EL PESCADOR - AMBERGRIS

FISHING

El Pescador started as a fishing lodge and it continues the tradition to this day.  Although the atmosphere is that of a resort there is no mistaking it is a flyfishing destination.  It is the only lodge on Ambergris that has staff guides. There is also the most complete fly shop on the isalnad as well. Most of the activities on the island are centered around the sea and include both flats and reef fishing snorkeling and scuba diving. Our name, El Pescador, means "The fisherman" and we specialize in light tackle and salt water fishing. Our guides are English speaking and experienced in guiding both fly and spin fishermen. Most of the guides have been working with El Pescador for over 15 years. They have shallow draft skiffs for getting onto the bonefish flats and they know how to position the boat to give the angler the best possible cast. Our guides are also fly fishermen themselves and therefore can help anglers with their casting and technique.

The Bonefish Grounds are 10 to 20 minutes from the lodge and the tarpon flats start 20 minutes from there. Most of the bonefishing is done from the bow of a boat but there are 4 or 5 flats that can be waded. The bones run from 2-5 pounds and are plentiful. The tarpon flats are 3-8 feet deep and are quite extensive, approximately 35 miles long by 15 miles wide. Needless to say one hunts for tarpon. 
Not all the tarpon flats are fishable everyday due to changing weather conditions and currents, generally speaking we have good tarpon fishing year round (see "El Pescador Monthly Fishing Guide" below). The tarpon run from 10 to well over 100 pounds; the average winter fish is about 50-60 pounds with the average summer fish being 90 - 150 pounds.

Permit are found on the bonefish flats, some of the shallow tarpon flats as well as in waves coming over the reef. Our permit range from 4-30 pounds with the majority being about 8-10 pounds and found in large schools. Jack Crevalle, Barracuda, Cobia and Snook are also found on the flats and in the surrounding mangrove lagoons.

Reef fishing is another activity our clients enjoy. The reef sports snappers, grouper, wahoo, mackerel, jacks, cobia, barracuda, king fish, rainbow runners, trigger fish and during mid May to mid August, tarpon. A great day on the reef might include catching snappers, grouper, etc., going to shore and having the guide prepare a freshly caught shore lunch while you relax or wade for bonefish. After lunch you can go for a snorkel and/or trip into San Pedro town for a little sight seeing, bar hopping, whatever.


El Pescador Records

Most Tarpon landed on Fly:
October 5, 1999 with 7 tarpon. Angler = Dick Smith, PA. Guide = Nesto. Tied on October 31, 2000. Angler = Ted Angradi. Guide = Nesto.