Free rod, reel and line included for each student!

Join an Orvis saltwater fly fishing expert in Belize, one of our favorite destinations for saltwater fly fishing. Huge flats, abundant fish, experienced guides and a wonderful tropical climate are all reasons to fly fish in Belize. Northern Belize is the destination of choice if you are new to flats fishing.

The seminar leader has a long history of guiding and coaching fly anglers. This Orvis Travel Certified Saltwater Expert will be your host at El Pescador Lodge, on Ambergris Caye. Between your Orvis Travel trip leader, the friendly lodge staff and the local guides, you will have plenty of people dedicated to making this a memorable, enjoyable trip.

Each day you will head out with a guide, two anglers per guide, and seek out the best conditions for your style of fishing. The guides use open skiffs with a small deck in the bow. The boats are shallow draft, about 20’ long, and the guides ease them into every nook and cranny in search of fish.

Ambergris Caye, Belize is the largest of the 200 islands that dot the coast of Belize. The second largest barrier reef in the world is just off shore. In Mayan times, Ambergris Caye was a trading post, with a population of 100,000. The narrow channel between Mexico and Belize was dug by the Mayans for a trade route from the Bay of Chetumal to the Caribbean Sea.

Getting There
Arrive at Belize International Airport before 4:30 PM where you will go through customs and immigration. Proceed to the Tropic Air counter, where your tickets will be waiting for you. The 18 minute flight will take you to San Pedro airstrip on Ambergris Caye, where an El Pescador fishing guide will be waiting to escort you to the lodge by boat, a 5 minute ride.

There are frequent, daily flights to Belize City on major carriers, and you can usually connect directly to San Pedro in one day.

Itinerary

The Fishing
Ambergris Caye is conveniently located amidst some of the most productive bonefish, permit and tarpon flats in the Caribbean. The area has long been a favorite of anglers chasing the coveted tropical saltwater grand slam. Although still a difficult feat, even for highly skilled anglers, many would agree that El Pescador is probably home to more grand slams than any other lodge in the Caribbean.

The flats extend for miles, providing ample opportunities and a wide variety of species. The nutrient rich ecosystem provides a tremendous amount of food to the bonefish, permit, tarpon and numerous other fish that inhabit the flats. From extremely large schools of small bonefish to incredible schools of permit and tarpon exceeding 150 pounds, variety is what fly fishing in this part of Belize is all about.

Bonefish are the most numerous game fish available in Northern Belize. Many experienced professional and amateur anglers caught their first bonefish with an El Pescador guide. The fish are plentiful and there are always options available to anglers of all skill levels. The average bonefish weighs in at around 2 pounds but there are larger fish available, and fish over 10 pounds have been landed. Most of the bonefishing around Ambergris Caye is done while casting from the platform of a Mexican style panga flats boat. The elevated position of the angler and guide makes spotting fish easier and oftentimes the boat can get closer to the fish than a wading angler can. There are some flats that are hard bottomed and well suited to wade fishing. However, anglers spend most of their time fishing from the boat.

Permit are a popular attraction for anglers visiting Belize. Although never easy to catch, if you are willing to put in the time and effort, this is one of the best places in the world to connect with this special fish. Permit sizes range from 5 pounds to over 40 pounds with the average fish landed running around 10 pounds.

Tarpon are available year round in smaller numbers and sizes. Resident fish ranging from 10-20 pounds are found in the mangrove creeks, and are a lot of fun on a fly rod whenever they are encountered. Larger resident fish, up to 90 pounds, are often found on the flats, and it is possible to sight fish for tarpon most months. Occasionally it is necessary to prospect the deeper channels with sinking lines, so anglers should be prepared to employ a variety of strategies. In approximately late April through early October the larger migratory tarpon move into the area looking for baitfish schools on their annual migration through the Caribbean. This provides the best opportunity to sight fish for tarpon. It is not unusual to see fish over 100 pounds and larger fish are caught every year. The lodge record was 196 pounds. Although this is one of the best destinations in the world to catch a tarpon on the flats, it is never a sure thing and anglers new to flats fishing should not expect to catch tarpon on their first trip.

The Guides
All of El Pescador’s guides were born and raised on Ambergris Caye. Many of the guides have been working at El Pescador for over 20 years, and all are expert anglers. The guides have an encyclopedic knowledge of the fishery, coming from a lifetime dedicated to learning where the fish are and how best to catch them on a fly. El Pescador’s guides are happy to help teach you some of their secrets and will work hard to maximize your opportunities for success.

Many of the small inns and resorts on Ambergris Caye offer to arrange day trips with independent guides. However, ask anyone in Belize if they are a fishing guide and you will most likely get a confident “yes”. The same individual may also claim to be an expert carpenter or SCUBA dive instructor. All guides are not created equal, so it is important to choose carefully. If fishing is an important part of your vacation to Ambergris Caye, there is no substitute for the well organized fishing program and friendly professional guides at El Pescador.

