FISHING REPORT ~ DECEMBER 24, 2017

Fishing at BRL in the past couple of months again proved that our great variety of game fish are available and catchable all year round, even in this the so called “slow season”. There were a few rainy days but mostly the weather was quite pleasant and conducive to good fishing conditions on the Flats, Channels and Rivers.

TARPON of all sizes ranging from “Baby Tarpon” from 3 to 24 pounds, Small Tarpon from 25 to 74 pounds and to Big Tarpon from 75 to 175 pounds were all caught during this time. Many were brought to the boat and photographed, some were jumped and fought for a few minutes, others were on just briefly. First timers and repeating anglers to BRL were thrilled by the acrobatics of this popular game fish. Productive flies for Big Tarpon were the Tarpon Snake in black and also red and white, Black Death, and Black Flash Clouser Jigs; and for Small and Baby Tarpon the Deep water Clousers and the Half and Half in chartreuse and red and white. Many of the popular old lures produced good results for the spin anglers.

SNOOK were again caught in very good numbers during this time. They often lived up to their “elusive” reputation; sometimes ignoring a well presented fly or lure, sometimes following and not taking anything and often times getting hooked and running for the mangrove roots to escape. Several over 15 pounds were boated and released and one or two kept for the table. Most catches averaged 6-8 pounds and many smaller ones are still out there to grow bigger. There were two double hook-ups on Snook. Anglers reported Snook fishing was often “fast and furious”. Productive Snook flies were Half and Half in chartreuse and red and white. Productive jigs were the green and fleck rubber tails with 1/2 oz and 3/4 oz. lead heads.

BONEFISH were often found in very good numbers, sometimes just a few on some Flats; at times very dependent on sun and sea conditions. Several anglers caught 16 to 20 Bones in a day, others caught just one or two then proceeded to pursue the Grand Slam. The usually popular flies that were effective during this period were the Gotchas, Spawning Shrimp, Charlies and 1/8 oz Jigs for spinning.

PERMIT remained the top goal for some anglers and many recent BRL guests were thrilled to catch their very first Permit or their second or third ones. Probably rated the ultimate catch for Flats fly fishers the Permit is the most difficult one to actually land; many are cast to, some are hooked but few are landed. Recently Nick C. landed two Permit, both on Gotchas while fishing with two different guides; one was included in his Grand Slam.

OTHER species caught recently were, Snappers, Barracudas, Look Downs, and many Jacks.

TOURS were made by several BRL anglers and included the ancient Maya Sites of Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Altun Ha, Belize Zoo and a nature tour at Crooked Tree Wildlife sanctuary looking for the Jabiru. Five Emerald Toucans and many other birds, crocodiles, turtles, howler monkeys and other wild life were seen and photographed on these tours.

><(*> Catch and Release – Tarpon, Bonefish & Permit <*)><

Belize River Lodge
PO Box 459
Belize City, Belize
Central America
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Phone Direct: (501) 225-2002
Fax Direct: (501) 225-2298
Toll Free: (888) 275-4843
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