FISHING THE FLATS IN PUNTA ALLEN
WITH SHYANNE ORVIS
SHY IS A FLY FISHING GUIDE, TRAVEL HOST, AND NEW MOM WHO HAS BEEN CASTING LINES AND GOING ON OUTDOOR ADVENTURES HER WHOLE LIFE. BASED IN THE SMALL TOWN OF GLENWOOD SPRINGS, COLORADO, SHE HAS A SUPER POWER FOR FINDING PRISTINE WATERS AROUND THE WORLD WHERE THE FISH ARE BITING.
I recently visited one of my favorite places of all: a remote fishing community called Punta Allen. It’s located on the Caribbean side of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. I’ve been coming to this little town for years and I fall more in love with this place every time I go. It’s quiet, and unlike most tourist destinations there’s only a couple of restaurants and one little corner store for all of your needs…So hopefully you don’t have any. I love places like this though. There’s less distraction and noise. Most people who travel to this little town are here for the same reason I am: the sunshine, the Mexican cuisine, and the hope of seeing fish tailing in the flats.
Getting to Punta Allen isn’t easy. After you land in Cancun, it’s about a 4-5 hour drive along some pretty wild dirt roads and the majority of the trek goes through the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, which is a protected marine environment. It’s a bumpy ride but the views are beautiful, and this pristine destination is worth the journey. I spent the entirety of the trip fishing on panga boats with local guides, targeting permit, bonefish, tarpon, and every other species we could chase with our fly rods.
1. DOWNRIVER ROLLTOP BACKPACK
This bag is key for any fishing adventure. Because we spend so much time on and near the water, ensuring our gear is protected from the elements is pivotal. I keep my stormproof backpack with me while we’re on the boat to protect my flies, pliers, sunglasses, and snacks!
2. POUCH MICROFIBER LENS CLOTH
Simply put, I'm obsessed. I clipped this to my backpack prior to my trip and I didn’t realize how game changing it would be to have a lens cloth always handy. I’m guilty of using my shirt on occasion, but when you’re spending all day trying to spot fish, keeping your glasses clean is literally the most important thing you can do. Just get it, trust me.
3. PETER JAMES GLENN X CHUMS LOWCOUNTRY BANDANA
I always pack a few bandanas with me for a fishing trip. Great for sun protection and adding a little style to your outfit. This is one of my absolute favorites.
4. RAGHEAD CRAB PATTERN FLY
My favorite saltwater fly for targeting permit is a raghead crab pattern. My fly box is filled with this pattern in varying colors, sizes and weights. Grab a couple for your next trip.
5. PORTABLE WATERPROOF BLUETOOTH SPEAKER
I absolutely love having tunes for the wild drives and boat rides.
6. SPF CHAPSTICK
Chapstick but WITH sunscreen. I did not have this on my recent trip and I learned my lesson the hard way when I woke up in the morning with sunburned and swollen lips. DO NOT FORGET THE CHAPSTICK WITH THE SUNSCREEN.
GET THE GEAR
