PRE-TRIP INFORMATION. Your Frontiers Agents. Please read thoroughly and return required information promptly. Belize - Central America

Transcription

1 PRE-TRIP INFORMATION Belize - Central America Please read thoroughly and return required information promptly. Travel Details Your Frontiers Agents Denise Schreiber Belize Program Manager Dschreiber@frontierstravel.com Joe Codd Saltwater Department Manager Jcodd@frontierstravel.com Steffan Jones UK Belize Program Manager +44 (0) SJ@frontierstrvl.co.uk Accounting & Billing: Pam Curry Airline & Ticketing: Lisa Batton AIRLINE RESERVATIONS The U.S. Government SECURE FLIGHT initiative requires that full passenger names as they appear on your official form of identification (for international travel, your passport) must be used to make reservations. Any discrepancy, misspellings or missing parts of names may result in denied boarding. Once issued, names cannot be changed on air tickets. To ensure that tickets are booked correctly, Frontiers requests a scanned copy of the picture page of your passport, which we will keep on file. For more information about Secure Flight, see NOTE: We also need to insert your cell and home phone numbers in the airline record so that the carrier can advise you directly of an unexpected delay. TRANSPORTING FISHING TACKLE Please check the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Web site ( for current information. You must also contact your airline directly because each air carrier has different requirements. FILM/ELECTRONICS Air security X-rays can damage film. Never pack film or digital

2 cameras in checked luggage. Put them in your carry-on bag and ask for hand inspection at airport security. Remove film cartridges or camera cards from boxes or canisters and place in a zip-lock bag for easy visual inspection. MEDICATION Travelers should always pack a kit for such common complaints as diarrhea, upset stomach, motion sickness, headache and irregularity, along with prescriptions. We also suggest being proactive to ask if the lodge or property you are visiting has access to drinking water or if you should only drink bottled water. Most lodges do have a purification system and designated water coolers are set in the rooms and on the boats. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS Saltwater Questionnaire Please complete and return the enclosed Saltwater Questionnaire no later than 30 days prior to your departure date. Airline Ticket Credit Card Charge Authorization (on reverse side of questionnaire) Necessary for issuing airline tickets for flights to Belize. If you are obtaining your own international airline tickets, we require a copy of your air schedule. Photocopy of Passport ID Page It must be clearly show your name, passport number, date of birth, date issued, expiration date, and passenger nationality. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS A valid passport* is required. No visa is needed for U.S. citizens or U.K. subjects; travelers from other countries should check entry requirements with their Belize consulate. *To travel within Belize, your passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining. You must fill out a tourist card, which will be provided by the airline prior to landing in Belize City. Make sure not to lose your stamped copy you can be fined if you try to leave the country without presenting a receipt of your tourist card. NOTE: Children under 18 years of age traveling to Belize must have proper documentation including a valid passport. Children traveling with one parent require a notarized letter of consent from the other parent indicating travel consent. All adults traveling with minors who are not legally theirs must have a notarized letter of consent from the minors parents stating that they have given permission for their children to travel with the accompanying adult. For additional information: Destination Specifics ELECTRIC CURRENT The electrical current is the same as the U.S. (110V/220V AC); no adapters are necessary for Belize. CURRENCY The official currency in Belize is the Belizean dollar, which is equal to approximately half the U.S. dollar (U.S. $1 = BZE $2.00). U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere; however, change will be given in Belize dollars. Please carry small bills to cover minor expenses. Most lodges in Belize accept Visa and MasterCard. GUIDES Your guides are all English speaking professionals, helpful and experienced. They