Information to Note

• 24-Hour Electricity – 110 volts
• Hot Water
• Ceiling Fans in rooms
• Air-Conditioned Rooms
• Hammocks on all Verandahs
• "Family style" restaurant Serving Three Home-Cooked Meals Daily
• Well-Stocked, Self-Service Bar
• Wireless internet is available on main lodge porch and living room free of cost
• Full internet access & BRL computer available for fee.
• Fax services available for fee.
• International calling available with BTL phone cards (available at BRL).
• Daily Maid Service
• Laundry Services available
• Small Gift Shop

Catch and Release Only
The Lodge policy is to always release Permit, Bonefish and Tarpon; one Snook per day can be kept by angler's choice. Some Snapper, Barracuda, & Grouper can be kept for the table.

Travel Documents
A valid passport is required to enter Belize. Visitors from the USA, UK and the Caribbean do not require Visa's to enter; most other nationals do.

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 get it online. You can contact the airlines online at the following websites:

American Airlines - www.aa.com
Continental Airlines - www.continental.com
Delta - www.delta.com
TACA - www.taca.com
US Airways - www.usairways.com

If you are arriving in your private aircraft, planes should clear through Phillip Goldson International Airport (airport code: BZE) with the Belize Civil Aviation Department and the Belize Airport Authority. For more details, please check the following website: www.travelbelize.org/private_airplanes.html

Travel Protection
Travel insurance and protection is always nice to have as you never know what the future will hold or if plans need to be changed at the last minute. Travel protection is available from most travel agents or is available online. Many travel insurance sites are available, here are a few that we know about:

Carry-on Baggage
Most anglers like to carry on their rods, reels and fishing equipment. Carry-on regulations are not set in stone and depend on the airport that you are traveling from. The most up-to-date information on security procedures can be found on the web at www.tsatraveltips.us while not specific, it is a good guideline; however, it does state the following:

Fishing rods - Fishing rods are permitted as carry-on and checked baggage. However, please check with your air carrier that it fits within their size limitations for carry-on items. Ultimately, it is the carrier's decision as to whether or not it can be transported as carry-on baggage.

Tackle Equipment - Fishing equipment should be placed in your checked baggage. Some tackle equipment can be considered sharp and dangerous. Expensive reels or fragile tackle such as flies should be packed in your carry-on baggage.

Belize Departure Tax
There is a fee of US$37.50 for the Belize Departure Tax and Airport Security Fees that may be included in your ticket. If not, it must be paid at the airport in US dollars. For your convenience, please bring small bills to cover this.

Departing Belize
Please note that it is illegal to remove Maya artifacts, unprocessed coral, turtle shells and conch shells from the country of Belize.

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 your convenience, please bring small bills to cover small expenses, such as Airport Departure Tax, airport porter, bar bill and incidentals.

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

Mike's Closet (Tackle Shop)
Belize River Lodge 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.

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 and a few of the guides can help you.

Liquor at the Lodge
The Lodge has a small bar and guest sign a tab for each drink. You may bring your own alcoholic beverages if you like. Belize allows one liter of wine or spirits per person duty free.

Liquor on the Live-Aboard
Beer and other alcoholic beverages are not included in the live-aboard 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. Belize allows one liter of wine or spirits per person duty free.

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.

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

Massages
Massages are available at the Lodge and can be arranged at your convenience. 24 hour notice is required for this service. Price is based per hour.

Phone Services
Phone, fax, E-mail, internet and computer services are available for a small fee.

Tipping
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.

GPS's
GPS's on a fishing boat always ensures that the fishing is never as good as when it is just the anglers and the guide on board. Please leave your GPS at home.

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.

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