The Western Caribbean Fly Fishing School
The Western Caribbean Fly Fishing School
The Western Caribbean Fly Fishing School
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For beginners we have the famous fly fishing school, for advanced fly fishermen theres the guide service. Based on the best bit of fly fishing within a 10 mile radius, protected by the barrier reef the waters are gentle and shallow. On shore, a wonderful beach club with the best food and service in town. The perfect place for wives, friends and family to watch the fly fishing adventure. For those with experience ask us for guided fly fishing trips by boat to the nearby Tarpon lagoons and walk and wade up the numerous beaches.
Mahahual, Quintana Roo, Mexico
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
76 reviews
Excellent
73
Very good
2
Average
0
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0
Terrible
1
Newcomer
3 contributions
Jan 2020
I can't say enough about the people. Everyone was great from the time we got out of the cab until we left the restaurant. The young fellas that took us fishing were outstanding, They worked hard to find us some fish. It was a hot day with a breeze so it was choppy on the ocean (better for fishing we were told) We caught a variety of fish. Didn't get them all into the boat but that's fishing. Upon arriving back at shore we were met & taken to the resturant &served drinks while our fish were cleaned & prepared. We were then served a big platter of tasty fish with all the trimmings. My wife isn't a real fisher woman but even she said it was the best excursion of the cruise. I would definetly recommend this to anyone
A big Thank You to Nick for arranging everything & it was great meeting you.
A big Thank You to Nick for arranging everything & it was great meeting you.
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles C
3 contributions
Jan 2023
I've only fished for trout and we had an opportunity for an intro into saltwater fly fishing. My wife and I went out with Nick last week. Nick is a patient teacher. He put us on to some fish and we caught some ( not tarpon). We missed a couple of likely tarpon strikes due to our technique. He worked hard to get us those opportunities. Nick can arrange trips for the basic beginner through the experienced flyfisher. He is British so he was very easy to understand and ask questions. The most important hook set was that my wife had a great time and actually said that she had even more fun than she expected. So she is hooked! I would highly recommend Nick.
Written January 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bing C
Maryland27 contributions
I just got back from a week long cruise on Celebrity Eclipse. During the planning phase, I was struggling on what to do during our stop in Costa Maya Mexico and had always wanted to try salt water fly fishing. I found a review about Nick Denbow and his Western Caribbean Fly Fishing school on this forum and wanted to share my experience.
Our 3rd stop was in Costa Maya Mexico and I didn't want to follow the pack to the ruins tour so I contacted Nick about his fly fishing school. We sent a few emails back and forth and I spoke with him on the phone the day before I left. When I got the quote, I thought that it was a typo. The fees sounded too low for personalized instruction. I couldn't believe it but there was no catch. Needless to say, I gave Nick a decent tip after the class.
Nick and Jaime from Nohock Kay were waiting for us as soon as the taxi dropped us off at the beach in Mahahual, a quick ride from the dock. They greeted me by name. Our table mates were not fishing so they hung out at Nohock while we attended the fishing class. Nick had a table right in front of Nohock Kay on the beach and the class consisted of 3 parts. Part 1 was Nick providing instruction on casting techniques both through actual demonstration and well illustrated visuals. After 15 mins. of discussion, we went to the beach for hands-on practice. His gear is top shelf and in great condition.
Nick threw out some small hula rings as targets and provided guidance as I worked on my technique sans fly. Good thing because I had to duck a few times from my own cast. Soon, I was able to get the fly out a good distance, safely. After 30 mins. or so, Nick said my casting was good enough so we head back to the beach.
Part 2 consisted of Nick describing fly tying techniques and materials and with his direction, we tied our own flies. I choose some champaign and blue colored glittery materials in the fashion of a clouser fly. The prey was bonefish. I was quite proud of the fly that I had created.
Part 3 - We headed to the water. It was knee deep to the channel with some surprise holes that took me waist deep. I was not expecting to catch anything because we were so close to the beach. After 10 mins. of casting and stripping the fly, I got a tremendous hit. I set the hook immediately (natural reflex from bay fishing), I ripped the fly right out of the fish's mouth and he got away! I was kicking myself but was pumped about feeling my first bite on a fly. Keep casting and stripping and my friend hooked up 1st. After a 10 mins fight, she brought her 1st bonefish in! I got it all on video. I was determined to get mine.
I soon hooked up after her and got my 1st bonefish and on a fly to boot! I was sooo pumped! The fish was decent sized and made 5 runs. Great fun those bonefish are. I ended the day with a decent sized bone and 2 jacks. The jacks kinda reminded of bluefish in appearance.
