Episode 40 - RAUL CASTANEDA: Fly Fishing Scorpion Atoll: The Most Unique, Hard-To-Reach Destination in the Caribbean

Ask Us A Question!Scorpion Atoll – located in the Caribbean Sea 70 miles off the northern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula – is a desolate outcropping of flats and tiny islands surrounded by a notoriously treacherous reef. Also known as Arrecife Alacranes, legend has it that Scorpion Atoll received its ominous name from a group of 16th century Spanish shipwreck survivors. Those that survived an initial shipwreck to make it to the tiny and inhospitable islands of the atoll found that the bleak environment then killed their comrades slowly and painfully – much like a scorpion sting. Today, Scorpion is a protected marine reserve and a destination that seems much more like a far-off fishery in the Indian Ocean than anything that is found on the Yucatan Peninsula. Raul Castaneda is the owner of Scorpion Atoll Flyfishing Expeditions – the only outfitter that offers customized, commercial trips to the Scorpion fishery. Raul began fishing Scorpion in the early 2000’s, and since that time, he’s developed an incredibly unique live-aboard operation that each year allows a handful of anglers (less than 30 rods per year) to access and fish some of the most remote and unvisited flats found anywhere in the Caribbean. This episode of Waypoints was recorded on-location during a recent trip to Scorpion Atoll, where Raul talks in detail about his program, the history of Scorpion, fishing seasons, what makes the trip unique, and why this tiny and uninhabited atoll produces massive fish.- View all podcast episodes by going to the WAYPOINTS podcast page- Learn more about Scorpion Atoll on the Yellow Dog WebsiteWaypoints is brought to you by PatagoniaTo bring their gear to life, Patagonia is motivated by relentless curiosity and a passion for the wild. They evaluate hundreds of materials, build dozens of prototypes and spend seasons punishing them in the world’s most extreme conditions. The work is the guide, and Patagonia never tires of exploring, learning and improving. For the past two years, the Yellow Dog Flyfishing travel team has worked closely with Patagonia to test and refine the all-new Patagonia River Salt Wading Boots II in destinations ranging from New Zealand to the Seychelles. Featured throughout the Yellow Dog Field Reports series, these boots have become the go to choice for our team thanks to their Vibram® Megagrip soles, durable quick drying construction, speed to get on and off, and support built for both freshwater and saltwater environments.- Follow us on Instagram- Follow us on Facebook- Check out our YouTube Page- View the official Yellow Dog w...