I recently returned from a wonderful vacation in Belize, a new area of exploration for me. The purpose for my adventure was to meet up with some great friends & to try my cast at Tarpon & Bone fish. Fly fishing… another one of my passions. Paralleling yoga in many ways as an art & science, this sport requires full awareness in the moment & embodies everything I learn on the mat. I’ve had many fishing trips on fresh water lakes & rivers but never dipped my fly into salt water. Needless to say, I was eager & open to what lessons would be presented on this trip. (view pics)
Marco
I was on the island of Ambergris Caye a small island, however Belize’s largest island, 25 miles long & a little over 1 mile wide. Her coastline is protected by the 190 mile long barrier reef, 2nd largest living coral reef the “Great Barrier Reef” in Australia. What an amazing site, the reef creates a natural aquarium, show casing some of Mother Nature’s best work. The crystalline clear waters tinted in the palest turquoise blue offered a playground for snorkelling & a little entertainment. I witnessed a myriad of fish that looked like flamboyant jewels, perfectly balanced in complimentary hues. Many times I found myself reconnecting with my breath, as sting rays hovered beneath me, eels peeked from their hiding places & the barracudas admired my silver jewellery as if to strike at an enticing lure. It’s always a rush when you’re this intimate with nature.
Three days on the island & I was on my way to the flats for some fishing. My husband & I hired a guide to lead us to the Tarpon & Bone fish. Our guide Marco picked us up at 7a.m on a rainy morning. He had a cooler full of burritos & cold Fanta’s for our long day ahead, no stopping when you’re on the hunt for these great fish.
Guess Who??
We were navigated through the arteries of the mangroves. There are 4 different species of mangroves on the island, all with their own job to do. The relationship between the reef & mangroves is symbiotic, running parallel to coral reefs, the mangroves act to purify the water from human wastes and pollutants. In doing so the coral reefs are less affected. As I looked around I noticed the garbage & debris collected in the roots of these natural filters. With all the exotic species introduced to the island I believe the most exotic species that has greatly impacted the environment is the human being & I’m reminded of the importance in maintaining the equilibrium of both the ecological & physical systems to keep our natural world healthy.
When the rain stopped & the clouds parted, the temperature swelled to about 105 degrees, winds at 5-10 knots. Grateful to have purchased spf+ fishing clothes. I covered myself from head to toe in bright orange attire. I don’t know what I was supposed to blend into…I think the sun! You’d never get away with these colors on the waters of Alberta.
We had entered the “Flats”. I always thought the flats were pockets of shallow water. Was I wrong! The water from the edge of our boat to as far as the eye could see embodied that of the flats. Miles & miles of shallow water approximately 5-6 feet deep. What’s really crazy is that in some areas if you jump in you’ll sink down to your chest into silky white sand….I had to reconsider my urge to frolic freely in the refreshing waters.
Small but Fiesty!
When we arrived at “The” hot spot , my husband & I jockeyed for a position on the casting deck.. yes there is competition in fishing! I get to go 1st. Challenged by the strong wind, I had to position myself perfectly to avoid the large fly from anchoring itself into the back of my head, which happened twice already! All this a new learning curve, the guide telling me to cast into fish I can’t even spot yet. Just when I thought I was becoming a pretty good fly girl. Humbled by this whole experience I was forced to retreat to a beginners mind , to forget some of the things I’ve learned to which I was attached & allow myself the pleasure of being a student, and not a master in the extravagance of this moment. However, just as excited, it’s the Bone fish I wanted to catch. Also known as the ghost fish of the flats. I read that when you catch a bone fish they can reach epic speeds in a matter of seconds & you run the risk of burning off your fingerprint as the line slides through your fingers.
Love my job!!
Wow! I thought the hook in the back of the head hurt! A bit nervous & a lot excited I present my best cast & strip the line back, nothing. Marco repositioned the boat & I try again, slowing down, focusing & feeling every strip of the line… Wham!
Yes! Fish on! My adrenaline picks up & I have to remember to breathe, remain calm, this fish is fast & furious. I get the fish to the boat it’s small… okay really small! But the reward delightful, it’s was the most interesting fish to land & yes I did release him back to the ocean unscathed. What an exciting afternoon of catch & release, too many burritos & cold Fantas. I’m proud to state “it’s these simple morsels of pleasure that feed my soul.”After an intimate day with the spirit of nature it was time to journey back. I watched the sun as it reached for the horizon, overwhelmed by the beauty of life that surrounded me, no words to share only a long sigh… what a beautiful thing this thing is, we call “LIFE”.
Truly living as a soul awake in this lifetime.
Nice fish Wally!!
nice post. thanks.
nice post. thanks.