If you’re looking for an angler who knows the most exclusive, hidden spots for grand slams you have found him in Carlos Vega.
Carlos Vega was born in Cozumel, fishing runs in his blood, this wisdom having been passed down through generations of native Mayan fisherman. His ancestors bestowed their knowledge of their sacred fishing grounds upon him and this was shared with him by his grandfather and father, who were the first lighthouse keepers on the island in the 1930’s.
Carlos has spent his whole life on these shores. After World War II, he helped support his family by fishing and diving for black coral, work which often required dives of over 200 feet in depth. Later, as Cozumel’s reputation as a diver’s paradise grew, he worked as a dive master.
But fishing has always been Carlos’s first love. And ever since he was taught the art of fly fishing 25 years ago while working at the famous Ascension Bay, flat fishing the mangrove lagoons of Cozumel and Cancun for bone fish, permit, tarpon and snook has been his life’s passion.
Over the years Carlos has been featured in many major sports and fishing magazines: Florida Sport Fishing, Field & Stream, Fishing World, Fly Fishing in Salt Water, The Florida Sportsman to name a few. Carlos has appeared on ESPN including a feature fishing with “Mark Sosin”. In short, if you want to fish the flats, there is no one better you could ask for.
COZUMEL–BONE FISHING PARADISE
About the Carlos Vegas Fly & Spin Flat Fishing Program
WHERE?
The Angler’s Flats, located on the northern side of the island of Cozumel where there are three large lagoons consisting of flats, mangroves, coves and shallow waters.
WHAT?
The three lagoons are full of Bone fish, some baby Snook and other battlers like Lady fish, Jack, Snapper, Trigger fish, small Shark, Barracuda, etc. Also, during the months of March through December you can catch some big Permit weighing from 10 to 25 pounds or even larger.
WHEN?
Bone fish are found throughout the year in Cozumel — in our lagoons on shallow sandy flats, grassy flats, open flats, mangroves flats, coves, bays, etc. But, water temperature can have a major effect on their behavior. In the winter months, if a “Norte” blows in and cools the lagoons, the fish may not be active until the water has warmed up a little bit.
Also, in the summer, the flats may become too warm and hold little oxygen in the middle of the day. So, the best time to find fish would be early morning or late in the day, unless a cool breeze blows in. Spring and fall can be a bonanza anytime of the day.
HOW?
This trip consists basically of bone fishing the flats. Carlos has 3 open flat fishing boats (from 23 to 25 ft) powered with 60 HP Yamaha motors and the latest in safety equipment.
The trip is mostly wading so you must bring wading devices such as short wading boots, tennis shoes, dive boots, etc. You must also bring a good pair of fishing polarized sun glasses, a hat, plenty of #60+ sunscreen, bug spray and comfortable, light clothing.
The day includes an experienced guide for either fly or spin fishing, box lunches, 12 soft drinks, plenty of purified bottled drinking water, plenty of ice, all the spinning rods & reels, all the leaders, shock tippets and bait.
Special trips to accommodate cruise ship schedules can easily be arranged.
RATES & RESERVATIONS:
Rates listed are per boat and for 1-2 two anglers. Any extra anglers are $100. Prices do not include the Federal fishing licenses or any tip you wish to give your guide.
$275 USD
6 Hour Trip $300 USD
8 Hour Trip $385 USD
Do you have questions or want to inquire about availability? If so, EMAIL Us.
A 15% advance deposit is required to reserve a trip. This can be made via a credit card and Paypal. The deposit is fully refundable if bad weather or a ship reschedule prevents you from going out. The balance is due in cash or traveler’s checks on the day you fish.
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Cozumel for one day