Photos by @lbackerphotography
Ryan Collins
This week Lauren and I are honeymooning and fishing in the country of Belize.
We've already seen a bunch of bonefish and saltwater crocodiles, and have met some awesome ex-Pats and local Belizians.
Fortunately we flew out of Boston yesterday morning in the nick of time, just moments before it began snowing at the airport. Our flight to Miami, and our connecting flight to Belize City were smooth and easy.
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From the plane, Lauren spotted what we think were manatees and manta rays swimming over the shallow water flats. The turquoise water extended for miles in every direction.
If you're interested in learning the exact location of where in Belize we are staying and fishing, then please click here for a Google Map.
After the flight, we rented a golf cart and began navigating skinny bustling streets, and miles of dirt roads loaded with pot holes, before we arrived at our cabina pictured above.
We made our way down to the water's edge and instantly began spotting fish. If you look closely at the above photo, you will see some impressive needlefish with turquoise stripes, and another different species with yellow bars.
There seems to be two distinct fisheries in the area where we are staying. The first fishery is "the flats," which is where I am wading in the photo above.
The second fishery is "the mangroves" which are located just to the east of where we are staying. Last night we used a flashlight to spot about a dozen saltwater crocodiles just "chilling out" in the mangroves.
So far it's been mostly exploring, meeting people, and getting to know our surroundings. I am happy to report I have already spotted some bonefish cruising in the shallows, and there is a bridge nearby which according to the locals is a "bonefish hot spot."
MFCC members can click the download button below to learn exactly where in Belize we are staying and fishing. I will post another report as soon as I can, and as always, please let me know what you think by commenting below.
Tight lines!
Looks incredible, I’m itching to get out and do some fishing in warm weather haha. Good luck over there ?.
Thanks Hayden, spring is coming!
Cast so the fly lands a bit in front of the fish not right on top of them. It looks more natural if the fish sees the fly in the water in front of them as they swim instead of having it land just over their head. Sometimes pausing your strip and letting the fly drift down will trigger a strike.
If you are using a crab fly (like a Merkin) cast the fly a ways ahead of the fish but in their path. Let it sink and sit on the bottom, just as a real crab would do when seeing a predator. You want the fish to see the crab sink and then be able to find where it landed. The idea is to have the fish (bonefish, permit, jacks) root for the fly as they would do when hunting for real crabs.
Flats fishing is great fun, seeing the fish and all the life around in the clear water is something I know you will enjoy. Plus when you hook a fish in the shallows they really take off as they can’t go deep. Make sure to have sun protection, lotion and a face shield as the sun really reflects off the water.
Thanks for the tips Dex!
This morning I saw the largest school of bonefish yet. I cast my fly ahead of the school and 2 or 3 of the fish began following the fly. Right now I am using a chartreuse “squimp” fly which is recommended by the locals.
Unfortunately I could not get a bite this morning. However, there is a large flat to the south of where we are staying, easily within walking distance, which just happens to be a bonefish hot spot.
Once again Lauren’s choice of an AirBnB just happens to be right next to prime fishing grounds. Just like Costa Rica. She has a knack for choosing good places!
I’ll publish another update soon I hope.
Golf carts, just like Cuttyhunk.
Yes it is a bit similar to Cuttyhunk…just way more golf carts on the road!
Perfect for fly fishing!
Big time, I will be using the fly rod tomorrow!
With the clear water you want to use a long leader. Probably about 9 feet. Also cast just past the fish, so when they go for the fly they are looking away from you. If you put the fly before the fish, when they turn to go after the fly they can see you in the background.
Also try for a delicate presentation where the line settles lightly onto the water instead of smacking down and spooking the fish. To do this have your rod come to an abrupt stop near the end of your casting stroke instead of following through all the way to the end. This is the “speed up and stop” that Lefty Krey talks about.
I need to work on a more delicate presentation for sure.
I spooked a bunch of fish this AM.