Quest for a grand slam in Xcalak – Take 2
Quick update. Went out for try number two, walked up the beach from our hotel in Xcalak, Mexico. Tough conditions, Wind was kicking at 20 knots, churning up a lot of the flats, and pushing a lot of water. The high tide was higher than normal and flats that normally would have tailing fish were a foot deeper. Hard to even see nervous water. Even at that had a few shots at some permit, but no takers. Almost stepped on a couple of big permit before they
Accidental Garden
How did this tomato and pepper plant come to grow, here in Xcalak, in Mexico's Costa Maya? For those who know me, I can't grow anything that isn't a large acreage crop grown in rows. Even then, it's been 40 years since I was directly involved in the planting and harvesting of crops. I have a black thumb for indoor plants and kitchen gardens. So when long term Xcalak residents told me, you can put a stick in the ground and it will grow, I discounted this
Reel Recovery
For nearly a decade Rob and I have been attending the Reel Recovery Spring Bash, the primary fundraiser for Reel Recovery's Utah Chapter, an organization that helps men with cancer have a fly fishing adventure beside some gorgeous water. Rob has volunteered as a fishing buddy in the past. Over the years we've bought jewelry (me), wine (us), massage services (me), fishing accoutrement (Rob), guided fishing trips (Rob) and Mike Stidham prints of the three grand slam fish: permit, bonefish and tarpon that hang in our accomodations. In fact, it
DIY Saltwater Fly Fishing Rule Number 342
I escaped the business of running an Xcalak lodging and went fishing again for a couple of hours. Yeah, I should make a habit of this ;). Went back to my favorite DIY permit flat. This time, I did have the right fly on as opposed to Rule 326, the Acocote Drum Majorette. Wading out into the flat, I see a group of about 5 tailing permit about 100 feet off. So I try stealth wading to intercept them. Problem is, when I am wading quietly, I can’t
DIY Saltwater Fly Fishing Rule Number 326
So I had a couple of hours free today to go out fishing. Headed out to a rocky point just north of the Xcalak lodgings that line the beach road where there have been good numbers of permit. I tied on an Acocote Drum Majorette permit crab pattern and waded all the way around the point. Didn't see any permit. It was pretty low tide but just starting to come in. Anyway, there is a nice bonefish flat just south of the point so I started wading that
Mayan Grill at Tierra Maya
Update April 13, 2017: Added image of Mayan Grill Menu Located in the Tierra Maya hotel. The restaurant is in a palapa roofed building with nice wooden furniture. With the Leaky Palapa closed, this is the upper end restaurant in Xcalak. The fare includes fresh Mexican seafood. It does tend to be more expensive than the other options available but is a great place for a nice dinner out. It is a good idea to call ahead to make sure they can take you for your dates/times. Price: $200-280
Restaurant review – Costa de Cocos
Located inside the Costa de Cocos resort, they brew their own craft beer and distill their own moonshine. The restaurant has Pizza, as well as other traditional dishes, like tacos and even chicken fingers. Their signature pizza is the lobster mango pizza (in season). Lobster on a pizza is quite delicious. They have a deck that overlooks the Caribbean which is a nice place to have lunch. They also deliver to Acocote Eco Inn, so if you would like to have pizza delivered to your suite, please
The Repentance of a Water Glutton
“Water, water every where, And all the boards shall shrink,
Silvia’s Restaurant
Silvia’s is right next to Toby’s on the main drag of Xcalak, but set back a few yards from the road. Silvia serves fresh seafood and Mexican dishes. All are made to order, so this is not fast food. During the lobster season you can get delicious lobster cooked the way you like it, either fried, boiled or grilled. Her fish of the day is usually a great way to go. Although tacos are always a goto at Silvia’s. Price: 200-250 Pesos/10-12 USD for most entrees. Lobster is
Toby’s Restaurant
Toby’s is in the middle of Xcalak town and serves fresh seafood and more traditional Mexican fare such as tacos and quesadilla as well. Toby’s also has complementary wifi for those that need to stay connected. Although he doesn’t have it all the time, Toby’s lion fish ceviche is delicious. You can order it in advance. Just give him a day or two to procure them. Lion fish are an invasive species in the Caribbean and one of the few species you can take in the national