Scott Runciman left the cold Alberta winter for some last minute fly fishing on Ambergris Caye this week. He found us after his local fly shop referred us to him. As soon as he contacted us, we knew that Scott was an experienced angler and we wanted him to get a shot at a slam. We have been seeing all 3 slam species in our waters since late February, but cold fronts can come through at any time at put things down for a day or so. Luckily for Scott, the weather held on and he was into the fly fishing action in Ambergris Caye
Notice the small size #8 Gotcha took this fish
Scott was fortunate enought to get out with one of our best new guides and immediately were into some nice schoolie Tarpon behind the island. There are also big schools of bonefish out there and they put down the Tarpon rod and stuck some decent bones. This was good practice for them, as it didn't take long for some hungry poons to show up and these guys didn't waste any time at all. Nice 15-20 pounders were all over their flies and the proof is in the photos. These fish are nice on light tackle, they eat aggressively, jump a lot, and lay up next to the boat after a few minutes. Day #2 these guys went back for some nice bonefish and also looked for some Jacks and Snapper for the dinner table. Mrs. Runciman was very happy to have some fresh local fish prepared for dinner. On day #3 Permit finally made a surprise visit to the same bonefish flat Scott and his guides were on. After some re-arranging of rods and flies, the stalk began. They took a few shots and had a Permit take, but it just wasn't meant to be. Before the hook was set the fish spit it and spooked the school. I can assure you Scott will be re-living that moment for a few years, or at least until he comes back
We gave Scott some intel on local flats near the resort and he capitilized on it
The weather was up and down all week, with moments of pure calm followed up by hard Southeast winds. This makes casting a challenge for anyone. These guys stuck in there with our guides working hard to see the fish and the angler punching flies into the wind for some good presentations. A modest Scott will admit he had troubles with the wind, but we could not detect any miscues in his casting stroke. We are sure he has been pounding Walleye, Smallies and Laketrout throughout North America for quite some time. We also gave him some pointers on locating some of the local bonefishing spots that he could target on his own while not being guided. He took advantage of the morning tides and produced some nice fish.
Thanks again for finding us and giving us a positve referrel. We look forward to your next visit Scott. -Mark Branle, President BFZ Outfitters.
Flat calm conditions in our backwaters will let you spot even small tarpon laid up in the mangroves
