Tania and I had the incredible opportunity to fish the pristine reefs of Belize on Wednesday, March 19, during our cruise through the Western Caribbean. We arrived in Belize City around 8:00 AM and, after taking a tender to shore, met up with Captain Patrick, with Wave Splash Adventures, and his cousin Percy of Royal Belize Adventures at the dock.

As we pulled away, a pod of dolphins greeted us, a beautiful reminder of God’s incredible creation. Our first task was to secure live bait, so we made a stop at a small island near the mangroves. The island, once a resort, was now abandoned, though a man still lived there, surviving off the land. While we had already gathered bait, Captain Patrick generously traded food and water with the man in exchange for more.

By 10:00 AM, we were fishing along the breathtaking Belize Barrier Reef. The friendly competition between Tania and me quickly began when she landed the first fish—a yellowtail snapper—within minutes. Captain Patrick and Percy, enjoying our competitive spirit, joined in, opting for the challenge of handlining.

The bite was steady but not fast, with Tania leading the charge. Percy was the last to catch a fish, but he made it count—a massive dog snapper. He proudly claimed that he fished for quality over quantity. I warned him that Tania has a way of surprising everyone by out-fishing the entire boat.

Around 1:00 PM, Captain Patrick suggested trolling as we made our way back in. Though Tania isn’t usually a fan of trolling, she agreed, as reef trolling is quite different from what we experience in Florida. Using an Eagle Claw shallow-diving lure, we trolled at around 2 mph. To our surprise, we continued landing fish, including yellowtail snapper, strawberry grouper, and the highlight of the day—Tania’s nice-sized barracuda.

In the end, Tania took the fishing crown:
✅ First fish – Yellowtail snapper
✅ Most fish – Countless snapper and other reef species
✅ Biggest fish – The barracuda

Overall, we had an unforgettable day fishing in Belize, catching numerous yellowtail snapper, large dog snapper, strawberry grouper, and other reef fish. I’d highly recommend Captain Patrick of Wave Splash Adventures to anyone looking to fish or snorkel in Belize City. His knowledge of the reefs, hospitality, and friendly competition made for an amazing adventure.

Tania and I send our best wishes to all fellow anglers. May your fishing adventures be safe, blessed, and filled with tight lines and good times! Until next time, keep casting and chasing those dreams on the water.

The Treasure Coast Chapter of Salt Strong now hosts monthly meetings at Islamorada Brewery and Distillery on the 4th Tuesday of each month. These meetings offer members a range of benefits, from guest speakers to fellowship with local anglers who like to help each other catch fish. Membership to Salt Strong includes a 20% discount on tackle, access to Smart Fishing spots, and insider information on local trends. Additionally, there will be monthly tournaments and guest speakers featured. To learn more about Salt Strong, click the links below for a FREE pack of Slam Shady or a 30-day test drive.