We had agreed on 3 hours which turned out to almost 4 and Nick was in the water with us the whole time, coaching us on technique and sighting fish for us. He also unhooked the fish and took pictures. In the end, we ended up with plenty of actual fishing time and I now feel confident with a fly rod now. I had never fly fished before so my expectations were pretty low about actually catching a bonefish. I would have been perfectly happy with being able to get the fly out. Boy were my expectations exceeded!
Nick (who's British) was a great instructor, personable and very knowledgable. I would do this again in a heart-beat. I plan on heading back to fish for tarpon with Nick as a guide sometime soon.
If you fish and are headed to Costa Maya be sure to check out the Western Caribbean Fly Fishing School. It was the highlight of my cruise!
Our 3rd stop was in Costa Maya Mexico and I didn't want to follow the pack to the ruins tour so I contacted Nick about his fly fishing school. We sent a few emails back and forth and I spoke with him on the phone the day before I left. When I got the quote, I thought that it was a typo. The fees sounded too low for personalized instruction. I couldn't believe it but there was no catch. Needless to say, I gave Nick a decent tip after the class.
Nick and Jaime from Nohock Kay were waiting for us as soon as the taxi dropped us off at the beach in Mahahual, a quick ride from the dock. They greeted me by name. Our table mates were not fishing so they hung out at Nohock while we attended the fishing class. Nick had a table right in front of Nohock Kay on the beach and the class consisted of 3 parts. Part 1 was Nick providing instruction on casting techniques both through actual demonstration and well illustrated visuals. After 15 mins. of discussion, we went to the beach for hands-on practice. His gear is top shelf and in great condition.
Nick threw out some small hula rings as targets and provided guidance as I worked on my technique sans fly. Good thing because I had to duck a few times from my own cast. Soon, I was able to get the fly out a good distance, safely. After 30 mins. or so, Nick said my casting was good enough so we head back to the beach.
Part 2 consisted of Nick describing fly tying techniques and materials and with his direction, we tied our own flies. I choose some champaign and blue colored glittery materials in the fashion of a clouser fly. The prey was bonefish. I was quite proud of the fly that I had created.
Part 3 - We headed to the water. It was knee deep to the channel with some surprise holes that took me waist deep. I was not expecting to catch anything because we were so close to the beach. After 10 mins. of casting and stripping the fly, I got a tremendous hit. I set the hook immediately (natural reflex from bay fishing), I ripped the fly right out of the fish's mouth and he got away! I was kicking myself but was pumped about feeling my first bite on a fly. Keep casting and stripping and my friend hooked up 1st. After a 10 mins fight, she brought her 1st bonefish in! I got it all on video. I was determined to get mine.
I soon hooked up after her and got my 1st bonefish and on a fly to boot! I was sooo pumped! The fish was decent sized and made 5 runs. Great fun those bonefish are. I ended the day with a decent sized bone and 2 jacks. The jacks kinda reminded of bluefish in appearance.
We had agreed on 3 hours which turned out to almost 4 and Nick was in the water with us the whole time, coaching us on technique and sighting fish for us. He also unhooked the fish and took pictures. In the end, we ended up with plenty of actual fishing time and I now feel confident with a fly rod now. I had never fly fished before so my expectations were pretty low about actually catching a bonefish. I would have been perfectly happy with being able to get the fly out. Boy were my expectations exceeded!
Nick (who's British) was a great instructor, personable and very knowledgable. I would do this again in a heart-beat. I plan on heading back to fish for tarpon with Nick as a guide sometime soon.
If you fish and are headed to Costa Maya be sure to check out the Western Caribbean Fly Fishing School. It was the highlight of my cruise!
Written December 21, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bryan J
4 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
We spent two days with Nick Denbow. Both days we targeted The Elusive Permit for the first half of the day. We had shots at several each day and on our second day we were able to hook up with a nice 12lbs Permit. There were three fisherman at all levels and he was able to meet each of us where we needed. We were also able to find a flat with thousands of bonefish, where we spent half a day catching bonefish. I think we got 25 or 30. Found a few small Tarpon on the second day as well.
We have already booked our next trip with Nick, and I even started reading his Book today. "Fly-Fishing the Yucatan" We were also fortunate to be able to get some personal non fishing time with nick, and heard some of his fishing stories and even met his wife. As we said goodbye, my wife actually was a little teary eyed. She said "I hate to say goodbye to such good people, but we will be coming back."
We felt like their friends and we only knew them for a short time. Not only is Nick one of the best anglers in the world, he and his wife are genuinly good people and i think my wife felt that very strongly. Cant wait to continue the friendship and chase Permit for years to come.
