered in the bay readily take streamers on floating lines and can also be convinced to attack surface flies. Baby tarpon to 40 pounds can be encountered in ESB any day of the season and the giant pelagics (100+ pounds!) pull into the bay for a rest in August and hold over for a couple of months.

In four seasons, ESB Lodge has landed over 1,000 permit!

Espiritu Santo Bay is what we like to call an "opportunistic fishery"; that is, a fishery where you never really know when, where and what you are going to encounter. It's not uncommon to see several different species of fish, sometimes all at the same time, on one flat. Trying to decide what rod you are going to have in hand is a real challenge. Having multiple rods in the boat, each rigged with a different fly, is the most advantageous way to fish the Espiritu Santo. We like 2 permit rods, one each (one with crab, one with shrimp maybe), 1 tarpon/snook rod and 1 bonefish rod. This way you are both ready for anything and can help switch out to what the guy on the bow needs.

One of the nicest aspects of fishing Espiritu Santo is that you will, more than likely, be the only angler you see on the Bay all day. ESB Lodge virtually has the bay to itself, with little or no competition. And that translates into great fishing opportunities.

Each evening, during cocktail hour or after dinner, Dane or the manager will discuss angling options with fishermen and a plan will be devised for the next day.

• 6:00 a.m. Wake-up - Most commonly, anglers are up at 6:00 a.m. Fresh coffee, juices and a delicious breakfast buffet with cooked-to-order eggs will be ready to go at 6:30 a.m.
• 7:30 a.m. - You should be out the door and on your way to the fishing grounds no later than 7:30 a.m. The drive from the lodge to where the boats are moored takes no more than 15 minutes. The guides, who have left earlier in the morning, will be waiting at the flats skiffs, ready to go for the day. The fishing days at esb Lodge are full, no less than 8 hours total. The most distant fishing areas in Espiritu Santo Bay are no further than a 45-minute boat run under normal conditions, with some areas as close as five minutes from the dock. Lunch is taken on the fly.
• 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - The guides will have you back to the lodge between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. for a shower, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.
• 7:00 p.m. - Dinner is normally served at 7:00 p.m.

After Hours:
If you have the will and stamina, there is usually a crowd that retires to the bar for after-dinner drinks, cigars on the deck, and plenty of fishing stories. The fly-tying table is available to guests that want to twist up some new flies for the next day’s fishing, and there is wireless internet access in the lodge for those who desire to check in with their family or friends.

Fishing

Inclusions Details

Rates

• $5,849 USD per person, Double Occupancy (shared room & boat)
• $9,130 USD per person, Single Occupancy (private room & boat)

Inclusions:

Included in your Espiritu Santo Bay Lodge package are: Round trip air charter from Cancun to a nearby landing strip and subsequent auto transfer to the lodge (Sundays only) / Air-conditioned accommodations / All meals, beverages (soft drinks, juices, mixers, and bottled water) and Hosted "Happy Hour" beer and margaritas / 6 days fully guided fishing / VAT

Alcohol:
There is a hosted/free “Happy Hour” serving beer and margaritas, after fishing and before dinner. The lodge has a full bar where cocktails and beers are available for purchase between $3 and $5. You are welcome to bring your own spirits – the lodge has plenty of ice and mixers.

Non-Inclusions:

Not included in your Espiritu Santo Bay Lodge package are: Personal tackle / Air charter or ground transfers other than on Sundays if needed / Gratuities / Alcoholic beverages other than what is outlined in inclusions / Items of personal nature and any lodging or meals not provided at Espiritu Santo Bay Lodge / FBO Departure Tax / Gratuities

Fishing Licenses & Permits:
ESB Anglers must purchase a daily entry permit for the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve as well as a Mexico Conapesca Fishing License. Total for both is $100 paid in cash $USD on your arrival day at ESB Lodge. ESB Lodge will handle securing the permit and license for you.

