Charlie Leslie Fly Fishing is pleased to announce that we are open and welcoming guests to fish with us. We are a Gold Standard Tour Operator and the lodges and resorts we use to accommodate our guests have all been approved by the Belize Tourism Board and are certified Gold Standard.
With the safety of travelers being top priority, visitors to Belize will stay at a certified Gold Standard Hotel that has been approved for reopening. These hotels are operating within a tourism safe corridor and have adapted new behaviors and procedures while ensuring minimal impact on guest experience.
Please read through the current protocols for those arriving in Belize including the need to arrive with a recent negative COVID-19 test result (done within 72 hours) or be subject to a rapid test upon arrival at the Belize International airport. These arrival protocols are subject to change by the local government and we encourage you to revisit the page as your arrival date approaches or call/email us for the most recent arrival details. You can reach us at roger@charlieleslieflyfishing.com or (303) 430-4634.
Sunglasses are one of the most important pieces of equipment you need to have. You need them to see fish, period. We recommend polarized lenses in either copper, amber or brown. If they have side shields on them or they wrap around all the better. Bring a second pair just in case and also cleaning solution, clothes and wipes.
Sunscreen is a must. You certainly don’t want to ruin your trip because you didn’t bring it and use it. We suggest 30 SPF at a minimum and it should be waterproof and sweatproof. Also, bring lip balm that is at least 30 SPF as well. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after applying sunscreen so that it doesn’t get on your leader, tippet or fly.
You don’t need to bring a lot of clothing for Belize. It’s usually between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit both day and night. Shorts, t-shirts, and a pair of long light weight pants will do it. Everything is casual in Belize so no worries about dressing properly.
When fishing be sure to wear a long sleeve fishing shirt and long light weight pants that you can get wet. The sun is intense and it’s best to stay covered up. We also recommend a baseball style hat with a lightweight neck gaiter. The neck gaiter will protect your face and help to keep your hat on during windy boat rides. Some of our guests also like to wear sun gloves to protect their hands.
It can rain at anytime in Belize so be prepared. Bring a lightweight waterproof rain jacket with a hood. It’s always wise to bring a few large garbage bags to cover your gear and luggage during the downpours.
It’s flip flops when you’re not fishing but you’ll need to bring a pair of wading boots for fishing. When wading the flats you’ll encounter coral, sea urchins, shells and other sharp things that will cut your feet up. Do a little shopping and you’ll find flats booties or wading boots that are specially designed for fishing in saltwater – that’s what you’re looking for.
At minimum bring your cell phone so you can get some shots of you with your fish. If it’s not waterproof get a case for it that is. If you have high end cameras an lenses put them in waterproof cases to protect them.
Most of the time your guide will have the tools you’ll need while fishing; however, if you think you may do some fishing on your own we suggest putting together a toolkit of your own. Here are a few things to include: fishing pliers, multi-tool knife, forceps, hook file, nippers, flashlight, headlamp, set of eyeglass size screwdrivers and of course some duct tape.
You must have a valid passport with you that is valid for at least six months beyond the duration of your stay in Belize. It’s always wise to make photocopies of your passport, driver’s license, travel insurance documents, credit cards and any other important documents and keep them somewhere different than where you keep the originals.
You never know what may happened in the world that could disrupt your travel plans so we suggest getting travel insurance. Global Rescue (https://www.globalrescue.com/) is a highly recommend company that should cover all situations.
