“Now is our time. It’s our time to chase rainbows and build castles in the sky. It’s our time to create a life that we love. Because someday, it will no longer be our time.” ~ Shawn Anderson

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To our Dear Friends,
We have come to realize that time is relevant to what you have going on in your life. When we were in “COVID lockdown” in 2020, the days dragged by and we had too much time. Now life is normal and time seems to fly by. After the summer solstice in June, the longest day of the year, we start to see time move, as our days in Belize lose daylight by a minute a day to a few minutes a week. While this does not seem like a lot, after a few weeks, our 12 hours sunlight days are now only 11 hours of sunlight; but really, it seems life is about time, too much or not enough.

We were going to write about time when we heard last week that a guest, who became a friend in 2019, had passed away. (Dirk and Misha were supposed to visit with him in California and COVID got in the way.) This person was young and we don’t know what happened, but this angling friend is gone. We only knew him for a few short days in person, but he had a big heart and big personality and left a bright light behind. This also made us think about another great guest and friend, who visited with her husband for a number of years, years ago, and her husband continued to make his yearly or more than yearly visits. This woman was a loving wife, mother and friend, and she also passed last year. We are withholding names for the families, however we wanted to let you know that we have lost friends and to give them a tribute note by Belize River Lodge. We don’t always hear about occasions, sad or happy, but want to let you know that we think of everyone fondly, especially as some guests have over the years become very good friends and some even family. We would like to take a second to think about our friends, family and loved ones with us and those who have departed and think of a good memory that brings a smile to our faces and always remember, time is fleeting . . . take the time each day to think happy and good thoughts for ourselves, friends, family and loved ones.

We still have space at Belize River Lodge and our Long Caye Outpost for fishing &/or eco-touring and our “2 or 1” summer/fall specials from now until December 23, 2021. If you have not planned your summer or fall Flats fishing get-away, there is still time. Please contact your favorite agent or us by email or toll free: 1-888-275-4843 to get more information or available dates.

Please continue reading below for Mike’s latest “Fish Tales”. We look forward to seeing you all soon.
Best regards,
The BRL Office Ladies

PS
Sorry this is a little long, we are packing a lot in since we haven’t been in touch for a bit.

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BRL Fish Tales – July 2021

A few highlights for fishing at BRL from June 4 to July 10, 2021.

~ Kyle W. and Travis S. landed a 5 and a 10 pound Tarpon.

~ Paul T. landed a 3 and a 10 pound Tarpon.

~ Ron A. landed a 103 and a 75 pound Tarpon.

~ Val A. landed a 125 pound Tarpon.

~ John D. had a 100 pound Tarpon on for several jumps before it shook the fly.

~ Dick K. had an 80 pound Tarpon on for several jumps before it ran into his backing and got off.

~ Jim K. brought a big Tarpon just near the boat, then it opened its mouth and Jim “pulled the fly away”.

~ Allan C. got a Grand Slam, Permit, Bone and Snook.

~ Mitchel C. landed a Bonefish, Jack and jumped 5 Tarpon, landing the 5th.

~ Larry K. jumped at least 10 Tarpon of various sizes and several “nice” Snook, many Snappers including a 10 pound Cubera.

Bob W. fished nine and a half days. In spite of windy conditions of 25 mph almost every day, Bob landed three Grand slams ~ Bonefish, Tarpon and Snook. Two Grand slams were landed the same day! During these days he landed many Tarpon in the 5-30 pound range, jumped several Tarpon over 75 pounds, landed quite a few Snook from the 3-14 pounds; he did keep two for a fresh snook dinner two evenings. One day while using a heavy pink fly he cast to a Tripletail, landed a big Jack and a Ray. On the same day he also hooked but lost a big Tarpon, caught several Snappers and a Snook; “A Remarkable Day” Bob said.

Fish weights referred to above have been based on actual measurements or our guides’ estimates.

The big Tarpon have been bottom feeding on shrimp. Though they have never seen cooked shrimp these big Tarpon seem to prefer Pink Shrimp Flies instead of natural colors, go figure? Anglers experienced a wide variety of fishing conditions as some days were fished in the Bays, others on the Flats, the Reef, Channels and Rivers. BRL Guides-Captains chose their fishing locations depending on the weather conditions of the day and your target species. Most lightning, thunder storms and heavy rains were at night so guests were very comfortable sleeping during the nights and fishing during days.

Several anglers also went on inland tours to some Ancient Maya Sites, the Belize Zoo, Cave Tubing and Zip Lining; all easy to access from BRL. Birding on the tours and at the Lodge was also an extra attraction for many guests.

Belize River Lodge is BTB “Gold Standard Rated” and we abide by all the COVID protocols to keep you our guests and ourselves healthy.

For returning travelers the USA requires a Rapid Test to be done within 72 hours of their returning flight. BRL has facilitated these tests at the lodge for the convenience of our guests. All test results have been negative for COVID. BRL is open and happily enjoying time with our guests. We look forward to visiting with you soon.

Warm regards,
Mike H.

PS

From: Bob W.
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2021
Subject: greetings from NJ – with fish photos

Hi again … thanks for another great week @ the lodge … the attached photos prove that even when its blowing +25, there are still plenty of options available if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, and stay flexible … already trying to figure out when I can return to Belize … but first, my garden is in desperate need of attention …

Thanks again Mike and Marguerite!
B

PS
and yes, the ray actually ATE the fly … one of the photos shows the fly in its mouth

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“Time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it you can never get it back.”  ~ Harvey Mackay