are there to make your fishing more productive and enjoyable. GRATUITIES Tipping is at the individual s discretion. We suggest, only as a guideline, that two fishermen sharing a guide tip $20-$25/day per angler (shared boat) and $40-$50/day for single angler. Please tip the guides directly unless otherwise directed from each individual lodge. We suggest $15-$20/day per guest for the camp staff. U.S. dollars are readily accepted throughout Belize. EMERGENCIES Your final travel documents will include a daily itinerary with relevant phone, fax and contact information. We highly recommend that you leave a copy of your itinerary with a family member in case of emergency. Travel Protection UK/European Residents: You can obtain travel insurance through Campbell Irvine: Frontiers strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection because most of our specialized destinations require significant deposits and prepayment before departure. (Cancellation/refund policies are clearly stated in our brochures and/or on your invoice.) No Age Limit 21-Day Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion Waiver* FISHING LICENSE All fishermen need to obtain a Belize fishing license, which can be purchased at the lodges. Departure Tax There is a U.S. $39.25 Belize tax payable at the airport for all tourists upon departure. This can be paid with Visa, MasterCard or U.S. dollars. 2

3 Frontiers comprehensive worldwide travel protection package includes (per person): Trip Cancellation Trip cost $75,000 limit Trip Interruption 150% of $112,500 limit Trip cost Trip Delay/Missed Connection $1,000 $200 per day Itinerary Change $250 Baggage $2,500 Baggage Delay $600 Emergency Medical Expense $75,000 Medical Evacuation/Repatriation $2,000, hour AD&D $25,000 Common Carrier AD&D $100,000 Rented Vehicle Damage $50,000 Travel Assistance & Concierge Included Trip cancellation protection covers situations where someone has deposited and/or made final payment only to find they are unable to travel for any of the covered reasons, i.e., death, accidental bodily injury or non pre-existing* illness involving you, immediate family members or travel companions.** ** Traveling Companion means a person or persons (to a maximum of four persons including you) with whom you have coordinated travel arrangements and intend to travel during the covered trip. A group or tour leader is not considered a traveling companion, unless you are sharing room accommodations with the group or tour leader. * IN ORDER TO WAIVE THE PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION EXCLUSION, it is important that you purchase the travel protection plan within 21 days of making your initial trip deposit. Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. 10-DAY REVIEW PERIOD If you are not completely satisfied within 10 days of purchasing the protection plan, Frontiers will refund you the cost of the protection plan as long as you have not departed on your trip or filed a claim. Important: You may purchase this protection plan up to 15 days prior to the date of departure by calling the Travel Insurance desk at Frontiers; however, the Pre-existing Condition limitation will apply to purchases made more than 21 days after your initial trip deposit payment. WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER PURCHASING TRAVEL PROTECTION Insurance provides protection against pre-existing conditions. A Pre-existing Condition is one that has manifested itself within the ninety (90) day period prior to you purchasing the Travel Protection plan. This Pre-existing Condition clause covers you, your traveling companion, you and/or your traveling companion s family member or your business partner. It is important to consider the health of your immediate family when determining whether or not to purchase protection that includes the Pre-existing Condition waiver. For example, if a member of your immediate family has just recently been treated 3 for a health problem, it is recommended that you consider protecting the trip at the time you pay the deposit so that you are covered under the Pre-existing Condition waiver. This waiver is only available when the travel protection is purchased within 21 days of making your initial trip deposit payment. In the event you have to file a claim for one of the covered reasons, this protection provides you with primary coverage. In the unfortunate event that you have an accident while traveling and must seek medical