Half Moon Caye
Belize Coast Belize: (ZZ-BESK06)
URL: http://www.hiddentrails.com/tour/outdoor_kayak_belize_half_moon_caye.aspx
Introduction
Belize Coast
Belize
A jewel of white sand cayes encircling Belize s richest Coral Reefs and the Blue Hole.
The first of it’s kind on spectacular Half Moon Caye, this trip is operated in partnership with the Belize Audubon Society.
The Blue Hole, Half Monn Caye and Lighthouse Reef, made famous by legendary underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau, has become known amongst divers as the ‘Aquarium’, renowned for its sheer abundance of marine life, crystal clear waters and thriving coral reefs.
Beyond the barrier reef, past Turneffe Atoll–some fifty miles and more eastwards of the Belize mainland– a coral atoll rises from the sea. Shimmering with white-sand cayes and lush green with groves of coconut palms, the lagoon provides a rare underwater habitat for snorkelers, with miles upon miles of shallow waters rich with corals. Where the lagoon drops off to the open sea; precipitous walls, undersea ridges and valleys brimming with life are the deeper realm of scuba divers. Long difficult to access and out of reach for kayakers and snorkelers, Island Expeditions has pioneered the first-ever basecamp at Lighthouse Reef. We sleep in spacious walk-in tents (every window has an ocean view) and after each days activities our open air dining pavilion is the perfect place to relax in comfort with fine meals and splendid company.
The Setting...
We begin our trip with an introduction to the inland waterways of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Here we experience, close at hand, the astounding diversity of birds and wildlife for which Belize is renowned. Located 33 miles northwest of Belize city the sanctuary provides both the abundant food sources and the safe resting areas necessary to support a large and diverse population of birds. The best time for viewing resident and migrant birds is December until June, during Belize’s dry-season.
Next, we catch our motor charter to spectacular Lighthouse Reef, one of only four coral atolls in the Caribbean, and home to the famous Blue Hole. In 1972, Capt. Jacques Cousteau and the intrepid crew of the Calypso explored and filmed this incredible atoll, showing its amazing underwater diversity to the world for the first time.
In partnership with the Belize Audubon Society, we have established an Adventure Camp within the Half Moon Cay Marine Reserve, opening up for the first time this spectacular wilderness to adventurers.
Accomodation
On Day 1, we will be staying at Birds Eye View Lodge, situated on the water's edge of the Crooked Tree Lagoon. This comfortable Belizean-style hotel offers private bath and lakeside views. Over top of the hotel there is a deck and bar, which is a perfect place to catch the evening breeze and reminisce over your recent discoveries.
On Day 2 to 7 we are "base camping", sleeping in tent-walled cabanas. These spacious safari-style tents have ample headroom to walk around and are on raised wooden floors with double or single beds.
On the final night we will be staying at the Belize Biltmore Hotel in Belize City. This is a modern and comfortable hotel, located 5 miles north of Belize City, with a central courtyard and swimming pool to relax and unwind.
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
Riding
SEA KAYAKING IN THE TROPICS
Kayaking trips in the tropics differ from northern climates in that
much of our exploration is under the water amongst the coral reefs. Our
main concerns while on the water are protection from sun (both above
and reflected off the water), dehydration, and the effects of salt.
Protection from the sun and dehydration are easily managed by wearing a
wide brimmed hat, using a good, waterproof sunscreen (SPF 15-35),
wearing light colored clothing and, of course, drinking plenty of
fluids. As for salt, the high salinity of the Caribbean Sea can dry
your skin and cause blisters on hands (paddling) and feet
(snorkeling). Skin lotion or moisturizer for your skin, gloves to
protect your hands (cotton garden gloves or cycle gloves work very
well) and socks for your feet while snorkeling are recommended. On
longer traveling days, we take an extended lunch and snorkeling breaks.
SNORKELING IN THE TROPICS
For many, the highlight of their trip is the time spent exploring the
wonders of the underwater world. This does not require great levels of
skill or expensive equipment to accomplish. IEC guides enjoy teaching
others the simple skills necessary to enjoy snorkeling. Amongst many of
the areas we explore, the water is shallow enough to stand. Initially,
we enter the water from a beach but as our skill level increases we
will learn to enter and exit from our kayaks. This will enable us to
experience longer and deeper dives as well as drift dives, floating
along a patch of coral with our boats drifting behind us. To ensure
that the reefs are protected for future generations, we avoid damaging
the coral by not touching, standing on or dropping anchor on coral. As
a living organism, many corals rely on nematocysts to sting their prey.
