Species
Permit
Many anglers have landed their first Permit from Belize waters. And once the angler discovers the diverse Permit fishery that Ambergris Caye offers – they can’t wait to come back. Permit from 5 – 30 lbs are seen all year. The fish often travel in schools – where a solid sixty foot cast from the bow of a flats boat is generally needed to get your fly to the fish. Then, stripped fast and still breathing, wait for the yank and run of your lifetime. Permit fishing is exciting but it’s also one that can wreak havoc on one’s nerves. Fair warning.
Tarpon
Most fly anglers that pursue big game fish will agree – there is no better fish to fight on light tackle than a fish that is over a hundred million years old – Tarpon. Averaging 20-60 lbs, this magnificent fish can be found in shallow water from 3-6 feet or up against the mangroves playing with the tide chasing sardines. White, green and Black Death toads all work well. Let that dancing rabbit entice the bucket mouth explosion bite. Generally we use 30-60 lb bite tippet, class tippet 20 – 30 lbs depending on personal preference. Most shots are 50 ft. A good solid accurate cast where the leader and fly turn over for the fish to see – expect it to happen.
Bonefish
All year long, these fish are plentiful and fun on our flats. Over the last 10 years Belize has implemented catch and release programs which have really helped our fish population grow and thrive. We now have very large bonefish residents -up to 10 pounds- that will take you for the ride of your life! But the “rice and beans” of Bonefishing – is all about testing your skill in several types of situations. Both beginners and expert fly anglers cannot deny the pure fun of watching a great cast meet the “Ghost of the Flats!”
You can also find shots at Snook, Barracuda, Jacks, Ladyfish, Snapper, Cobia and Triggerfish. Watching a Barracuda get aggressive and slam your fly on the salt flats is an adrenaline rush you won’t forget!
Guides
We have a great group of over 20 experienced guides who we choose from to work with our guests. We will provide a guide that will listen to your goals for the day and work with you. Some guides are better teachers, some are better at just saying “put it at 11:00 at 50 feet.” We do our best to match the right guide with your prefered style. Trained by Lori-Ann Murphy in her casting styles and fly fishing experience for guests, Reel Belize wants to not only meet but exceed your fly fishing experience out on the flats.
Casting Clinics and Instruction with Lori-Ann Murphy
Lori-Ann is one of the great leaders in fly-fishing. Her pioneering life as the first woman to become an Orvis Endorsed Guide took her to San Pedro, Belize in 2009. She values sharing her fly-fishing life with the San Pedro Guide community.
She brought the first FFI instructor to San Pedro to bring a sense of continuity in teaching casting. Now she is crafting custom fly-fishing trips as a Belize Tour Operator under her own company, Reel Belize. Belizeans are warm hearted, fun spirited people. If you want to have a good time fly fishing the flats, Reel Belize guides will make it happen.
Lori-Ann Murphy also offers casting clinics and instruction through Reel Belize. From the basics to double hauling, Lori-Ann has won many casting competitions and been teaching for years. She has studied with many of the fly-fishing greats and enjoys passing it along. If you’d like to fine tune your casting upon arrival or work on new levels and casting options, time can be scheduled with Lori-Ann and her team to help you meet your goals.
Reel Belize Guide Service Prices:
• Full Day Guided Trip
$595 US
We pick you up at your dock at 7 am and return at 3 pm.
We provide lunch, drinks and use of any needed fly-fishing
equipment. 8 Hours dock to dock.
• Half Day Guided Trip
$450 US
We pick you up at your dock. Lunch and use of any needed
fly-fishing equipment. 4 Hours dock to dock.
• Fly Casting Lesson
$95 US per hour. 1 or 2 anglers.
• Visit Reel Belize Fly Shop!
Located on Back St and Tarpon St – close to the San Pedro Airport.
Reel Belize Supports
The vision of Ocean Academy is to create an environment where students are welcome to come and learn, regardless of their previous academic achievement or socioeconomic status.