Four Lessons I Learned After a Week on the Belizean Flats

As I boarded the plane to Phillip S.W. Goldson International, my stomach filled with butterflies and my imagination ran rampant with migratory tarpon galore and white sand flats covered in permit. As we walked down the aisle, I clutched my rod case hoping I hadn’t forgotten to pack my bonefish leaders.

This was no last minute trip that had whimsically been thrown together. My father and I began planning this trip, for my college graduation present, nearly a year beforehand. When I traveled to coastal Belize in highschool, I had fantasized about fishing down there but didn’t get the chance to. From then on, I vowed to return to test my angling skills. I had high, but realistic hopes for the week…

Being a lifelong angler, I knew there were so many factors that go into play to make a trip epic. In the past I’ve had expectations that far exceeded reality on fishing trips which lead to disappointment, regardless of how good the fishing was. Now, having worked in the fishing industry and guided some, I have grown in this regard. Those experiences taught me a lot about managing client expectations and the “real world” of fishing. Going into my adventure to San Pedro, two things helped set my personal narrative to ensure a trip of a lifetime: First, any experience flats fishing is not only a good experience but also will make me a better angler. Second, I am not guaranteed to catch fish, but I’m guaranteed to learn. In hopes to provide some light on the subject, here are some things I learned after spending five days on the front of a panga.

Don't expect to fish every single hour of every day that you’re supposed to  

There are countless variables that prevent you from fishing from sunup to sun down. First and foremost is the weather. We were fortunate enough to have pretty good weather, but not everyday provided us with perfect conditions. Our first day there were a good amount of clouds which meant agonizing minutes would pass before you could spot a school of Bonefish in the turtle grass. Our second to last day we encountered scattered storms and dodged them as well as possible until we decided it was best to head in early. Fortunately, our guide was kind enough to give us an extra hour to make up for this the very next day. The clouds and scattered storms were not the only form of weather we had to deal with, though. We were put up against the Achilles heel of fly casters; wind. On our very last day it blew a gale. We were able to wade for most of the day but there were times on the front of the skiff where you couldn’t cast even if you had wanted to.

Additionally, just because you are in a remote and foreign area does not mean there are not long boat rides. We fished areas as far as an hour and fifteen minute ride and as close as a thirty minute ride. Also, you will move around. If you have a good guide and are not seeing fish, they will change spots. You have to be willing to go where the fish are, even if it means less time on the bow of the boat. Lastly, stuff happens. On the day we flew out, a father and son party were not able to fish because their guide got food poisoning, as well as the emergency guides. While extremely unfortunate, it does happen. Be flexible and go with the flow.

Have realistic expectations about yourself

There is a reason that everyone doesn’t fly fish; because it is extremely hard, especially saltwater fly fishing. Men like Ted Williams and Lefty Kreh got good at this challenging sport because they dedicated their lives to it and were able to do it all the time. Most people aren’t able to fly fish daily, some even monthly. I get to fish very frequently and still struggle. This was my first week-long flats trip so I knew I was green and I still am. Practice as much as possible leading up to your trip but don’t beat yourself up too badly when you screw up a shot on a permit. You are there to enjoy yourself, not degrade yourself. Also, do not bank on being able to stand on the bow all day with rod in hand. The heat and sun are no joke. I had to catch myself from not taking breaks. Don’t be afraid to take five and enjoy a cold Belikin and some ceviche. Fishing is supposed to be relaxing!

Apprentice guides are extremely helpful

We were fortunate enough to have two phenomenal guides; Captain Aroldo and his stepdaughter, Alex. Alex was an apprentice guide who had been shadowing her stepfather for two years now. This was the first time I had ever flats fished with a guide and apprentice. My father was skeptical at first that the extra person in a small panga would be a hindrance. This assumption could not have been more wrong. Alex was invaluable on the bow when it came to line management. She untangled any braid or wind knot that came about. She moved so gracefully around the boat that we never felt like the boat was ever crowded. Alex had great eyes and spotted many fish that we would have never seen without her. Overall, having an apprentice guide on board was wonderful. Alex was a humongous help and a spectacular human to spend time with on the water.

The moon phases are not everything

I had been given the advice to try and align our trip with the new moon. To some, this is general knowledge but I methodically arranged our trip to have the new moon right in the middle of our fishing days. It seemed as though other anglers at the lodge had done the same thing because it is typically when fishing is the best. However, the fish were spooky that week. Our guide noticed the bonefish being extra weary. Returning clients noted that the fishing was not as good as the last time they had visited. Was it because of a drop in pressure caused by an offshore tropical depression forming? Or were other factors at play? Who knows… fish are weird. Just because the moon phases are “right” does not always equate to fantastic fishing. And the same can be said about the “wrong” moon phases relating to poor fishing.

Go back

This is the lesson that is much easier said than done. It is so simple to exclaim after such a wonderful fishing vacation that “I will be back at the same time next year and every year from here on out!” Whether you are able to make the statement become a reality is a whole different story. Time away from work, family obligations, unexpected circumstances, lodge availability, and money are all major factors. However, being able to return to a location, whether it is once or a yearly endeavor is so advantageous. Your first trip to a fishing destination will teach you a great deal, no matter how much you prepared for the trip. If you return, you will know exactly what to expect of the fishery. If you chose to fish with the same guide, you will have already built that rapport. If you did not mesh well with a guide, you will know to request a different guide. You will have gained the knowledge of what gear to bring and what gear was not necessary on the last trip. Things as trivial as knowing what lunch item to order will be helpful. Who knows, you may even overlap with anglers you enjoyed sharing cocktails with the last time. Going back to the same place will set you up for success, as long as you had a positive experience the first go round. My trip to Ambergris Caye was phenomenal and I know when I return, it will be even better…