This is as much a travelogue as it is a fishing report. For our second leg of "get the hell out of the cold weather," Mary and I headed down to Belize.
If you're looking for a great stay in the Caribbean, Belize, and specifically Ambergris Caye, is tough to beat. Belize is easy to get to, the airport is modern (and air conditioned), customs is fast, and in no time your on the puddle-jumper for the 12 minute flight to San Pedro town on the island. Oh, and while your waiting for the flight, the Belikin Store is a must stop for your first of several of the national beer of Belize.
The variety of lodging opportunities has expanded greatly since Mary and I first ventured there in 2010. Plenty of hotels and resorts, Air BnBs, and fishing lodges. We've opted to stay at Mahogany Bay resort for many of our trips. A Hilton property, it's a short taxi ride from the airport. Accommodations are very comfortable, and the place has all the resort amenities. Perhaps most important, the resort owns a private beach about a 15 minute boat ride away. If you're into sun and cocktails, it's a great place to hang out. And if you want to do some DIY fishing, there are plenty species to go after; Barracuda, Snapper, and of course, Bonefish.
I spent most of the week wading around the beach for Bones. Air temps hung around the low 80s, water temps were in the 70s. And the water was gin clear. The only issue was the winds, which averaged around 15 MPH for the time we were there. Even then, the winds were mostly blowing from the east, so downwind casting proved not too much of a problem.
The up side of DIYing wading is just enjoying the surroundings. The down side is you're at the mercy of fish swimming in your vicinity. I managed to spot a good number of Bones, and had some shots, but couldn't manage a hookup. The only fish I brought to hand was a 15-inch Barracuda. (Since I was by myself, trying to handle the toothy fish while snapping a photo proved a bit difficult. So I spared losing a finger and deferred from taking a photo).
I was getting a bit frustrated, so reached out to Reel Belize (www.reelbelize.com), an outfitter and fly shop located in town. Fortunately, owner Lori Ann was able to fit me in for a charter on Saturday.
She hooked me up with Mario, and on Saturday morning we headed out. Having failed on my own, I really wasn't interested in chasing Tarpon or Permit. My only request to Mario was simply to "feel the tug."
And Mario did not disappoint. We started out in skinny water looking for tailing fish. We saw some, but cross-casting in 20 mph winds was nothing short of comical. It didn't take Mario long to recognize my limitations, so we headed to deeper water (3-4 ft) to look for feeding fish.
If you're not sight-fishing, you're looking for areas of mud being stirred up, which means the Bonefish have their snouts in the bottom looking for small shrimp. From there the process is pretty uncomplicated. Cast into the mud, let the fly sink, then short strips with the rod tip in the water. When you feel like you're stuck on something. it's a fish. A strip set, raise the rod tip, and the fight is on.
Over the course of the day Mario put me on a lot of fish. And, given the winds, he positioned the boat so my casts were mostly downwind. Over the course of the day, I landed 10 Bonefish, most going from 15-18". All put up a great fight all the way to the boat. Also managed a couple of small Jacks and 2 small Snapper.
We've fished with several outfits on San Pedro, but I'd highly recommend making Reel Belize your first call. An outstanding day on the water!
If you're not into fishing, San Pedro offers some great spots for dining. The golf cart ride into town is kind of bumpy, but it's worth venturing outside the resort.
Saul's Cigars is a must stop before dinner....
Carambas restaurant is right across the street. Lots of local seafood to pick from...
And cooked to your liking...
Sunday was out last day in paradise. One more chance to catch a DIY Bone. The beach staff said late-afternoon was a good time for Bones to come into the beach area. Of course, when Mary and I got to the beach rigged and ready, the staff said there were schools of fish swimming around that morning. Go figure....
Mary decided to fish that day, and we waded out a bit from the beach to thigh-deep water. Mary took a few minutes to get her casting down, but eventually managed to get the shrimp pattern out to a respectable distance. Within minutes of casting, I felt the tug and set the hook on what would be my first and only DIY Bonefish of the trip. As I was working the fish, Mary looked at me and asked if our lines were crossed. Turned out she had a Bonefish chasing her fly as well, but unfortunately missed the take.
We were just in the right place at the right time, which is how it works sometimes.
We continued to fish until the last boat was ready to head back to the resort, but only managed that one fish.
We returned to Cape Charles Monday to temps in the upper 60s, only to return to 30s and snow flurries a few days later. No matter. We can suck it up for a few more days until this place fully shakes off winter. Then it's on to Stripers, and the return of Reds, Specks, and Flounder.
Soon. very soon.
Tight Lines,
Mikey D Fishing
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