Founded by legendary fishing guide Lincoln Westby, Blue Horizon Fishing and it’s team of fishing guides are considered to be the utmost authority on fly-fishing the flats of Central and Southern Belize.
Blue Horizon operates inside the protection of the Belize Barrier Reef, the epicenter of the finest flats in the world. We fish daily around a chain of small cayes from north of Dangriga to south of Placencia. Miles of undisturbed flats surround each of our resort options, increasing your chances of success at hitting the grand slam: permit, tarpon and bonefish. Other targets such as barracuda, snook, jack crevalle, bonito and mackerel are abundant.
Contact Front Range Anglers Adventure Travel Manager Rob Kolanda for additional information and to BOOK!
When you BOOK with FRA Adventure Travel you never pay more for our services as we work for YOU and the Lodge!
EXPERT PICK
INFORMATION
Belize Reopening Plan
Belize Reopening Plan
Belize is OPEN & FISHING! Belize Entry Requirement details can be found here.
Prior to arrival, all visitors to Belize must:
1) Proof of Covid-19 Immunization or A negative Covid-19 test – Effective JULY 12, 2022 Belize Tourism Board has lifted ALL C19 Entry Restrictions.
- Effective July 12, 2022, travelers are no longer required to show proof of vaccination for entry into Belize’s airport, land borders or sea ports.
- Unvaccinated travelers are no longer required to show proof of a negative PCR or a negative Antigen Rapid test upon arrival.
- Every child under the age of 18 years will not be required to show proof of vaccination upon entry into Belize through airport, land or sea port.
- Additional Information can be found here.
2) Belize Mandatory Health Insurance – Effective JULY 12, 2022, all foreign tourists entering Belize have the option to purchase Belize Health Insurance. It is no longer required for entry but is highly recommended by the Belize Tourism Board.
This insurance costs $18 USD per traveler and gives you coverage for up to 21 days from arrival. This is additional to any individual travel insurance purchased and specifically covers you if you get COVID-19 while visiting Belize. You can purchase this HERE.
3) Customs and Immigration Form – You are required to complete the Customs and Immigration Form that is provided to you on your flight to Belize.
Returning Home:
As of 12:01AM ET on June 12, 2022, CDC will no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight.
For more information, see Rescission: Requirement for Negative Pre-Departure COVID-19 Test Result or Documentation of Recovery from COVID-19 for all Airline or Other Aircraft Passengers Arriving into the United States from Any Foreign Country.
General Information
PERMIT:
Permit, known as the “Holy Grail” of fly fishing, is by far the most difficult, picky and frustrating fish you’ll encounter on the flats. They have superb eyesight and a well-developed sense of smell. Due to body shape, permit seems to be much more comfortable in deeper water. Although it is fairly common to see a permit with its tail and dorsal fin sticking out of the water, it usually won’t remain that way for long. Permit seem to suddenly appear on a flat for a brief feeding spree and then fade back into the safety of the deeper water. They’re constantly on the move.
Quick, accurate casting skills (and a lot of luck) are essential. Our experienced guides greatly increase your chance of catching this tricky fish.
SUGGESTED GEAR
Rod: 8,9, or 10 wt (Stiff to cast crab patterns in the wind)
Reel: Anodized, corrosion resistant saltwater model. Should be able to hold a full line plus 300 yards of 20 or 30 lb. backing. A high-quality smooth disc drag is essential.
Line: Tropical Floating Line
Leaders: 10 ft. 16lb leaders are standard. Extra spools of 16 and 20 lb. saltwater tippet is nice to have.
Flies: A large selection of crab and shrimp patterns in a variety of sizes, colors, and weights. Tan, olive and various shades of brown seem to be the most effective colors for most Belizean waters. Be sure to have a variety of different sink rates.
TARPON:
Tarpon is the largest, strongest and most acrobatic of the grand slam. Even juvenile fish will put angling skills to the test and strain tackle beyond belief. In Belize, tarpon are typically small- to mid-sized specimens (20-70 pounds), although fish over 100 pounds are seen. A large majority of these fish remain in Belize throughout the year. Migratory fish begin to show up around late March and numbers will increase significantly from April through July.
Belize offers the tarpon angler a very unique selection of diversified conditions, ranging from inland river lagoons to shallow-water flats. Tarpon is attracted to Belize because of their affinity for brackish water.
River and Lagoon Fishing: Fish will be in deep, murky water where sight fishing is difficult. Rolling fish are somewhat common, but blind casting is the general rule.
Flats and Channel Fishing: Fishing will be done from small skiffs in clear, shallow flats (3-5 feet deep) or in the tidal channels which connect the flats.
SUGGESTED GEAR
Rod: 12 or 14 wt
Reel: Anodized, corrosion resistant saltwater model. Should be able to hold a fly line plus 350+ yards of 30 (or 45) lb. backing. A high quality, smooth disc drag is essential.
Line: Tropical floating line. On a spare spool, it is recommended to have a heavy sinking line for deep water Tarpon.
