Barry and Cathy Beck Blog

As you all know, we love Mexico. For 2015, we have two departures with 3 lodges. Our first trip is April 6-13 which includes 2 days of fishing for baby tarpon from Campeche followed by 4 days of bone/permit/baby tarpon fishing in Ascension Bay from Grand Slam Lodge. A super combination starting in the very pretty colonial town of Campeche and finishing at the new popular Grand Slam Lodge. 8 nights/6 days fishing, one transfer day. $4650 per person, dbl. occup/shared boat. Read More.

Our second departure is to one of our favorites, Holbox Island, for big and baby tarpon - and you know how much we love this destination. We've been talking about it for years: The fishing program, baby tarpon 10-50 pounds, big tarpon if you choose, lovely beach front accommodations, the village, walks into town to dine each night, sundowners and incredible sunsets and sunrises. In addition to the baby tarpon, you might find snook, cobia & jacks and other species. Holbox is also the best buy in the business for non-angling guests ($100 a day), and we couldn't find a more gracious, fun manager and host than Luciano Govi. 7 night/6 days. $3,300 range, dbl. occur/shared boat. Read More.

We have two rooms left at Owen River Lodge on the South Island (space for 2 singles or 2 doubles).  We all read about the double digit fish caught on dry flies and tiny nymphs in February in crystal clear water, so I'm going to show you a few photos of how incredibly beautiful the forests and trails are along the rivers, with maybe a fish thrown in for good measure.  New Zealand is a place all of it's own, there is nothing like it on Earth.  Come along with us in February and see for yourself.   Read the Itinerary here.

We have a few favorite images to share with you from our recent trip to Bolivia.  It was an incredible experience once again, the interaction with the Tsimane Indian tribe, the amazing lodges in the middle of the jungle, exceptional food, great guides, and Golden Dorado!  (and even fun with a catfish).  If this trip is not on your Bucket List, it should be. 

Barry & Cathy are in Montana at Kingfisher Lodge this week.  We've heard great things about their past trips to the Bighorn and the photos are always stunning.  Cathy emailed this morning and here's what she shared with us here at the office.  Sounds like this year won't disappoint either!

"We're having a very unusual two weeks here on the Bighorn. Last week started out hot and sunny, typical for this time of year. Toward the end of the week though the weather turned cold, wet, and windy. We pulled out our fleece and down jackets. The mahogany spinners and tricos kept on coming and fishing was good despite the weather. Yesterday the sun showed and summer is coming back. 90 degrees is predicted before the end of the week. Lots of rising fish. It's a great time of year on the Bighorn!  -Cathy"

We came across this video clip and wanted to share it with you all.  Every once in a while you find a very professional video clip that really makes you want to be there. Even if you're not a largemouth angler, this footage will make you "want to be there". Beautifully done.  Click here to see the clip.

Also, here is our 2015 Trip schedule in case you're planning a fishing trip next year.  We'd love to have you come along with us. 

Jan 8-17 Coyhaique River, Chile (trout)

Feb 1-20 South Island, New Zealand (trout)

Feb 27-Mar 10  Tres Valles, Argentina (trout)

March 8-21  Patagonia, Argentina (trout)

April 6-14  Campeche & Grand Slam, Mexico (tarpon/bones/permit)

July 6-13  Isla Holbox, Mexico (tarpon)

July 23- Aug 4  East Africa, Kenya & Tanzania (photo safari)

Aug 4-16  East Africa, Kenya & Tanzania (photo safari)

Aug 21- Sept 6  Bighorn, Montana (trout)

Nov 27- Dec 7  Tres Valles, Argentina (trout)

TBA  Laxardal, Iceland

TBA  Pyrenees, Spain

Could this season be the one we've been waiting for? Quite possibly according to reports coming out of New Zealand predicting a bumper crop of mice due to expected heavy beech forest seed fall which will lead to an explosion in rats, mice and stoats. Check out the link and video below for details. If you've been thinking about New Zealand, this could be a very exciting time to be with us at Owen River Lodge on the South Island. February 1-20. 8 days fishing. Details about the trip on our website here.

http://www.frontierstravel.com/public/information/6/news/826-Mouse_Season_in_New_Zealand

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyRPa0nA9nM

Cathy & Barry are in Alaska this week and we've been anxious to hear from them.  While they've traveled to Alaska a number of times, this was their first time at this camp.  It is more rustic than most but the fishing was supposed to be fantastic.  When we received an email from Cathy this morning, here's what she wrote:  "Dolly Varden are everywhere, lots of pinks, lots of chum, silvers are just showing up. Rainbows are already on the eggs but that said, we've caught some great rainbows on mouse patterns. Weather is great for this time of year in Alaska and the food in camp is over the top. Life is good here on the Kanetok!"  Sounds like they are having a great time. 

Here's a photo she included of Paul Jacob holding an exceptional Dolly.  

We've received several requests to sell our imprinted fly boxes that we use for our selections. These boxes are lightweight, foam-lined, with a transparent lid. Perfect to put in a pack or shirt pocket when you want to go light.

Sizes include Medium (4-1/2 x 6), and Large (5 x 8). Medium is imprinted with a rainbow trout. Large with either a brown trout or a bonefish (your choice).

Medium $10.00 each      Large $12.00 each

Go to our WEBSITE to place your order.

We also wanted to share our Updated Trip Schedule in case you were thinking of planning your next fishing trip.  See our Hosted Trips page for more information.