Travel Insurance:

The Fly Shop® is not in the insurance business, but we recommend Travel Guard coverage as a service with a desire to see your best interests protected. It is impossible to know when an unfortunate situation (loss of luggage, fly rods, illness in the family, or an accident) may occur. However, such things can and do happen, and this insurance can provide a means of recourse against non-refundable financial losses.
• Travel Insurance Information

Why We Endorse Espiritu Santo Bay Lodge

• No Wasted Motion: Each morning, you’ll have a short, 10-minute drive from the lodge to the Bay where the skiffs and guides will be ready, engines warm, and ready to start fishing. Run times in the boats range from a few minutes to a maximum of 45 minutes depending on conditions and target species. This all combines to mean that anglers enjoy more time on the water, and more opportunities for fish on the end of your fly rod.

• Unpressured Fishery: Espiritu Santo Bay lies within the massive 1.3 million Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve. This vast region is a UNESCO World Heritage site, protecting the unique ecosystem restricting fishing access to just eight permits. This ensures very limited fishing pressure, and fish that aren’t used to the slap of a fly line or purr of a motor so they behave like fish are supposed to behave, readily and aggressively taking well-presented flies. Happy fish equal Catchable fish.

• Strong Fishing Program: ESB Lodge utilizes specialized Hell’s Bay Skiffs that silently float in inches of water. These boats are ideal for two anglers and their guide to access the seemingly endless flats of Espiritu Santo Bay, enabling anglers even more daily opportunities for tailing bonefish and permit – as well as marauding tarpon and snook – in the farthest reaches of the most remote fishing area in the Mexican Yucatan.

• Private & Intimate Experience: The lodge is small and intimate, with a maximum occupancy of eight anglers per week. You won’t get lost in a crowd here, and it’s a perfect destination for a group of friends or family looking for a private fly fishing experience. You might arrive as a stranger, but leave as friend and part of the ESB Lodge Family.

• Super Slam Fishery: Espiritu Santo Bay has healthy populations of all four of the primary flats species: bonefish, permit, tarpon, and snook. With all of these diverse species, anglers have a daily opportunity to pick their target species, or hunt for them all. ESB Lodge is easily one of the world’s top locations for you to score your Super Grand Slam!

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Winter (January and February):
While snow and ice line the banks of your favorite river in Montana, you can fly south to the Yucatan and wet wade the flats in comfort. The occasional cold front crossing North America may still send a chill down from the north, but the water temperature on flats warms up quickly in the tropical sun, and the bite after the front can be off the charts. Snook warm themselves on the flats on sunny afternoons, and permit eat crabs and mantis shrimp like it’s their last supper.

Spring (March, April and May):
One of the most predictable seasons at ESB, with long sunny days and a shift towards the typical south east wind pattern. The cold fronts have all but disappeared, and if they do pass through, they are typically short lived. The warm south-east trade winds are the norm with sunny, clear-sky days, perfect for sight fishing. All of the flats fishes are fat and sassy by now. The creeks, back bays and lagoons should be clear with excellent fishing for snook and tarpon. There could even be some migratory tarpon moving into the bays and along the Oceanside between the shore and the reef. The permit are happy in the bays and are available in schools, singles and doubles.

This is saltwater flats fishing, and there will be wind. But please remember, the wind is your friend. It’s much easier to present your fly to a fish in skinny water when the surface is lightly ruffled by the wind, than to land a fly in front of a bonefish or permit in slick glassy conditions. If this is your first time to the flats, you will significantly increase your success by taking a casting lesson from an instructor who has saltwater experience, and practicing your double haul before the trip. This is a game of accuracy, and you should be able to place your fly on a dinner plate at forty feet in the wind with three false casts.

Spring is the most popular time for saltwater flats destinations, and making your ESB Lodge reservations well in advance is strongly suggested.

