“There are as many reason why and ways to fish as there are people who do it.”
~ Russell Chatham

December 12, 2019

A TIME TO GIVE THANKS
Thanksgiving is an American tradition but many Belizeans are making it their tradition also. In Belize, there is a celebration of Harvest but the dates are different but is similar as in both cases it is a time of thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving came and went very quickly but at Belize River Lodge; we had a wonderful Thanksgiving meal with family and guest. It began very small but grew as more family members arrived, each one bringing their favourite dish to share in the meal. Our menu ended up looking something like this:

BRL’s
– Baked Stuffed Snapper
– Shrimp Stuffing
– Potato Puff
– Braised Vegetables & Celery
– Five Layer Salad

Along with:
– Baked Stuffed Turkey
– Turkey Stuffing
– Green Beans
– Potato Salad

As always, the meal was bountiful, and we also enjoyed: cranberry sauce, rolls and of course, dessert consisting of pumpkin pie, pecan pie and a pumpkin spice cake.

There were a lot of delicious things to eat and all helped to put a dent in the food so there was no waste! Everyone gave thanks for all their blessings and for family and friends and with a lot of smiles agreed it was the best ever “fins and feathers” Thanksgiving meal.

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BRL FISH TALES ~ December 17, 2019

Very beautiful weather prevailed through all of November and the first half of December. There has been very little rain, winds were usually 5-15 mph from the West, North and Northeast with lots of sunny days, few clouds and temperature in the 70s and 80s, (while it’s winter in North America).

The resident Big Tarpon were regularly found in many areas easily accessible from BRL. Many were seen and cast to, quite a few jumped and hooked and played for several minutes. Most of the Tarpon landed were under 30 pounds and a few over 100 pounds. Some anglers experienced their first Tarpon action with many in the 50-75 pound range. Our resident Tarpon fishery remains in great health!

Snook fishing was also very productive and Snook caught ranged from little 4 pounders to 17 and 18 pounds with one weighing out at 24 pounds. Most Snook were their usual elusive selves using shoreline mangroves for cover but some were downright aggressive and attacked flies placed just outside the mangroves.

Many schools of Permit of all sizes were seen and cast to but only a few were hooked and landed. Sizes ranged from 4 to 25 pounds. They are still the most challenging Flats game fish; sometimes it seems like Permit are just teasing our anglers.

More Bonefish were caught than all other Flats species with some anglers landing 10-15 Bones in a day. Returning anglers are saying that Bonefish seem to be somewhat bigger than they remember in the past.

Anglers also caught many different kinds of Snappers including Cubera up to 20 pounds, many Cudas with one up to 48 inches (on light tackle), Look Downs, Triple Tails and many Jack Crevalle, one weighing at 33 pounds. A couple Jacks were kept for ceviche.

One group here for a week included one first timer to BRL who caught Tarpon and Bones on this first trip. The others had been here 10-15 times before and fished and landed a mix of species. These guest were most complimentary of our fishing, food and services and as Scott posted on FB, he was back at his happy place.

As winter weather prevails over most of the USA and Canada many anglers are finding Belize and BRL a very pleasant and productive winter fishing experience. Check out Air Canada from Toronto and Vancouver and WestJet from Calgary; United, Delta, American and Southwest from the USA. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Belize River Lodge.
Warm regards,
Mike Heusner

BRL Guide photos for this November/December time frame.

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2020 Package Rates

As a reminder, all rates are remaining the same in 2020 as in 2019. Yippee!! There is still some good migratory Tarpon, Permit weeks available in 2020.

For Belize River Lodge rates, please click here.

For Long Caye Outpost rates, it’s here please.

If there is anything that you do not see, please do not hesitate to email us. We look forward to visiting with you in 2020.

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“I still don’t know why I fish or why other men fish, except that we like it and it makes us think and feel.”
~ Roderick L Haige-Brown