Tropical Paradise Turneffe Flats Swings into Action

Winter is behind us – at least officially – and the fair and mild days of spring and summer are ahead. Our anglers have seen early tarpon rolling in both open waters and the mangrove channels. This is very promising; we look for a good year with plenty of Grand Slam opportunities.

You may have heard us mention the nice spring and summer weather we have in at Turneffe. Although June is technically the onset of the “rainy season” in Belize, this primarily relates to the inland rain forest areas and at Turneffe we get only brief rains and mostly fair, mild weather. Visibility for diving is at its best and the fishing is at its peak, so consider a summer visit.
Fisheries Enforcement is Here! At long last we have Fisheries Rangers at Turneffe. Three Rangers and a boat have been stationed at the University of Belize on Calabash Caye and are here to enforce fisheries regulations which will, hopefully, prevent some illegal practices such as netting near flats. This was made possible because of a grant from the Oak Foundation and the work of Melanie McField at World Wildlife Fund. There is still a long ways to go to ensure the protection of the Turneffe Atoll, but this is a huge step forward. If you spot some Rangers while you’re visiting, be sure to tip your cap and let them know you approve.

If at First You know the line, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Our regular guest Sandy Goldstone from New York tried, tried and tried to get a permit until he finally nailed the nice fish pictured. Sandy wrote, “Even though I didn't catch this on a fly, maybe I still make it into your rogue’s gallery.” Better than that, Sandy, you’re in our newsletter. Sandy was fishing with Mark.

Golden Bone Ed Goracy, a first time visitor from Glastonbury, Conneticut., was fishing with Dion when he landed and released a lovely golden bonefish. Since many of our guests have never seen a golden bone, we thought you’d like this picture. See pictures
Dive, Dive, Dive Emeric Cabral has joined our dive staff as a Dive Master. Emeric (Ricky) is a younger brother of fishing guides Dubs and Dion and nephew to Pops Cabral. We have known Emeric for a number of years and are very pleased to have him on our staff. Ricky is a very experienced Dive Master and knows the diving around Turneffe as well as anyone in Belize. Our weather and visibility are best in the summer so it isn’t too early to talk with your dive group about a summer trip. Call or e-mail our office for availability.
Fishing Jinx We hate to mention it – it’s sure to put a voodoo curse or jinx on things – but permit fishing has been pretty good. A couple of weeks ago everyone at the lodge caught at least one permit and a few of the anglers got multiples. Even more impressive is the fact we’re seeing them in large schools mixed with juveniles and sturdy adults.
I will be visiting Turneffe Flats in April to record a series of programmes for my At The Waters Edge programme on BBC Radio Lancashire, you can listen via the internet www.bbcco.uk/lancashire click on sport click on fishing. I will also be doing some features for the angling press. This site will also have a full report on this exciting venue in Central America
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Turneffe Flats
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