Summer (June, August and September):
Summer can be some of the best fishing of the year, with lots of daylight, consistent water temperatures, and generally mild south east winds. The bonefish and permit are feasting on the flats with far fewer anglers on the water. Permit in this region are in their post spawning phase during August and September, and anglers often post their highest success rates for this notoriously finicky gamefish during these months.

There can be strong winds, rain and clouds associated with localized tropical storm cells, but it usually lasts only a short time, quickly returning to light winds and sunshine. Hurricane season officially begins June first and continues through November. With modern forecasting methods, we will never be surprised by a hurricane. They begin to be tracked off the coast of Africa, monitored twenty four hours a day as they move to the west. We will always know well in advance if a hurricane threatens, and will take appropriate actions as needed. Trip insurance is always advised, especially during the summer season. That said, our saltwater specialist, Eric Ersch, who lived there a couple of years while managing Paradise Lodge with his wife Lana, chooses this as his favorite season to fish ESB based on the terrific fishing opportunities.

Fall (October and November):
This season may be the most pleasant time of the year to fish, and the sight fishing for snook on the flats can be unbelievable. The air temperatures are very comfortable as the autumn sun slides toward the southern horizon. Sometime in mid to late October, the weather will start to change and begin to cool.

Snook spawn during the new and full moon phases in the mouths of bays and passes during June, July and August. Their post spawning phase sends them hungry and feeding on the flats of ESB. It’s not uncommon to find them in small schools on the flats, sunning themselves in very shallow water. Fall is absolutely the best time of the year to sight fish for trophy snook on the flats of ESB, and the numbers and size will amaze you. This is your opportunity to hook them in open water, without giving them the advantage of shredding your line and leader in the barnacle encrusted mangrove roots they typically call home.

The creeks and the bays are a joy to fish. There have been relatively few anglers on the waters and the fish are comfortable. The weather is the real key to this season. The fish are willing and the weather is good, and the fishing is great.

“…give me three days of consistent weather (no matter what it is) and we will show you great fishing…” – Dane Emerson owner ESB Lodge

The Courtyard Cancun Airport Hotel is very close to the Cancun International Airport, provides free shuttles at half-hour intervals, has a great pool, bar, restaurant, and the rooms are modern and spacious.

Upon arrival into Cancun, you will clear Immigration first, then retrieve your luggage and go through Customs.

Sunday - Arrival Day at Espiritu Santo Bay Lodge:
The entire group will be picked up from the Courtyard Cancun Airport near the airport, at approximately 8:00 am on Sunday, for transfer to the FBO – Private Aviation Terminal to meet your air charter to the lodge. It is located approximately two blocks before terminal 3. If you need to pick up some alcohol, there is a liquor store the driver can stop at before.

• 8:15 AM clients arrive to FBO (private terminal)
• 9:00 AM departure Cancun to Pulticub
• 10:15 AM land in Pulticub

Departure Tax:
A Departure Tax will be collected at Private Aviation Terminal of approximately 160 pesos ($9USD). They accept $US dollars or credit cards for payment.

The flight from Cancun to our designated airstrip just down the coast from the lodge departs the FBO Private Aviation Terminal at approximately 9:00 am and lasts approximately 1 hour. You should be on the ground no later than 10:30 a.m. You will be met by the lodge staff and transferred by air-conditioned van to the lodge, an approximate 1 hour and 15 minute drive.

Upon arrival to the lodge, your baggage will be transferred by the staff to your room. You are welcome to relax and enjoy a cold beverage in our traditional Caribbean palapa and then make your way to your air-conditioned room to unpack and get organized. A delicious lunch will be served at 1:00 p.m. followed by a general orientation explaining daily schedules, facility layout, lodge policies and such. If you are unsure about some aspect of your trip, please be sure to ask questions – the staff is there to make your trip as enjoyable as possible.

There is no guided fishing on the day you arrive, but feel free to walk and fish along the beach. You can also use the lodge’s snorkeling gear to explore the reef, or just hang out and relax and re-set your clock to Caribbean time.

