January Special at The Palometa Club

Book 5 Guests & the 6th Comes for Free! 

Or 

20% Discount off Published Rates

This promotion is based on shared room / guides and is applicable for the weeks of 

January 5-12 & January 12-19.

Far too many anglers are missing out on the awesome fishing that can happen in 

January! Ascension Bay is a ghost town with most lodges and guides, and we have 

had some of our BEST fishing of the season in January the last several years 

(other than El Nino in 2016). As a rule of thumb, you don’t often see the larger 

schools of permit like you do later in the spring and summer, but you do get 

your shots at solitary fish and smaller groups that are completely unpressured 

and happy to eat the fly. We also see and catch some of the largest permit of 

the season in January and February. Yes, there might be concerns about drawing 

the short straw with a cold front, but these events usually don’t last long, and 

odds are that the vast majority of January sees very mild temperatures and our 

typical southeasterly trade winds. The lack of activity on the Bay, the opportunities 

for the big boys, and limitless chances for bonefish, baby tarpon, and the best 

Snook fishing of the year make 

January very appealing. Now is a chance to jump on board at a discounted rate! 

Contact us at (403)271-1016 or info@countrypleasures.com for more info

Smokin' Deals On "Bucket List" Summer Permit Trips

***HUGE SUMMER SPECIAL - PALOMETA CLUB***

Summer can offer some of the most insanely good Permit fishing there is. This August, we have a couple weeks available with smoking deals to make it easier for you to sample this great fishery.

August 4-11 or 11-18, 2017

7 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS = $3240 (Normally $4050)

6 NIGHTS / 5 DAYS = $2880 (Normally $3600)

5 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS = $2440 (Normally $3050)

Call (403) 271-1016 or mail info@countrypleasures.com
 

Get Ready.....

That brief period when you wish your eyes were better, you hit what you aim at, and the rubber lipped SOB is a little dumb.

Special Rates at Palometa Club

It’s hard to believe that the start of the 2017 season at the Palometa Club is right around the corner. Now that El Niño is long gone and a very mild winter appears to be in our future, we anticipate excellent spring-like conditions and awesome fishing during the early season.
We’re once again going to have a busy year, but we still have two weeks in January with openings. While discounts are rare for us, we’re excited to offer significantly reduced rates during the weeks of January 13-20 and January 20-27. This is a chance to jump on an $850 discount for a full week at Palometa Club. Shorter stay discounts are also an option as follows:

January Discount Recap

Eligible Weeks:
January 13-20 & January 20-27, 2017
Pricing (Based on Shared Room / Boat):
7 Nights / 6 Days – $4050 —> $3200 ($850 Discount)
6 Nights / 5 Days – $3600 —> $2950 ($650 Discount)
5 Nights / 4 Days – $3050 —> $2500 ($550 Discount)
4 Nights / 3 Days – $2500 —> $1950 ($550 Discount)
*** Short week discounts do not include cost of additional ground transfers to / from Cancun (CUN).

NEW PALOMETA CLUB VIDEO

Check out a new Palometa Club video featuring some highlights from last season pulled together by TwoFisted Heart Productions.


Tailwaters - Palometa Club - 2016 promo from TwoFisted Heart Productions on Vimeo.

Summer Permit Fishing

For a long time now, I've wanted to get away and do some summer (July or August) Permit fishing. Until this year it just never came together given that it's our busiest season in the shop and it's pretty tough to get away.


This year, an old friend asked if I would join him for a week he had booked from August 27 to September 5 at The Palometa Club and I couldn't help myself. This wasn't an option until 2015, when Dick and Kaye Cameron, owners of the Palometa Club, opened their first ever short summer season. The first year was very well received and the many stories told by guides of massive schools of Permit on the flats during the summer proved to be true. The success of this first season led to what I'm sure will be a permanent mid-July to end of August summer season at P.C.

In the past, we have never done any shop trips to the Caribbean region for a few reasons: As we live in an area where we only get about 100 days of reasonably nice weather to trout fish most of us want to take advantage of it, a lot of people are a little (or a lot) hesitant about the heat during July and August, and weather can certainly affect you. Should an organized storm like a tropical depression or hurricane occur just before or during your trip it can make for pretty tough fishing. 

Anyways, for those who are somewhat afflicted with Permititus, the summer offers the possibility of Permit Shangri La so off we headed this past August. Our arrival presented just what was expected, high 30 Celsius temperatures without the ever present trade winds of the fall and winter months. In fact, for the first four days, it was so calm you could not tell where the water ended and the horizon began.

The stories turned out to be true. Our first four days offered up an incredible number of shots. With the mirror calm conditions it made for pretty high test fishing to very spooky fish. I saw fish that were led by about 10 feet slowly swim toward the fly and then, when they reached the tiny rings caused by the fly landing, left much more quickly than they came.
Even with the tricky conditions, between two of us we landed 13 Permit in our first two days. Pretty amazing Permit fishing!
And what's really cool is that most days we were the only angling boat on the entire bay. We have it all to ourselves, except for a couple lobster fisherman here and there. really cool!

