PERLA NEGRA FISH CAMP 2026
ESPIRITU SANTO BAY, MEXICO | APRIL 19 - 26, 2026
If you prefer a heavy dose of adventure with your saltwater fly fishing, House of Fly’s Perla Negra Fish Camp is the place to be.
This invite-only adventure takes you into the remote backcountry of Mexico’s Espiritu Santo Bay where you’ll experience some of the greatest shallow water sight fishing in Latin America. A combination of remoteness, a lack of people, and limited access makes Perla Negra one the most pristine areas in Mexico and its fish are mostly untouched by anglers. If you want to fish amazing wilderness lagoons and experience remote flats fishing for unpressured Permit, Tarpon, Bonefish, Snook, Cubera Snapper, and Barracuda... this is the trip for you.
During your week-long stay you’ll get uncountable shots at the standard flats rangers, i.e., permit, tarpon, bonefish and barracuda. And you’ll navigate backcountry lagoons, accessible via secret trails painstakingly carved into the jungle, an opportunity for the chosen few to catch tarpon, snook, and the incomparable cubera snapper. While exploring those lagoons, which are located in the massive Sian Ka’an Biosphere, you’ll eventually come to this conclusion: there are things back there that could eat you.
Our 2026 program takes place April 19-26 and is limited to seven adventuresome anglers (we are taking applications for our 2027 Perla Negra program). This is the MOST DIVERSIFIED fishing program in Mexico and only the adventure-thirsty need apply. In fact, candidates for this trip should be physically and mentally prepared for a host of uncertainties that arrive when stepping into the unknown. If you prefer the traditional luxury fly-fishing lodge experience, you might look elsewhere; this trip is not for everyone. Accommodations at Perla Negra are comfortable, but you won’t sip champagne, nor rest your weary head on feather pillows and silk sheets. When staying at Perla Negra you’ll swap those creature comforts for sturdy cots, bold tequila, cold beers and the opportunity to explore those vast backcountry lagoons for trophy fish, or sight fish the flats for giant permit ranging to 30 pounds or more.
WHAT IS FISH CAMP?
Fish Camps include a lodge or outfitter who we have partnered with to pull off an incredible experience that begins the moment you arrive at your destination. All of the details and fishing experience is handled by the lodge/outfitter. We are involved in much of the planning, coordination, and camaraderie that you are expecting, this is where the “host” comes in. The trip host will make sure that every detail is attended to during your trip. The host coordinates with the lodge/outfitter, to make sure that every angler is prepared for the optimal fishing experience.
TRIP DETAILS
8 Days, 5 days fishing, 6 Anglers
($4,500 Before tax)
ArrivE APRIL 19, depart April 26 (SUNDAY-Sunday)
Espiritu Santo Bay (ESB) is located on an extremely remote section of the Yucatan Peninsula's eastern coastline in the heart of the protected Sian Ka'an Reserve. Quality fishing takes a front seat over luxury. Lodging is rustic, but isn’t too shabby. Three cabanas with sandflat front porches loaded with hundreds of hungry Bonefish line the beach for endless hooksets. It's possible to catch Bonefish within two minutes of waking up.
Each cabana is powered by solar energy with lights and outlets for phone and small electronics. Each cabana has it's own bathroom, shower, and two comfortable foam padded cots surrounded by mosquito mesh. Drinking water is available inside the cabanas.
FOOD & BEVERAGES
La Perla Negra Cantina, the most remote bar in Mexico, is where we'll start and end each day. Wake up to coffee while planning your day of fishing. Wind down on the front porch of the Perla Negra Bar while sipping on an icy pineapple jalapeno MexiJill Margarita.
You won't go hungry at Perla Negra. These meals are authentic with fresh caught fish and seafood each day. Each meal is simple and a delicious blend of traditional Mexican cuisine with a hint of Mayan flair, accompanied with fresh locally grown vegetables and fruit. If you have dietary concerns, we can accommodate with advanced notice.
A WORLD CLASS PERMIT FISHERY
Espiritu Santo Bay (ESB) is located on an extremely remote section of the Yucatan Peninsula's eastern coastline in the heart of the protected Sian Ka'an Reserve. ESB is the destination for any angler seeking a true unspoiled and unpressured wilderness fly fishing experience. Expect encounters with Tarpon, Snook, Bonefish, Barracuda, Trigger Fish, Jacks, and Permit in this world class fishery. ESB arguably produces more fly caught Permit each year than any other destination in Central America. This is your best chance at a grand slam or your first Permit on the fly.
BACKCOUNTRY LAGOON FISHERY
While Permit is the biggest draw for most anglers, there are other world class fisheries in ESB that we believe are even better. No other fly-fishing lodge operating in ESB is more equipped to explore these backwater lagoons. Inside these backwaters, anglers can expect encounters with Tarpon (8-80 lbs), Cubera Snappers topping 50 lbs and one of the best trophy Snook fisheries we've ever encountered, many pushing 20 lbs.
