Tag: Guatemala fishing

  • Belize River Lodge

    Belize River Lodge

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    Belize River Lodge is located on the banks of the Belize River, about 3.5 miles from the mouth. The lodge is secluded in the jungle lined western banks of the river and the location allows anglers access to a wide variety of fishing in the river for large migratory Tarpon, juvenile Tarpon, and Snook as well as flats fishing for Permit, Tarpon, and Bonefish. In addition, Belize River Lodge is located only 15 minutes from the international airport, making it one of the most convenient fishing options in Belize.

    tarpon, juvenile tarpon, snook, permit and bonefish

    Conveniently located 15 minutes from the airport

    Fishing from 23 foot pangas (skiffs) as well as wade fishing

    Stunning wildlife and many terrains to explore

    Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Belize fly fishing!

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    Belize River Lodge can accommodate a total of 16 guests in a four bedroom “Guest House”, a two bedroom “Cottage”, or a two bedroom “Bungalow”. The accommodations are constructed of native mahogany and surrounded by tropical greenery and exotic flowers. Each room has a ceiling fan and its own bath and hot shower. All rooms have air conditioning. All of the buildings, including the dining room / living area, are within 50 feet of the river. The lodge buildings are decorated in tropical Belizean ambiance and have an appealing old world charm.

    Outstanding seafood and native dishes are served. Owner Mike Heusner, managed the lodge when it was known as Keller’s Caribbean Sports, before purchasing and renaming the property to Belize River Lodge in January 1987. He and his associate, Marguerite Miles, are a very competent management team, Mike as a fishing outfitter and Marguerite as hostess and chef.

    The fishing in the Belize River, and on the nearby saltwater flats, is done from sturdy 23 foot pangas (skiffs) guided by experienced, English-speaking native Belize guides. However, there is a good amount of wading on some of the saltwater flats. The mangrove lined rivers, which at times can teem with spawning tarpon and snook, that are fished from the lodge include: the Belize River, Black Creek, Sibun River, Manatee River, and numerous creeks and lagoons in between.

    Moving into saltwater, the mouth of the Belize River can be a hot spot for big Tarpon. And, the flats among the coastline and nearby cays offer sight fishing for bonefish, permit, tarpon and snook. Other available species include cubera, snapper, jacks, barracuda, grouper and more. Many species of birds and other wildlife such as manatees, howler monkeys, iguanas, turtles, snakes and occasionally crocodiles may be seen while fishing from the lodge.

    Belize River Lodge also offers a remote Outpost Camp on Long Caye and a live aboard vessel as exciting options that extend beyond just staying at the lodge.

    Long Caye Outpost

    The Outpost camp on Long Caye is situated right in the middle of some of Belize’s most fertile fishing grounds, giving anglers access to productive fishing areas like St. George’s Caye or Miami Beach less than 10 minutes. In fact, the Long Caye area is well known for producing good numbers of Grand Slams (catching a Tarpon, Permit and Bonefish in the same day). The Outpost Camp can accommodate up to 6 anglers in 3-double occupancy air-conditioned rooms and is equipped with a shared bathroom, a full veranda, ceiling fans, generator power, and a private island, only shared with your guides and Belize River Lodge staff. Rooms are outfitted with twin beds, but can be made into King size beds if desired.

    Since the guides do not go home each night, the fishing hours are unlimited. Get up at daybreak, fish, come back for breakfast, fish, snorkel, have lunch. Fish, siesta, have dinner. Then fish until dark or after dark! No TV or telephones, but the vessels are equipped with marine radios.

    This system affords the serious angler the greatest variety of fishing conditions and the opportunity to catch a variety of fish species such as tarpon, snook, bonefish, permit, several types of snapper and grouper, jack, barracuda, shark, mackerel and others.

    Custom Tours – In addition to fishing, Belize is an interesting place for touring. Belize River Lodge offers the following customized personal tours: Maya historic sites; caves and waterfalls; horseback riding; bird watching; river trips to see manatees, howler monkeys, iguanas, turtles and sometimes crocodiles; the

    Belize Zoo with all the native animals and snakes of Belize and even a toucan you can pet; San Pedro at Ambergris Caye, the old and new capital of Belize; local villages; wood carvers at work; Tikal in Guatemala and much more. These tours are guided either by members of the Heusner family or by guides selected by the Heusners. Belize River Lodge takes care of all local travel arrangements and accommodations.

