I was down in the Tulum area just before the pandemic closed the borders. Was my first time saltwater fly-fishing, did it on my own.......it was a blast. My intention was to catch some bones but I never saw any schools, however, there are a ton of different species that'll take your fly. Here's some tips:
-Before you go, use google earth to identify some spots you'd like to try. Look for structure (reef edges etc..)
- Go early in the AM, I think the rule is you can't fish within 250m of people swimming, by noon the beach will be packed and the fishing slows down. The beach is public land, kinda like our high-water mark rule. Wander where you may, but be cautious, you're not in Canada.
-You've probably read this, but the chartreuse over white clouser minnow is an effective pattern
- Bring a small dry bag for your gear, one that you can wear in the water. Saltwater is good at rusting out gear. At the end of your session, take your rod, reel, and flies in the shower with you and rinse everything off. Maybe enjoy a cerveza too......dry your gear on the balcony
- I used a floating line, and just waded out to the structure I wanted to fish. Wading with waves crashing into you while you're trying to fish takes some getting used to. Polarized shades are a must, lots of opportunity to spot your targets. Use the waves to swing streamers off the dark reef into the lighter coloured water, mix in a varying cadence of strips. You'll get some tight lines
I was fortunate enough to catch some cool fish.... mutton snapper, pompano, needlefish.