Welcome to Belize

Location, Type of Fishing:

Resting on the tranquil shores of the Belize River in Ladyville, just minutes from the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport on the outskirts of Belize City, a flats fishing trip has never been made more simple than one to Belize River Lodge. It is an angler’s dream that beckons to you  from the opposite side of the river, delivering the ultimate in privacy and relaxation to go with the best fishing in Central Belize. Located a few miles upstream from the mouth of the river, access to the flats of the Caribbean is very quick and easy. Fly fishing for inshore gamefish takes place on an abundance of different waters that are available from its central location on the mainland. A fantastic grand slam and super slam destination, anglers will appreciate the variety of opportunities available to them for saltwater fly fishing. One of the best places to stay in Belize, the lodge offers beautiful scenery, friendly and professional service, great food and, of course, the best location for a wide and diverse light tackle fishing program. With the recent addition of a guest house at Long Caye Outpost, a private beach-resort located 14 miles off the coast, Belize River Lodge now operates at two exciting locations. Both offer a wide array of fishing options, but when fishing from Long Caye, one does however lose the inland river and lagoon fishing that is found along the mainland. Whichever one of these great locations you chose, you will have the opportunity to fish for all four traditional inshore slam species, as well as barracuda, jacks and snapper, to name just a few.

 

• Season: Year-round
• Species: Permit, Tarpon, Bonefish, Snook, Barracuda
• Rods: 7-12 wt. Saltwater, Fast-action
• Rates: 7 night/ 6 days fishing $3,989.00

 

 

 

 

 

What Makes It Special:

A big part of the historical landscape of modern fishing in former British Honduras, the main lodge at Ladyville is practically a national treasure. Belize’s oldest fishing lodge in continuous operation, guests have been traveling to this remarkable destination since 1961. Formally Barothy’s Fishing Lodge, the main lodge was originally built by a refugee fleeing Fidel Castro’s oppressive communist regime in Cuba at the end of the 1950’s. Vic Barothy found an ideal setting on the banks of Belize Olde River, renamed the Belize River in recent times. Being perfectly suited for a world-class fishing lodge, there is a variety of great fishing available from its location just up the river. Its prominent place in the history of this small country’s rich past makes it truly special, apparent in the memorabilia decorating the lodge’s storied walls. For over six decades, it has set the standard for fishing lodges in Central America, and despite the recent proliferation of fishing lodges nearly everywhere, it still offers first-class lodging at a reasonable price. Family-owned and operated, Belize River Lodge provides extraordinary service in a relaxing atmosphere. Today’s owners, Mike Heusner and Marguerite Miles have continued the rich fishing tradition for which the lodge has become well-known, adding the new location at Long Caye and ecotours to its list of progressions.

 

Fishing:

Back in the early days, anglers flocked to these waters for the chance to  catch large trophy tarpon during their annual migration as well as the opportunity to chase large bonefish on crystal-clear flats. These days, most now come for the chance to catch their very first permit on a fly rod. With many fantastic permit flats accessible from either location, guests will also be thrilled by the sheer diversity of opportunities available to them under a variety of conditions. Really fortunate ones will have a legitimate shot at a grand slam, or even a super slam. When fishing the waters from the main lodge, expect to fish a variety of locations including flats, mangroves, keys, channels, rivers and creeks for tarpon, snook, bonefish and permit. From the main lodge, the mouth of the river is just 15 minutes away by boat, and you will fish a large area, sometimes venturing up to 16 miles from the coast in search of good fishing. Running times average 10-15 minutes between spots. If the wind picks up, there are good options for fishing the protected waters of the rivers, lagoons and creeks for tarpon and snook. There are some big tarpon found right at the river mouth, with some well over a hundred pounds. At Long Caye Outpost, tarpon, snook, permit and bonefish are found all around this truly marvelous island, featuring some of the best flats fishing you’re likely to find just about anywhere. There are excellent wading options at Long Caye, as there are some beautiful flats that you can walk to from within sight of the guesthouse. Long Caye Channel, located directly behind the outpost, is known for producing large tarpon as well. If it gets windy, plan on fishing the leeward side of the island as well as the protected lagoons and leeward shores of neighboring Hicks Caye.

