The Permit Hat-Trick - Mayazul Lodge by Nervous Waters

My quick visit to Mayazul was a treat in and of itself, in part because I was accompanied by Fly Water Travel’s Marketing Manager, Dylan Rose. Our mission was to spend three days gathering content needed to welcome the lodge into the ever-growing Sage Experiences portfolio (more on this later). Dylan was in charge of capturing the images and content, and I was there to hopefully capture the fish!  With Nervous Waters at the helm running the lodge, all the elements that could be controlled were done so masterfully, including phenomenal food and service during our stay. 

The lodge has struck an elegant balance, blending upscale accommodations with an easy and relaxing vibe. Rooms are spacious, air-conditioned, and just steps from the beach. The lodge's design prioritizes flow, both in the literal breezy sense and the figurative one. You move effortlessly from morning coffee to boat to beachside cerveza, from post-fishing appetizers to a shaded hammock under the palms. 

Food is another standout. The kitchen puts out fresh, unfussy Mexican fare with flair: grilled lobster, hand-pressed tortillas, and tropical salsas that don’t hold back on flavor. Dinners are relaxed, elegant, and celebratory as each evening guests swap war stories from the day’s fishing successes. 

GETTING THERE
Travel is standard when heading to Punta Allen, with one exception: new flights into Tulum have opened up an additional option, shortening the drive and overall travel time to the lodge. The Tulum option includes a few direct flights that are convenient for some, though still not as numerous as those into Cancún. 

Getting to Mayazul is refreshingly straightforward. Most guests fly into Cancún, arriving by mid-afternoon. From there, a 2 to 2.5-hour transfer takes you south past Tulum and into the heart of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. If you fly into Tulum, you can shave roughly an hour off that drive. 

The final stretch is an hour-long boat ride, sparing guests the grueling, bumpy road into Punta Allen. Upon arriving at the town docks, there’s a short 5 to 7-minute truck ride to the secluded lodge at the southern end of town. 

THE RARE PERMIT HAT-TRICK
As with most fishing trips, day one is always brimming with high spirits and anticipation, ready to shake off the jitters and get dialed in. But for us, the fishing gods had other plans, and we were blessed to hit the ground running. 

We met up with the guides after breakfast, made sure we had everything dialed in, and walked down to the boats that were conveniently parked on the beach. As we started motoring into the bay, our main guide, Pedro, looked focused and clearly on a mission. 

We reached a familiar zone where I’d seen permit before. That familiar jolt of adrenaline hit as the suspense built. Pedro and I stepped up to our respective platforms, and almost simultaneously, we spotted a school of fish. The wind was howling, and we knew we needed a precise approach. We had to set up to carefully stay back and not blow the shot. 

I prepared for the cast. Having a second guide aboard, as is standard with most Ascension Bay lodges, was invaluable for managing the line and maximizing the odds. Still, I have my own checklist as an angler: 

• Strip line off the reel and re-coil it neatly so it shoots clean. 
• Tuck my pliers under my shirt to avoid snags. 
• Pull out a rod-length of fly line (not including the leader) to have enough to work with on the initial false cast. 

Body positioning is key as is always knowing where 12 o’clock is on the boat. And one quick tip: point your rod in the direction you think the fish might be. If I spot one first, I’ll often call it out and point with the rod. Every second counts, and those quick reactions help your guide position the boat for a better shot. 

It goes without saying, but permit fishing is a team sport with anglers and guides working toward the same goal. 

Once I was confident that I’d done everything to prepare, it was time to get after it. Pedro used the stiff tailwind to drift us into position and then subtly slowed our momentum with his push pole. The school of permit looked calm, cruising along the edge of the flat in slightly deeper water. 

When they finally slid into a castable spot, I took the shot. The fly hit the water. 

“Let it sink a little,” Pedro said. 

I gave it a moment, then began my retrieve. Two flashes peeled off from the school—tracking my fly and thoroughly inspecting it. One fish aggressively pushed the other aside and then inhaled it. 

I strip-set. Game on! 

Landing that first permit was special, but the day wasn’t done with us. We ended up landing two more! Permit days like that are rare, and it was certainly my first hat-trick.  When they happen, all you can do is smile, soak it in, and savor it. 

SAGE EXPERIENCES WELCOMES MAYAZUL LODGE BY NERVOUS WATERS
We are proud to welcome Mayazul Lodge to our elite collection of outfitters that have committed to offering their guests an elite tackle experience. Guests of Mayazul will enjoy the use of premium Sage and RIO Products tackle included onsite at no additional charge. The new Mayazul Lodge by Nervous Waters offers saltwater flats anglers a luxurious, well-appointed retreat on the doorstep of Mexico’s renowned Ascension Bay. Set along a stunning beach lined with swaying palms, Mayazul boasts one of the most idyllic lodge locations in all of Mexico. 

WHO IS BEST FOR MAYAZUL LODGE?
This was my first experience at a lodge run by Nervous Waters, and I finally got to see what all the buzz was about. The level of polish and service was evident every single day, and in all the little things too. 

One of the staff members, Juan, was at the rod racks each afternoon, rinsing guests’ gear and even pulling out full fly lines to clean and stretch them. That kind of thoughtful, above-and-beyond service sticks with you. 

Mayazul Lodge adapts to its guests. For permit hunters, it’s hard to imagine a better program—challenging water, experienced guides, and a full-time focus on success. For mixed groups, it’s equally great: beautiful beach, cornhole, ring toss, firepit, and a team that’s warm, helpful, and clearly proud of the lodge. 

First-time saltwater anglers shouldn’t shy away either. The flats are forgiving, the guides are fun and patient, and the overall program is set up to build confidence. For seasoned anglers, there’s always another flat to stalk, another permit tail to chase, and another cold cerveza waiting at the dock. 

If you value top-tier service, great food, and a real shot at a permit, Mayazul Lodge is a destination well worth your time.