attention, you are protected. Your medical expenses will be eligible for reimbursement upon the travel protection company receiving the completed claim paperwork, detailed medical statements from the attending physician, and all medical-related receipts. You do not have to file a claim with your own medical provider first. There are no deductibles. For example, if a piece of your luggage is stolen or damaged while traveling, with proper documentation, the travel protection will reimburse you for your loss or damage. Your homeowner s policy may have significant deductibles this benefit can help reduce some of that expense. You are also protected against medical emergencies while traveling. No one expects to have to deal with medical emergencies while traveling, especially traveling abroad, but they do occur. This protection will provide you with up to $2,000,000 of coverage in the event of a medical emergency that requires evacuation and transportation to medical facilities. Your private medical insurance may not provide such coverage. This is a brief description of benefits. Certain, terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations apply. A copy of the Evidence of Coverage is available for your review on the Frontiers Web site: click on Travel Protection. The Evidence of Coverage and the Confirmation of Coverage will be forwarded to you by mail upon enrollment, confirming the protection for your trip. MEDICAL & EMERGENCY EVACUATION In addition to the above financial travel protection, Frontiers strongly recommends a medical evacuation membership from Global Rescue, a worldwide crisis response provider who will evacuate you from anywhere in the world to your home hospital of choice. They re unique in their ability to execute in-the-field rescues, even in the most remote places. Global Rescue provides you with essential medical and security advice, extraction, and evacuation services any time you travel, domestically and internationally. Please review the enclosed literature, then enroll and travel with peace of mind. NOTE TO GROUP LEADERS It is important that as a group leader you share this pre-trip information with all members of your party so that everyone is adequately prepared, understands the cancellation/refund

4 BONEFISH The bonefish is the most popular character in the flats species lineup. Its outstanding attributes include a great eagerness to take both flies and lures, but is best known for its astonishing strength and reel-stressing runs. Bonefish are the most numerous game fish in Belize. FLY FISHING FOR BONEFISH The fly fisherman has an advantage over the spin fisherman due to the delicacy of the fly presentation and a more diverse selection of patterns. policy pertaining to their trip, and has the opportunity to purchase the travel protection (especially anyone with a pre-existing health condition). Frontiers cannot assume any financial responsibility for consequences incurred if this information is not provided by you to all members of your group. The Fishing Belize offers the light-tackle saltwater fisherman one of the most diverse selections of game fish in the world. When conditions are right, the angler can cast to bonefish, tarpon, snook, permit, jacks, barracuda, cubera snapper, mutton snapper, sharks, and several different reef species in a single week of fishing. This is an angling opportunity found only in a limited number of locations worldwide. Fly Size: Belizean bones seem to prefer slightly smaller patterns than those found elsewhere in the Caribbean. The standard size seems to be #6, but don t hesitate to use as small as #10. The general rule: the shallower the water, the smaller the fly. When the fish are mudding, #4 flies can be used to attract attention. Sink Rate: You will need flies with three sink rates: unweighted, slightly weighted, and heavy. Normally, unweighted, eyeless patterns are used in the shallow turtle grass; intermediate/ smalleyed flies are used in 1- to 2-foot water; and heavy flies in 4- to 6-foot water when the fish are mudding. Having the right equipment will ensure a comfortable and successful fishing adventure. Rods and reels are expensive and the average angler does not need a separate rod for each species. It makes sense to try to choose your rod and reel combinations so that they can handle several types of fish bonefish, permit and snook, for instance. FISHING CONDITIONS Flats/Bottom Substrate The majority of the flats fished in Belize