“There were moments where we just looked at each other and laughed like little kids”  ~ Jim S

BRL Fish Tales – Spring 2021
May 13, 2021

Belize is doing a very good job with the COVID safety protocols and visitors have had no problems getting to Belize and returning home. Since January 2021 we have had a very good number of anglers fishing at Belize River Lodge. Many are returning guests and some are here for the first time.

Because of COVID there have been fewer anglers than usual so our popular game fish have been getting a little break. The migratory Big Tarpon of 80 -175 pounds arrived as usual in February but many days of strong winds at 15 – 30 mph have somewhat limited availability to pursue them, but in spite of the strong winds several have been jumped and landed.

In late March
The winds were difficult and one guest, Mike N who comes every year said the winds have been disappointing but he knows it is not normal for this time and so he is looking forward to coming back again next year to catch the Tarpon that got away. However, Mike N mentioned that this was his best luck with the smaller size Tarpon, he said: “Best time ever for baby Tarpon, broke off tons of them”. Also an avid photographer, Mike N also got good photos of Roseate Spoonbills at Bird Caye.

In mid April into early May:
Jim S mentioned to me a “funny story” ~ “John was demonstrating a casting technique when this 100 lb. tarpon grabbed the fly. He wrestled it for about an hour and it took all 3 of us to subdue it and get video and pics. The whole time he was showing us tips, like a mini clinic.”

Nick landed an 80 pound Tarpon with a 10 weight, which took about an hour, and they saw several more rolling in the area. Cole landed a 60 pounder and jumped another one about 100 pounds, same area. Which brings up the averages on Tarpon, for every 7 to 9 jumped, one is landed ~ that is a lot of action for one boated Tarpon. Mike D on his first day landed a 70 pound Tarpon and John S landed a 90 pound Tarpon. Craig landed an 85 pound Tarpon one day, while the following day, a 100 pound Tarpon ran Craig’s line to the backing then got off; he hooked and lost several nice Snook. They had a “great day” with Bonefish, Snook, small and big Tarpon. Chris hooked a Tarpon over a 100 pounds, and had it on for one hour and fifteen minutes and his report, a “Very memorable, fantastic experience”! There are many more during the time frame of fish on, jumped, landed or lost, all every memorable experiences for our anglers.

Several anglers fishing Belize River Lodge for the first time have been very excited about the fishing and were happy to have landed their very first Tarpon, Bonefish or Permit; Size did not matter! Tarpon caught ranged from 3 – 5 pounds, 25 – 50 pounds and also the big ones. Bonefish in this area are generally small ranging from 1 to 6 pounds. Permit caught or hooked ranged 1 – 25 pounds. Snook landed were from 3 – 20 pounds, with 8 – 10 pounds the most common. One angler landed seven in one day and one was kept for dinner one of the nights. Snook is always a treat on special occasions.

Below are a few experiences:
Jim and Eric had a “most exciting experience” and both anglers landed their first ever Bone, Tarpon and Snook.

Dr N, a long-time friend of Marguerite and mine, brought his grandson Charles to fish Belize for the first time. Charles landed two small Tarpon on his first day, jumped six more, caught two Snook and hooked a few more. On the last morning before going to the airport they went upriver where Charles got six jumps from a big Tarpon. “Thrilling and exciting experience” he said.

A few years ago, Jamie spent his 65th birthday at BRL and wanted a Permit (his fishing buddy landed one during that trip), and while none took his line at 65, a few years later, Jamie landed his 5 pound Permit and a few Bones while his buddy, Greg cast to several Big Tarpon with no hookups on one day, however, during the trip, Greg jumped an 80 pound Tarpon and Jamie caught Bones, cast to many Permit, got an 80 pound Tarpon right up next to the boat but it fell on the line and broke off. Saw a bunch of Snook but missed them all.

John and David visited BRL for fishing mainly but wanted to see a little more of Belize. John landed his very first Tarpon ever and then two days later landed a Grand Slam of a 10 Pound Tarpon, a 2 Pound Bone and a 5 pound Permit, on a very breezy day. On their day off from fishing, David and John did the Best Of The West tour and had a “great experience” with the guide and they liked the “Mayan Stair Master” at the Xunantunich.

Rick M party of 4 fished at Long Caye Outpost for 4 days then 2 days from the lodge.
Together they caught about 30 Bonefish, 9 Tarpon, 10 Snook, many Snappers, Cudas, and a Triggerfish. Despite some very breezy days while at Long Caye the guides took them to many wind protected areas to fly fish.

Belize River Lodge follows the IGFA grand slam policy and a BRL Grand Slam is any three of the four (Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit or Snook) landed by the same angler on the same day. When you come to Belize make it your goal to try and get your grand slam. Remember fishing in Belize is like hunting which makes it challenging……man and fish.

Belize River Lodge’s Long Caye Outpost has been quite busy this year with many anglers looking for an uncrowded and safe environment; the Outpost fills this order. Despite the many recent very breezy days anglers at the Outpost have caught many Bonefish, Tarpon and Snook and a few Permit on the protected leeward side of the many mangrove cayes in the area. Six new anglers, who arrived today, are now enjoying the privacy of the Outpost.

I hope that you enjoy our first big fish tales in a year.
Warm regards,
Mike

PS
I try to get as many stories and experiences written down as possible when chatting with guests each day, and for each of the above listed experience, there are many, many more that we just couldn’t include, without you reading into next week.

I would like to finish this report with Jim S’s Testimonial:

“Belize River Lodge will exceed your expectations. It’s like a little slice of fishing heaven. It’s so easy to get to, and we were treated like kings from the moment they picked us up at the airport. Imagine being at a five-star tropical resort where your every need is met with a smile,. and every detail is tended to. Then add a star or two. That’s what BRL is like. Oh – and make sure you bring your appetite. The meals in the mahogany dining room are delicious and generous. Wait until you try the key lime pie. And the fishing is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before… just amazing. Our guide John put us on so many fish I lost count. My brother-in-law and I will never forget it – the spectacular tarpon jumps, holding a 100-pounder in waist-deep water, the startling bonefish runs, the battles with jacks and snook. There were moments where we just looked at each other and laughed like little kids. What a treat. I can’t wait to go back and do it all again.”

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Included in this report:

BRL & Belize Travel Update – May 2021

2021 “2 for 1” Specials

Marguerite’s Kitchen

Long Caye Outpost, our little piece of paradise

E-Mail BRL

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“Fishing is a… discipline in the equality of men – for all men are equal before fish.”  ~ Herbert Hoover