REPORT FROM THE FIELD CAMERON DAVENPORT IN BELIZE
Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, Cameron Davenport reports back from his Belize fly fishing lodge tour. My month-long. whirlwind tour throughout Belize has so far been fantastic (despite less than ideal weather conditions and the strangest June I have ever seen in Central America!) The weather conditions have reminded me to focus on the entirety of the trip: the whole experience versus daily success on the water.These trips are opportunities to learn and experience new cultures, foods, music, traditions and of course a few regional adult beverages. These experiences provide an opportunity to appreciate people and the beautiful places that fly fishing takes us. Belize is a cultural melting pot with more than a dozen different cultures all mixed together within its small borders.
Traveling throughout the country provides endless opportunities to learn something and engage with someone new every day. That said, my main objective during this month is to visit all the wonderful lodges that we work with and represent in Belize … every single one of them! And in doing so I have ben reminded that this country provides the saltwater flats angler with incredible experiences and some of the best fishing action in the world.
Each lodge is unique and offers something for everyone - from the rank beginner to the most hardcore angler. There is something for all pocketbooks as well, from the highest-end lodges to those in the mid and lower price ranges. Over the first week alone I have managed (with the help of the world class, English-speaking guides) to get multiple shots at permit. I am happy to say that I also had the privilege of bringing a couple of nice fish to hand so far.
The baby tarpon fishing has been fun, with multiple fish jumped and landed. Bonefish are plentiful throughout most of Belize and always provide a thrill for the willing angler. No matter how many I catch I will never tire of these reel-screaming fish. And regardless of weather, Belize provides a diversity of saltwater scenarios that allows anglers and guides the ability to have a Plan A, a Plan B, and even a Plan C.
You have to be willing to roll with the punches, manage what you can, and not let the things you can’t manage get you down. Always remember: you could be in the office instead of fishing an exotic locale and chasing the amazing species that live in these environments.
There will be more to come as this tour continues, with upcoming stops on Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Turneffe Atoll. - Cameron W. Davenport
