Belize is a small, friendly country on Central America’s east coast, bordered by blue-green waters to the east and thick, dense jungle to the west. For many fishing fanatics, however, it’s what lies beyond the shore that compels them to come each year. A few miles offshore sits the region’s longest coral reef. The reef is home to over 500 species of fish, as well as an extraordinary network of fishing flats and lagoons. No doubt, a thriving coral reef, spectacular marine environment, and many secreted fishing flats are just some of the reasons why fishing fanatics may love coming to Belize. Still, you’ll find that deep-sea fishing has also had an unexpected community benefit as well.
Fishing fanatics that come to Ambergris Caye for deep-sea and other forms of fishing get some of the greatest marine spots to fish and explore. Ambergris Caye is one of 200 small islands that border Belize. For the past three years, Grand Caribe has partnered with the business community of San Pedro to host the Annual Belize Deep Sea Classic Fishing Tournament on the resort grounds. Grand Caribe is the only approved weigh station in Belize and the region by the official International Game Fishing Association (IGFA). The IGFA is a strong advocate for marine habitats conservation and is considered the world’s governing body for sport fishing.
This year the event will be held July 17th, 18th & 19th and welcomes the public and anglers of all ages and genders and is slated to be even bigger and better. Reduced rates on all luxury accommodation for participants, great live music on all 800 feet of broad, beautiful beach, delicious foods and drinks, kayak racing, and a volleyball tournament are certainly some of the highlights. There will also be a multitude of cash prizes in various fun and brag-worthy categories. In addition to being a full, fun 3-day weekend event at Grand Caribe for fishing fans, the tournament has also had a tremendous impact on the San Pedro community. Last year, a total of BZ $17,250 was raised for Hope Haven shelter charity, the island’s first children’s shelter that provides a home for abused and orphaned children along with assistance to victims of domestic violence and various workshops, scholarships, and community outreach.
Beyond the tournament, Grand Caribe also offers several fishing charters for anglers, including deep sea fishing, saltwater fly-fishing, flats, and sports fishing. Let us know what kind of fishing you’d like to do, and we’ll sort out the details. With over 200 miles of coastline flats, Belize is, without a doubt, a fly angler’s paradise, but just across the reef, you’ll also find a whole host of big game species. Full-day and half-day charters on a 32-foot Black Water Deep Sea fishing boat are available. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try for the Super Grand Slam – that’s Permit, Bonefish, Tarpon, and Snook all caught on the same day. To date, Belize is just one of four destinations in the world to achieve this record.
To register for this year’s Deep-Sea Classic fishing tournament or book a fishing charter, contact us today.