During the recent, annual get together for Orvis Endorsed operations from around the world, our founder and head guide (yes… even at 81, he is still guiding daily), Lincoln Westby was honored with the Orvis Company’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
When is the Best Time Fish in Belize?
The Best Time to Fly Fish in Belize is… Year Round!
Belize is lucky to have consistent fishing 365 days per year. Of course, certain months of the year will produce more fishing success than other periods on the calendar… but we’ll discuss that further shortly.
The climate in Belize is ideal for creating memorable fishing experiences on any date on the calendar. The temperature averages about 80 degrees Fahrenheit and rare sees temps over 100 degrees. Even during the "rainy" season, it is more common to have passing showers than all-day deluges, so rarely is the fishing day cut short by rain.
Introducing Blue Horizon Lodge - Fly Fishing for Permit, Bonefish, and Tarpon in Belize
Orvis Endorsed fishing lodge in Belize
Blue Horizon Lodge is excited to announce that we are the newest Orvis Endorsed Fishing Lodge in Belize. For the past 5 years, our guide service has enjoyed the endorsement by Orvis. We served anglers the best fishing in the region as we lodged our guests at Thatch Caye, other sister resorts, and by offering day trips through numerous other resorts in Hopkins, the Placencia peninsula, and the cayes of southern Belize.
Lincoln Westby Celebrates 80 Years!
Belize Entry Requirements 2020
Belizean Guides Need Our Support
There is no doubt that no one in the world has been uneffected by Covid 19 pandemic, but few have been as hard hit as the professional fishing guides on Belize. Belize closed the doors on international tourism on March 23, 2020, during the traditional peak of the most popular time for fishing in the country. While other locals around the Caribbean have either remained open or have reopened, Belize’s government prioritized the health and safety of its citizens over the shuttered tourism economy. And now the people, who rely on tourism to put food on the table, are feeling the deep pinch of no income.
Top 4 Permit Flies for Fly Fishing Southern Belize
Permit are regarded as one of the most challenging fish to catch in the sport of fly fishing. Their behavior, the often whimsical feeding patterns, is much less predictable than other flats species. This fact, coupled with their reliance on tides, is why permit have the reputation they have. Of course like all fish, they have their favorite foods; crabs, shrimp, and other crustaceans. For years, pioneers like Lincoln Westby, Charlie Leslie, and Will Bauer have designed flies to elicit the fish’s feeding instinct.
Our Guide Boats: Fly Fishing from a Panga
All of the guides at Blue Horizon Belize use fishing boats called “pangas”. A panga is a Mexican style open fishing boat with a bimini top for shade and an outboard motor. Unlike a flats boat that might be common in the Bahamas or Florida, a Panga has larger sides that can withstand larger waves and rougher seas. Often times our fishing guides have to cross certain parts of the ocean where there is no reef with deep depths and these runs can have very choppy water if the winds are up. So with these pangas, the guides are able to safely boat through these areas.
Trip Report - Thatch Caye Island Resort – Blue Horizon Belize
The moment your feet step off the panga and onto the landing dock of the breathtaking Thatch Caye Island Resort you are greeted by a fresh glass of ice cold watermelon juice prepared specifically for your private arrival. Pearly white smiles of the hospitality crew surround you. From that moment until you return back to the mainland, every wish and desire you have is accommodated at the all-inclusive island resort. The entire island only takes you 20 minutes to walk from one end to the other, it is complete with 15 rooms and can sleep up to 32 guests.
River Fly Fishing in Belize [Snook and Tarpon]
![River Fly Fishing in Belize [Snook and Tarpon]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55267a84e4b0410f3276ac29/1588199931719-72N4FSY37YICV0SOM41D/IMG_2868.jpg)
Many river systems in Belize drain right into the ocean and can provide anglers with some phenomenal sport fishing. Especially when conditions in the ocean are poor due to the weather. Many species thrive in these river systems but for fly fishers and sport anglers two species come to mind, snook and tarpon. Jack’s will also move into these river systems at times, they can be spotted busting bait at the surface and will often move very fast.
