July 8, 2012 - July 14, 2012 Fishing Report

WHAT GUESTS WERE CATCHING:

BONES: Ralph blurted out one night to his friends that he was going fly fishing in Belize – who wanted to go? And before they knew it, they were here. Most of the guys were new to fly fishing, but they all landed bonefish on fly. At first, these guys that do a lot of spin fishing for big fish were disappointed because they were expecting HUGE bonefish. They were here to have a fun fishing experience, so I talked about the lure of bonefish on fly. We have world-class bonefishing here – no they aren’t huge, they average about 2 – 4 lbs with some 6 pounders landed every week. But this is it, this is the real deal. Stalking bonefish on 400 sq miles of flats is a mindset. Paying attention to different things out on the water. Learning from the local guides who have lived here all of their lives. The flats of Ambergris Caye sustain some of the healthiest bonefishing habitat in the world. And we are thankful. So is Wendy who also landed her first bonefish on fly. Chris and Matt loved the wade fishing for bones with Captain Emir. Fred and his son Michael really got into the bone fishing on fly. They had mixed feelings about these fish under 5 lbs as well, but then when it was all said and done – they fished right up until their plane departure for that last bit of bonefishing that really describes Ambergris Caye, Belize.

PERMIT: Congratulations to Ed who landed his first permit on fly with Captain Emir, which then lead to his first Grand Slam! That plaque is looking good on our Grand Slam board! David and John have been hitting hard with Captain Kechu. Up everyday, leaving the dock at 5 am and returning around 3. Long days and determination describes this boat. They have had a ton of shots but just can’t get them to commit. Hopefully today! Fred landed a permit on spin with Captain Erlindo – way to go!

TARPON: Tarpon fever continues. Steve landed his first tarpon on fly with Captain Emir – Nice job! Andew had 5 eats on fly and landed one with Captain Tomas. He continued to put a few more in the air, and had shots everyday he fished. Chris was fishing with his dad Mike, and came back with a smile that wouldn’t quit. Tarpon will do that to a person. Chris landed a nice 50-pound tarpon on spin. Yea Long Caye – seeing fish but not as consistently as we would like. We have had a ton of rain and that is one thought going around which might be keeping them from coming in. Adam told me today that Bob used to say that “August and September” are really when they are here. It’s my third summer and that is looking like the story. So, if you want big tarpon, that’s the time to be here.

SNOOK: Snook were not targeted.

FLIES THAT WORKED

For Bones: some with weed guards…but Gotchas, Christmas Island Special, Small crabs, in size 8 and 6.
Permit: Our “rice and beans” = Christmas Island Specials, size 4 and 6. Also, tan crab patterns in 6. And finally, a new fly working well! Rubber legged Gotcha’s size 4 and 6.
Tarpon: Brown cockroach pattern with some EP fibers to spice things up. Size 3/0. Black death, and then tan toads, white, white and chartreuse bunny’s – size 1/0 – 3/0. The guides prefer flies on circle hooks for better landing success. Most fish were landed on J hooks this week.

GUIDE OF THE WEEK

Captain Tomas for telling Myles how to make his tarpon wishes come true! “Don’t lift this time and strip hard!”

REPORT SUMMARY:

I’d like to thank Ed Blank for doing such a great job while I was on vacation. We are so lucky to work with you Ed, thanks! We have had a lot of rain this month, and the determination in our anglers has been outstanding. If you come prepared, with a good rain suit, you can really be pretty comfortable. Our summer showers are usually short lived, so when the storm is over – back to shorts, and lose the rain gear. But days are made by perseverance. Ed and Steve were a prime example. They stuck with it, and they left with some pretty big “firsts!” We have some young anglers here this week. Ethan is 11 and completely obsessed with fishing. I don’t even think he notices the weather. Summertime in northern Belize – expect some rain, and expect some big fun fishing too! Oh yeah, and MVP this week goes to both Chris and Matt!

If you have any questions or would like more information, please email us at [email protected]. Happy fishing!