Fishing for Bonefish in Belize

Belize is a great country when it comes to sport fishing, but the bonefish is king. Its the premier fly fishing game fish in the world and is probably pound for pound the strongest and fastest running animal in salt-water.

Out on many of the Cayes, particularly the smaller ones like Tobacco or South Water Caye, its a good idea to pole along in the shallows in a flatboat while casting.

The fish is a powerful fighter, but its generally not eaten because as the name implies the fish is incredibly bony. Its a little ironic that there is a US restaurant chain, Bonefish Grill, thats named after a rather unappetizing fish.

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Great Literature for a Belize Trip

If you're looking for a great book to read on a vacation down to Belize, check out The Mosquito Coast, by Paul Theroux.  The novel is about a crazed American man who moves his family to Central America to hack a life out of the jungle.

The book was adapted into a 1986 movie starring Harrison Ford which is also worth checking out once you've finished the book.  The movie was entirely shot in Belize and practically the entire country was in someway directly or indirectly involved in the production.  To this day Harrison Ford says that its his favorite of the movies he's been in.

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Bannister Island, Belize

Bannister Island, Belize

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Approach to South Water Caye by Boat

I took this video clip while approaching South Water Caye right before we pulled up to the dock. Its not that interesting of a clip, but if you're looking for an idea of what South Water is like here you go.

South Water has several places to stay out on the island, Pelican Beach Resort South Water, IZE, and others.

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Caye Caulker Water Taxi Schedule

I took this photo of a sign of the Caye Caulker Water Taxi Schedule at the bus station in Belize City in 2007. I can't guarantee that the schedule is accurate and up to date, but this is the sign posted right in Belize City. The sign says that the rate from Belize City to San Pedro is BZ$20 one way and BZ$40 roundtrip.

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Cahal Pech Village Resort

If you are looking for a good place which can help you schedule exploration trips while providing clean rooms, a pool and a good restaurant then I would suggest Cahal Pech which is just up the hill from downtown San Ignacio. The view especially at night is spectacular as you look out over the city and towards Guatemala.
http://www.cahalpech.com/
They can help you with any adventure including a trip to Tikal. You can do Tikal in one day but it is difficult and exhausting so I suggest stay one night at Le Casa De Don David which is in El Remate, Peten just outside the Tikal National Park.
http://www.lacasadedondavid.com/
The buses back to Belize go right by the front door so you are sure to catch it.
David and his wife and daughter run the place. The ruins in Belize and in Mexico are great but Tikal is second to none.

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Corozal, Belize

If you're planning on being in the northern part of Belize, Corozal can be an interesting place to explore for the day.

Corozal is the northernmost town in Belize and was founded in 1848 by refugees from the Maya Indian uprising against the Spanish in neighboring Yucatan.

A massacre at Bacalar, Mexico finally led to the exodus of thousands to go south and cross the Rio Hondo River. The river now serves as a boundary between Belize and Mexico. Fort Barlee was built in 1870 and parts of the fort are still visiable today as the brick corner supports that surround the post office. While downtown don’t miss the mural on the Town Hall that tells the tale of the history of Corozal which was painted by the Belizean-Mexican artist Manual Villamore.

Make sure to check out the mounds of Cerros located just acrossed the bay. These Mayan ruins are considered one of the most important late preclassic Maya sites because it represented the first experiment with kingship in the Maya world. The remains include a number of temples, plazas, ballcourts, canals, and other minor structures.

Within Corozal can be found another Maya ruin known as Santa Rita. The pyramid site sits atop the remains of a Maya city that dominated the area for more than 2000 years. Jewelry and artifacts from burial sites indicate Santa Rita was most likely part of ancient Chactumal, the Maya capital of the area at the time of the first Spanish contact in the early 16th century.
I enjoyed a great bed at a good rate at Mark Anthony’s Hotel and the food and friendly faces of the family owned business made my stay extra enjoyable. The hotel is located on the bay overlooking a town park which makes it is easy to get around and get the real feel of Corozal Town.

Mark Anthony’s Hotel

Mark Anthony “Butchie” Ramirez

Ph#501-422-3141

2nd Avenue & 4th Street North

Corozal Town

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