These same nematocysts can sting humans ranging from mild to strong in
intensity. Care is taken to show all participants the coral species
which should be avoided. If you get cold easily, a lightweight wetsuit
or a spandex / lycra dive suit to keep from getting cold when spending
extended time in the water, is recommended. Polypropylene, capilene or
silk long underwear work as well. In addition, this method also
protects against sunburn.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at the Belize International Airport where you will be met by a representative and transferred to the Birds Eye View Lodge, in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. After checking into our accommodations we have a chance to meet our fellow travelers and enjoy a fine meal and as time permits explore Crooked Tree Village, one of Belize’s oldest Creole Settlement. Transfers from the airport, dinner activities and lodging are included.
This day is your day to arrive before the trip starts, meet your fellow travelers and acclimatize to your new tropical environment.
Accommodation: (Lodge) Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Coffee is served at sunrise, and with binoculars in hand, we enjoy the waking wilderness and many hundreds of birds feeding right in front of the lodge along the shores of the Crooked Tree lagoons. After a healthy Belizean breakfast we’ll embark by boat to explore the area . Throughout the sanctuary we have tremendous birding and wildlife opportunities: iguana, turtle, parrot, ibis and Morlet’s crocodile are frequently seen.
Later in the morning, we’ll drive along the old Belize Road to the sea where we board our motor charter that takes us through white sand cays and mangrove ranges, then past the main barrier reef to Lighthouse Reef Atoll, at the furthest edge of the Belize Reef System, 60miles offshore of the mainland. On reaching Halfmoon Cay your guide team will orient you to our new island setting and settle you into your accommodations and camp and enjoy a late lunch and an afternoon snorkel or kayak around Halfmoon Cay.
Accommodation: (Half-moon Basecamp) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3-5: Due to it’s isolation from the mainland, the waters of Lighthouse Reef Atoll are exceptionally clear with inspiring scenery and a fabulously rich reef system that offers some of the best kayaking, snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean. To begin, the guides provide instruction; teaching the fundamentals of sea kayaking, snorkeling and safety in the tropics.
Over the next few days we have many options to explore, including a shipwreck that looms just north of the caye. In 1971, a ship named the Ermlund lost power during a storm and was deposited on the reef by a large wave. This 4000 ton wreck sits silent as a landmark and is one of many shipwrecks in the area that serve as a constant reminder of the hazards of navigating these waters. We also have ample opportunities to learn from our guides about the marine reef ecology and the island’s mangrove and interior forest habitat spread over the park’s 45 acres. Many species of birds nest on the island, including a 4,000 red-footed booby colony for which the Audubon Society has built a series of viewing platforms to intimately observe the many nesting sites. And, of course, we always have the option of hanging out in a hammock with a good book and a cold drink!
Accommodation: (Half-moon Basecamp) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: The "aquarium" is today’s big adventure. We pack a hearty lunch and our snorkel gear in our kayaks and paddle with motor support. This dive spot is known for it's profusion of fish and towering coral formations. We return home, stopping at the Halfmoon Wall for a spectacular drift snorkel over the undersea cliff of the atoll.
Accommodation: (Half-moon Basecamp) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Today, we paddle along the protected waters of the southern reef to Long Caye where we have a chance to snorkel some of the atoll’s best patch reefs. After a full day of exploring, we return just in time for a wonderful seafood dinner prepared by our cooks.
Accommodation: (Half-moon Basecamp) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: For our last morning at Lighthouse, the choice is yours. Don a mask, snorkel and fins for a visit to a favorite patch reef enjoy walking the island trails or beach comb along the island beaches before the motor charter arrives to pick us up for the return boat trip back to the mainland. We transfer to the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel where we can enjoy a fresh shower and a swim in the pool.
Accommodation: (hotel) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner is not included on this day
Day 9: Departure on your own in the morning.
Scuba Divers...
There are some great opportunities to dive at Lighthouse Reef.
Optional diving is available for certified divers on certain days of the trip. Single tank dives are available from $55 US. Please let us know in advance if you are considering diving during the trip as we often need to make special arrangements in advance. We can also arrange a variety of dive packages before or after your trip.
