My wife Taryna and I boarded out flight from Houston International with great anticipation for our 4-night stay at one of the oldest and most respected saltwater fishing destination. El Pescador lodge, located on Ambergris Key, Belize is everything we hoped it would be. My reason for going, was two-fold. I really wanted to treat my wife to a top-rated lodge for some tropical R & R and I also wanted to visit and verify for my clients that this was the perfect lodge for a couple’s trip and for anglers with non-fishing partners or friends. Thirdly, I love chasing permit, bonefish and tarpon on the beautiful turquoise flats of the Caribbean. El Pescador had it all.
After we landed in Belize City, we made it to Tropic Air and easily made our pre-arranged 15-minute
shuttle flight to Ambergris Key and the city of San Pedro. El Pescador had a representative pick us up at the airport and take us to the dock where we took a 10-minute boat ride to the lodge. After arriving at the lodge they briefed us on what to expect for the next 4 days.
Exceptional service and a professional staff.
We were pampered and taken care of by the staff of more than 48 employees. They were very friendly and personable calling us by first names from the first minute.
Taryna and I noticed how well kept the grounds and facilities were, putting them among the tops for
tropical destinations. Our room was spacious, and equipped with a king size bed, 6 pillows, inside rod
racks, double sinks, large walk in shower, Air conditioning and a de-humidifier.
That first evening there was a fishing orientation meeting to get set on the fishing program. This was very helpful as the anglers could ask questions and get a game plan for next day’s fishing. The lodge has a great supply of flies, lines, clothing, etc.
Two of the guests arrived without their luggage which we were there. What did the lodge do? They sent someone out to get them necessities, tooth brush, deodorant, and clothing. And because the lodge has some loaner rods Paul and Frank did not miss any fishing days. No question, it was hard not to be impressed by the amount of care and service at El Pescador.
Most of my saltwater fishing trips are 6 days fishing, but that was a different trip for me because my wife is a non- fisher, so I booked two days on the water and we spent the other two days enjoying excursions and relaxing in a beautiful setting. Unfortunately, I did not connect on any tarpon or permit during my fishing, but had all the bonefish I wanted. I did see enough permit and tarpon to convince me of the health of this fishery. Besides, several of the guests caught tarpon and permit during the week we were there. The guides are experienced 2nd and 3rd generation captains. You can do some fishing close to the lodge, but most guides will run you 45 minutes to 1 hour to the outer flats.
On one of my non-fishing days, my wife and I took a 2-hour snorkel excursion to Mexico Rocks, a 10-
minute boat ride north of the lodge. Here we snorkeled in 10 to 15-foot crystal clear water teaming
with fish among large coral structures. And, once we had returned to the lodge, we ate a wonderful lunch and then treated ourselves to a one hour massage by Daisy a local masseuse from San Pedro.
After we had finished the massage, we relaxed in one of the 3 fresh water pools on the property while eating chicken nachos and BBQ wings poolside. One day the girls rode bikes 3 miles into town and shopped for jewelry and gifts for the kids. Other guests took golf carts into a lagoon access in search of tarpon and bonefish at “secret” beach. I woke up early each morning and caught bonefish from the beach and the docks near the lodge.
I now sit on the airplane typing this report with only one regret, I should have booked a few more days
at El Pescador. We met some neat guests and built friendships with people from England, Mississippi,
Colorado, and DC. We shared a common sentiment when leaving, “when can we get back to El Pescador?”