Leaders: Pre-tied leaders with a 16 to 20lb class tippet and 80-100 lb. shock tippet. A Tarpon stretcher is great if you are planning on specifically going for Tarpon.
Flies: A basic selection of Tarpon flies in a variety of colors and materials. Sizes 2/0 and 3/0 will cover most Tarpon situations in Belize.
BONEFISH:
The bonefish is the most abundant of flats species in Southern Belize. Bonefish display a great eagerness to take both flies and lures, but they are best known for their astonishing strength and reel-stressing runs.
Bonefish inhabit the shallow-water flats for food and protection. Bonefish will blend into their environment more than any other fish on the flats. Their eyesight is exceptionally good and the slightest hint of danger will send them bolting off into the deep blue yonder.
Larger bonefish are usually found in small, solitary groups away from the larger schools of smaller fish. Concentrate on the edge of the flats where the bottom drops off into deeper water. Big bonefish are less concerned with predators and feel secure in the deeper water. They will usually drift onto the flat for short feeding sprees and quickly return to the deep water.
From the angler’s perspective (especially the novice), spotting these elusive creatures can be somewhat of a problem. A good pair of polarized sunglasses and a long-billed hat (with a dark underside) will be essential for spotting fish. Look for the flash of an exposed tail, “nervous water,” or the shadow of a cruising fish.
Evolution has designed bonefish to be exceedingly wary, making the delicate presentation a key factor in the success of the angler.
SUGGESTED GEAR
Rods: 8 or 10wt (Stiff enough to cast in windy conditions)
Reel: Anodized, corrosion resistant saltwater mode. Should be able to hold a full line plus 250 yards of 20 lb. backing. A high-quality smooth disc drag is important.
Line: Tropical Bonefish taper line (WF8 or WF10)
Leaders: 9’, 20 lb. tapered leader. A spool of 10 and 20 lb. saltwater tippet is nice to have.
Flies: Have a good selection of Bonefish flies in a wide variety of sizes, colors and sink rates. The standard sizes for Bonefish fly in Belize are #4, #6, and #8 with a general rule being the shallower water, the smaller and lighter the fly.
SNOOK:
Known for both their explosive topwater strike and their acrobatic, gill rattling fight, snook is generally found along the inland lagoons and mangrove-lined tidal channels which connect Belize’s shallow-water flats. During times of strong climatic change, the snook will move out of the mangroves and gather at the mouths of the channel cuts. It is at this time when the snook fishing can become “fast and furious.”
Snook are most often found in small schools, so remember to thoroughly concentrate on an area where a strike or hookup occurs. Snook tend to feed most aggressively during periods of low light; therefore, the best fishing time will be during dawn and dusk. If you choose to fish during periods of bright light, deep running lures or flies should be used. Topwater lures and flies should generally be used during low light periods.
Snook often tend to stay close to structure such as mangroves or logs, so an accurate presentation is very important.
SUGGESTED GEAR
Rod: 8 or 10 wt (same rod you would use for Bonefish)
Reel: Anodized, corrosion resistant saltwater mode. Should be able to hold a full line plus 250 yards of 20 lb. backing. A high-quality smooth disc drag is important.
Line: Tropical floating line (Same as Bonefish setup)
Leaders: A pre-tied leader similar for those used for Tarpon is the ideal set up for Snook. Use a 16 or 20 lb. class tippet with a 40 or 60 lb. shock tippet on the Snook leaders.
Flies: Selection of bright flies in red, orange, yellow, chartreuse, and white, plus saltwater poppers. Many standard Tarpon patterns will work for Snook.
OTHER GAME FISH:
There is a cornucopia of under-utilized species at Belize which will match the skill of the most sophisticated Fly Fisherman.
Barracuda, Jacks, and Sharks: Lurking at the top of the food chain, these tough flats predators offer some outstanding action on a fly. They will viciously strike anything that darts away from them in an injured manner. When hooked, they are some of the fastest and most powerful fish to be taken on a fly rod.
THATCH CAYE ISLAND RESORT
Thatch Caye Resorts sits on its own 9-acre private island off the coast of Belize. Accommodations limit the number of guests to 24 at a time, making it a truly unique experience. With overwater bungalows, villas, and island cabanas, there’s the perfect island home for everyone. The resort offers a SCUBA and fly fishing shop on site, a natural saltwater pool and overwater Starfish Bar. All vacation packages are all-inclusive.
Non-Angling Activities and Options
Belize is so much more than beautiful beaches. Belize boasts the second largest barrier reef in the world, ancient Mayan ruins, jungles and wildlife reserves. There’s no shortage of adventure options, but we have a few recommendations!
SCUBA Diving
The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System lies off the eastern coast of Belize and is the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second longest in the world. Belize Underwater hosts incredible scuba diving and snorkeling in the best dive sites in the country. Visit the Blue Hole, South Water Caye, Glover’s Atoll, or Turneffe Island. Not certified? We also offer Discover SCUBA where you spend a few hours learning to dive, then you go on a real SCUBA dive, all in one day!
