El Pescador Lodge

El Pescador is the only lodge in Belize endorsed by Orvis that offers such a wide variety of fly fishing. Bonefish, tarpon and permit are all there and you don’t have to go far to get them. Bonefish are the main quarry, but permit and tarpon are regularly caught within a short boat trip of the lodge. The lodge specializes in fly fishing, but light tackle fishing and reef fishing are available, and the guides and boats are on hand to make it happen for you.

The Belize fly fishing trip at El Pescador Lodge is one of the best destinations for your first saltwater flats fishing trips. The guides are friendly, there are plenty of fish, and there’s usually a fishing coach on hand to help you get the hang of casting an 8-weight rod.

Many experts go to El Pescador, especially in the summer months when a grand slam is most likely. (Catching a bonefish, permit and tarpon on the same day.)

There is no friendlier, better organized lodge anywhere in Belize, and the staff goes out of its way to treat you as a valued guest.

El Pescador Lodge is much more than a fly fishing lodge, there are many other activities offered, from snorkeling in the warm waters of a marine preserve, visiting Mayan ruins, or kayaking among the protected mangrove lined lagoons.

We highly recommend El Pescador for your next fly fishing trip, whether it's your first saltwater fishing trip or you’re a seasoned veteran.

Ambergris Caye, Belize

Ambergris Caye is the largest of the 200 islands that dot the coast of Belize. The second largest barrier reef in the world is just off shore. In Mayan times, Ambergris Caye was a trading post, with a population of 100,000. The narrow channel between Mexico and Belize was dug by the Mayans for a trade route from the Bay of Chetumal to the Caribbean Sea.

Getting to El Pescador Lodge

Arrive at Belize International Airport before 4:30 PM where you will go through customs and immigration. Proceed to the Tropic Air counter, where your tickets will be waiting for you. The 18 minute flight will take you to San Pedro airstrip on Ambergris Caye, where an El Pescador representative will be waiting to escort you to the lodge by boat, a 5 minute ride.

There are frequent, daily flights to Belize City on major carriers, and you can usually connect directly to San Pedro in one day.

Orvis Travel photography credits

Sample Itinerary for a Belize Fly Fishing Trip at El Pescador Lodge

7 night, 6 day fishing package

Day 1 | Ambergris Caye

Fly to Belize City, arriving by 4:30 PM, connect to San Pedro on local flight (included in trip price), transfer to the lodge by boat. Settle into your home for the week, take a swim and enjoy a cocktail before dinner. Dinner is served at 6:45 PM each evening.

Days 2-7 | Fishing and Relaxing in the Sun

Breakfast is served from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM daily. Most anglers eat an early breakfast before heading for the fishing grounds with their guide aboard a Panga (a Mexican-styled skiff, with a casting platform on the front, and a v-shaped hull). The boats are well stocked with food and cold drinks, so you can stay out and enjoy a full day out in the warm salt air.

If you would like to stay out longer than the normal 8 hours, guides will extend for an additional fee.

If you don’t want to fish, the staff will arrange a number of activities and excursions, including snorkeling, diving and daytrips to the mainland. Lunch is served at the lodge from 12 noon to 1:00 PM daily. Hors d’ oeuvres are served at the bar from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, followed by a relaxed buffet dinner at 6:45.

After dinner, you can relax, swim in the pool, walk on the beach or enjoy the bar, which is kept open by the resident staff until the last guest retires.

Day 8 | Depart El Pescador

After breakfast, you’ll be taken back to the San Pedro airstrip for flights back to Belize City and flights home. You can catch any flight out of Belize City after 9:30 AM.

The Fly Fishing in Belize

Ambergris Caye is conveniently located amidst some of the most productive bonefish, permit and tarpon flats in the Caribbean. The area has long been a favorite of anglers chasing the coveted tropical saltwater grand slam. Although still a difficult feat, even for highly skilled anglers, many would agree that El Pescador is probably home to more grand slams than any other lodge in the Caribbean.

The flats extend for miles, providing ample opportunities and a wide variety of species. The nutrient rich ecosystem provides a tremendous amount of food to the bonefish, permit, tarpon and numerous other fish that inhabit the flats. From extremely large schools of small bonefish to incredible schools of permit and tarpon exceeding 150 pounds, variety is what fly fishing in this part of Belize is all about.

Bonefish

The most numerous game fish available in Northern Belize. Many experienced professional and amateur anglers caught their first bonefish with an El Pescador guide. The fish are plentiful and there are always options available to anglers of all skill levels. The average bonefish weighs in at around 2 pounds but there are larger fish available, and fish over 10 pounds have been landed. Most of the bonefishing around Ambergris Caye is done while casting from the platform of a Mexican style panga flats boat. The elevated position of the angler and guide makes spotting fish easier and oftentimes the boat can get closer to the fish than a wading angler can. There are some flats that are hard bottomed and well suited to wade fishing. However, anglers spend most of their time fishing from the boat.

Permit

A popular attraction for anglers visiting Belize. Although never easy to catch, if you are willing to put in the time and effort, this is one of the best places in the world to connect with this special fish. Permit sizes range from 5 pounds to over 40 pounds with the average fish landed running around 10 pounds.