THE PERMIT FISHERY
Catching a permit on the fly can be one of the most challenging endeavors in all of fly fishing, but that's not always the case in ESB. Each year ESB records a higher fly-caught success rate for Permit landed than any other location in Central America. Two main factors play into this: strong Permit population and regulated angling pressure.
PANGA'S & GHEENOE'S
23 foot Imemsa Panga's are the boat of choice at ESB. Outfitted with an open casting deck and a raised poling platform these boats can handle shallow water almost as well as they handle rough water.
Backcountry is typically explored with Classic Gheenoe boats, which are narrow but stable and large enough for two anglers and a guide. These boats can access small bodies of water that simply can't be reached with a larger boat. They are the ultimate backcountry exploratory crafts, and we are the only operation in Mexico using them.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE SCHEDULE
(Sunday - Sunday) Perla Negra operates on a standard Sunday - Sunday Schedule throughout the season. When booking your commercial flights to and from Cancun, there is a schedule that you must adhere to in order to guarantee timely shuttle transfer to your destination. House of Fly is not responsible for booking your flights, but we are here to assist you with the best arrival and departure times.
The shuttle van departs Cancun on Sunday morning, so we prefer that you book a flight that arrives Saturday and then overnight at the nearby airport hotels. If this is not an option for you, we recommend booking a flight that arrives no later than 10am on Sunday and the shuttle driver will pick you up from the airport, though this may delay the rest of the group.
PICKUP / DROP OFF LOCATION
On Sunday morning our shuttle driver will meet you in the lobby of your hotel for pickup. If your flight arrives at the Cancun International Airport on Sunday, you will be picked up from your terminal outside near the buses. Once the group is rounded up, you will all load up the shuttle van for a relaxing drive to Mahahual. Our crew will meet you at the Mexico Lindo hotel for Sunday night's stay and everyone can grab some tacos and cerveza before calling it a night.
TRAVEL DOCS
Passport: Minimum 6 months validity with blank pages.
Insurance: Anglers are responsible for their own travel insurance which is highly recommended.
Plane Tickets: We will be happy to give you tips on finding affordable airfare for Cancun but are not responsible for booking your flights.
Visa: Not required for US citizens. A tourist card will be issued upon arrival at Cancun airport.
$4,500 (before tax)
Your package includes a round-trip shuttle from Cancun international airport to camp, lodging during the week (hotel on Sunday night and cabanas in camp), all meals in camp during the week, 5 days of fully guided fishing, beverages (soft drinks, juices, mixers, and bottled water). We will have beer and a limited amount of alcohol on hand each week. Guests will have an opportunity to pick up extra bottles of alcohol the day before we head out to camp.
NON-INCLUSIONS
Not included in your package are personal tackle, international flights, gratuities, alcoholic beverages other than what is outlined in the inclusions, items of personal nature and any lodging or meals not provided by House of Fly (Sunday arrival dinner and Saturday departure lunch in town are not included). your final hotel stay near airport is not included and it's up to you to arrange a room for that Saturday night if needed.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities are highly encouraged for the guides you have each day, the local community that cooks/cleans and provides shuttles, and your lodge manager. Suggested tip per guide is $50 per person, paid at the end of each day to your guide. The suggested tip for the community is $100 paid at the end of each week to the lodge manager. US dollars are accepted.
DEPOSIT & CANCELATION
Deposit of 50% is due upon confirmation of booking. Remaining 50% balance is due 60 days prior to arrival.
Any cancellations made more than 60 days prior to scheduled arrival are non-refundable deposits. Cancellations made less than 60 days prior to arrival will receive a credit towards a future trip with House of Fly, in the amount of 50% of total funds paid at that time. The credit can be used anytime but CANNOT be transferred or gifted. Cancellations due to an unforeseen act of God will result in a credit of 100% of deposited/paid funds.
Travel insurance should be purchased to cover any unforeseen circumstances that do not allow for you make the trip, or for anything that may occur while on the trip. We can help recommend options, contact us for more details.
Required Documents
Passport: Minimum 6 months validity with blank pages.
Plane Tickets: We will be happy to give you tips on finding affordable airfare for Cancun but are not responsible for booking your flights.
Visa: Not required for US citizens. A tourist card will be issued upon arrival at Cancun airport.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend Global Rescue as a service with a desire to see your best interests protected. It is impossible to know when an unfortunate situation may occur (trip cancelation, loss of luggage, fly rods, illness in the family, or an accident). www.globalrescue.com
Rods: Anglers should bring three rods: One 6-8-weight for smaller flies and windless days, one 9-weight for windy conditions and larger flies (perfect for permit if you have one), and one 10-weight for snook and tarpon. Extra rods are always a plus.
Reels: 2-3 Large arbor quality reels with a decent drag system and at least 100 yards of 30-pound fly line backing.
Fly Line: Floating tropical fly lines are all that are necessary. We recommend bringing one floating line per reel and one spare.