As for the elements, it's kinda hot. If the weather is stable you won't have much wind so you better have really good breathable clothing and you'll drink water like you never thought possible.

Our final four days were a little more challenging. What became Hurricane Hermine traveled out of the Atlantic, making landfall in Florida. Even though it was a long ways away, a low of that magnitude affects the weather for great distances around it. Our weather wasn't that bad, just unstable. Wind speeds went from almost zero to around 12-15 knots (actually perfect for Permit fishing). Unfortunately, the wind direction became highly unstable, switching directions as many as three times a day and there was a lot more cloud (the enemy of any flats angler). This made for some somewhat unhappy Permit. In the span of a day, it went from fish everywhere on the flats to pretty slim pickings.
We still caught fish, but it certainly wasn't the "gong show" of the first four days. When it was all said and done, the pair of us landed 18 Permit. With the usual oopsies and at least one hooked fish cut off on something, it should have been more.

Would I go back during the summer? Hell Yes!, even if you get a couple days of stable weather you're going to see Permit shots like you've never seen before. Ascension Bay is the most prolific Permit fishery I'm aware of year round, but summer is another game entirely. And when you factor in the most dialed in Permit guides I've run across, it's P.A.P. (Permit Affliction Paradise).

Should you try it? If Permit fishing turns your crank you really should do this. The only downside I know of would be for those who can't handle heat. You're going to have to be prepared for about two hours every afternoon where you're going to be a little warm. But it's really not that bad. Plus all of the reason why I would go back in July or August in a second. 

The only thing with this summer program is that it's kind of a limited edition thing. They only run 3 boats a week (instead of the core season 6) and it's very well subscribed (full). If you want in on it I would get it booked sooner rather than later.
 
 

 

Palometa Club Promo Video from 2013

Cuatro!

Doubles on Permit are pretty rare. We get the odd one at The Palometa Club.
How about a quadruple? Way to go Jeff and Brandon Fisher!

 

Firsties! The Loss of Permit Virginity

Just arrived back from our last hosted trip to 

The Palometa Club this past weekend.

As always, we love it when people get their first Permit.

Rob O. with his first, on his first trip ever!

Dave P, who, after and endless amount of patience, finally gets his first Permit.

And then gets his second the next day.

 The group managed a decent number of Permit, even with unstable weather. We'll just post these great first timers though.

4th Annual Palometa Club Permit Tourney Report

Click on the link.

4th Annual Palometa Club Permit Tourney Report

Palometa Club 4th Annual Permit Tournament

We're off to the Palometa Club on Thursday. Stay tuned to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for some photos.

Permit!

Really want to catch a Permit? You should join us this winter/spring at The Palometa Club. To get more information, check out our Travel Section on our website.

Going Fishing In Mexico?

Even though the label says Ascension/Yucatan Flats Package, this selection will cover your needs from Holbox to Xcalak. In the last five years we have spent a number of weeks fishing the flats of Mexico and these are the flies we use. Several custom tied patterns in this selection, stuff you can't find anywhere else. Tarpon, Jacks, Snook, Bonefish, and Permit are all covered. Comes with a two sided waterproof fly box. Stop by or give us a call for more information.

Permititus

1000 & Counting from Ryan Griffin on Vimeo.

PALOMETA CLUB NEWSLETTER

Dear Palometa Club Faithful,

We hope that this message finds everyone doing fantastic and enjoying the arrival of cooler autumn weather! Just wanted to check in and pass along some news as well as some enticing fall season promotions. If a last minute salty trip to Ascension Bay was on your radar, now is your chance to save a few pesos! Also take note of a small Fly Fishing for Permit School with legendary permit angler, Mike Gifford, in early January – as well as a 5 night / 4 day January hosted trip with Tailwaters Travel. It is also not too late to get on the calendar during our Spring Season 2016 as there are still a few spots that need filling. You must also check out the reports from our first ever Summer Season if you have not already. If you like to chase permit, you will be blown away. Anglers that are willing to roll the dice with Mother Nature next August stand a good chance for some seriously biblical permit fishing that does not compare.
We look forward to seeing all of our repeat guests, and welcoming the new anglers to the Club this coming season. It will undoubtedly be another fantastic and fun campaign!

Hasta Pronto!

Dick, Kaye, David, Mike, and the Entire TPC Staff

For Questions or Booking Info:

permit@palometaclub.com | (888) 824-5420

SELECT FALL SEASON DISCOUNTS!
We are offering the incredible promotional discounts for two select weeks ONLY in November due to recent cancellations:
October 30 – November 6
November 20-27
NOW $2920 (20% OFF based on shared room / boat) WAS $3650/week
NOW $4160 (25% OFF based on private room / boat) WAS $5550/week

FALL SEASON IS UPON US
Our Fall Season cranks up October 30th and we still have plenty of availability. The Yucatan has been blessed with a very moderate storm season (so far – knock knock) and Ascension Bay is in fantastic shape with little freshwater runoff. Plus, there are lots of fish around! This is a chance to take advantage of a quiet Ascension Bay and a more slow paced program with smaller guest loads at the lodge – not to mention discounted low season pricing! We can also get creative with arrival and departure days this time of year if you have specific dates you need to target that fall outside of our normal Friday-Friday program.

