TRIP DETAILS AND GEAR LIST:

Experience: The trip to San Pedro is the perfect escape to saltwater fly fishing. The weather in Belize is tropical and variable depending on the season. Summers can be warm with rolling t-storms while Winter can be mid-70s and mostly clear. No matter what time you visit, there are always fish in this tropical “Isla Bonita” famously named by Madonna. Relax in the shade around the bar, take a dip in the pools, jump on a bike for a 15 minute ride to town, or grab a kayak for some private fishing adventures in the lagoon. It’s a fly fishing anglers paradise for new anglers and the experienced. All guest will find tranquility and their own paradise down in San Pedro.

Fishing: The fishing on the flats around Ambergris Caye are what you make of it. Beginner saltwater anglers will have access to excellent instruction on the water targeting bonefish to start the week and graduate to tarpon and permit. We will host an introduction to the geography and best practices for fishing fishing the area. We’ll also have our dock to practice your double-haul. Saltwater fly fishing is an exciting and exhilarating sport for anglers. Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon are protected species in Belize and catch & release fishing is required. Other species like snapper and grouper can be kept and brought to the villa for the BBQ.

Fishing licenses MUST be purchased through Belize Coastal Zone Management. It’s best to purchase a 1-week license for $50. Please make sure you purchase your license(s) prior to the trip date.

Gear: Prepare for it all. Brief storm cells can roll across the flats or clear days can lead to all day sunshine. LIght and loose gear are your best friend on the water. Sun coverage is key so bring plenty of sunscreen, a good hat and stay hydrated from sunup to sundown. Prepare to be on the water for 6-8 hours. A good rain jacket may be needed for passing storms. Your boat/gear bag should everything you need for the day. Below are some key items to consider:

• sunscreen

• water bottle (we prefer plastic free)

• wading booties/boots

• towel

• camera

• fly box with flies

• leader/tippet

• sungloves/stripping guards

• socks for sun protection

• Cash for guide tip and park permit

• Nippers and hemostats or pliers

• Bug spray, wipes, or lotion

Fishing Equipment:

• Bonefish: 8wt rod and reel with 200-250 yards of 20 lbs backing. Reel should be built for salt and have a sealed drag system that will keep the reel protected from the harsh salt environment. Floating saltwater fly line. 10lb - 12lb tapered leader and matching tippet.

• Permit: 9wt rod and reel with 200 - 250 yards of 20 lbs backing. Reel should be built for salt and have a sealed drag system that will keep the reel protected from the harsh salt environment. Floating or intermediate sink tip saltwater fly line. 16lb - 20lb tapered leader and matching tippet.

• Tarpon: Your 9wt permit rod will work for those baby tarpon in the mangroves but for the larger juveniles and adult tarpon a 10 or 11wt rod with 250 yards of 30 lbs backing is recommended. Reel should be built for salt and have a sealed drag system that will keep the reel protected from the harsh salt environment. Floating or intermediate sink tip saltwater fly line. Leader should be 40, 60, or 80 lb fluorocarbon straight tippet material.

  The lodge will have rods to help you fill in the gaps or try new techniques.

  Flies:

  Bonefish can be found on a variety of flats from 6" deep to 6 feet deep. 60% of the flies should have bead chain eyes, 30% should have lead eyes, and 10% should have plastic eyes or no eyes at all.

  Permit flies should be 80% lead eyes and 20% bead chain eyes. Should be a 50/50 mix of Shrimp and Crab patterns.

  • Christmas Island Special, Lead Eye - pink with tan wing, orange with tan wing - size 4,6,8

  • Squimp - size 6, 8 - tan

  • Crazy Charlie - Tan, White or Pink - size 6,8

  • Avalon - size 4

  • Grand Slam Crab - size 6

  • Gotcha - size 6

  • McCrab - size 6

  • Spawning Shrimp - size 6

  • Mantis Shrimp - size 6, 8

  • Merkin - size 4,6

  • Bauer Flats Crab - size 4 - tan

  Tarpon flies are generally not weighted at all.

  • Tarpon Toad - size 1/0 to 3/0 - White, Chartreuse, Black, Black/Red, Tan

  • Tarpon Bunnies - size 1/0 to 3/0 - White, Chartreuse, Black, Black/Red, Olive, Tan

  • Puglisi Peanut Butter - size 1/0 - Black/Purple, Black/Red

  • Cockroach - size 1/0 to 3/0

  • Deceiver - size 1/0-3/0 - White, Chartreuse/White, Blue/White

  • Puglisi Diver - size 1/0, 2/0 - White, Black/Purple, Black/Red

NON-INCLUSIONS: Your international flights, Belize fishing license, tips, food and alcoholic drinks are not included on the trip. The villa will be stocked with coffee, juice, and water. All other drinks will be purchased on your own and there will be time on the first day for a trip to town to grab necessities for your stay. If you would like to participate in group meals, we’ll do a large trip to the store for breakfast, lunch and dinner items and will divide up the total amongst participants. If you’d like like to go your own, there is a full kitchen and bbq appliances available for food prep.