Been doing some homework on the Bonefish, Permit and Trapon fishing, lots of flats and I will be there when the fishing is hot. Taking my 8 wt fly rod and also a spinning rod, though most fishing will be on the fly rod on the flats. Anyone been down there? I am staying and fishing on Ambergis Caye. Any info is helpful.
I have talked with an outfitter and will probably get a guide one day but there seems to be alot of do-it-yourself areas down there, the beach off my condo looks promising.
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Have fun Remo! Those Strawberry cutts are going to be BORING after your trip [:p] Fred K.
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Maybe just for awhile, I always love the Berry Cutts'. At least I know when I hit the Berry' the catching is going to be great, a little different for me when I hit the salt, but the thing I love about the ocean is it's always a mystery on what you might catch.
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I grew up fishing saltwater out of SoCal, and that was one of the things that I always enjoyed too..... never knowing for sure exactly what you've hooked!
I was on a tuna trip out of Oceanside one time chasing albacore and yellowfin in the 20 to 30 pound class. A guy on the boat was throwing iron while everyone else fished bait. The next thing you know he's onto a big fish! 45 minutes later he's still on the fish and his Penn Jigmaster reel was starting to come apart. The deckhand was doing what he could to try to screw it back together while he fought the fish. Just about the time he got it to gaff his 20 lb line finally popped, and the 90 lb+ big eye tuna he was fighting was gone It was quite a battle to watch [cool] Fred K.
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I haven't been there yet (probably late this year or early 2010 its on my agenda!), but that area is well-known for its flats fishing, and less-visited than some other Carribean areas. El Pescador fishing lodge is world famous. I'd love to hear a report when you return. Rumor has it that the "lagoon" on the back side is full of smaller tarpon and snook. The front ocean side is where the bones, permit, and big migratory tarpon will be found.
An 8 wt. should work for everything except the bigger tarpon (over 30 or 40 pounds). For the big poons, you should have at least a 10. Take crab flies for the permit. Standard tarpon streamers for the poons. Not sure on the bones, but Crazy Charlie type stuff seems to work everywhere.
For spinning, bucktail jigs and soft plastic grubs would be my choice. Be sure to spool with braided line for longer, accurate casts. 20-30 pound leaders are the choice for most. Maybe some white Sluggo-type plastics for the tarpon, and a small swim bait or two. Big tarpon WILL eat smaller baits and flies. Just be sure to use extra strong hooks for their cinder-block mouths.
I'll be waiting with baited breath for your return report! Have fun!
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Jim,
I checked out El Pescador, but then I found a cheaper guide "Big D" Darrel from Bitemebelize. He has boat trips tor the flats, also just a wading trip around the island and he also rents kayaks. Sounds like plenty of choices. I will let you know how it goes.
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