Leaders: A tapered leader of 9ft or longer is recommended. The simplest solution is to buy pre-tied bonefish, permit, snook and tarpon leaders and then use separate spools of 10-15lb (bonefish), 15-20lb (permit), 30-40lb (snook and tarpon) fluorocarbon tippet.
Wire: 30-40lb wire leader for barracuda and sharks. 7x7 strand knot-able wire or hard wire is good.
Pliers: One good pair of long nose pliers.
Clippers: One line clipper.
Knife: Bring a knife.
Towel: Quick dry microfiber pack towel for showers.
Pillow: A pillow will be supplied, but if you need additional neck support bring a packable pillow.
Boots/Shoes: One pair of quick-dry shoes or flipflops for camp. For fly fishing/wading bring one pair of flats wading boots with good support.
Wading Socks: Neoprene wading socks and thin sock liners are good.
Shirts: Three to four long sleeve quick-dry shirts.
Pants: Three pairs of quick-dry pants to protect from sun and biting insects. Shorts are fine if the mosquitos and no-see-ums are not around.
Hats: Two hats.
Rain Jacket: One lightweight rain jacket.
Water bottle: An insulated water bottle to bring in the boat and fill up from larger water bottles.
Gloves: one pair fly-fishing gloves/stripping gloves, they are always good for biting insects too.
Sun mask: Two face sun/insect masks.
Sunglasses: Two pairs of polarized sunglasses. It's good to have a lens cleaner and a soft cleaning cloth as well. (lowlight and high sun lenses).
Sunscreen: One bottle sun screen.
Lip balm: SPF lip balm.
Repellent: One or two bottles of insect repellent for mosquitos, no-see ums, sand flies, etc.
Backpack: One waterproof backpack or hip pack.
Headlamp/Flashlight: One LED headlamp and flashlight with extra batteries.
Electronics: Back up USZB battery, Camera, extra batteries, chargers, waterproof case/bag, SD cards, Small fan usb or rechargeable.
Waterproof Bag: Six medium sized Ziploc baggies for storing phone, lighter, lens cloth, etc. and waterproof bag for camera, etc.
Toiletries Kit: Toothpaste and toothbrush, hand sanitizer, deodorant, Advil/Tylenol, small first aid kit, gold bond powder, extra hand sanitizer, wet wipes and any personal medications.
Super Glue: Glue for finger cuts.
Miscellaneous: English-Spanish translator app on phone, credit cards, extra cash for personal expenses.
You should have flies with three sink rates in your box: un-weighted, slightly weighted, and heavily weighted. Typically, un-weighted eyeless patterns are used in the shallow water (less than one foot). Intermediate small eyed flies are used over turtle grass, like Crazy Charlie with bead-chain eyes (one to two feet of water). Heavy flies, like Clouser Minnows, are more effective in two to four feet of water (or deeper).
BONEFISH FLIES
Bonefish in this area are user-friendly specimens. For this reason, basic shrimp patterns are preferred. Gotchas, Crazy Charlies, and Squimps should be all you need. a total of two-dozen Bonefish flies will be what you need for the week.
Crazy Charlie: Sizes 4-6 in white/cream, pink, and light tan.
Flashy Charlie: Sizes 4-6 in pink and pearl.
Squimp: sizes 4-6 (both medium yellow lead eyes and bead chain eyes) in tan.
Other Productive Patterns: Puff, Grass Shrimp, Bonefish Muddler, Snapping Shrimp, Baited Breath.
PERMIT FLIES
Permit are particularly fond of small crabs and shrimp flies. A dozen or so will work for the week. As mentioned above, it's recommended to have three different sink rates of crab and shrimp flies. Each week there are encounters with large Permit in deeper water 4+ ft and having a heavier weighted crab pattern can make all the difference.
Rag head Crab: size 2 in tan (preferably with yellow lead eyes).
EP Mantis Shrimp: Size 1-2.
Kung-Fu Crab: Size 2 in tan and tan/olive.
McCrab; Size 2 in natural.
Squimp: Size 2 in tan (preferably with yellow lead eyes).
Strong arm crab: Size 1-2 in tan/olive.
JACKS, BARRACUDA & SHARKS
3-5" baitfish patterns 2/0-3/0
Saltwater foam popper (red/white and blue/white) 2/0-3/0
Shark Fly 2/0-3/0
RELATED STORIES
-
Posted: August 16, 2023Read moreRockport Redfish- A trip in the past that is paving a Redfish future. Jeff takes Sam and Rob on a skiff and shows what it takes to make it happen. -
Posted: June 01, 2023Read moreIdaaFlyy chases Texas Redfish with his guide Captain Mason and provides a list of things you should expect when booking your trip to the Lone Star State. -
Posted: April 03, 2022Read moreSometime in the fall of 2015, about a dozen of us were holed up at a river house we rented just down river from Prewitt Creek on the Missouri River in Montana. It was late and we had fished all day, so with our minds at an elevated level we began to brainstorm the rules of fly fishing. For some reason it occurred to me to write everything down that night, and assumed I’d never see it again.