Image via WikipediaFishing on the Fly - Around the Lighthouse Reef Atoll!Belize is naturally bestowed with a marine ecosystem that is conducive to the propagation and diversification of an astounding variety of marine flora and fauna. The Belize Barrier Reef acts as a natural shelter and source of food for a wide variety of fish - which in turn attract large exotic fish as well as large predatory fish, thus completing the eco-cycle. The ecological blend of freshwater rivers, sub-tropical climate, sandy beaches, inter-coastal waterways, sea grass beds, salty marshes and estuaries and not to forget the mangrove forest makes Belize one of hottest fishing destinations of the world.
Fly Fishing on the go...
Its often said that Fly Fishing follows saltwater streams - and this makes Belize, with its array of saltwater flats a haven for fly fishing. So, if you are hooked on tarpon, bonefish or a permit - then Belize is buzzing with Fly fishing spots for you. A tarpon in Belize's saltwater flats can weigh up to 90 lbs - so they are by no means in fly weight category. But, hold your breath, since these tarpons can reach to an amazing 200 lbs - lovingly called "Saltwater torpedoes". And if you haven't caught permit yet, then the first thing that you need to learn is 'to have tons of patience". Permits have a very discerning sense of smell aided by brilliant eyesight - making it a very prized game fish in the Belize waters.
Deep Sea Fishing...Beyond Lighthouse Reef Atoll!
At some point in time, every angler worth their salt tries to move outwards for a deep sea catch. Deep sea fishing not only needs a lot of patience and agility but also brute strength. Most of the deep sea fish will test your muscle power and will look you in the eye before deciding to come on board.
While in Belize, you can hope for quite an interesting mix of species - Dolphin, also known as Dorado or Mahi Mahi; Wahoo, Tuna, Sailfish and Marlin. Dolphin is one of the best looking species in sea and their jumping antics are well known to seasoned fishers. They can weigh up to 50 lbs and the gaming season for Dolphins is between June and July.
Many visitors ask the question - "Why are fishing boats so brightly colored?" Those who live off the sea would swear that most sea fish are attracted to bright colors. So whether you are fishing for a Sailfish in spring, Wahoo in winter or King Mackerel during summer, a dazzling boat color is likely to increase your bounty.
Fishing on the Reef & Outer Wall
Where can you find Barracudas, Jacks, Groupers and Snappers just off the reef? Maybe, in a couple of places in Australia and Mauritius and that's it. But, the Barrier Reef of Belize is one well kept secret worth discovering - You only need a line, hooks and live bait and wait for the schools of fish coming to gorge themselves on crabs and sardines that pack the reef.
While the In-reef fishing might fetch you a 'mutton snapper' and 12 other species of smaller snapper weighing up to 5 lbs, the real action is on the outer reef. Here, the prize catch will be a King Mackerel and true to its name it will test your fishing skills - It won't go down without a good fight.
Fishing - In the right places...
Belize is a fishing paradise and areas around Lighthouse Reef Atoll and the Barrier reef are the treasure trove for all type of fishing, but a seasoned Belizean fisher will guide you to a few of his favorite joints..
Coral Atolls
If you are addicted to saltwater fly-fishing, the flats around the Coral Atolls such as the Lighthouse Reef Atoll are your best option - Bonefish and Tarpons will be an easy catch.
Belize City
Nothing tops the river fishing in an around Belize city - with Belize and Sibun rivers offering a bounty of game fish like Snook and Cubera. Punta Gorda is another great venue for river fishing.
Dangriga
The saltwater flats are also called "Permit Alley" - the best place in Belize to pocket a Permit.
A fishing conclusion!
From big game fishing to spin fishing, fly fishing to trolling - Belize is abuzz with fish action all year round. Are you game for deep sea fishing or even flat water fishing - Belize is the planet's best known fishing secret. Deep sea fishing around Lighthouse Reef Atoll offers exclusive species like Sailfish, Bonito, Pompano and Marlin.
No wonder that the demand for real estate around Belize has skyrocketed - because of what's happening in the waters around Belize.
Dustin Hart is not a quintessential writer - rather he is a back-packer who lives off his ultra-light folding bike. He lives (or tries to live) in the state of Washington - with his dog Toobs. He recently caught up with Larry Schneider of Eco Holdings Limited, an avid angler himself, in relation to the eco-friendly tourism & real estate in Belize.
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