3 Day Dive Package—$319 USD
Includes: 8 dives (1 night dive & blue hole dive), Snacks and drinks, use of dive light during night dives
5 Day Dive Package—$435 USD
Includes: 11 dives (1 night dive & 3 blue hold dives, snacks & drinks, use of dive light during night dives
Equipment...
While at our base-camp on Half-Moon Caye, our guests have unrestricted use of the following equipment:
Double Kayaks (outfitted with special sails), Single Kayaks, Complete Research Library, On the island, we are in communication with the mainland via satellite phone and VHF Marine radio.
*NOTE: Due to the remoteness of the Lighthouse basecamp, the activities on the reef portion of this trip are weather dependent and the following itinerary is only a ’ guide,’ and will remain flexible and open to any changes at the trip leaders’ discretion.
Rates and Dates for Half Moon Caye
Rates include:
All meals (fully catered) while you are at the Half Moon Cay base-camp. Some complimentary beer, wine or rum drinks. 2 to 6 professional guides. All accommodations including lodge on Day 1 and hotel on the last night. Half-moon Caye Marine Park user fee. Financial Support for Conservation and Education programs in Belize
Transfer and Other Options:
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2012
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Transfer from the International airport in Belize City is included. Trip ends at local hotel.
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Dates Note:
Rates do not include:
Meals at the hotel in Belize City. Gratuities. Snorkeling or Dive Gear & Scuba Diving fees. Extra costs due to late Arrivals and other circumstances beyond our control
Other Info
Meeting: Belize City
Airport: Belize City
Transfer: Belize City
Climate: Subtropical,
with prevailing north-easterly Trade winds from the sea. Temperatures
range from 60 degrees Farenheit (16 Celsius) to 95 degrees Farenheit
(32 celsius). Belize is marked by a wet season from June to November
and a dry season from December to May. Although the best time of year
to travel to belize is definitely through the "dry season", mother
nature does still give us some rain during this timeframe. Northern
Belize which may receive as little as 50 inches of rainfall is
considerably drier than the far south, which can receive upwards of 180
inches of rainfall annually, which help feed the lush jungles and
year-round grow season. Similar to other regions in the Caribbean
basin, Belize also has a distinct hurricane season that generally
starts in late June and continues into early November.
Notes About the Ecology...
Flora...
Belize's Barrier Reef is the largest reef in the northern hemisphere, second largest in the world, extending 185 miles (300 km) along the coastline. Approximately 35 miles seaward from the eastern border of the Barrier Reef, lies one of Belize's most spectacular atolls – Lighthouse Reef. These circular shaped reef systems climb from the ocean floor and surround a central lagoon. The surrounding reef is primarily made up of two kinds of coral, the hard hydro-coral (reef-forming coral), such as brain coral or elkhorn coral, and the soft corals, such as sea fans and feather plumes. The sheltered lagoon harbors one of the world's most diverse sea environments; an extensive community of fish, shellfish, and patch reefs. One mile off the eastern shore of the atoll, the reef wall quickly drops 2600 feet to the ocean floor below. The interaction between the deeper, open waters of the Caribbean Sea and the sheltered lagoons of the atoll, results in a diversity and abundance of marine life, which is unsurpassed for sea kayaking, snorkeling and diving.
booby bird halfmoon caye belize
Fauna...
While on Half-Moon Caye, we will have the opportunity to view a diverse range of sea life and tropical birds. While exploring and snorkeling the atoll and the surrounding patch reefs, there are opportunities to see grouper, bonefish, angel and parrot fish, stingrays, eagle rays, conger, moray eels, and goatfish; just to name a few. Some of the bird-life includes osprey (the billyhawk), royal terns, brown-footed, red-footed and white-footed boobies, frigate birds, hawks, mangrove warblers, and white-crowned pigeons. Around the atoll there are nesting sites for loggerhead, green and hawksbill turtles. If we're lucky, we may see them while out snorkeling or kayaking. We will definitely have a chance to see and sample the main staple for Belizean fishermen, the spiny lobster (when in season) and the queen conch.
What To Bring: When
traveling to Belize it is best to travel with one larger check-in bag
and one carry-on bag. We recommend a medium duffle bag and a small day
pack. These bags are easy to move around, can be toted easily on boats,
small planes and van/bus roof racks. Suitcases or Backpacks can work
too; however suitcases get damaged in transit more often and backpack
straps get caught on Airport conveyers.