Snorkeling
Experience the Belize Barrier Reef from above! Belize Underwater will take snorkelers out to any of our dive sites, but we also offer a shorter snorkeling-only option. Snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef is a must-do during your visit!
Mayan Ruins
Explore the history of the Maya and their traditions and be guided by an indigenous Maya from the region. Enjoy the orange farms, banana farms and a good view of our Maya Mountains, during the three hour drive through the Hummingbird Highway, one way. Then cross the Mopan River on a ferry. The reward for climbing to the top of El Castillo is a spectacular view of the Cayo District and Petén Guatemala. The tour guide will stop for lunch at a local restaurant. On the way back, enjoy the fresh dip at the inland Blue Hole.
Inland tours: Zip Lining & Waterfall Rappel, Cockscomb Basin & Jungle River Tubing, Horseback Riding, Half Day Chocolate Factory Tour
ARRIVING AT THE BELIZE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Belize International Airport is a small airport that provides excellent signage to help travelers get through customs and transfer to your in-country flight to Dangriga or Placencia. At the point of entry, a passport and proof of return or onward ticket are required. When booking your international flight, we recommend arriving in Belize City no later than 3:45 pm, as the last flight to Dangriga and/or Placencia, departs at 5:00 pm.
TRANSFERRING TO THE Dangriga or Placencia AIRSTRIPs, YOUR FINAL DESTINATION
We work exclusively with Tropic Air and are happy to arrange your connecting flight. Tropic Air has a small fleet of new, safe and comfortable 14 seat Cessna Caravans. You will take a breathtaking flight down the coast of Belize.
As you land, one of our guides will be waiting to pick you up and take your by ground to the resort or to the marina to transfer to our island resorts.
Travel Documents Needed
DO NOT FORGET YOUR PASSPORT. A valid passport is required to enter Belize. We recommend that you carry a change of clothing and your necessary personal items such as medications in your carry-on bag. Although we have not had a substantial problem with lost luggage, this can help prevent some major headaches. Keep the bottom portion of your Immigration Form, which you will fill out on your arriving flight. It will be used when you depart Belize.
All U.S. citizens are required to have a valid passport that does not expire within six (6) months of trips dates. Please be sure that your passport has at least two blank, unstamped pages remaining in the back, and that it is not torn, de-laminated, or damaged in any way.
Travel Arrangements & Insurance
Front Range Anglers will assist with airline tickets, hotels, transfers, and all travel logistics for trips. Contact us at 877.935.2975 or 303.494.1375 or [email protected] for more details on airfare ticketing, travel services, and trip insurance. FRA highly recommends Trip Insurance
Cancellation/Refund Policy
At the time of booking 50% of the trip is due and payable. At 90 days the remainder plus all VAT and taxes are due. Cancellation greater than 90 days from the date of trip, all monies refunded less $100 fee if a replacement angler is found. Cancellation within 90 Days, no refunds are provided unless a qualified replacement angler is provided. No refunds are provided for trip cancellation due to Weather, Acts of God, Airline/Travel issues.
Trip Insurance is strongly advised & recommended!
Details about fly fishing at Thatch Caye
Black Friday Deal
30% off nightly rates for stays 11/16/21 through 12/18/2022 with a 14 day cancellation policy.
Island Property Package Include:
– Accommodations in an Oceanfront Cabana or Premier Ocean Cabana
– Full days of fly fishing
– 3 meals a day plus an afternoon snack
– Local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
– Boat transfer to and from the island
– Use of island toys (kayak, paddle boards, snorkel gear, and catamaran) – WiFi
– Marine fee and taxes
Does not include:
– International flight
– In-country flight transfers
– Upgrades for different types of accommodations
– Extra tours
– Gratuity
– Fishing License
Travel Insurance
Front Range Anglers recommends all anglers to have Medical Evacuation Insurance- we recommend Global Rescue, and we HIGHLY recommend Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance. FOR ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT: Jessica Minard at 617.210.8106 (direct) or email [email protected].
Muy’Ono COVID-19 Reservations Policies:
SPECIAL COVID 19 POLICY – “Cancelations due to the COVID19 virus, i.e. airport closures, travel prohibitions, mandatory quarantines during travel dates, and qualifying health concerns, will be able to cancel 14 days prior to the start of reservation. 100% of the payment value, will be transferred to a rescheduled date within one calendar year. 95% of the payment value will be available as a refund. This special Covid 19 policy is valid for all NEW reservations booked through November 30, 2020.” This policy will be extended if needed. Let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or would like to get a trip on the books.
Travel Insurance
Front Range Anglers recommends all anglers to have Medical Evacuation Insurance- we recommend Global Rescue, and we HIGHLY recommend Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance. FOR ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT: KIM D’[email protected] – 617.459.4200
CLICK HERE TO VIEW FRA GENERAL TERMS & CANCELLATION POLICY
Trip Insurance is strongly advised & recommended!
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