Glover's Reef, Belize

[alamborne]

I have my wife convinced that we should take a trip to Belize in February or March. The general plan is to find a spot on the reef with snorkeling, kayaking & fishing right there. I'll probably get a guide for a day, but mainly want DIY wading that's right on the island or within a short paddle. After lots of research, I think Isla Marisol on Glover's reef is the right place.

If anyone has fished out there, I'd love to hear how it was. Especially if you stayed at Isla marisol or Manta Resort, I'd like to know if there's decent fishing right there (i.e., without a boat). Any feedback on either of those "resorts" would be great. I'd also like to know if you found tarpon (have heard the big guys migrate through later in the spring, but am more interested to know if there are smaller ones there year-round).

Thanks,
Andy

[kayaker]

If you haven't already checked them out, investigate the Sliprock and Island Expeditions kayaking/fishing trips at Glover's Reef. More like camping than resort life, but from my own research (had planned a Sliprock trip in May, but then work got in the way), this is fabulous do-it-yourself fishing opportunity.

[ikan besar]

I've fished around both of the "resorts" you mention, and although there are some small bonefish over South of Manta, there are much fewer than there once were (a bit of poaching in spite of it being within the preserve).

The best bonefishing out at Glovers is on the West side of Middle Caye. You can easily reach this by kayak from the two places you mention, as well as from Southeast Caye, which I discuss below. There is a resident school of bones there that can be fished from the beach (bring polarized glasses to see them).

If you aren't dead set on catching the three main flats species, the snapper and jack fishing off the edge of the reef is quite good - just bring a LOT of clousers. Much of the water surrounding the islands out at Glovers is too deep to wade.

Another place to add to the list of lodging options is Glovers Atoll Island Lodge which is on Southeast Caye. Do a google search for them and you will locate their website. They have a few over-water bungalows as well as a number of cabins on land. I spent last Christmas there and caught quite a lot of fish on my own. This is the same island that many kayak outfitters use, but it is much cheaper to book the trip directly with the lodge (and they have quite a fleet of their own kayaks if that is your interest).

The only potential hitch in your plan is wind. Those months can be fantastic, or it can blow really hard for days or weeks on end. I wouldn't let that issue stop me, but go with some adequate rain gear and a sweatshirt to wear at night time.

If you are staying out there and need a guide, ask around for Warren Cabral. He is 13 years old, lives on Southeast Caye, and REALLY knows where the fish are and how to catch them. Don't discount his age - this kid has his own flats boat and KNOWS fishing!

[alamborne]

Thanks for the info, Ikan. Do you know what Warren charges? Also curious, did you see any tarpon at Christmas time (I think they'd have to be resident fish that time of year)?

Thanks,
Andy

[LeeG]

I stayed and fished out of Manta for a week about 5 years ago. We got a lot fish every day-very few over 4 lbs. Plenty of good action along the reef too but I was really only focussing on the bones. Plenty of good fishing right from Manta and if you can get a ride over to middle caye and back it's really good over there-both on the inland side as well as the ocean flats. I fished with a guide named Francis Cleveland and he could not have been better.

Great area.

Lee