Costa de Cocos trip report

[John Bilotta]

In early March, Dan Davala and I hosted a dozen people to Costa de Cocos in Xcalak, Mexico. This is our second year doing a winter trip down to the Yucatan, and just getting out of DC that time of year feels amazing.

We had nine men and three women with us this year, some TPFR folks, and our group ranged from first timers to experienced anglers. We caught bonefish, permit, baby tarpon, snook and barracuda. This year we had consistent winds about 10-15 mph, but no rain and temps in the low 80s. People really improved their wind cast and hauls during the week.

Most bonefish were in the 2-4 pound range and the group waded and floated different lagoons. It is really a daily boat decision each morning about what were you interested in doing that day.

This year, the big difference was the number of permit around. The caught four permits and had numerous shots almost daily. We also caught a couple of really nice snook, and a few baby tarpon.

Food and drinks throughout the week were outstanding. Everyday they bring you a cocktail when you return to the dock and then we all head over to the bar to catch up.

The guides are terrific, some have good English, others it is limited, but they will put you on fish, really help improve your skills and are very nice people.

I'll follow up with pictures soon. In the meantime, more info on the fishing and the lodge can be found at www.costadecocos.com

John

Sent from my iPhone

[Daniel Davala]

Great write up John, hard to believe it was only a week and a half ago!  Not much I can add in the way of words, so here are a bunch of photos from the trip.  Of the four Permit John mentioned, one was my FIRST PERMIT EVER!!!  That I stalked and hooked it while wading made the event that much more special - truly one I'll never forget!

Fishing with me for the week was Mike Reilly who gets the photo credit for most of these.  Loved sharing the boat with you brother!  Also on the trip with us were our good friends Nick and Kami Swingle of Two Fisted Heart Productions, so hopefully we'll see some awesome shots from them on this thread too. 

I can't say enough what a special place this is, way out there on the far edge of Mexico.  Aside from the incredible fishing, the people and the landscape are truly beautiful making the experience that much more special.  And of course, the fish tacos and margaritas are friggin' ridiculous, not duplicated by any I have found elsewhere.  Looking forward to the next time already!

Dan Davala

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[namfos]

None of this looks too hard to take. ;-)

Mark

[Kami Swingle]

Nick and I had a really great time in Mexico. We so appreciated John and Dan figuring out all of the logistics for us. The staff at Costa was great and we was so impressed with the food. Nick also landed his first permit on this trip!! What a cool thing to experience (for both of us)! We loved Costa and look forward to going back. 

Enjoy some of our photos ~