have soft bottoms and therefore are not wadeable. There are, however, several areas (especially flats adjacent to the central tidal channel) that are wadeable. Wind conditions: Due to the winds coming off the open ocean, all flats destinations are subject to daily breezes. In Belize, a good day will have winds at about 8 knots with gusts ranging from 12 to 15 knots (it's not unlikely to experience some up to 20 knots). Often the wind will be down in the morning, but pick up in late afternoon and toward evening. VARIOUS SPECIES OF BELIZE Although there are many species for the sport fisherman in Belize, the area is best known for its bonefish, permit, tarpon, barracuda, and snook (depending on lodge). Bonefish range from 2 to 8 pounds, the 8-pounder being the exception. Permit will vary from 3 to 35 pounds. Juvenile tarpon will range from 2 to 40 pounds with the migratory tarpon (April through early September) at 80 to 100 pounds. The barracuda will range from 2 to 25 pounds. Snook are often taken at 5 or 6 pounds but may be taken at Belize River Lodge in the 20-pound range. You will have plenty of opportunity for smaller fish, such as snapper, and occasionally a jack of 5 to 20 pounds. 4 Recommended Gear for Bonefish The Typical Fly Box: For Belize bonefish we recommend a selection of the following: Crazy Charlies in tan, pink, and brown; Gotcha; Epoxy Shrimp (tan or amber); Bonefish Bitters (light brown); Clouser Minnows and Snapping Shrimp 60 percent should be #6, 30 percent in #8, and a few in #4. Bead-chain eyes should dominate but take some eyeless and two or three lead-eyed patterns. Subtle changes in fly sparseness and coloration can sometimes make a big difference in the number of actual takes. Rods: The ideal size rod for the Belize bones is a stiff, fast action 7 or 8 weight. This will effectively handle most conditions and have the power to punch out a line in a fairly stiff breeze. If you d like a little extra casting horsepower, a 9 weight will also work well. Fly rods of 9 feet and over are recommended because they help keep lines off the water while casting to and playing fish. Keep in mind that 4-piece rods are much more convenient than 2-piece rods. Reels: Should be anodized, corrosion-resistant saltwater models that will hold a full fly line, plus approximately 200 yards of 20-lb backing. Reels with a high quality, smooth drag are

5 essential to prevent break-offs from the blistering runs of hooked fish. Fly Line: A weight-forward floating saltwater fly line is all that is necessary. Carry at least one extra spool/line in case a running fish frays your line on coral. Leader/Tippet Suggestions: A tapered leader of 9 feet or longer is recommended. The simplest solution is to buy premade bonefish tapered leaders (do not buy knotted leaders as they tend to collect the sea grass) and separate spools of tippet for adding length. If the fish are leader shy, try using slightly smaller line weights or fluorocarbon tippet material. If the fish are spooking when the fly line hits the water, try using a longer tippet section. SPIN FISHING FOR BONEFISH Recommended Lures Lures/Jigs: The most popular jigs are 1/8 oz bucktail Gaines Phillips Wiggle Jigs. Spin Charlies in pink, white/brown, and sand/brown are probably the most productive bonefish lure. Saltwater lead-head 1/8 oz jigs attached to 2 1/4" soft plastic Mister Twister type grubs are also a good choice. Grub colors: white, yellow, chartreuse, pink, smoke glitter, hot pink, and yellow pearl. Live Bait: At times, when artificial lures are not producing, live small crabs make excellent bait. If this is the case, your guide will have a supply of bait on the boat. (Be sure to ask the prior evening). A 1/8 oz slip sinker, small swivel, and a Mustad 9174 #4 bait hook or 1/8 oz wiggle jig are generally used. Rods: Should be light- to medium-action and long enough to keep running fish from breaking off on coral and other obstacles. Reels: Reels should be able to hold at least 200 yards of 6-lb test. A smooth drag is essential to avoid breaking off fish. Line: If you re fishing in and around mangroves, 8-lb test is recommended but 6-lb is ideal under most conditions. Many anglers now prefer the new micro-braided lines due to their added strength and smaller diameter. PERMIT Permit are the most difficult, picky, frustrating fish you ll encounter on the flats. They have superb eyesight and a welldeveloped sense of smell some fanatical anglers rumor them to