 

Lodge:

A beautiful jungle lodge set seamlessly amid the tropical forest at the river’s edge, the main lodge at Ladyville was built making use of the abundant mahogany that was common in its day. In fact, large mahogany trees can still  be seen towering over the property today. The lush gardens of the property are accentuated by manicured lawns featuring decorative and native vegetation creating excellent shade opportunities as well as a calming atmosphere where gentle aromas drift among the trees and private cottages. Take in the sounds of the neighboring jungle, as it’s not uncommon to hear howler monkeys among the regular humming of insects and bird calls emitting from this rich tropical environment. The main lodge can accommodate up to 16 guests in eight spacious, comfortable rooms. All are equipped with private baths and air-conditioning. Each room also includes a screened-in porch for relaxing and taking in the fresh air of the nearby forest. At Long Caye Outpost, smaller groups of no more than 6 anglers will stay at a rustic and intimate guesthouse right on a beautiful white-sand beach in a picture-perfect Caribbean setting. Accommodations are a bit more basic here than at the main lodge, but gorgeous views and remarkable access to pristine flats more than make up for this cozy hideaway’s simple lodgings. Ocean breezes keep the rooms smelling fresh and provide a relaxing environment so restful there’s no need for climate control, and the gentle sound of the waves lapping just outside your window will easily soothe you to sleep at night.

 

Dining:

From the kitchen at Belize River Lodge, guests will undertake a culinary adventure of tastes and cuisines combined from influences of American, Belizean and Garifuna cultures. Using only the freshest and finest ingredients, chefs at both the Ladyville and Long Caye locations create some very memorable and delicious meals that will have you excited to return back to the lodge at the end of the day’s fishing. Three-course dinners are served family-style. At the main lodge, the dining room features three solid-slab mahogany tables where you can take your meals in a warm and friendly atmosphere among friends. Entrees are set around a revolving menu that includes fresh seafood, steak, chicken and pork dishes with fresh vegetables and salads to round-out the meal. Save room for dessert, as the chef makes an excellent key lime pie, among other tasty treats, that are not to be missed. After dinner retire to the lounge for a drink, or relax on the porch with a cigar. There’s a self-service honesty bar and a fly tying table is available with a selection of materials for you to use to use at your convenience, should you need to tie a fly for the next day.

 

 

How to Get There:

A trip to Belize River Lodge begins with your arrival at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City (BZE). Unlike many other lodges, there is no set travel day, which means you can arrive or depart on any day of the week. This small airport is set-up to facilitate moving the arriving traveler and his/her luggage through customs easily and efficiently. Leaving the secure area of the terminal, the main entrance is on your right, and Mike, Marguerite or another representative of the lodge will be there to meet you as you exit customs. From there it is a quick transfer in vans to the lodge’s dock at the river. A brief ferry to the other side of the river has you neatly among the aromatic, welcoming gardens of the lodge. The grounds of the lodge are an instant retreat from the bustle of civilization that you’ve just left behind, as you’ll become accustomed to hearing little but the sounds of birds and the humming of cicadas in the adjacent jungle. It is not uncommon to hear howler monkeys. At the main lodge, you will check-in and get your room assignment. Guests staying at Long Caye Outpost will continue on from the main lodge to a boat that will take them to the island, about 30 minutes. If you can make arrangements to arrive at the lodge early in the day, you may be able to take an additional half day of fishing, if you so choose.

 

 

Typical Day:

A typical day begins with coffee available at the dining room in the main lodge just after dawn, followed by breakfast starting at 7 am. Enjoy a hot breakfast made-to-order or a typical lighter-fare item like yogurt, cereal, and fresh fruit as well as some baked goods. After filling up for a big day on the water, fishermen will grab their gear and head to the docks to meet the guides no later than 8 am. Box lunches are made in the kitchen and are packed on ice in coolers on the boats with water and drinks. Head out to the daily fishing grounds in pangas targeting inshore gamefish on fly fishing and/or spinning gear. Lunch is usually taken on board the boat at about noon. Fishing continues in the afternoon until about 5:30 pm.

Plan on returning to the lodge with enough time to take a quick shower before drinks and appetizers at happy hour with dinner to follow at 7 pm. Guests of Long Caye Outpost can spend as much time as they like fishing the flats around the island as there is no set schedule, starting as early in the morning and ending as late in the evening as you like. The guides will be available to work for up to 10 hours. After that, you’re free to fish as much as you like on your own.

 

What’s Included:

Luxury accommodations, guided fishing, ground transfers, fishing license, all meals, bottled water and non-alcoholic beverages.

Not Included: International Airfare to Belize City, fee for Belize Departure Tax, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities for the staff and guides.

 

Non-angling Activities:

If you have any non-anglers in your group who would like to visit the inland Maya temples and jungle, the main lodge has easy access to many inland tours. Long Caye Outpost activities include: snorkeling, diving and kayaking. Please call 2Salt Travel at (970) 734-8855 for more information on the many non-angling activities available from the lodge.