TR – Belize
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With the good fortune of having an accommodating girlfriend, some time off from work and something approaching an unhealthy fishing obsession, we headed down to Belize for a week of fishing, reading and otherwise doing nothing. Although tarpon were a primary goal, we saw none. Despite that, it was bonefish galore and sand flats for miles. Good times were had by all.
To give everyone background, my GF (a non-angler) had miraculously suggested that we head to Belize for the annual holiday – and had even more improbably suggested someplace she called “El Pescador” as the place to stay. Given the name, even knowing only bar-room Spanish, i surmised that she was really on to something. Pretty soon it was booked, I was tying flies, and we were on our way to Ambergris Caye.
The fish aren’t big down there, but they are plentiful. 4 days on boats and a bit of wading on my own ended up with countless bones, an arguably arguable shot at a permit and a nice tan.
Some pics:
Hooked Up (and for those that are wondering: buff > sunscreen)
We are not related.
The rainy season is aptly named – it was cloudy, windy or rainy at least once each day.
We camped overnight at an island owned by El Pescador. It was surrounded by flats and here is the sunset.
This was the island.
My GF caught her first fish ever (bonefish on a fly rod). I forgot to tell her they were slippery.
Her catching fish (and liking it) – easily the best part of the trip.Gratuitous desaturated flats shot
Fish. Fish. Fish.
That last one was my favorite fish of the trip – looong cast, a permit fly and right on the button.Random stingray
Boat, GF and Gilberto
Belikin Beer – A great beer to be stuck with for 7 days.
Hope to be going back soon (and in the non-rainy season)… for now its trout in GA and I’m looking forward to some poons in May.
Looks like a great trip, and a great report to match. A prefect reminder that I need to start saving my pennies for another trip chasing bones…
Scott, great story. I am LMAO right now.
Always nice when the GF comes up with the idea.Funny thing – perhaps 15 years ago my wife asked me “How do you feel about going on a Christmas trip with two of my sisters and I?”
“Where?” I asked“Some island named Belize” She replied.
I was dead pan. “Well, ya that might be fun, I think there is some fishing there”
So there you go. It was my fist time Bonefishing – Stayed on Ambergris in San Pedro. The girls did the Mayan Ruins on the mainland and I fished for a few days.
I can still taste the Hotdogs with Carmelized onions on the main drag at Midnight Christmas eve!Spin Drift was $75 per night. Ruby’s was $35…still is!
My guide ran over a school of Permit between flats, but for $150 who can complain? Nice times – thanks for reminding me and sharing your trip.
I can’t wait for the missus to suggest Venezuela! She knows about Andros, Eleuthera and a few others but Venezuela is still under the radar.
;DStay at Spindrift $53 to $150 per night. Eat at the local restaraunts or in the streets.
Book a guide at Ruby’s. Ruby’s can book you for anything. Mayan ruins etc. Ruby’s is the center of the universe there.
Guides are $200 half day $300 full day – Bones or Tarpon.
You can book a room at Ruby’s as well for cheap but I can’t vouch for staying there.
It was a long time ago but I sent a client there a few years ago and had a great time. Somebody lent him a canoe and he had the time of his life!
San Pedro is tiny but one of the safest places I have ever been. Not at all the same on the mainland though!
Don’t wander about in Belize City after dark.
Your direct flight will likely take you to Belize City and then you can jump onto a boat that takes you to Ambergris in about 20 minutes.
Not a great place for beaches though – maybe 20 yards from the hotels to the water but water sports – snorkelling, diving glass bottom boats etc are great.
Not a high end trip but a memorable one.
You can’t compare it to El Pesadore or Joyrney’s End. They are in the $3k per week region guided.
Not sure about walk and wade but going that far you want a guide, at least for the first day.
EnjoyAaron, I have been to El Pescador for two week long trips.
I plan on living forever, so far so good.
Belize is a very fun place to spend your time. The Belikin is one of my favorite brews in the world. I have vowed to go back there one day and spend some more time wandering in the jungles there as well as fishing on the fly. Thanks for the TR. Looks like a really good time. Hopefully your gal will be spending more time with you on the water.
I am tempted to post a sign up sheet. 🙂 Seems like it would be a very easy and relatively affordable 3-day weekend trip. THANKS for the great suggestions.
For bones on a budget, and if anyone has perspective, how do you compare Belize to Andros Island?
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