be a higher life form in a fish s body. Aside from their obvious physical differences, permit differ greatly from bonefish in several ways. First of all, due to their body shape, they are much more comfortable in deeper water. Although it is fairly common to see permit with their tail and dorsal fin sticking out of the water, they usually won t remain there for long periods of time. They never remain in one area for long, so quick, accurate casting skills (and luck) are essential. Fly Selection: Permit flies are generally larger than bonefish patterns because permit prefer a meatier meal. Because of their larger body size, they also put more strain on a hook, so it is a good idea to use larger/stronger hooks. Although there is much debate over the top permit pattern, the best advice is to stick with one pattern that looks good to the guide and persevere. Permit will frequently take bonefish flies also. 5 Patterns: Permit have a particular weakness for small crabs so the majority of the productive patterns are crab imitators. The most productive in Belize are Rag Head Crab, Merkin Crab, and Cathy's Fleeing Crab all in sizes #6, #4 and #2. Rods: Permit require a stiff, fast-action 9- or 10-weight rod capable of handling larger flies and fish. Reels: Those reels discussed in the bonefish section should fare well against permit, but make sure your reel has at least 200 yards of 20-lb backing. Lines: A weight-forward floating saltwater fly line is all that is necessary. Carry at least one extra spool/line in case a fish breaks you off on coral. Tippet/Leader: Follow the bonefish guidelines but use a slightly stronger tippet section (12-15 lb). SPIN FISHING FOR PERMIT The spin fisherman has a very good chance of taking a permit because of the option of using a live crab for bait (hermit crabs work well). Crabs are a permit s one and only vice. Artificial Lures: Can also be productive but, like fly fishing patterns, must be presented and retrieved perfectly. As with flyfishing, artificial lures should be fished slowly and patiently. The presentation should creep along the bottom with frequent and sporadic stops and starts. Lures listed in the bonefish section in slightly larger sizes can all be productive. A spinning variety of the McCrab or a Gaines Philips Wiggle Jig 1/8 oz (pink or white/brown) are good choices. Live Bait: Small swivel, 1/8-1/4 oz slip sinker and a #2 or #1 Mustad 9174 bait hook or 1/8 oz wiggle jig with a crab tailer. Rods: Should be light- to medium-action and long enough to keep running fish from breaking off on coral and other obstacles. Reels: Must hold at least 200 yards of 8-lb line. Permit are larger and significantly stronger than bonefish and will strain spinning tackle to the limit. TARPON Tarpon are the largest, strongest, and most acrobatic of the Belizean species. Even juvenile fish will put your angling skills to the test and strain your tackle beyond belief. Belize s tarpon fishery is primarily known for its small to midsized specimens (20-70 pounds), although fish over 100 lbs are not uncommon. A large majority of these fish are local individuals which remain in Belize throughout the year. Migratory fish begin to show up around late March and numbers will increase significantly from April through early September. Belize offers the tarpon angler diverse conditions, which range from inland river lagoons to the stereotypical shallow-water flats scenario. Fishing Conditions: There are two types of fishing conditions you will find in Belize: river/lagoon fishing and flats and channel fishing along the coast. The river/lagoon fishing will only be available from Belize River Lodge. 1. River and Lagoon Fishing: Fish will usually swim in deep, murky water where sight fishing is difficult. Rolling fish are somewhat common but blind casting is the general rule.

