A memorable experience at Turneffe Island Resort for Eric K. -- Hear what he had to say about his Yellow Dog and lodging experience below:
Did you find the trip booking process through Yellow Dog enjoyable and useful? If not, please share why.
- Yes, Matt Kelsic was very helpful. Matt requested our guide by name, which was a huge blessing. That one action made this our best trip ever. Not even close.
Were the Yellow Dog pre-trip planning packet(s) and travel itinerary you received for your trip helpful and accurate? If not, how could it be improved?
- The pre-planning packet was very helpful, especially the checklist.
Did the lodging (rooms, dining area, social area, etc) match what you were expecting? If not, please provide additional comments or constructive feedback.
- The Lodge experience was outstanding. I would say much better than expected. Wonderful staff, wonderful rooms and gathering areas. Just super.
Did the food (breakfast, lunch, dinner) match what you were expecting? If not, please provide additional comments or constructive feedback.
- The meals were outstanding. They totally dialed in the gluten free options. Everything was exceptional.
Do you have any comments or constructive feedback based on the service, friendliness, etc of the lodge staff?
- The lodge staff was thoughtful, friendly, and professional. They quickly identified each guests meal requests and then accurately anticipated the guest’s wishes for each meal. For instance, my wife asked for coffee after dinner once and then the coffee was provided every evening after dinner without asking. Very thoughtful.
Were you pleased with your guide(s) customer service, communication skills, professionalism, work ethic, and general fishing knowledge? If not, please share why.
- Our guide, Buddy, was outstanding. The best guide we’ve ever had the pleasure to fish with. He knew where the fish were and he worked patiently with us. My wife has a very basic cast, and Buddy was able to put her on a permit and the permit ate the fly. Unfortunately, the fish also spit out the fly right before the strip set. I saw it all happen. It was amazing.
What key piece(s) of gear, tackle, flies, soft goods, etc. made your trip successful?
- The checklist that Yellow Dog supplies is excellent. We’re old fishing people from Montana with Simms, Skwala and all the gear we used to fish Montana. Following the checklist works.
The one thing that I brought that we really liked was a small butt pack to wade the flats. Just big enough to hold a small box of flies and tippet. It allowed me to wander around when our guide was fishing with my wife.
What piece(s) of equipment would you not leave home without for this trip?
- I would bring everything on the checklist. We added a seven weight for bonefish which really helped. We waded the flats for bonefish and permit quite a bit. The seven weight allowed for two people fishing at the same time.
Would you return to this destination? Please share why or why not.
- Absolutely. No question. I would take my entire family if I had the funds.
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About the Lodge: Turneffe Island Resort is the second-oldest sport fishing operation in all of Belize. Started by Vic Barothy in 1964, this operation is part of saltwater flats fishing history. As storied a place the lodge has been in saltwater fishing history, the grounds, accommodations, and overall operation would be totally unrecognizable to Barothy today. This immaculate private island located on the southern tip of Turneffe Atoll is simply stunning – as pristine, private, and secluded as anything in the entire Caribbean. Turneffe Island Resort’s location allows you to be on the flats fishing within minutes of leaving the dock each morning. With its location on the southern end of Turneffe, anglers are minutes from some of the best flats fishing for bonefish and permit, with opportunities to target tarpon in the various channels and cuts of the atoll.