We have already booked our next trip with Nick, and I even started reading his Book today. "Fly-Fishing the Yucatan" We were also fortunate to be able to get some personal non fishing time with nick, and heard some of his fishing stories and even met his wife. As we said goodbye, my wife actually was a little teary eyed. She said "I hate to say goodbye to such good people, but we will be coming back."
We felt like their friends and we only knew them for a short time. Not only is Nick one of the best anglers in the world, he and his wife are genuinly good people and i think my wife felt that very strongly. Cant wait to continue the friendship and chase Permit for years to come.
Written March 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aah987
Kansas City, KS146 contributions
Mar 2015 • Friends
Don't envy the job Nick had trying to satisfy all 10 fishermen in our group (even though we tried to limit to 5 at a time). Thought he did a yeoman's job given the extremely windy conditions we were given and diversity of fishing talent (teens to 50's/seasoned to rookies). Overall had a fantastic experience and appreciated Nick's patience, fun-factor, flexibility and expertise in fishing the bay area. Would HIGHLY recommend to others hoping for a fun and enjoyable fly fishing experience. Wouldn't recommend a group of 10.
Written March 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fishing550
Elko, NV1 contribution
Jan 2015 • Solo
My wife and I were on a cruise and one of the port of call was in Costa Maya and she had booked me a fly casting and fishing trip with Nick at The Western Caribbean Fly Fishing School while my wife spent the day setting on the beach. The time that I spent with Nick working on my casting and fly tying was well worth the time, all the while under Nicks teaching he had help the keep my confidence up. The time we spent fishing was even better being able to use the techniques I had learned from Nick to catch fish. I would say with out a doubt I would recommend The Western Caribbean Fly Fishing School and Nick to anyone from beginner to expert Fly fishermen. I would defiantly book a trip with then again if and when I'm back in Costa Maya.
Written February 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony Robyn C
Blaine, Tennessee, United States2 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
We only had a short time to fish with Nick,due to the short port time. My dad still has not stop talking about it, Nick was the best guide. My dad had never fly fished before. Nick was very patient with my 68 year old dad. I most definitly will take this trip again. THANKS NICK!!!!!!!!!
Written December 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott and Deanna V
London, Canada8 contributions
Feb 2014 • Family
I fished with Nick 3 years ago while on a cruise stop. I caught a bonefish and a variety of other fish while wading in Mahahual. This time I returned for a week and Nick took me for tarpon on the fly. I landed 20 tarpon, 2 bass and a snook. I am obviously thrilled with the results but that does not start to tell the whole story of booking with Nick.
Nick emailed back and forth for a few weeks before our trip answering questions ranging from fishing to car rental and currency help. Whatever he could do to assist us in having a great trip. When we arrived and walked over to Nohoch Kay for a drink, Nick called out to us as we approached to welcome us.
Nick is a great guide and knows the local waters and fish better than any guide I have seen anywhere. He is a wonderful teacher and will make you a better fisherman no matter your current expertise. Most importantly fishing with Nick felt like I was fishing with one of my best friends.
We are definetly planning on returning to Mahahual and fishing with Nick will be a priority.
Nick emailed back and forth for a few weeks before our trip answering questions ranging from fishing to car rental and currency help. Whatever he could do to assist us in having a great trip. When we arrived and walked over to Nohoch Kay for a drink, Nick called out to us as we approached to welcome us.
Nick is a great guide and knows the local waters and fish better than any guide I have seen anywhere. He is a wonderful teacher and will make you a better fisherman no matter your current expertise. Most importantly fishing with Nick felt like I was fishing with one of my best friends.
We are definetly planning on returning to Mahahual and fishing with Nick will be a priority.
Written February 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Calvin350
Saint Augustine3 contributions
Nov 2011
My husband and I and two grown children (no selection for non-teenage family members above) were in Costa Maya on a Carnival Cruise. The Western Caribbean Fly Fishing School is not a cruise-related excursion, but we had exchanged emails with Nick Denbow to reserve some time in advance of our cruise. He was waiting on us when we arrived and did everything he could to make us fell welcome and comfortable. My husband already fly-fished some, but needed some pointers and I wanted to learn. The "children" (28 and 32) were made comfortable on the beach with chairs and an umbrella and were pointed toward the food and beverages. They were happy as clams. Nick spent a really long time with us and was upbeat and very patient. He really knows his stuff. He taught us how to tie our own flies and then I hooked my first fish ever and my husband caught 2 bonefish! The beach area was beautiful, the food great, there was swimming and kayaking and all of us agreed it was the best part of the whole trip. Can't wait to go back. Check out his facebook site - our pics will be up soon. Thanks again Nick!