With heightened
security and busy airports it pays to pack wisely to make your airport
visits run smoothly. For a complete list of important packing tips
please visit www.tsatraveltips.us. Also, make sure everything you have
is labeled, don’t put any metal objects in your carry-on baggage or
wear metal jewelry, clothing etc. and have all your luggage unlocked
for inspection. If you have any special dietary needs contact your
airline 24 hours prior to departure and you should arrive 2 hours in
advance for your international flight to Belize.
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT LIST
Passport
Photocopy of passport
Air tickets
Favorite snacks for between meals
Personal spending and emergency funds
1 extra set of clothes for flight home including shoes
1 pair hiking shoes ( good tread recommended—will get wet and muddy
in the cave)
2nd pair of shoes to wear in the evening around camp
1 pair water-sports sandals, Teva is a good brand.
1 or 2 pair lightweight, fast drying long pants
Underwear
3 - 4 pairs of socks
2 pair nylon shorts and/or loose skirt or sarong
1 bathing suits
2-3 T-shirts
1 long sleeved shirts preferably with a collar (for protection from the sun
& bugs) Silk shirts work well and dry quickly.
Generally in the field you
should have at least two sets of clothing: one wet for sea
and one dry for the evening. Also, a sturdy pair of sport sandals or
water shoes is very important.
1 fleece jacket (this will keep you warm even when wet)
1 good quality rain jacket
1 wide brimmed sunhat (to keep the sun off your face and neck)
Sunglasses with band (Chums, Croakies, etc.)
1-3 bandanas (handy for sun protection)
Spare set of eyeglasses (even if you wear contact lenses) and contact lens solution
Headlamp and spare batteries
Mask, fins, snorkel *IMPORTANT*
10 lt dry bag to waterproof personal documents, camera etc.
Wet suit – (not essential but water temperatures in Dec. and Jan. can be cooler) and / or
Capilene, polypropylene or silk long underwear (great for snorkeling)
1 liter water bottle
1 small towel—(either a small camp towel or thin beach towel)
1 washcloth— choose a thin small cloth
Personal toiletries
Personal medication and prescriptions
Small personal First Aid Kit: i.e.. Band-Aids, aspirin/Tylenol, scissors, tweezers, safety pins
Sunscreen (non-Paba-based, SPF 15 - 35) waterproof for kayak trips-eg. Ombrelle
Vaseline or skin care cream
Caladryl/ After Bite/ Benadryl Cream or lotion to ease itching from bug bites
Aloe Vera lotion
Insect repellent (20 - 100% Deet)
OPTIONAL (NICE TO HAVE WITH YOU, BUT YOU DON’T ACTUALLY NEED)
Camera equipment and film / waterproof throw-away camera
Binoculars
Bug jacket
Handy Wipe - moist tissues for hands and face
Toilet paper for emergency travels
2 candles *Candle Lantern ,Good reading book, log book and pen
White wine (for sea kayaking trips, very hard to find in Belize-great with fish and seafood!)
Favorite liquors and/or personal coffee for extreme coffee drinkers (i.e.. special blends)
Clothes line and pegs
Small day-pack (can be handy on any of our trips)
Mesh bag for carrying snorkel gear
Fishing rod & tackle art supplies, sketching tools or water-colors
1 pair light cotton gloves /bike gloves (for protection from the sun/blisters when paddling)
Aquasocks
Foot powder
Items to give as gifts. ( see page 5 for suggestions)
PURCHASING SNORKEL EQUIPMENT
Knowing how to snorkel and what to watch for are all well and good, but
inadequate equipment can spoil the best of conditions. Therefore, it is
highly recommended that you purchase equipment that fits comfortably.
Borrowing a friend’s gear is okay for fins and snorkel but a mask must
conform to the individuals face to ensure a watertight seal. Nothing is
more frustrating for snorkelers than water leaking into your mask. When
shopping for a mask check for the following:
- A smooth seal around the mask. Both rubber and silicone work well.
Check that the material is not cracked, brittle or stiff , all signs of
an old mask.
- Press mask to face and inhale through your nose.
DO NOT PUT THE STRAP AROUND YOUR HEAD but leave it off in front of the
mask. If the mask seals, it will stay on your face even if you tilt
your head down. Check that no hair gets between the mask and your face
to break the seal.
- Make sure the front of the mask does not press against the bridge of
your nose. This will get worse the deeper you dive. Vaseline around the
edge of the mask helps for a better seal for men with beards or
moustaches.