Tarpon

Available year round in smaller numbers and sizes. Resident fish ranging from 10-20 pounds are found in the mangrove creeks, and are a lot of fun on a fly rod whenever they are encountered. Larger resident fish, up to 90 pounds, are often found on the flats, and it is possible to sight fish for tarpon most months. Occasionally it is necessary to prospect the deeper channels with sinking lines, so anglers should be prepared to employ a variety of strategies. In approximately late April through early October the larger migratory tarpon move into the area looking for baitfish schools on their annual migration through the Caribbean. This provides the best opportunity to sight fish for tarpon. It is not unusual to see fish over 100 pounds and larger fish are caught every year. The lodge record was 196 pounds. Although this is one of the best destinations in the world to catch a tarpon on the flats, it is never a sure thing and anglers new to flats fishing should not expect to catch tarpon on their first trip.

The unique geography of the area allows El Pescador’s well trained guides to find fish throughout the day by switching locations and species as the tide fluctuates. In addition to bonefish, permit and tarpon, these guides are well trained and eager to pursue other species including jacks, snapper, barracuda and the occasional snook.

The Fly Fishing Guides

All of El Pescador’s guides were born and raised on Ambergris Caye. Many of the guides have been working at El Pescador for over 20 years, and all are expert anglers. The guides have an encyclopedic knowledge of the fishery, coming from a lifetime dedicated to learning where the fish are and how best to catch them on a fly. El Pescador’s guides are happy to help teach you some of their secrets and will work hard to maximize your opportunities for success.

Many of the small inns and resorts on Ambergris Caye offer to arrange day trips with independent guides. However, ask anyone in Belize if they are a fishing guide and you will most likely get a confident “yes”. The same individual may also claim to be an expert carpenter or SCUBA dive instructor. All guides are not created equal, so it is important to choose carefully. If fishing is an important part of your vacation to Ambergris Caye, there is no substitute for the well organized fishing program and friendly professional guides at El Pescador Lodge.

Other Activities

• Snorkeling: the waters are crystal clear, there’s a major barrier reef close to the lodge, and a marine park
• Dive: there’s a dive shop and a full time dive master. They arrange a variety of daily dives, including trips to the World famous Blue Hole
• Mayan ruins: daytrips to the mainland can be arranged to visit the impressive ruins
• Birding/kayaking: tours are available along the protected mangrove coast and beach
• Sailing: daytrips and sunset cruises are available

Lodging on the Beach

It's a very good location if you have a small group with mixed abilities, including non-anglers. The experienced anglers can head off to the more technically challenging flats while the beginners can work on technique – and catch bonefish – closer to the lodge. Non-anglers can snorkel, relax around the pool, or take day trips.

El Pescador Lodge is nestled on the Bahia del Punta Arena with an immaculate beach graced with palms and flowering tropical plants. The lodge, built in the colonial style, features a long verandah overlooking the beach and barrier reef. The lodge's standard rooms are comfortable, air conditioned and have a private bathroom. If you want to experience even more comfort and amenities you can upgrade your package and stay in a private villa, located only a few steps from the main lodge. Villas include a great room, which features a living room, dining room, full kitchen, and private veranda. Villas are the perfect option if traveling with family or a group of friends.

There's a pool for a refreshing dip. The intimate, well-stocked bar features an exquisite fresh fruit rum punch and is the perfect place to swap stories after a day's activities. Hors d'oeuvres are served in the evening. Family style meals are a delightful blend of both local and American dishes.

The Rooms at El Pescador Lodge

There is a main lodge with 13 guest rooms and eight villas in 1, 2 and 3-room configurations.

The main lodge at El Pescador is built of local mahogany in a 2-story colonial style. The rooms are nicely appointed, although of modest size – similar to an American motel room in size. Each is air-conditioned and has a ceiling fan. They are close to the swimming pool, bar and dining area.

The villas are close to the main lodge but feature larger rooms. They’re two-story buildings with decks, great rooms, an open kitchen and breakfast bar. The downstairs rooms have private entrances directly from the beach. We recommend the villas for couples or groups that want a place to congregate away from the main lodge.

We highly recommend the villas. Ask your Orvis Travel representative about them.

Meals at El Pescador Lodge

Meals are served in the main lodge and includes a full, American-style breakfast cooked to order, a packed lunch and a full dinner, often served al fresco under the palm trees. The food is good, ample and includes a lot of fresh fruit and seafood. The menu is geared to American diets with a tropical and Mexican influence.

Pricing & Dates for El Pescador Lodge

December 16, 2012 - December 15, 2013

Included:

• Local Air* and sea transfers between Belize City and El Pescador Lodge, 9% hotel tax*, 12.5% sales tax* *Rates subject to change if airfare and/or taxes increase prior to final payment
• Guided fishing from boats (2 per boat is standard)
• Lodging in air-conditioned en suite rooms
• All meals at the lodge and boat lunches
• Use of Internet, bicycles and sea kayaks
• Local beverages including soft drinks, beer and rum consumed at the lodge's bar and while fishing
• Local sales and hotel taxes

Not included:

• International flights to Belize City
• Marine park fees (optional)
• Imported liquors
• Phone calls
• Fishing equipment (available for rent/purchase)
• Guide tips and hotel staff tips
• Fishing licenses
• Fuel surcharges which may be added at anytime prior to departure for travel prior to December 16th, 2012 (currently $6.50 per person)

You never pay more booking your trip to El Pescador Lodge through Orvis Travel. How do we do this? It's simple: El Pescador Lodge pays Orvis Travel to handle the details of your reservation. Call us today at 800-547-4322 or email us at orvistravel@orvis.com to start planning your trip.