Fishing Information to Note:

Catch and Release Only
The Lodge policy is to always release Permit, Bonefish, & Tarpon; some Snook, Snapper, Barracuda, & Grouper can be kept for the table.

Travel Documents
A valid passport is required to enter Belize. A tourist card/visa is issued upon arrival in Belize.

Travel Arrangements
Guests fly to Belize International Airport, airport code is BZE. You are met by a member of the Lodge staff, who will shuttle you to the Lodge which is only a few miles away. Agents normally handle airline ticketing or you can call Carmelita at Zumwalt Travel at toll free (800) 237-0741 or e-mail at zumwalt@colusanet.com

Currency
The Belizean dollar is worth half of a U.S. dollar. Dollars are accepted everywhere, but change will be given in Belizean dollars. For you convenience, please bring small bills to cover small expenses, such as Airport Departure Tax, bar bill, & incidentals.

Mike's Closet (Tackle Shop)
Belize River Loge has a small tackle shop with a small assortment of fishing supplies - backing, lines, leaders and tippet. Mike's Closet has a good selection of flies and lures on sale (based on the BRL recommended lists), however, you can follow our fishing list and bring everything that you will need and use Mike's Closet as a back-up.

Rental Equipment
Belize River Lodge does provide rental equipment, subject to availability. Fly fishing equipment is top quality, RPLX & RPLXI Sage rods, 8 wt through 12 wt, & Teton 9/11 saltwater reels, cost is US$25.00 per day. Spin fishing equipment is also top quality, cost is US$15.00 per day.

Fly Tying Bench
Belize River Lodge has a fly tying bench with tying materials available for guest use. If you have a particular fly that you like to tie, maybe bring a few of those materials with you. If you would like some instruction or would like to learn to tie flies during your stay, Mike & a few of the guides can help you.

Salt Water
Saltwater is very corrosive. Rinse your rods & reels daily with fresh water. At the Lodge, it is policy that at the end of the day, your guide or Mike will rinse your rods & reels down with fresh water at the dock. After your trip, rinse & clean all equipment & clothing thoroughly before storing.

Suggested Reference Books
Before coming to Belize, we suggest that you read through a few saltwater books. There are specialty books on Permit, Bonefish, Tarpon, and Snook fishing, by a variety of authors. The four listed below are very good general references.

Saltwater Fly Fishing by Jeff Currier
Fly Fishing in Saltwater by Lefty Kreh
Fishing the Flats by Sosin & Kreh
FlyFishing for Bonefish by Brown

Liqour at Lodge
The Lodge has a small bar and guest sign a tab for each drink. You may bring your own alcoholic beverage, if you like.

Liquor on Mothership
Beer and other alcoholic beverages are not included in the mothership package. If you would like beer or other alcoholic beverages, please let us know and we can have your order ready for your arrival at the Lodge. All orders will be billed for upon your arrival and check-in. Or please feel free to bring your own.

Insects
There are a few mosquitos, but the little gnat (Sandfly or Noseeum) is the worst pest you'll encounter. Insect repellent keeps them away. A solution of 50% water & 50% Avon Skin-So-Soft is also a popular protection against the gnats.

Tipping
A Tipping is a personal thing based on service. Normally guides and staff are tipped upon departure in accordance to help rendered. Ask the Lodge manager for guidelines.