- Make sure snorkels fit comfortably in your mouth. With fins, a snug
fit is best. Complete foot fins rather than those with a strap around
the heel are preferred. Leave enough room for socks if you wish.
- Above all else, try the mask in water (pool, bathtub, etc.) before
you arrive in Belize. A dive shop will gladly exchange an ill-fitting
mask for one with a better fit.
BUGS
Yes, they do exist! Weather, wind conditions and proximity to the
previous rainy season affect the concentrations of biting insects found
on both the cays and the mainland. While camping on the cays, you may
need to take precautions against the sand fly, also known as
“no-see-ums”. These flies are jumpers and are found in the sand, being
most persistent in the early morning and evening, especially when the
wind is calm. They leave small, red, itchy bites. The itching can be
effectively alleviated with Calamine Lotion or an After-bite stick. The
most common areas affected are your feet and ankles. The most effective
form of precautions are clothing to cover up, and a good deet-based
repellent. Lightweight long pants and socks and a light long sleeve
shirt will help in times of no wind. Quick-dry fabrics work very well
in these instances. Typically, you should look for something with 20%+
deet content for optimal protection. Deep woods or Ben’s Insect
Repellant are both good options. The more natural citronella repellents
are not as effective.
If you are extremely susceptible to bugs, you should consider a
bug-shirt and/or pants (we have jackets available in Belize; please
contact our office ahead of your departure to arrange one for your
trip) which are available at outdoor stores, this clothing is designed
to allow maximum ventilation while protecting against bugs. For inland
trips, mosquitoes can be a nuisance. The same precautions, as mentioned
above, hold true. If you find that you are extremely susceptible to
bugs you might want to consider a bug-shirt and pants. The tent
accommodations are fitted with “no-see-um netting” and should be left
closed to ensure a bug-free sleep.
PHOTOGRAPHY
There are no limits to the types of cameras you can bring along:
FOR THE SERIOUS: 35 mm cameras with a wide angle (24 mm, 28 mm) and
zoom (28-70 mm) or telephoto lenses (35-80 mm, 70-210 mm) are good
combinations. A "universal lens" 28-150 mm zoom with macro is very
useful. A 'high power' wide-angle coverage flash is very useful for
filling in shadows and reducing high light contrast. An additional fast
wide-angle lens (18-21 mm) will also be useful, especially on the
river. For wildlife photographers, a 300 mm or longer lens is needed.
Because of the nature of our travel, a waterproof system such as the “
Pelican” case to keep your camera dry is highly recommended. For kayak
and river trips, this plastic hard-shell box can be mounted on the deck
of your sea kayak and will give the best protection from the elements,
as well as allow you quick access to your camera. Make sure you bring
along a supply of silica gel packs to absorb moisture within your
camera box or bag. Waterproof cameras are especially suitable for reef
and river trips. You may want to consider a tripod or monopod to steady
those macro or low-light shots. It is advisable to have your camera
equipment insured.
FILM: We recommend that you purchase all the film that you need before
leaving home, as reliable sources of film are hard to come by in
Belize. For slide film, we recommend Fuji Velvia 50 ASA for the water,
Astia 100 or 1000, Fuji Provia & Sensia 100 & 200 ASA for
general photography and overcast days and Fujichrome 400 + or Kodak 200
for inland shots. For print film, we recommend Fujicolor and Kodak Gold
100 & 200 for most days and Kodak and Fuji NPH 400 for overcast
days and inland shots. An electronic flash will help to fill in shadows
on bright days and bring out the highlights under the canopy of the
rainforest. Do not forget extra batteries for both your camera and
flash!
FOR THE NOT-SO-SERIOUS: Any of the point-and-shoot cameras will work
well with the film recommended above. An automatic point-and-shoot that
has a zoom lens and integrated flash is ideal. In addition, the new
rugged weatherproof cameras work well especially the underwater and
panoramic types. Again, these should be purchased before arrival in
Belize.
VIDEO: Remember to bring enough film for the length of your stay. In
addition, you may wish to bring 1 or 2 more battery packs than usual.
It will be very difficult to charge batteries out on the cays. For
kayak trips, a separate waterproof box or bag is highly recommended.
DIGITAL CAMERAS: Remember to bring enough storage and extra batteries.
It is important to keep these cameras in an air and water tight storage
container. The salt air and sea water will easily penetrate the housing
and affect its performance.
