With the end of fall just around the corner, we are gearing up for another fantastic season on the saltwater flats of Ascension and Espiritu Santo Bays. We are happy to report to anglers both new and seasoned that the lodges have seen a lot of positive changes over the last months. Thanks to extensive and ongoing runway work, we are now able to utilize a Cessna Caravan 208 to transport passengers to and from the island along with our Cessna 206’s. The Cessna 208 seats twelve to thirteen, and is a roomy and comfortable aircraft with flight times under an hour that handles large groups with ease.
At the marina, we’ve added eleven brand new Yamaha 50HP motors to our fleet, helping to ensure reliability out on the water and fewer pollutants in the environment. We have fitted all boats with Doel-fin Hydrofoils to smooth out the ride and add efficiency. All of our boats have now been made compatible with removable leaning bars, allowing for added stability on the casting deck if needed, and our VHF radio system and signal booster transmits to even the remotest reaches of the bay.
At the lodges, Casa Blanca has undergone extensive remodeling of the common areas, featuring a gorgeous hardwood outdoor bar and many comfortable niches to relax in. Casa Blanca also features a new library, fly tying station, boutique and internet lounge, perfect for catching up, playing cards or tying up the next day’s winning fly. Casa Blanca chefs and clients alike also benefit in the completely redesigned kitchen, larger and with a new stainless steel cooking station. The water purification system at both lodges has been revamped, with reverse osmosis filters both at the well and the tap. We have also installed our own purified ice machine, cutting down on any possibility of contamination during transport to the island. For those Playa guests that absolutely need to connect to the rest of the world, Playa Blanca as well as Casa Blanca now features wireless internet in the common areas, and satellite phones for a small fee.
As far as the fishing, the bays are shaping up fantastically. Angler Joe D. came to visit in late August and was handsomely rewarded-not a boat in sight for a full week and a 30+pound permit landed and released. For those who can, fall is a great time to try your luck at Play and Casa Blanca Fly Fishing lodges!