    Belize River Lodge 2025 Rates

    Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing

    Length of StayDouble OccupancySingle Occupancy
    3 Nights/2 Days$2,275$3,275
    4 Nights/3 Days$3,200$4,595
    5 Nights/4 Days$4,075$5,850
    6 Nights/5 Days$4,925$7,075
    7 Nights/6 Days$5,775$8,325
    8 Nights/7 Days$6,475$9,295

    (Rates are per person in US$ and subject to change)

    Take the guess-work out.

    Tap a button below to start the conversation. Our services are free.

    Rates Include: round trip airport transfers in Belize, meeting & checkout service, accommodations, daily housekeeping, air-conditioning in rooms (at BRL Main Lodge, only), all meals including a box lunch, soda and drinking water, guided fishing, skiff and fuel, hotel taxes and GST.

    Rates Do Not Include: airfare to and from Belize, fishing equipment and tackle, Belize fishing license ($25 per angler per week); alcoholic beverages, tips to guides and staff, Belize Departure Tax (may be included in the airline ticket).

    Belize River Lodge is Catch & Release Only. Permit, Bonefish and Tarpon are always released; some Snook, Snapper, Barracuda and Grouper may be kept for the table.

  • Guatemala

    Guatemala

    Nice Pacific Sailfish

    Guatemala is without question the Sailfishing Capital of the World. Guatemalan fishing boats typically average 15 – 20 sailfish bites per day, year round and during hot bites, it’s not unusual to raise 30, 40 or 50 or more sailfish in a single day. The incredible numbers of sailfish have attracted some of the world’s top international offshore captains to Guatemala and a fleet of comfortable and well equipped sportfishing boats. The top boats release over 2,000 sailfish a year.

    Guatemala sailfish average 70 to 90 pounds and commonly exceed 100 pounds, especially are during the fall months. Much of the fishing takes place only 10 to 20 miles offshore.

    But fishing in Guatemala in not just about sailfish – marlin, dorado (mahi mahi), and yellowfin tuna are the most common offshore species in Guatemala, and roosterfish are taken inshore. While not as abundant as sailfish, blue marlin are caught on a regular basis. They average 250 to 400 pounds, but larger fish in the 800 pound range have been released.

    It’s not unusual to encounter large schools of dorado running from 10 to 40 + pounds.These acrobatic gamefish are great fun on light tackle or 9-weight fly rods. But keep a sharp eye – big marlins are frequently found underneath these dorado schools!

    There’ve been a lot of changes in Iztapa, Guatemala since Capt. Hank Robbins pioneered this incredible fishery in the early 80’s. While there are many more boats, the fishing seems to get better. Incredible records have been set in recent years, like the legendary Capt. Ron Hamlin’s astounding 124 sailfish release day on the Captain Hook, or Capt. Chris Scheeder’s 57 sailfish on the fly in one day. Most importantly, the government of Guatemala has recognized the immense value of the resource, passing legislation not only mandating catch and release for sails, but making it illegal to possess any sailfish, effectively protecting the species from any commercial harvest. Such forward thinking will assure that the fishing for sailfish in Guatemala will remain the best in the world for many years to come.

    The options for sailfishing in Guatemala have increased substantially since our first explorations with Capt. Hank 20 some years ago. New lodges and some of the world’s top offshore Captains bring exciting new choices for anglers looking for world class fishing for sailfish. (Please click on links for rates and information):

    Guatamala sailfishing at its best

    Casa Vieja

    Casa Vieja is a beautiful new lodge, located less than one mile from the marina, featuring the most luxurious accommodations, the best game boats in the country, and a stable of some of the world’s most renowned blue water captains.

    Pacific Fins

    Pacific Fins purchased the well known Fins and Feathers facility and has thoroughly renovated the property in 2007.

    Sailfishing in Guatamala - Photos Courtesy of Mark Hatter