Fishing On The Fly Chasing tail in Belize is a world class sport, on the bucket list of anglers worldwide. It’s also part of a key industry in need of protection. BY O C E A N A
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very year, hundreds of fly fishers make the
pilgrimage to Belize’s tidal flats, lagoons, rivers, and seas for the most revered achievement in fly fishing: the Grand Slam. Anglers rise long before dawn to ready themselves to catch bonefish, tarpon, and permit in one day. Landing all three, plus snook, is an extra feather in an angler’s cap–the Super Grand Slam. To find these species the same day is tricky business, but that’s where a gi$ed guide comes into play. Whether in the north, central or south Belize, these dedicated professionals plan for every potential obstacle, from bad weather to fussy fish. Passionate fly fishers themselves, they understand their clients’ superstitions, hopes, and dreams once on the boat. Spend a day on the water with one and experience the passion for this sport, which is growing every year in Belize. You’ll feel the thrill of catching and releasing, and learn the importance of protecting our magnificent species for current and future generations of Belizeans.
A T H R I V I N G S P O RT For centuries, men and women have worked at mastering the art of luring prey to the fishing hook. It started with hand lines and hooks, while today there are high end graphite and bamboo fly rods, or 68
titanium fly reels with floating or sinking lines, with straight or circle hooks. "e equipment might vary, but it’s always designed to enhance performance and get the fly to the fish. Fly tying itself is said to originate from Roman times. "e exact date is hard to pinpoint, but anglers have long used their fingertips to hold fish hooks, and have painstakingly cra$ed colorful imitations of natural prey, with feathers and fur, to lure the fish. Fast forward to the present use of a vice to hold the hook in place, and little has changed–save for the creativity in naming flying techniques: Black Death, Christmas Island Special, Squimp, and Crazy Charlie, among others. Preferences for the types of material tied to the hook may vary, but it’s all about studying the resulting weight and movement of the fly. Some anglers, especially the ones that consider themselves “purists,” mainly use flies that swim close to the surface to experience the excitement of positioning the fly perfectly in the path of a feeding fish. "en they watch the fly as it gets sucked-in–a sight described as incomparable. Most fly fishermen see themselves as lifelong students– on the water, class is always in session. It’s not just about keeping tabs on time, tides and moon phases.