Best Time to Visit Belize for Fly Fishing
Belize is a tropical country where the average temperature is 84F and it generally stays in the 80’s year-round. This means we fish year-round and the fish are active all the time. The busy season coincides with the dry season from late November to May. The traditional prime time to fish in Belize is from February through May. As the rainy season begins in May and lasts through November.
Planning a Family Fly Fishing Vacation to Belize
Belize is a great destination for a family vacation. The beaches, pools, jungle adventures, Mayan ruins and of course all the ocean activities like fishing. And as a plus, the travel to Belize can be quite simple from most North American cities with direct flights from many international destinations (Houston, Newark, Atlanta, LAX to name a few).
Tarpon Fly Fishing in Belize [A Basic Guide]
![Tarpon Fly Fishing in Belize [A Basic Guide]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55267a84e4b0410f3276ac29/1588198973957-5SV9Z1W0RXLPGQTL8GM6/Screen+Shot+2020-04-29+at+3.22.28+PM.png)
Tarpon are one of the three fish species to make up the grand slam (permit and bonefish are the other two), they are known for their large size, long fights and rod busting runs and jumps. They are the king and queens of the flats. Catching and landing a tarpon on a fly is an accomplishment for every angler. After you hook one of these beasts the battle has just started and be ready to pour out all the energy you have as landing a tarpon is often harder than hooking a tarpon.
Southern Belize: The Best Destination to Fly Fish for a Grand Slam
According to the International Gamefish Association (IGFA), “A “Grand Slam” is defined by an individual angler catching at least three of the eligible species within a category (shown below), per IGFA International Angling Rules. All catches must be made within one calendar day, and all past and present catches are eligible, provided they are properly documented.
Understanding Flats Fly Fishing Tides and Moon Phases
If you have begun to plan and try to understand when to visit Belize for a fly fishing vacation, you have most likely found out that the tides can play a big factor in your fishing conditions. While there may not be a perfect recipe for picking the best tides here is some basic information that applies to the fishing tides in Belize.
Guide to Bonefishing in Belize
Having a reef that spans the whole coastline of Belize, let’s just say there is plenty of fish habitat. It is a true saltwater angler’s paradise. One of the most common game fish to target on the fly in Belize is the bonefish. Also called the “ghost of the flats,” this species can be tricky at times but for the most part, a well-presented fly will always result in a hookup. Don’t underestimate the power of these fish either, once you have them on it’s common that they will take you to the backing.
Grand Slam fly fishing in Belize
The country of Belize is well known as one of the top locations to enjoy fly fishing for numerous flats species. Many anglers travel to the small Caribbean country in pursuit of the fabled bonefish, permit, and tarpon. Some angler come for an introduction to the world of saltwater fly fishing. While others venture to Belize with the hopes of catching their first permit or a triple digit tarpon. And for the lucky few, a Grand Slam is is caught.
Belize Fly Fishing - Tarpon Leader and Tippet Building 101
*Article from Ruth Simms as she prepares for an upcoming trip with Blue Horizon
The date is August 15th, 2019 and I’m a nerd. I’m actually a fly fishing nerd, and yes I use to watch star trek but that’s beside the point. On the 19th I will take a red-eye down to Atlanta, GA for a connection flight to BZE (Belize City) on the 20th. Being 4 days away from departure a rolodex of items not to forget flip through my mind. I keep thinking of my passport… I know it’s in that one drawer but I had better make sure today after I get home from work. Fishing wise I keep thinking to myself, “Ok the list of equipment on the Blue Horizon Belize at Thatch Caye Island Resort website says for tarpon a 30lb 9ft leader with 12-18 inches of 60, 80 pound shock tippet.” This suggestion has been whirling around in my head for the past 2 weeks.
Belize Reopens for International Travel on August 15, 2020
International Airport Reopening
The Belize City International Airport officially reopens August 15, 2020. We can’t wait to welcome anglers back to Belize! The fish (and guides) have missed you! This has been an unprecedented break from the annual pressure from anglers. Our guides have been out a few times to “test” the waters and are reporting many unwary permit feeding happily on the flats. The first groups to fish the region will be rewarded with some of the best fishing in decades. Are you ready to join us?