June 21-28 — Holbox, Mexico (tarpon, snook, etc.)
July 24-Aug. 3 — Kenektok River, Alaska (trout, salmon)
Aug. 16-30 — Bighorn River, Montana (trout)
Sept. 10-21 — Tsimane, Bolivia (dorado)
Oct. 11-20 — Pyrenees, Spain (trout)
Nov. 30-Dec. 7 — Tres Valles, Argentina (trout)
Jan. 8-18 — Coyhaique Lodge, Chile (trout)
Feb. 2-17 — South Island, New Zealand (trout)
Feb. 27- Mar. 9 — Tres Valles, Argentina (trout)
Mar. 9-21 — San Martin area, Argentina (trout)
May — Saltwater, Mexico, TBA
June — Isla Holbox, Mexico, TBA
July 23-Aug.16 — East Africa Safari

We're not surprised that our favorite lodge in New Zealand has done it again.  Congratulations to Felix and his staff at Owen River Lodge.  Come with us in February 2015, to experience the amazing South Island and Owen River Lodge.  You're not only visiting New Zealand's finest lodge, but also fish the finest rivers with the finest guides.  Click here to review the itinerary.

    TripAdvisor Accolade

   TripAdvisor was awarded Owen River Lodge a Certificate of Excellence for 2014.

This is the 5th year in a row we have won TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence and I would like to thank all of our wonderful guests that have taken the time to write a TripAdvisor review.

Cathy recently wrote: We have spent at least 20 years exploring New Zealand and have found what we believe to be the two premier must-do lodges on the South Island. In Hanmer Springs, Riverview Lodge and near Murchison, Owen River Lodge. We have visited these two lodges annually for a number of years and we don't think you'll find better fishing anywhere. Come with us in February and experience the Everest of Trout Fishing. You'll never forget New Zealand - the people, the scenery, and especially the fishing. Read the complete itinerary and contact us if you have any questions. (Shorter stays available).  Click here to see the trip information on our website

Thinking about baby tarpon, snook, jacks, maybe big tarpon? Holbox has it all, with an interesting fishing program to match. Start at sun up each day and fish until mid-afternoon. Come back to the lodge, relax, rest, enjoy hors d'oeuvres, and walk into town for dinner.

We get the best part of the fishing day before it gets too breezy or hot. Fish lagoons, rivers, creeks and maybe go out for big tarpon if you want - and if weather permits. It's a great place and a great agenda. 7 nights/6 days. $3,295 dbl. occup/shared guide. Easy in/out. Check out the details and come with us!  

Cancellation at Isla Holbox for June. We unexpectantly have a couple rooms available at Holbox, Mexico, due to a family illness. This is a great fishing trip, baby tarpon, snook, jacks, cobia, and lots more. It's a fun trip too, easy schedule, lots of fishing, lots of fun. Easy in/out. Check it out and come along!

Once again, Tibor brings home the Gold.  We're proud to be associated with such a great company.    Tibor Reels Hold 808 IGFA Certified World Records-  Click here to read more

Here's a list of our Upcoming Hosted Trips

June 21-28 — Holbox, Mexico (tarpon, snook, etc.)
July 24-Aug. 3 — Kenektok River, Alaska (trout, salmon)
Aug. 16-30 — Bighorn River, Montana (trout)
Sept. 10-21 — Tsimane, Bolivia (dorado)
Oct. 11-20 — Pyrenees, Spain (trout)
Nov. 30-Dec. 7 — Tres Valles, Argentina (trout)
Jan. 8-18 — Coyhaique Lodge, Chile (trout)
Feb. 2-17 — South Island, New Zealand (trout)
Apr. 30- Mar. 9 — Tres Valles, Argentina (trout)
Mar. 7-21 — San Martin area, Argentina (trout)
May — Saltwater, Mexico, TBA
June — Isla Holbox, Mexico, TBA
July 23-Aug.16 — East Africa Safari

Call us or check our web site for more information.

I just spoke to Joe at Frontiers Travel and he informed me that there is only 1 room left, double occupancy for Barry & Cathy's trip to H20 Bonefish, Grand Bahama Island.  The dates are June 2-7, with an option to extend your stay.  This is a great destination for anglers & non-anglers alike.  Proven to be great for big bonefish, it is also a reliable permit fishery.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at 877-278-5638 or click here to see more details on our website. 

With the cold weather we've been having here in the Northeast, I thought  you might enjoy a post about Cathy & Barry's latest trip to Christmas Island.  I have to admit, I didn't even know there was such a place, let alone where it is on a map.  However, after seeing their photos I'm convinced that I must go there someday... Here's what Cathy had to say about their trip.  

"We were in Christmas Island with a few friends earlier in January. It was nice to get out of the deep freeze for a while!  We spent a couple days in Honolulu and then went to Christmas Island. We love this place, not for the 5-star accommodations (you won't find any), but for the simple life one finds there and, of course, for the bonefish and trevally - of which we found many! The Captain Cook Hotel hasn't changed much over the years. The rooms are simple, clean, air-conditioned, and offer hot showers. The food is plentiful and good. The fishing is excellent and the people are over the top. Like I said - we love Christmas Island - just wish it were closer!"

To see more photos from their trip, visit the gallery on our website.  Choose Destinations, then Christmas Island.  Enjoy!

Our trip to Spain in October was very different from most of our fly fishing departures. We flew into Barcelona, took the hi-speed rail to Lleida, was met by our outfitter and guide, Ivan Tarin, and drove to Aren. our headquarters for the week.

We're excited to announce a new addition to our website...