Country Pleasures
100, 10816 Macleod Tr. S.
Calgary, Alberta, T2J 5N8
Phone: (403) 271-1016
Fax: (403) 271-5516
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The Ultimate in Saltwater Fly Fishing
Welcome to The Palometa Club, a new, exclusive fly fishing lodge located in Punta Allen, Mexico on the northeastern edge of the famed permit and bonefish flats of Ascension Bay. Managed by one of the sport's most experienced lodge operators and staffed with the Bay's premier guides (and perhaps the best cook in the country!), The Palometa Club is re-defining the saltwater fly fishing experience. Join us for the fishing trip of a lifetime!
The Palometa Club
Palometa is the colloquial Spanish term for permit and is the perfect name for a fly fishing operation catering to anglers serious about catching this most challenging of saltwater trophies on the fly. The Palometa Club operates out of a brand new six-bedroom lodge located on the picturesque ocean-side beach of the unique lobster fishing village of Punta Allen, Mexico. Anglers can book fully-inclusive, week-long fishing packages (which include transportation from Cancun) in their quest for permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook. Non-anglers can enjoy snorkeling, guided eco tours and archeological trips as The Palometa Club is situated within the famed Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a 1.3 million acre World Heritage Site known for its rich marine environment, exotic birds and tropical wildlife, and vast array of Mayan ruins.
Your Hosts
The Palometa Club is managed by Dick and Kaye Cameron, former operations managers and hosts of Ascension Bay Bonefish Club. As equity shareholders in The Palometa Club they contribute their 16 combined years of experience running fly fishing operations to ensure an unrivaled experience for all their guests.
Dick is a second generation Alaskan and began his fishing career at age ten aboard his father's commercial fishing boat. A consummate adventurer with a deep passion for fishing and hunting, he has owned fishing lodges in Alaska and has guided wilderness hunting trips throughout the state. For the past five years Dick has worked at Ascension Bay learning the secrets of this amazing fishery and becoming trusted and well-liked by the residents of Punta Allen. His popular status with the townsfolk has allowed him to assemble an elite team of veteran guides and experienced service staff for The Palometa Club.
Kaye was born in Seattle to a large, fun-loving family that emigrated from Italy in the early 1900s. Her professionalism and contagious enthusiasm make her the perfect co-host. Dick and Kaye were married in Punta Allen, Mexico in June 2004. They have a combined new family that includes Dick's son Jason 20, Kaye's son Jim 25, and her daughter Valerie 19. During the off-season Dick and Kaye live in Alaska.
Accommodations
There's a saying in the fishing lodge business that goes like this: "When the fishing's good nothing else matters, when the fishing's bad, everything else matters." At Ascension Bay good fishing is often a combination of guides, weather, tides, visibility, angler skill, and frankly a bit of luck, and we do everything in our power to line up the best of each of these. But when it comes to "everything else" we're definitely in control and guarantee you total satisfaction with your food and lodging experience.
The Palometa Club operates out of a new 5,000 square foot building situated directly on the ocean-side beach and boasting such amenities as air conditioning, 24-hour power, mosquito control, broadband wireless Internet, satellite phone and two fully-outfitted fly tying stations. The beautifully-appointed lodge can accommodate 12 guests in six large bedrooms, each with an adjoining full bathroom with hot-water shower. The lodge also features a common great room, modern kitchen and dining facility, and popular outside beach lounge.
Cuisine
Simply the best in Punta Allen, and for miles beyond! The day begins at sunrise with mugs of rich Mexican coffee followed by a traditional hot breakfast of cereal, eggs, bacon, ham, juices, toast and pastries. Hardy box lunches are prepared for the fishing boats and typically include sandwiches, fruits, desserts, ice water and other beverages of your choice. After the day's fishing it's cocktail time at the outdoor beach lounge where icy margaritas and sweet pina coladas help punctuate the recounting of the day's adventure. Dinner is served family style featuring delicious local Caribbean and Mexican dishes like moja de ajo, pollo con mole, and chili rellenos, followed by scrumptious locally inspired desserts. Bottled water is used for drinking and ice.
The Fishing
Seemingly endless miles of easy-to-wade, hard-packed white sand flats and rich expanses of turtle grass are the canvas for the world-class fishery that is Ascension Bay. Whether this is your first time flats fishing or you're a seasoned veteran, our professional, highly-skilled, English-speaking guides will make your trip extraordinary. Our fishing program is second to none because of our one-to-one angler to guide formula. This system provides two sets of trained eyes to search the crystal clear water for the fish of your choice. If you are wading, stalking a school of bonefish or hunting permit you have the security of knowing you have a skilled guide coaching you at all times. Noticing a palometa "flash" or a bonefish tailing is something you may not always see, but your guides will. Experienced anglers have often told us that The Palometa Club guides are the "best of the best."
EcoTours & Other Activities
The village of Punta Allen is isolated, rustic, and laid-back; the beaches empty and palm-studded. Don't come here expecting resort activities and nightlife, this is a tropical wilderness, yet untarnished by the hand of man. What makes our backyard so unique and enticing is that the Punta Allen Peninsula lies on the edge and within the confines the 1.3 million acre Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a large protected swath of natural ecosystems designated as a World Heritage Site. Within the area nearly two-dozen remarkable Mayan ruins have been discovered, some dating back thousands of years. If you want a break from fishing or you've come to The Palometa Club as a non-angler, let us show you the exotic flora and fauna of our reefs, lagoons, marshes, remote islands and jungle hideaways, or the hidden archaeological treasures of an earlier civilization that built a dynasty along these wild, sublime shores.
Prices & Season
The Palometa Club
The Palometa Club is open each year from mid-November through mid-June. The lodge operates on a weekly schedule with guests arriving each Friday evening in time for dinner and departing the following Friday morning shortly after breakfast. Visits shorter than one week may be booked on a space available basis and are billed at a daily rate.
Weekly Rate: $3,500 USD
Non-fishing partner: $2,000 USD
Rates are per person, based on double occupancy. Includes round trip transfer (air-conditioned van) from Cancun, six full days guided fishing (two anglers and two guides per boat), seven nights lodging (room with two large beds and private bath), all meals, hosted daily happy hour with beer, margaritas and appetizers. Does not include gratuities (suggested $50 per day), or additional alcohol (favorite libations can be easily purchased during transfer to Club).
SINGLE ANGLER SUPPLEMENT - additional $250 per day for own room and own boat with two guides.
TRANSPORTATION SUPPLEMENT - stays of less than a week or arrival/departure on days other than Friday will incur an additional transportation charge of $350 each way for vehicle
Deposits
A non-refundable deposit of $1750 USD is necessary to hold space, with the balance being due 90 days prior to trip departure.
Upcoming Trips
March 23-30, 2012 **2 Spots** Hosted by Mike Gifford
May 4-11, 2012 ** Hosted by Mike Gifford **FULL**
Special Notes
If you are interested in going to Machaca Hill at times other than the above listed weeks, let us know and we can put together a package for you.
For package pricing please fill out the form to the right or contact us by phone (403) 271-1016 or by e-mail.