6 2. Flats and Channel Fishing: Fishing will be done from small skiffs in clear, shallow flats (3-5 feet deep) or in the tidal channels which connect the flats. FLY FISHING FOR TARPON Lefty s Deceiver (red/white, green/white), Big-eye Tarpon and Saltwater Poppers. Note: Those fishing in the Belize River area should bring brighter patterns (2/0-4/0): Whistler series, Lefty s Deceiver (red/white, chartreuse/white). Once cruising or rolling fish have been spotted, it is important to quickly and accurately place the fly in front of the fish s path. Tarpon are not easily spooked and you can place the fly quite close to them. A distance of about 3 to 5 feet is perfect. Allow the fly to sink to the level of the fish and then begin to strip it back with a slow, steady retrieve. If all goes well, the fish will greedily take the fly wait until it turns before setting the hook. By doing this, the tippet will slide into the corner of the fish s mouth (the softest part) which theoretically sets you up for the best possible hooking angle. Tarpon have concrete-lined mouths, so a super-sharp hook is an absolute necessity. Rods: The ideal rod for Belize-sized tarpon is a 10- or 11-weight. You can get away with a stiff 9-weight, but if you hook a 50-plus pound fish or your guide asks you to cast a 3/0 fly in a 20-knot breeze, you ll wish you had the backbone of a heavier rod. A model with a beefed-up butt section for added power would be a wise choice. Reel: Tough, no-nonsense reels are a must when you are playing tarpon. A strong, reliable drag is vital, with a capacity of 200 yards of 30 lb backing. Lines: A weight-forward floating saltwater line is all that is needed for the flats. In the rivers, we suggest a slow sinking line. Leaders and Tippets: Pre-made tarpon leaders will simplify things considerably. We recommend purchasing them with 16- or 20-lb class tippet sections and 60- or 80-lb shock tippets. If you would like to learn the knots/leader dimensions, good reference books are Practical Fishing Knots, II by Lefty Kreh and Mark Sosin or Fly Fishing in Salt Water by Lefty Kreh. Another good book that covers knots, saltwater fishing techniques, etc., is Barry and Cathy Beck s Fly Fishing the Flats. Flies: When it comes to fly preference, tarpon can go from greedy to fickle in a matter of hours. Slight variations in shape and color can often make a difference in the number of fish you ll catch. A selection of the following should cover you in all conditions (flies should be sizes 1/0, 2/0, and 3/0): Black Death, Cockroach, Sea Habit Bucktail (anchovy and sardine), 6 A Note on Lost Fish: The average fly fisherman only lands about 30 percent of jumped fish. The most common causes related to fish loss are dull hooks, poorly tied knots, and frayed tippet super-sharp hooks and well-tied knots are of utmost importance! Carry a small hook file at all times. SPINNING/CASTING FOR TARPON Tarpon are a wonderful adversary for the light-tackle spin/casting fisherman because of their dependable eagerness to take a wide variety of plugs and their unparalleled fighting ability when hooked. The spin fisherman has a distinct advantage over the fly fisherman when blind casting because of the overall effectiveness a spinning or casting rod has when it comes to covering large expanses of water. When sight casting, a little more care should be taken to avoid spooking fish. Lures (Surface): Rebel Jumpin Minnow 4 1/2" 5/8 oz (silver flitter and G-finish/gizzard shad) and Heddon Zara Spook 4 1/2" 3/8 oz (G-finish shad and G-finish pearl/red head). Heddon Lucky 13, 5/8 oz 3 3/4" (silver flitter and white/red head). Subsurface (Minnow Type): Rapala CD Mag 5 1/2" (silver/black back) or Bomber Heavy Duty Magnum 16J, 1 oz, 6" (silver/ black). Mirrolures: These popular lures have been very effective for tarpon for many years. Mirrolure 52M, 3 5/8" 1/2 oz, shallow runner; 65M, 3 3/16" 1 oz deep runner; 38MR 3" 3/8 oz (red/ white and green back/white belly). Jigs: 1 oz saltwater jig head with 6" sassy shad (chartreuse/ black back and natural shad). Bucktails from 1 to 1 1/2 oz in yellow and white can also be productive. Rods: Rods must have a fairly heavy action for good hook penetration and fish fighting power. A few that meet these specifications are: Line: For spinning reels, a thin/supple monofilament, lb. For casting reels, a stiff, low stretch line, lb. Note: A tarpon s mouth is very abrasive, so it is essential that you use at least 12 inches of 60-lb or 80-lb shock tippet. SNOOK: (Belize River Lodge primarily) Known for their explosive topwater strike and their acrobatic fight, snook are generally found holding along the inland lagoons and mangrove-lined tidal channels that connect Belize s shallow-water flats. During times of strong climatic change, such as an extended period of wind or rain, they will often move out of the mangroves and school up at the mouths of the channel cuts; this is when the snook fishing can become fast and furious. Snook are most often found in small schools, so remember to thoroughly concentrate on an area where a strike or hookup occurs.

