Belize

[nu2trout]

Has anyone ever fished in Belize?
I am trying to plan a trip there this summer and want to know as much as I can before I go. I read a little that said I could fish on the flats for permit, tarpon (up to 150lbs), and bone fish.
How is the wind down there? Do I have to have a double haul as part of my standard equipment, or can I get by without it?

[James Buice]

What part of Belize are you headed to? There are several options depending on where you'll be and how open your days are.

Yes, a double haul would be very helpful.

[OldDawg]

http://www.destinationsbelize.com/ is one web site. There is much Belize info on the web.

I fished one day with Belize River Lodge last year. I was happy with the location and guide. The guide earned his money and did not get discouraged with my poor casting. We fished mangroves early for tarpon and flats later in the day for bones. We did not see any tarpon, saw one barracuda and saw some bones. The guide saw the fish, I saw a couple.

[cannibalfly]

Turneffe Island Flats. That's the place. Take a spinning rod too. Never look back. So many species. It's like the end of the world. -Roger

[Kent]

Yes, a double haul would be very helpful.Buice, a master of the understatement.

The guide earned his money and did not get discouraged with my poor casting. Or, to phrase it differently - the guide earned his money, but the angler would have gotten a lot more for his if he could have made the casts.

It's pretty much false economy to spend the time & money to fish Belize hampered by a crappy, haul-less cast. Get with AFFS, Rob at the Fish Hawk or Rex at Unicoi for some lessons, and then spend a few hours practicing. That'll help you get your money's worth in Belize. And your guide, he be so hoppy, mon.

And throw away that spinning rod. ;)

[fishhawkrob]

Belize is a great place. My favorite Lodge is Turneffe Flats. http://www.tflats.com/
It is 30 miles off the mainland, out on an Atoll. Amazing! The wind can blow like a *%$*%, so you cast has to be on! The guides do as good a job as they can to position you for the wind but, most times it's up to the man with the stick in his hand. Being good with the salt water cast is essential. I would (and I do) take a spinning rod to catch other stuff that's deeper. At the end of the day, it's fun to stop at a ledge or a reef and jerk some mysteries out of deep water, including dinner. Rob

[hmaadd]

Yeah I fished Mexico last spring (ohhhhhhh how I wish I could go back and relax on those beaches) Our guide wasn't quite as curtious with my partners lack luster casting technique. Cast farther farther amigo what are you doing you don't see that fish. He was intense to put it kindly. I loved it. He inspired me to perform. My partnered didn't he threatened the guy. And we were in the middle of the ocean. It would have been a long swim.

A haul is a good idea. Cause the wind will blow.

[GonetoSeed]

I stayed on Ambergriss Key this time of year a couple of years ago. A double haul and every other trick for casting in the wind is a must. It is a great place.

[nu2trout]

That is the place I was looking into, Ambergiss (sp) Key. I read a lot of good things about it and the variety of fish, tarpon, bone, permit, etc...
I will def. work on the hauls. I might have to go get a little instruction.