NOTE: Send in your prize photos. Slide or print shots that get chosen
for the cover can earn you a free Island Expeditions Co. trip!
FISHING
Opportunities for fishing on the sea are exceptional. Barracuda,
grouper, jacks, snapper, mackerel and tarpon are some of the more
prized fish we catch with spin-casting gear or simple bait-trolling
rigs. Fly-fishing for bonefish (catch and release only, please!) is
unmatched for light tackle challenge and excitement. If you are
planning on fly-fishing for bonefish, tarpon, permit, snook etc. you
should talk to your local fly-fishing shop to find out the specific
tackle needed and where you can get it in your area. On the trip, there
are usually a few extra "tow lines" (100 yds of 30 to 50 lb test on a
stick with wire leader) available for trolling from your kayak. There
are also fishing opportunities on our river trips. We recommend a
lightweight collapsible spin casting rig. A variety of light tackle in
different colors, weights and with floating or sinking action is best.
Machaca, tuba and snook are in most rivers and can provide exceptional
angling. Very little is known about the best ways to catch these fish
in the rivers, so count on experimenting with different gear and
techniques.
It is crucial that you have light-weight and fast-drying clothes to
protect you from the sun. Much of the time while fishing (particularly
when fly-fishing), you will be wading or walking the reef flats, and
the sun, the heat and glare can be intense. A comfortable sunhat, good
sunglasses (Polarized lenses work best for being able to see through
the reflection off the water) are necessary. A pair of light, cotton,
fingerless gloves work well to protect the back of your hands from the
sun and allow minimal interfere with your working the reel. For
footwear; rubber sport sandals, an old pair of canvas runners or
neoprene reef walkers are perfect.
TACKLE
The type of tackle that you bring with you will depend on what type of
fish you want to catch and how serious you are about fishing. They say
in Belize that you don't go “ fishing”, you go "catching". Popular
wisdom is that: if you put your line into Belizean waters you will
catch something! With many hundreds of miles of unspoiled fishing
grounds, Belize is a superb sport-fishing destination. In Belize,
bonefish, tarpon, barracuda, jacks and king mackerel are plentiful.
Permit are also a prime catch but can be very difficult to find.
FLYFISHING
Although our kayak adventures are not designed as exclusive
sport-fishing trips, we are traveling through some of the richest
bonefish and tarpon waters in the western hemisphere. Often the best
fishing is done right from where we are camping, particularly if there
are accessible sand flats, mangroves or abrupt drop-offs. When paddling
or sailing your kayak you can troll a weight forward or sinking line.
This is a good way to catch barracuda, grouper or snapper. You never
know - you may even hook into a tarpon!
For bonefish you want to have a 7, 8 or 9 weight rod, nine foot or
slightly longer depending on the size of the fish and the flies you are
using. A 5 or 6 weight stream fishing rod will do for smaller bonefish
and can be great fun but you will wish you had heavier gear if you hook
into a 3 or 4 pound fish. Effective bonefish flies are Crazy Charlies
#4, #6, #8 in gold, tan & pink. Horror's # 4, 6, 8 in orange, and
Snapping Shrimp # 4, 6 in tan. A heavier tippet of 10-12 lb will hold
up well in the shallow coral & rubble strewn waters. The heavier
rod weights will work for jacks, and barracuda as well. If you plan to
fish for tarpon we suggest 10, 11 or 12 weight rods. Apart from
matching the right reel to the type of fish you are going after, the
most important thing is a reel that can handle the harsh saltwater
conditions. You need to be religious about washing your reel in
freshwater each day, particularly if you are using the reel you bought
for trout fishing at home. Many of the fish you will hook are fast and
unbelievably strong, therefore, your reel should hold a minimum of 150
yards of backing, and 20 to 30 pounds test or more for tarpon. A
weight-forward, tapered floating line is good for bonefish, you will
want a sinking line as well for tarpon. If you are serious about your
fly-fishing you should bring an extra line with you.
Nine to twelve foot leaders are fine, heavier and shorter leaders are
easier to fish within the difficult, windy conditions that are often
encountered on the Belize reef. 2X & 4X for calm conditions in
shallow waters and 1X, 0X, or 02X are also okay.
*IMPORTANT NOTE:
Fishing Licenses will be required for fly-fishing in the Glovers Reef
reserve. Cost is $25bz ($12.50 USD) per person per week. Barbless hooks
only.
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