Location: Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico
Weather: Tropical (very hot and humid). Rainy season: May to November; dry season: February to May.
History: After the downfall of Mayan cities that ruled the area until the end of the first millennium, Britain and Spain laid claim to the land in the 17th Century. The country was first declared British Honduras in 1854 and thereafter, Belize gained its independence in 1981.
Political status: A territorial dispute about the borders of Belize seems incessant between Guatemala and the UK.
Economic status: Poor; the economy relies on tourism as the number one source of foreign income. The export of marine products, citrus, cane sugar, bananas, and garments are also important means for income.
Fishing potential: Excellent, so go support the economy!
The main docks at Turneffe Flats Lodge – Turneffe Atoll, BelizeAnglers wade the flats of Turneffe Atoll, BelizeAngler Rich Paini casting to permit along the reef – Long Caye, BelizeIan Davis from Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures prepares to release a Placencia permitA Bauer crab fly – Placencia, BelizePlacencia Guide Eworth Garbutt inspects a permit flyThe lodge pet at Garbutt’s Fishing Lodge in Punta Gorda, BelizeMain street in Placencia, BelizeRich Paini releases a permit – St. George’s Caye, BelizeBelizean permit caught off of Ambergris CayeSunset at El Pescador Lodge – Ambergris Caye, BelizeLighthouse Lager Beer Bottles at Sunset – BelizeBlue Horizon Lodge – Hopkins, BelizeCasting to permit north of Ambergris CayeA permit caught on a spawning shrimp fly pattern – Long Caye, BelizeTools of the trade – Permit rods rigged and readyPermit rods rigged and ready – Southern BelizeEnrico Puglisi spawning shrimp patterns – Deadly flies for permit in BelizeA permit dorsal fin – BelizeAnglers wade the flats off of Whipray Caye, BelizeWhipray Caye Lodge, off the coast of Placencia, BelizeSunset at Whipray Caye, BelizeA belikin Beer sunset – BelizeA small tarpon goes airborne in the mangroves – Belize River Lodge, BelizeAn average-sized Belize tarponA guide from Belize River Lodge polls the flats at sunset