Captain Todd Calitri
Todd has led numerous trips and events for Orvis Travel. He is a Federation of Fly Fishers certified casting instructor and spends his summers at Orvis Endorsed Alaska Sportsman’s Lodge as the lodge's General Manager. During the winters, he works as a fly fishing guide on a privately owned 200 foot super yacht fishing tropical destinations around the world. He has fished and guided for permit in The Bahamas, Belize, Mexico, Florida keys as well as Indo Pacific permit in the Seychelles, Maldives, and St. Brandon.

Todd comes from a long line of educators and fly fisherman. Originally from Long Island NY, Todd has worked with his father and brother, both licensed captains guiding light tackle and fly fishing charters off Southern NH, and Montauk, NY. Numerous angling magazines and TV shows have featured Todd for his ability to guide fishermen to extraordinary catches. His friendly personality and willingness to share his knowledge make him a lot of fun to spend time with. His professionalism and management experience make him the perfect trip leader.

Other Activities

• Snorkeling: the waters are crystal clear, there’s a major barrier reef close to the lodge, and a marine park.
• Dive: there’s a dive shop and a full time dive master. They arrange a variety of daily dives, including trips to the World famous Blue Hole.
• Mayan ruins: daytrips to the mainland can be arranged to visit the impressive ruins.
• Birding/kayaking: tours are available along the protected mangrove coast and beach.
• Sailing: daytrips and sunset cruises are available.

Lodging is at El Pescador, a classic fly fishing lodge on the water’s edge. The only fishing lodge on Ambergris, it has catered to light tackle and fly fishermen for thirty-five years. Rooms are large, clean and comfortable, all recently remodeled by the American owners. Meals are family style in the spacious dining room or on the beach under the starry sky.

There’s a pool and outdoor deck for relaxing at the end of a full day of fishing. It’s a great base for a fly fishing vacation. With an expert host along to help refine your technique and counsel you about equipment, you’re sure to enjoy this week of fly fishing.

If you aren’t able to join us for the seminar, but would like to visit El Pescador at a different time, we would be happy to help you with your arrangements. Orvis Travel charges the same rates as the lodge and when you book with Orvis Travel you receive our world class customer service and the assurance that every detail of your trip will be taken care of by an Orvis Travel professional.

Meals
A made to order breakfast, served at the hotel, is included your package. Breakfast typically consists of eggs, pancakes, French toast, meat, fruits, pastries, juices and coffee. You will have a nice lunch at the lodge on the seminar day. When fishing with your guide you can expect a boxed lunch consisting of your choice of sandwich wrap, salads and local favorites such as ceviche and salsa. Dinner is included in your package and will be served family style every evening at the lodge.

2013 Seminar Dates and Prices (4 sessions to choose from)
5 night, 4 day trips with a Saturday to Thursday schedule

March 16 - 21, 23 - 28 & March 30 - April 4 & April 6 - 11, 2013

$3995 per angler, double occupancy room, 2 anglers per guide
$1705 non angler, sharing a room with an angler
$375 per session, private room supplement *
$1760 per session, private boat supplement **

Prices are subject to change without notice, so book your space early to lock in these low rates.

* Guests traveling alone, or requesting a private room, pay the private room supplement.

** Single anglers are not charged the private boat supplement as long as they are willing to share a guide with another single angler.

We can arrange extra nights at the lodge or a jungle extension before or after the seminar. Please inquire for details and pricing.

Included:

• Each angler package includes a 908-4 Tip Flex Helios 2 rod, Mirage Large Arbor IV reel, Orvis flyline, leaders, tippet and 12 flies. (a $1200+ value) **
• 3½ days fishing with an expert local guide. One guide for each two anglers unless you book a private boat.
• 5 nights lodging in double rooms, El Pescador Lodge.
• Hosted by an Orvis coach and saltwater expert.
• All meals, including afternoon snack and packed lunch.
• Local Belizean beverages (beer, rum, and soda) at the lodge bar.
• Complementary use of kayaks, bikes, WI-FI and three swimming pools.
• Local Air* and sea transfers between Belize City and El Pescador Lodge, 9% hotel tax*, 12.5% sales tax*
  *Rates subject to change if airfare and/or taxes increase prior to final payment.
• Detailed packing list with recommended equipment and clothing.
• Orvis Travel VIP Merchandise Discount Card.

Not Included:

• International airfare to Belize City. Orvis Travel will arrange individually.
• Tips to fishing guides and lodge staff.
• Laundry and incidental expenses.
• Travel insurance (recommended).
• Fishing Licenses

** If you prefer an alternate outfit to the one provided with this package, we will send you a $900 Orvis gift card instead. You can then use the gift card in conjunction with your Orvis Travel VIP discount for an upgrade or purchase of your choice. Equipment and gift cards will be shipped after final payment has been received.

Customer Review:
I went along as the non-fishing spouse expecting to just relax by the pool. I was thrilled to meet other spouses at El Pescador with whom I could take tours to the mainland with. Deni at El Pescador made excellent arrangements for us to have private tours to Mayan ruins, cave-tubing, zip-lining and the Belize Zoo. I liked that it was a small resort and we ate communal meals so we met the other interesting people there. The staff at El Pescador was outstanding. They are friendly, efficient, accommodating and eager to make sure you are having an enjoyable vacation. We didn't have to worry about a thing.
- Susie Wallace, Saltwater Seminar February ’08