Near the center of the west coast of the Yucatan peninsula, a small country named Belize offers some of the best saltwater fly fishing in the world. Ten years ago I traveled to Belize for the first time, after an earlier introduction to saltwater fly fishing along the flats of Andros Island in the Bahamas and Christmas Island, as well as offshore time in the Sea of Cortez. Since that time the Yucatan, and Belize especially, have become an annual pilgrimage.

The fishing in Belize is year 'round, but I prefer to go in May, June, or July as warm water temperatures attract migrating tarpon into areas already inhabited by resident fish. Tremendous numbers of bonefish are always around, and I feel cheated if I don't see five to ten permit each day. Summer angling offers the chance for a flats grand slam--catching a bonefish, permit, and tarpon.

Visiting anglers should take weather into consideration. It is impossible to predict, although late spring and early to midsummer seem stable and fairly reliable. When choosing your time frame, it's important to remember that all three species are present in Belize year 'round.

The heat of summer in Belize is never easy. It burns and stings until the sweat is in your eyes, and Belize guides say, "Mon, if you can't see, you can't fish." It's true. The biggest problems beginning saltwater anglers have is seeing and recognizing the fish (which are not always the same thing), and casting through the wind to a moving target.

A good guide is extremely important. Without one, much of what you see and do may be wasted effort. Most, if not all, anglers will learn more in one day with a good guide than they will in two years of tromping around on their own. The ones I have met in Belize are skilled, patient, thoroughly professional, and can help you catch fish.