Belize for Christmas

[Dylan Buek]

Heading down to Belize over the Christmas break period through the new year, staying in ambergris Caye, first two days i have guided trips set up but would like to go on my own the rest of the trip, and recommendations on how to do so, whether it be paddle board or wading? Also, I’m bringing everything through tsa including my fly tying box, will I encounter any problems?

[John B]

Hey Dylan,

I just was down there last winter for New Years, you’re in for a phenomenal trip. I also brought all my gear and had no problems with TSA. I would however recommend bringing a lockable suitcase, a couple other folks in my group had a problem with one of the local airlines rummaging through their bags and taking some stuff.

Here are my recommendations as far as fishing goes:

That time of year tends to have a pretty strong East wind, so all of the flats on the ocean side of the Caye probably won’t be fishable. I strongly recommend renting a quality golf cart in San Pedro with big tires and good suspension, it’ll be able to get you where you need to go.

I found some good flats by heading north from San Pedro and west to Secret Beach. It’s the only major road that heads west off the main road, you can’t miss it. It’s about 5 miles from SP and my recollection is it’s about a 45 minute golf cart ride. The roads are pretty bumpy so it can be slow going at times.

At secret beach, head south and work the flats. Even with a strong wind they’ll stay fairly fishable, because they’re protected by Ambergris Caye. I’d recommend starting at Blue Bayou and heading as far south as you can. If you can spend the whole day, I’d head south all the way to the third major cove where you’ll see some buildings under construction. That was the best fishing I had on foot, but it is quite a hike.

Feel free to shoot me a DM if you want more info, it’s great to hear you’re going down there. I can’t wait to get back.

John

[Dylan Buek]

Awesome, thanks a lot John. Very helpful. Real excited as well, first time on any kind of flats and look forward to the great environment. Only other question I have would be about wading boots when walking down the stretch of secret beach. I have some slip on water shoes with a pretty solid bottom to it but the topside is mostly a mesh like material. Would I be fine with these or opt for the more protective boot style shoe given coral and what not. Also thanks again, really helpful information leading up to the trip.

[John B]

I have both, a pair wading boots and a pair of water shoes. I can’t recall which I brought on my trip last year, but the bottom isn’t very bad at all. My least favorite things are sea urchins, and thankfully they were pretty scarce from what I saw.

If you go with water shoes, just move slowly and intentionally with your steps. If it looks weird, avoid it.

You should also call down to the folks at Tres Pescados, they’re incredibly helpful. I‘d also recommend stopping in their shop to pick up some flies. They sell a couple different shrimp patterns with a flash of orange, those were absolutely killer. Size 8 crazy Charlie’s or Gotchas, you can’t go wrong.

Good luck, and I hope you post some pics!