Full Fishing Days:
Each evening, during cocktail hour or after dinner, the angling options will be discussed with fishermen and a plan will be devised for the next day. Most commonly, anglers are up at 6:00 a.m. Fresh coffee, juices and a delicious breakfast buffet with cooked-to-order eggs will be ready to go at 6:30 a.m. You should be out the door and on your way to the fishing grounds no later than 7:30 a.m. The drive from the lodge to where the boats are moored takes no more than 15 minutes. The guides, who have left earlier in the morning, will be waiting at the flats skiffs, ready to go for the day. The fishing days at ESB Lodge are full, no less than 8 hours total. The most distant fishing areas in Espiritu Santo Bay are no further than a 45-minute boat run under normal conditions, with some areas as close as five minutes from the dock. Lunch is taken on the fly. The guides will have you back to the lodge between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. for a shower, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Dinner is normally served at 7:00 p.m.

After Hours:
If you have the will and stamina, there is usually a crowd that retires to the bar for after-dinner drinks, cigars on the deck, and plenty of fishing stories. The fly-tying table is available to guests that want to twist up some new flies for the next day’s fishing, and there is wireless internet access in the lodge for those who desire to check in with their family or friends.

Sunday - Departure from Espiritu Santo Bay Lodge:
There is no guided fishing on the day of departure. Be prepared to depart the lodge for the local airstrip no later than 8:30 a.m. The charter flight back to Cancun is scheduled to depart at approximately 10:30 a.m. The night prior to your morning departure, please reconfirm your flight departure time with the manager to ensure proper transfer arrangements. Please also be sure to clear your lodge account and have your bags packed and ready for transfer to the airstrip two hours before your scheduled departure.

Make sure you book your departure flight from the Cancun International Airport (CUN) back home NO earlier than 2:00 p.m.

Food at ESB Lodge is a blend of traditional Mexican food, with a Mayan flair, taking advantage of fresh fish, lobster (in season) fresh produce and regional meat dishes. Dinners are simple and delicious, often fresh off the grill and accompanied by locally grown vegetables, salads and plenty of fresh fruit. Breakfast is served buffet style with plenty of fruit, cereals, toast, juices and starches and meats. Cook to order eggs are available. For lunch you will fill out a form in the evening for the next day’s fishing. You can order a variety of different sandwiches, salads, fruit, chips, cookies, beverages, etc.

ESB Lodge Hosts:
Dane Emerson has been involved in the fly fishing industry for better than 12 years and resided in Gunnison County, Colorado where he was a partner in the Crested Butte Angler.

In the winter months, on behalf of Crested Butte Angler, Dane has travel throughout Mexico and Belize and hosted several trips each season with friends and clients to saltwater fly fishing destinations in the Caribbean. Some years back, Dane made a trip to Paradise Lodge to check it out and see if was a destination he was interested in taking his clients to. Dane’s week at Paradise was filled with incredible fishing, food, and graciously entertained and looked after by host/owner Alejandro de Tomaso. Coincidently Alejandro’s (Alex) daughter Chiara was also visiting that week and they have been together since. Great trip, Great Catch!

Dane is an experienced saltwater angler and guide with an incredible work ethic and genuine concern for his guest’s well being and happiness. Dane manages and orchestrates the fishing program at ESB Lodge, the guide team, as well as lodge support staff. First up, last to bed, always with a smile and warm handshake, you can count on him to make your trip everything you want it to be.

Chiara de Tomaso is the daughter of Alejandro de Tomaso and has a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, with a major in Business Administration. She has worked in logistics for Multinational companies in FMCG industries in Argentina and Australia. Chiara is in charge of the administration and finances of ESB Lodge as well as an onsite hostess. She helps with daily lodge operations and the staff and insure that the standards of hospitality well be met to the highest potential. Chiara is fun, always smiling and brings that “ladies-touch” and welcoming Argentina hospitality and spirit to this destination fly fishing lodge.

