At El Pescador, our team of expert fishing guides combines years of experience with a passion for fishing, ensuring each angler—whether seasoned or new—enjoys an unforgettable adventure. With their deep understanding of the local waters and dedication to personalized service, our guides are here to help you achieve your fishing dreams, from landing your first catch to earning the coveted Grand Slam.
Mariano Portillo
Director of Fishing
Mariano Portillo, a native of Valley of Peace, Belize, has called El Pescador home for the past fifteen years. Before becoming Director of Fishing, Mariano ran the bar and fished the lagoon systems on the backside of Ambergris Caye. He brings a deep passion for fly fishing and a genuine love of connecting with people to his role.
Founded as one of the first fishing lodges in Belize, El Pescador has three generations of guide staff working full time who know every detail of the flats surrounding Ambergris Caye and beyond. You won’t find a more experienced group of full-time professional Belize guides and staff anywhere. All El Pescador guides are native San Pedranos born and raised on the island, and all speak English. We pride ourselves on having some of the most experienced guides in Belize, with many of them employed with us for over 30 years.
Now, our second and third generation of El Pescador guides is in full swing! Most of them have been trained by their fathers and uncles with whom they typically spend a decade learning the craft before becoming a Captain of their own flats boat. Our guides’ encyclopedic knowledge of this fishery comes from a lifetime dedicated to learning where the fish are and how they behave. El Pescador guides are talented casters and will be happy to provide instruction during your fishing day.
All El Pescador guides have obtained a Belize Port Authority Boat Master’s license, are licensed Belize Tourism Board Tour Guides, and are First Aid certified. Every guide’s boat has a personal flotation device (PFD), a fire extinguisher, and a cell phone for emergencies. Our guides receive continuing education annually on various topics of interest ranging from angler service to local flora and fauna, to poling, casting instruction, and even photography.
Communication is key to a successful fishing trip. Share your preferences with your guide—whether it’s focusing on bonefish, chasing permit or tarpon, or exploring different species. If you’d like advice or want to change plans during the day, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re dedicated to creating the best fishing experience for our guests.
Interested in fly casting? We offer complimentary fly-casting lessons available daily from 3-5 pm on the casting platform of the dock. Our guides are excellent teachers and are dedicated to finding fish for you. For skills that take more time to develop, such as mastering a double haul or eliminating a tailing loop, the dock is a great place to practice. If you’d like assistance with knot tying or fly tying, feel free to ask—we’re always happy to help!
