AMBERGRIS CAYE, BELIZE 2010

Belize 2010 Trip Report
January 22 - 31, 2010
El Pescador Lodge, Belize
20 hrs CE
Radiology
Dr. Eric Herrgesell

The El Pescador Lodge on Ambergris Caye is one of the premier saltwater fishing destinations in the world. The opportunity to fish for tarpon, permit, bone fish, snook, Jacks, lady fish, barracuda and snapper in one place doesn't happen everywhere. Sharks, dolphins, rays and water birds entertain anglers as well. Tarpon, permit, and bone fish are protected in Belize with catch and release; and the country has allocated locations in the Caye where fishing is not permitted. These fish are not world class trophy size especially in the winter months but any of these 3 will put an angler in the backing in a heartbeat. The enemy of flats fly fishing is wind and one on the reasons we go to Belize in January is to avoid high wind. These fish are accustomed to calm water without much movement of anything over their heads. Mudding bones and permit can be spotted much easier with sun and calm water and pods of tarpon cruising for food cause nervous water that will turn an angler into melted butter. Unfortunately, we had wind on the flats every day, and on our 6th day, it was so high (over 30 knots) that we didn't even fish. It was the worst January weather in 20 years, according to the guides. But even with this, we all caught bones with some in excess of 5 lbs. Most of us had shots at permit and tarpon. Only 2 permit landed (Herb and Adam) but a big fat "0" for tarpon this time.

Those on this trip included 11 anglers and 7 significant others including Eric's wife Brooke and their two children, James (8) and Hanna (10). Allan Dozier and son Adam from Charlotte NC Michael Mulvany from San Diego, Scott Mays from Frisco TX, and Richard Burrows from Kingman AZ, who filled the slot donated donated by John Welser who had to cancel 4 days out. A big thanks to John for his generosity. Also included were 4 couples: Doug and Betty Andrews (Portland, ME), Mike and Sandy Norris (Dover, NH), Herb and Tina Brown (Woodburn, KY), and Ed and Deb Kahil (Killeen, TX). All in all, we had 3 newbies for Belize with 5 from California and 11 representing Arizona, Michigan, Maine, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Texas. Eric's wife and children arrived Thursday but almost didn't make it because they were stopped from boarding the flight out of Sacramento by TSA. This was due to both father and mother not traveling together with the children. That happened the day we didn't fish, and if Eric had been in the boat on his way fishing, his cell phone would not have been on to receive the distress call from Brooke. After some harried moments, documents were faxed twice to the airport, and Brooke and children were able to board just 10 minutes before departure. That turned out even better for James as Eric had arranged with guide Katchu to provide a special fishing experience. James caught 15 bone fish, a bunch of snapper which was shared at dinner, and barracuda with at least one longer than he was tall. Really a very special time for father and son. Quite the site with James on the boat deck with fly rod in hand wearing an El Pescador fishing shirt and IAFFV hat. Brooke and Hanna had their special time as well.

We stayed in 3 villas this time which made for a much better arrangement. The living room of one of the villas served as the seminar room and worked out really well. The windows were darkened with blankets and Eric Herrgesell did his thing, making all of us better veterinarians as a result. He assigned unknown cases which was a fantastic learning experience. What better way to make a commitment with what is seen on the radiographs with Big Daddy there to compliment and comment on what he observes comparatively. Because Eric is such a good teacher, most of the time we were right on with the guru radiologist.

With excellent accommodations and meals, outstanding service, fly fishing the flats of Belize, an exceptional educational experience, and the great mix of personalities, this trip ranks in the top 10% of programs we have held.

Don Sawyer
Organizer