Electricity:
Power comes from generators. Electricity is 110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style two-pin plugs.

Water & Ice:
All drinking water and water for ice is purified. The water from the tap and shower is from a well and not potable.

Liquor & Refreshments:
The lodge has local Mexican beer, tequila, vodka, gin, and rum for cocktails. If you enjoy any specialty beverages, such as single malt scotches or hard to find bourbons, you should bring your own. Cold beers can be packed in your cooler for each day you are on the water and delicious Chile and Argentine wines are available for purchase with dinner.

Alcohol:
There is a hosted/free “Happy Hour” serving beer and margaritas, after fishing and before dinner. The lodge has a full bar where cocktails and beers are available for purchase between $3 and $5. You are welcome to bring your own spirits – the lodge has plenty of ice and mixers.

Meals:
Centerpiece of the Lodge is the lovely dining room where your meals are served. Meals are an excellent blend of Mexican and international cuisine, with emphasis on fresh meats and fish, and fresh fruits & vegetables. Before or after meals, relax in the comfortable lounge area looking east to the Caribbean. Enjoy your favorite book or magazine or just contemplate the beautiful seaside scenery, or tie some special fly patterns. Long strolls on the beach or a swim in the Caribbean are yours for the taking. If you require a special diet, please let us know well in advance so your needs can be accommodated.

Boat Refreshments:
Every morning your boat’s cooler will be well stocked with complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Boat beers can be ordered and cost $2 per bottle. Be sure to inform someone if you would like more or less of a specific beverage.

Dress Attire at the Lodge:
The atmosphere is very laid back at ESB Lodge. You’re on vacation! Please feel free to wear whatever is comfortable during the day.

Maid & Laundry Service:
The lodge has daily made service. There is no Laundry service.

In four seasons, ESB Lodge has landed over 1,000 permit!

Espiritu Santo Bay is what we like to call an "opportunistic fishery"; that is, a fishery where you never really know when, where and what you are going to encounter. It's not uncommon to see several different species of fish, sometimes all at the same time, on one flat. Trying to decide what rod you are going to have in hand is a real challenge. Having multiple rods in the boat, each rigged with a different fly, is the most advantageous way to fish the Espiritu Santo. We like 2 permit rods, one each (one with crab, one with shrimp maybe), 1 tarpon/snook rod and 1 bonefish rod. This way you are both ready for anything and can help switch out to what the guy on the bow needs.

One of the nicest aspects of fishing Espiritu Santo is that you will, more than likely, be the only angler you see on the Bay all day. ESB Lodge virtually has the bay to itself, with little or no competition. And that translates into great fishing opportunities.

Each evening, during cocktail hour or after dinner, Dane or the manager will discuss angling options with fishermen and a plan will be devised for the next day.

• 6:00 a.m. Wake-up - Most commonly, anglers are up at 6:00 a.m. Fresh coffee, juices and a delicious breakfast buffet with cooked-to-order eggs will be ready to go at 6:30 a.m.
• 7:30 a.m. - You should be out the door and on your way to the fishing grounds no later than 7:30 a.m. The drive from the lodge to where the boats are moored takes no more than 15 minutes. The guides, who have left earlier in the morning, will be waiting at the flats skiffs, ready to go for the day. The fishing days at esb Lodge are full, no less than 8 hours total. The most distant fishing areas in Espiritu Santo Bay are no further than a 45-minute boat run under normal conditions, with some areas as close as five minutes from the dock. Lunch is taken on the fly.
• 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - The guides will have you back to the lodge between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. for a shower, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.
• 7:00 p.m. - Dinner is normally served at 7:00 p.m.

After Hours:
If you have the will and stamina, there is usually a crowd that retires to the bar for after-dinner drinks, cigars on the deck, and plenty of fishing stories. The fly-tying table is available to guests that want to twist up some new flies for the next day’s fishing, and there is wireless internet access in the lodge for those who desire to check in with their family or friends.

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