October Caribbean Vacation

I am about to book a trip to the Caribbean for the wife and my 1 year anniversary. Looking at probably 5 nights, and I have been looking through Costco Travel. We will be going the first week of October. I have never been, but we definitely want to do at least 1 day guided. I know things will be tough for her casting wise, so I am working on figuring that one out. Probably get her some lessons...I am sure I could use some help too.

Any suggestions on where? I was thinking Grand Cayman. Does it matter what side of the island? I think all the islands are going to be similar for siting on the beach and drinking, so fishing is a consideration. As well as ease of travel since it is such a short trip.


Also, would be better off with a guide on a boat or wading? I assume a boat gets you more places and you are higher up, so can see better. Do almost all of the guides use a boat? I am a total salt water jong and have never flyfished saltwater.. I was thinking primarily Bonefish. Something that she had the best chance so that I can get her to do more.

Thank you Mags.

Also one other quick question...if we don't stay at an all-inclusive, are we going to just get murdered on the cost of drinks and food?

Wife is asking about Belize?

I have a bunch of friends who rent a house on Long Island (Bahamas) a few months out of the year. They snag a house and scooter or a Jeep and spend the month bonefishing (DIY walking the flats although there are guides), snorkeling, drinking, and being merry. It can be done on the cheap and is a little less touristy.

Belize isn't bad, getting pretty popular. Fishing can be good, no shortage of guides but not much DIY opportunity. More cultural stuff, although I preferred the Mexican Yucatan. YMMV.

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Originally Posted by gretch6364

Any suggestions on where? I was thinking Grand Cayman. Does it matter what side of the island? I think all the islands are going to be similar for siting on the beach and drinking, so fishing is a consideration. As well as ease of travel since it is such a short trip.

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The East End of the island is much quieter than the West End. Its about 30-45 min away from Georgetown depending on where you stay, but you don't have to deal with the cruise ships that come into town. Seven Mile Beach is also pretty crowded from what I've heard, but I've never actually stayed on that end.

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Originally Posted by gretch6364

Also, would be better off with a guide on a boat or wading? I assume a boat gets you more places and you are higher up, so can see better. Do almost all of the guides use a boat? I am a total salt water jong and have never flyfished saltwater.. I was thinking primarily Bonefish. Something that she had the best chance so that I can get her to do more.

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I'm heading there next week, so I did some research in case I can sneak away from my fiancee and family for a day of fishing. It's all wade fishing there apparently, but I could only find one guide service on the island when searching google: http://www.fish-bones.com/

I emailed Davin and this is what he said:

"As for techniques, the double-haul would be a good one. It's not necessary, but it does help punch through the wind or get that little bit of extra distance. However, I will say that wading for bones we can get very close to these fish. Most of our shots come inside of 50 ft with many fished hooked closer than 30 ft."

I'd be happy to forward the rest of his email to you, just PM me your email address.

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Originally Posted by gretch6364

Also one other quick question...if we don't stay at an all-inclusive, are we going to just get murdered on the cost of drinks and food?

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Everything's more expensive there than here in the states. Expect booze, food, etc to be pricy if you go out to eat. It's definitely cheaper to go to the supermarket in Georgetown and grab the essentials. We usually go there right when we arrive since its on the way to the East End.

Never have booked with them but have heard good things of going through Yellow Dog, they've got some Bahama and Belize specials going on right now...you could do a couple days at a lodge and then move on to more of a beach/ drinking vacation, just a thought.

Never fished the Carribean but if you have a choice of beaches to fish with a new caster I'd try & find a beach on the leeward side of the island.

Someone say Belize,,,, Coco Plum will have a guide pick you up and get you into some fish. Heck I caught plenty just wading around the islands in the mornings and evenings.
http://www.cocoplumcay.com/

Belize: Ambergris Cay/ San Pedro. Good mix of great fishing, funky caribbean village (or at least used to be).Cayman is pretty commercialized by comparison.

Should be easy to find a guide for a day or two. Definitely spring for one, provided you can cast into the wind without needing 50 false casts.