Mexico’s Chetumal Bay has the best saltwater fly fishing you’ve never heard of. Here’s why it’s a hidden gem

The Grand Slam and beyond: Target species and timing

Mexico’s Caribbean coast offers anglers a chance at all the major tropical species, including the Grad Slam trio of bonefish, tarpon and permit. They’re all present in the bay, in good numbers and sizes, along with snook, barracuda, jack crevalle and more.

Bonefish are common throughout the bay, and average three to four pounds in size, with a chance at one twice as big. Permit, the holy grail of flats fishing, are present year-round, with peak seasons from March through May and September through November. They average eight to 15 pounds, with specimens over 20 pounds not uncommon.

Tarpon, both resident juveniles and migratory adults, provide heart-stopping fly action. The resident fish (aka “baby tarpon”), ranging from 10 to 40 pounds, can be found in the mangrove-lined backcountry, while migratory giants up to 150 pounds appear from May through September.

While he was exploring, studying and fishing the bay, Godoy landed dozens of huge ’poons, becoming somewhat of an expert in finding and landing the mighty silver king. In addition, snook lurk among the mangrove roots and creek mouths, particularly during their spawning time in May and June. Add in jacks and cuda, which can pop up on the flats at any time, and you have all the ingredients for thrilling tropical fishing.