7 FLY FISHING FOR SNOOK The fly fisherman can take snook with a variety of subsurface and surface flies. Leaders/Tippets: A straight shot of 20-lb tippet material or Mason hard nylon tippet material connected to 12 inches of 60-lb shock tippet will allow you to keep them out of the bushes. A shock tippet is used because snook have razor-sharp gill plates which cut through smaller diameter monofilament with ease. Long leaders are not generally necessary and may adversely affect casting accuracy in tight quarters. Flies: Snook prefer bright flies dressed with a moderate amount of flash. Favorite colors include white, red and yellow. Often they can be caught on surface poppers, so a combination of the following selection is recommended. Subsurface: Punch series (Lime, Tropical, and Sabalo) 2/0; Seaducer (yellow/red) 2/0; Lefty s Deceiver (red/yellow & green/white) 2/0; Comb s Sea Habit Bucktail (green/ white). Surface: Gaines saltwater poppers (yellow/red & blue/ white). Note: If fish seem interested in your fly but are short striking, don't be afraid to give your fly a little haircut to help shorten its overall length. Fly Lines: In addition to a floating line, you may want to have a sinking line on hand. Rod/Reel: A stiff 9-weight rod will suffice for most snook situations. SPINNING/CASTING FOR SNOOK A wide variety of jigs and surface plugs (covering all depths and types of water) is important. Lure Selection Surface: Follow tarpon guidelines, but add a propellertype surface lure like a 1/2 oz Luhr-Jenson Bass Agitator to the selection (red/white, yellow/black and red spots, silver foil). Subsurface: Again, tarpon selection will apply, but add two types of crankbaits: Bomber Model 7A 1/2 oz 3 1/2" (fire tiger) and Bill Lewis Rattle Trap 3/4 oz (chartreuse shiner and/or chrome/black back). Jigs: 3/4 and 1 oz saltwater lead head jig with a 3 1/2" and/or 4" "sassy shad type plastic grubs (chartreuse/ black back and shad). Bucktail jigs in the same color/size combination can also produce fish. Rod/Reel: Will be the same as those used for tarpon. Line: Again, follow the tarpon guidelines but use 14- to 17-lb test. CLIMATE & CLOTHING Temperatures can range from the low 70s up to the mid 90s. Dress is informal at the lodges. You should consider taking: 7 Slacks/shorts: 2 or 3 pairs in lightweight cotton Long-sleeved shirts (for sun protection) in light color/fabric Sweater, sweatshirt or jacket for cool mornings and evenings (Jan-April) Shoes: 1 pair rubber-soled, non-slip boat shoes; canvas sneakers. Frontiers and the lodge management highly recommend that all those who plan to wade wear wading boots with a rigid, puncture-resistant sole. Some parts of Belize have saltwater lice. Long pants tucked into wading boots will alleviate problems with sea lice (they re harmless, but bothersome). Fishing hat: long front visor with a dark underbill (enhances polarizing qualities of sunglasses) that shades face, neck, and ears. It is very important that waterproof sunscreen with a minimum SPF-15 be applied to every square inch of exposed skin. Remember that the sun reflects off the water and can burn your face even if you wear a wide-brimmed hat. Lightweight rain gear for the occasional shower Tackle & Equipment Dealers 7Days Outdoors, our retail tackle partner, offers destinationspecific Fly Fishing Traveler Kits based on your fishing objectives and date of travel. A specialty fly shop, 7Days proudly carries Sage, Tibor, Abel, Rio, Patagonia, Fish pond and other brands. U.S.A. 7Days Outdoors, 600 Warrendale Road, Gibsonia, PA Toll-free Phone info@7daysoutdoors.com Fax Web site: GREAT BRITAIN (UK Country Code 44) Farlows Pall Mall, 9 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5NP Tel Contact: Brian Fratel ( brian.fratel@farlows.co.uk) Sportfish, Haywards Farm, Theale, Reading RG7 4AS Tel Contact: Tom Festing ( tom.festing@sportfish.co.uk) Sportfish, Winforton, Hereford, HR3 6SP Tel Contact: Danny North ( danny.north@sportfish.co.uk) A Note About Weather Weather-related issues can be concerning when they threaten to effect an upcoming trip. Whether you ve been saving to go on the fishing trip of a lifetime or you re taking your fourth trip this year, nobody looks forward to traveling when weather conditions are less than ideal. Storms forecasted for the area you are planning to visit often cause a great deal of unnecessary anxiety, and it s important to keep a couple of things in mind: 1. Most inclement weather comes and goes fairly quickly, making unfavorable conditions a short-term issue. In reality, there are very few instances where the weather makes a resource unfishable.

