It’s no secret that our guys love to fish, so what do they do when they’re not on a fishing charter, well, just in case you were wondering… they go out and fish harder! The crew headed out for a few nights at Glover’s reef where the pristine waters and sandy beaches are for most people only a myth, but here in Belize beauty is never-ending. The guys did it all, from trolling to spin casting, live bait fishing, bottom fishing they even ran out to the gulf stream where they hooked up on some small Yellowfin tunas, huge Dorado’s among others. Mike was the star of this trip though, hauling in a 55 pound black grouper. But just being out there, on the water can make anyone feel like a star, the world around you has your full attention and likewise you feel the same. This is how us here at HFC enjoy our lives, connecting while disconnecting, it’s all here in Belize.

We took out a group from the Mission Bay Lodge, to do a day of snorkeling and a beach barbecue at the Island Park and Marine Reserve of Laughing Bird Caye. The guest had a great time with Captain/Guide Edlin Leslie who took them snorkeling off the islands beaches whilst pointing our many different species of fish and allowing them to acquire knowledge and appreciation for the beauty that is Belize. Meanwhile Captain Martin/Darrel Westby prepared lunch and watched from ashore to make sure everything went as smoothly as possible. Not in our usual zone today, but nonetheless a great job by our HFC crew!!

Captain Edlin along with Junior Angler Darnell once again took Mr. Frank Raffa on a trip for tarpon. They had a wonderful day, as the sun was shining brightly and the winds were perfect to cool off your skin but not disturb your cast. The guys took to live baiting as this is Franks favorite way to fish, the bite was on as the hooked up on several tarpons only to loose them on the jump. But that’s all in fishing; the thrill is not in the kill. It wasn’t until later in the afternoon that Frank hooked up on a tarpon that gave an amazing fight and flew out of the water as if it had wings. Weighing in at 60 pounds and making Frank a very happy man, the guys then revived the fish and set it free, so that another might enjoy its wonder.

Captain Erwin Westby along with him today is his nephew, Darrel Westby who spent many years of his life on the water. Once again with the guys from the sporting club, Brad, Richard, Thomas and Chuck. Today the guys are set of live bait fishing at the outer wall of the barrier reef, which runs from north to south of Belize. As they headed out to one of their known spots only stopping along the way to let Darrel get a good cast at some sardines just under the island known as Long Caye. They filled up the bait well and continued on the short ride out. They ended up catching quite a few Spanish mackerels, barracudas and jacks.

On the vessel today, is the fabled captain Erwin Westby, master of the seas and marlin whisperer. The day started out beautifully, weather conditions were in favor of the fishing crew today. Sydney Lopez at the wheel, with Darrel Westby manning the deck. They all thought for sure that today would be a landing day, the guests today a group from the sporting adventures club, Brad, Richard, Thomas and Chuck all from North Carolina and avid fishermen themselves. The hunt was on and the bite was hot, many fishes were hooked on this fair day but met with stiff competition as the sharks were out for the kill. Out of a decent amount of fish they only managed to bring in the smallest hook-ups. Such as Spanish mackerels, king mackerels, barracuda and triggerfish. But that’s not all, the guests on the boat today each got their blood boiling taking turns at hauling in a monster 9 feet lemon shark. It was a grueling 30 minutes as the monster came up and took off again several times, but it was Chuck who finished off the battle as he brought it long side the vessel and Captain Erwin Westby cut the line to set it free.