Today was our last day of what has been a fantastic trip to Belize River Lodge. I’ve been here numerous times over the last 36 years. Yes, you heard me correct – 36 years. My first visit was in 1989. BRL is a personal paradise of mine and it’s been so nice to be back and not only fish but spend time with dear friends Mike and Marguerite and Misha and Dirk.
Because it’s our last day and because we’ve already had some great fishing, we made today a casual one. Before we even left the dock, Granny announced she was doing only a half day. She’s fished six straight so she was ready for some hammock time and reading – something a busybody like me doesn’t understand but ok. I planned to fish with Dirk all day but opted to stay close to the lodge and river fish.
After breakfast we traveled upstream from the lodge searching for tarpon. One more for Granny would be the icing on the cake. But despite seeing a bunch rolling, we only managed to jump and lose this one. The wildlife and birds however, were again amazing.
Dirk and I dropped off Granny at 11 and then headed downstream to near the mouth of the Belize River. Just before hitting the ocean we took the cut that sneaks you through the bush and mangrove swamp well behind Belize City. The shortcut takes you to the Sibun River. The Sibun is very remote and several lagoons are attached. We went upstream here till we reached the very lagoon that we cichlid fished with Pedro on day one.
I broke out my 6-weight and tossed a small shrimp fly. It was only a few casts in when the bay snook showed up to play. Just like enjoying an evening on a bluegill pond back home, I caught a bunch of these pretty cichlids and it put a big smile on my face!
While the bay snook were super fun, I really wanted to get a redhead cichlid like Granny caught on day one. I’ve caught them before but they are so cool looking you can never get enough. We hunted all over this lagoon. I missed a couple of chances. Then we entered some very unique looking water.
Dirk was paddling me along. As I was casting I was looking ahead. I’d seen a few of these fish cruising but they went down quick. Finaly I spotted one riding high and happy. The second my fly hit the water he was on. Man are these fish pretty!
The lagoon on the upper Sibun River is a long way from the lodge so Dirk and I packed it in at 4 pm sharp. I put my feet up and leaned back in my seat and took it all in. What a great trip back to Belize where my world travel and exotic fishing all began.
It was an especially fun night at the lodge. Granny’s birthday is Friday but they put on a surprise party for her tonight. This not only included the usual fantastic dinner but a birthday cake made of rich vanilla-lime cake and ice cream. Living large to say the least!
That’s about all from Belize River Lodge. We fly back to Wisconsin tomorrow. What a trip. Every time I come here I tell myself I must come more often and after this trip I feel exactly the same. But man how life gets in the way of things. Work. My curiosity to continue to see more of the world. But this time I think I really will be back soon!
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Magical place!