Written December 13, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeaEscape2
Westhampton, NY1 contribution
Jan 2011
My wife and I recently had the pleasure of being aboard Celebrity Eclipse’s January 22nd sailing through the Western Caribbean. With standard ports of call and realizing that travelling through much of the Caribbean is akin to the movie Groundhog’s Day, our plans were to minimize the standard tours and attempt to search for something different. What we found was not only different but exceptional!
Referencing the pages of Cruise Critic led us to Nick Denbow and the Western Caribbean Fly Fishing School, just a short taxi ride down the beach from Costa Maya. Located just adjacent to the Nohoch Kay restaurant in the fishing village, the setting is as unpresumptuous and unimposing as the community itself. Comfortably seated at a picnic table with an umbrella for shade, Nick first explained the art/science of the sport before taking us out onto the flats to practice casting. (My wife, a non-fisherman, was initially better than I … I suspect it may have something to do with women being more graceful than men.)
Under Nick’s tutelage and thanks to his patience, however, we were soon quite comfortable with the technique. Then it was back to the beach and actually creating and tying the flies we would be using. (Again, hers was better than mine! … Arts and crafts, I suspect)
Finally, it was time to piece all of what we had experienced together and wade out to the edge of the channel to catch fish.
She: You go ahead.
He: Aren’t you coming.
She: I loved it, but now … do you see those lovely massage tables on the beach. I am off to a Pina Colada and an hour massage.
He: But there are fish out there.
She: And a massage table here.
Nick and I both laughed, shook our heads, and began the short trek through the water to the channel’s edge.
I have fished for over sixty years … from Alaska to the Caribbean, on party boats and private charters, in rowboats and canoes, in the surf and on jetties … but nothing has made my smile as wide as the little horse-eye jack I caught with Nick as my guide.
The cost of a 3-hour tour? … $50.00 (US) per person.
The cruise? … One of the best I have ever taken thanks to Nick Denbow and the Western Caribbean Fly Fishing School.
The downside? … I went to a Bass Pro Shops as soon as we docked and the rest is/will be history.
Referencing the pages of Cruise Critic led us to Nick Denbow and the Western Caribbean Fly Fishing School, just a short taxi ride down the beach from Costa Maya. Located just adjacent to the Nohoch Kay restaurant in the fishing village, the setting is as unpresumptuous and unimposing as the community itself. Comfortably seated at a picnic table with an umbrella for shade, Nick first explained the art/science of the sport before taking us out onto the flats to practice casting. (My wife, a non-fisherman, was initially better than I … I suspect it may have something to do with women being more graceful than men.)
Under Nick’s tutelage and thanks to his patience, however, we were soon quite comfortable with the technique. Then it was back to the beach and actually creating and tying the flies we would be using. (Again, hers was better than mine! … Arts and crafts, I suspect)
Finally, it was time to piece all of what we had experienced together and wade out to the edge of the channel to catch fish.
She: You go ahead.
He: Aren’t you coming.
She: I loved it, but now … do you see those lovely massage tables on the beach. I am off to a Pina Colada and an hour massage.
He: But there are fish out there.
She: And a massage table here.
Nick and I both laughed, shook our heads, and began the short trek through the water to the channel’s edge.
I have fished for over sixty years … from Alaska to the Caribbean, on party boats and private charters, in rowboats and canoes, in the surf and on jetties … but nothing has made my smile as wide as the little horse-eye jack I caught with Nick as my guide.
The cost of a 3-hour tour? … $50.00 (US) per person.
The cruise? … One of the best I have ever taken thanks to Nick Denbow and the Western Caribbean Fly Fishing School.
The downside? … I went to a Bass Pro Shops as soon as we docked and the rest is/will be history.
Written March 3, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Nick,
I’m in mahahual and trying to contact you to organize a fishing trip with you. What is the best was to tract you? Email or phone (the Numbers are not working for me and you didnt answer my mail?):
Many thanks
Best
Florent
Written May 3, 2018
Hi Nick,
My Name is Mark and I will be in costa maya on the 30th of june aboard Norweign Getaway. I would like to organise fly fishing or fishing tour for 3 of us. Could you tell me if you have any bookings available, time allocated and costs involved.
Many Thanks
Written May 10, 2016
Sue Q
Texas
How can we contact Nick in Costa Maya for the Western Caribbean Fly Fishing School?
Written October 12, 2015
Hello Nick,
Do you have an opening for Sept 5? If so how much for a half day or full day? How many can you accommodate?
Russell
404-509-5947
Written August 26, 2024
1.5 miles as the crow flies. 7 minutes and $2 in a taxi from outside the cruise terminal. Wcffs is based at Nohoch Kay restaurant. We run by reservation only. Click the email link on this page to write to us directly. Thanks for asking. N
Written August 10, 2015
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