Casa de Ascension - Punta Allen, Sian Ka'an
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Other Species
SNOOK
Snook is perhaps the most under-rated and under-fished game fish in Ascension Bay. Snook is reclusive, tending to shelter near mangroves, but is fairly common in many areas of Ascension Bay. It is also quite large (up to 1.2 meters in length and weighing nearly 23 kg). Aggressive and cannibalistic, especially when young, snook often tries to swallow other game fish of the same size. Once a snook is hooked, anglers need a lot of skill to manoeuvre it into open water. This is where the real battle to secure the powerful and thrilling snook begins for the anglers.
JACK FISH
Horse-eye or Big-eye Jack is another popular game fish in Ascension Bay. It can grow up to 101 cm long and weigh a maximum of 13.4 kg. Jack has – as its name suggests - large eyes, and is considered a strong fighter by anglers. Jack is often caught while moving quickly in schools. It tends to swim in schools and frequents reefs in open water as well as brackish water. Horse-eye jack will often swim up to scuba divers.
BARRACUDA
Barracuda is a powerful, predatory prize game fish living in Ascension Bay. It grows to about 1.8 meters in length and up to 30 cm in width. The Barracuda has powerful jaws and strong, fang-like teeth. It is caught as both a food and game fish. Barracuda is usually eaten as fillet or steak. It is especially used for preparing Ceviche, a type of citrus-marinated seafood salad. Barracuda’s taste is strong, like tuna or salmon. Anglers need to use tough rods to hook Barracuda and then make lengthy efforts to reel one in. But be careful – the Barracuda’s sharp teeth and strong jaws can still bite as a reflex action even when it is landed.
OTHER SPECIES OF GAME FISH
Ascension Bay boasts one of the world’s most diverse varieties of game fish for the light-tackle saltwater angler. Saltwater fly fishing is evolving in and around Ascension Bay. Anglers will find that they can catch all kinds of different species on the fly. Shark, needlefish, dorado, triggerfish, and snapper are all waiting for the intrepid angler.
SEASONS TO FISH:
Jack – can be caught all year round
Snook – can be caught all year round
Barracuda – can be caught all year round, but especially in December, January and February.
The ultimate prize catch for saltwater anglers is permit, a game fish. Permit is to flats anglers what Atlantic salmon is to fresh water angler
Bonefish (locally called “macabi”), which thrives in Ascension Bay, is among the world’s best game fish. It is highly sought after by anglers.
Anglers visiting Ascension Bay prize these large coastal game fish. Tarpon can reach nearly 91 kg in weight and nearly 2.5 meters in length. Tarpon is an elusive fish, residing in tricky-to-access hidden “lakes” in the far reaches of Ascension Bay.
Ascension Bay boasts one of the world’s most diverse varieties of game fish for the light-tackle saltwater angler. Anglers will find that they can catch all kinds of different species on the fly. Jacks, snook, barracuda, shark, needlefish, dorado, triggerfish, and snapper are all waiting for the intrepid angler.
What gear, tackles, flies and rods are needed to do the big catch.