- October 30-November 6 (12 spots)
- November 6-13 (6 spots)
- November 13-20 (6 spots)
- November 20-27 (6 spots)
- November 27-December 5 (8 spots)

MIKE GIFFORD PERMIT SCHOOL (JANUARY 8-15, 2016

If you have ever wanted to become a more effective permit angler now is your chance! Three (3) anglers will spend a week fishing with our resident permit assassin and professional casting instructor, Mike Gifford, from Country Pleasures Fly Shop in Calgary, Alberta. Students will enjoy private rooms and will fish solo for 4 days and with Mike for 2 days. This is a wonderful opportunity to improve casting technique as well as all the little little nuances that are a part of “feeding” permit – with one of the industry’s best looking over your shoulder. Mike will also lead casting demonstrations and host evening classroom discussion (inclusive of fly tying) over happy hour margaritas. You will walk away from this trip a better angler – and with some luck a few fly caught permit to hand.

- 3 Students in Private Rooms at the Lodge
- 2 Full Days Fishing / Instruction with Mike Gifford
- 4 Days Fishing SOLO
- Evening Casting Demonstrations
- Fly Tying Instruction (effective Ascension Bay Permit Patterns)
- $5550 Per Angler/Student (Discounted Fall Season Pricing) 

About Mike Gifford:
Mike was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta and is the owner operator of Country Pleasures Fly Shop. He has been guiding on the Bow River since the mid 1980’s, and fished the saltwater flats from Christmas Island to Cuba 8-10 weeks a year during that time. Mike has 99 permit on the fly to his name; most of which were caught with Palometa Club guides right here on Ascension Bay. In addition to seasonally managing the Palometa Club, Mike hosts 2-3 groups of our Canadian friends each season. He is a close friend to our entire lodge and guide staff – and has spent as much time on Ascension Bay as any gringo around over the past decade.

MIND BOGGLING SUMMER MINI-SEASON FISHING REPORT

We will let the report posted on the Simms Fishing Products Blog do most of the talking – but it is safe to say you will add summertime fishing on the Yucatan to the short list. Rance Rathie, co-owner of Patagonia River Guides in Argentina, along with his childhood best buddy, Jason Miller, rewrote the record books this summer. While wrapping up the Rathie family summer vacation in Punta Allen at the Palometa Club, Rance and Jason put the hurt on the Ascension Bay permit population with 14 NICE fish in two days of fishing with Aaron and Christian. Not to shabby for a couple of Madison County Montana boys! Subsequent weeks that followed shared similar success with MANY multi-permit days, big tarpon, and endless volumes of bonefish.

The summertime is an excellent time to see huge schools of permit enjoying little molestation from competing lodges and very few anglers on the Bay. While you are always rolling the dice with Mother Nature during the rainy storm season, paying a visit to the Club in the summertime can yield huge dividends. We will again be open from late July through early September 2016. Some space still remains for our second annual summer mini-season.

Make sure to check out the report from Rance and Jason from the Simms Wading Room and be prepared to have your socks knocked off: CLICK FOR REPORT 

SPRING 2016 SEASON AVAILABILITY UPDATE

Now is the time of year another we put pressure on existing tentative reservations for deposits, and a fair amount of fresh availability has shaken loose during our Spring Season. You will see some primetime March – May availability in there that has just been opened up. Get it while it lasts!

- January 1-8 (10 spots)
- January 8-15 (6 spots) - 3 SPOTS FOR MIKE GIFFORD PERMIT SCHOOL
- January 15-22 (6 spots)
- January 19-24 (10 spots) - TAILWATERS TRAVEL HOSTED TRIP
- January 22-29 (6 spots)
- February 5-12 (6 spots) - HATCH MAGAZINE PHOTO CONTEST HOSTED TRIP
- February 26-March 4 (6 spots)
- March 4-11 - COUNTRY PLEASURES HOSTED TRIP
- March 11-18 (2 spots)
- March 18-25 (8 spots)
- March 27-April 1 (8 spots)*** 5 Night / 4 Day TRIP ARRIVING EASTER SUNDAY
- April 15-22 (6 spots)
- April 29-May 6 (4 spots)
- May 6-13 - COUNTRY PLEASURES HOSTED TRIP
- May 13-20 (6 spots)
- May 20-27 (4 spots)
- May 27-June 3 (6 spots)
- June 3-10 (6-8 spots)
- June 10-17 (6-10 spots)