We are back from an incredible trip to Belize. Though we were itching to get our trip started, in the end we were glad we were delayed because even though the winds were still a challenge, at least we didn’t have to battle rain or hurricanes that battered Belize prior to our arrival!
When planning this trip, we knew we had to go back to one of our favorite places—Belize River Lodge.
Who wouldn’t want to come back here?
We have many great memories from past trips here, and this time around did not disappoint, as we were ferried out to the flats by their expert guides during the day, and then had the pleasure of listening to Mike, the lodge owner, tell stories each evening as we sat for cocktails and dinner.
Belize River Lodge owner, Mike.
Our expert guides ready to take us out to the flats
Accompanying us on this trip was Damon Bungard of Jackson Kayak and Orion Coolers. A professional fly fisherman, Damon designed the new Mayfly with fishing in Belize in mind. Damon hooked and landed a solid handful of bonefish our first day on the water.
Two Jackson Kayak Mayflys ready for their maiden voyage where they belong—fishing for bonefish in Belize!
On this trip, I got to try out the new Leviathan PFD from Kokatat…man is this thing loaded with POCKETS! So much space for all my little bits and pieces, and comfortable to boot.
So many pockets! You definitely need to try out the Leviathan
I decided to challenge myself on this trip and only brought fly gear along, which made for challenging but rewarding fishing. I was using the SEiGLER MF reel loaded up with Seaguar Premier Fluorocarbon leader 30 down to 12 pound test. With a lot of help and coaching by Damon, I got my first bonefish on the fly, which was quickly followed up with a chunky barracuda—the trip was off to a great start.
First bonefish on the fly!
Fly fishing and coach extraordinaire, Damon Bungard of Jackson Kayak/Orion Coolers
Damon releasing a nice bonefish
To round out the trip, our guides took us out to Long Cay Outpost, where we had a fantastic day fishing the flats far from the lodge. Both Jim and Damon caught a ton of mangrove snapper and Damon landed a few more epic bones—a perfect way to end the trip as well as our streak of bad weather!
What destinations are on your kayak fishing bucket list? We’d love to hear about it—and possibly even film there! Send us your leads by sending us a message on our Facebook page.
Kayak Fishing Tales 