8 2. Weather has a way of proving meteorologists wrong (usually on a regular basis). Many an angler has felt relief when arriving at the lodge to find good conditions and better than expected fishing. At most locations, no refunds or credits will be offered for unused land arrangements or fishing time lost due to inclement weather. Unless conditions are extremely severe, such as a hurricane warning for the island you are headed to, lodges will not issue credits or refunds, partly due to the fact that they are fully provisioned for your reserved period of fishing. Supplies of food and drinks, reserved guides, and hired staff are some of the considerations that lodge managers face when deciding whether or not conditions warrant cancellations. Often these lodges are located in remote, logistically challenging areas of the world, further complicating the matter. Ultimately, the decision regarding cancellations and refunds resides with the individual lodge, and Frontiers and our clients are obliged to abide by the terms and conditions that they set forth. We wish you good weather and great fishing on your trip. Please call us if you have any questions. Travel Smart Unfortunately, tourists are occasionally targets of pickpockets, purse snatching, and taxi theft. We offer the following suggestions in an effort to enhance your travel experience. Please use the same good judgment and precautions as you would in any city. Do not take expensive watches or jewelry. Leave your Rolex and diamonds at home. Be especially aware when walking or touring in large cities. Use common sense and avoid isolated areas. Consult maps or guidebooks before leaving your hotel so you have directions to your destination in hand. A tourist with an open map on the street may attract unwelcome attention. Ask your hotel or restaurant to arrange a hired car or official metered taxi on your behalf. Do not take street-hailed taxis. Do not pack cameras, computers, or other appliances of value in your checked luggage. Make sure all checked bags have locks; however, they must be removed before checking in at the airline counter or they will be cut off. They will be unlocked and contents inspected upon check in, then relocked. Carry purses and cameras with straps across your chest, not just on your shoulder. Do not leave money, cameras or other valuables visible in hotel rooms. Use room safes for cash, tickets or other valuables when you leave your hotel. Do not take large amounts of cash when you leave your hotel. All first-class hotels, restaurants, and shops accept major credit cards. Have your credit card numbers written down and kept in a safe place other than your wallet or purse. Make two photocopies of the picture page of your passport; carry one separately from your other documents and also keep a copy in a safe place at home. Should your passport be lost or stolen, this information will make it much easier to have a new one issued. We hope you have a wonderful trip and look forward to serving you again. RESPONSIBILITY: Frontiers International Travel/Fish and Game Frontiers, Inc., Wexford, PA., and its subsidiaries, affiliated or associated companies, agents, sub-agents act only as agents for contractors or owners and outfitters, airlines, railroads, shipowners, charter air carriers providing means of transportation or other services, and all tickets, vouchers and contracts of such hotels, airlines, railroads, operators, owners and contractors are issued subject to any and all tariffs, terms and conditions under which such accommodations, means of transportation or other services are offered or provided, and the issuance and acceptance of any such tickets, vouchers and contracts shall be deemed to be consent to further conditions: a) that neither Frontiers International Travel/Fish and Game Frontiers, Inc., nor any of its affiliated or associated companies, agents, sub-agents shall be or become liable or responsible in any way in connection with such hotels or lodges, means of transportation or other services, or for any loss, injury or damage to or in respect to any person or property howsoever caused or arising; b) air carriers involved are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not aboard their airplane: the passenger contract, or tickets in use by the airlines, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airline, the purchaser of any of these tours and/or the passenger; c) Frontiers International Travel/Fish and Game Frontiers, Inc., reserves the right to make such alterations in the itinerary as it seems to them necessary or desirable, to refuse to accept or retain as a member of the party any person at any time (in such case refund will be based on the actual cost of the unfinished portion of tour) and to pass on to tour members expenditures occasioned by delays or offense beyond their control; d) the services of any IATA or ARC carrier may be used in connection with these tours; e) the right is reserved to cancel any tour prior to departure, in which case full refund will constitute full settlement to the passenger; f) prices quoted are based on foreign exchange values and tariffs currently in effect and prices are subject to change; g) baggage and personal effects, including items purchased, are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times and no employee/agent of Frontiers International Travel/Fish and Game Frontiers, Inc., its subsidiaries, affiliated or associated companies is authorized to accept these for storage, safekeeping, or transportation. United States Office P.O. Box 959, Wexford PA Toll-free Phone Fax info@frontierstravel.com Web site European Office Kennet Cottage, Kempsford, Gloucestershire, GL7 4EQ, England Tel +44 (0) Fax +44 (0) info@frontierstrvl.co.uk Web site Copyright 2012 Frontiers International Travel. All Rights Reserved File:Pre_Belize_Lodges_ indd