The menu below will give you
all the info you need to fully understand why a Belize Mothership Trip is
a great fishing Adventure
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FEATURE ARTICLE- A BELIZEAN MOTHERSHIP ADVENTURE
REPORT: FIRST MOTHERSHIP TRIP
TRIP PREPARATION INFO.
REPORT:BELIZE'S RESIDENT TARPON
FEATURE ARTICLE- THREE FISHING NOVICES EXPERIENCE
BELIZE VIA MOTHERSHIP
REPORT:PERMIT EXPLORATORY TRIP
NON - FISHING ACTIVITIES
A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
It's just you, your personal friends or family, your crew
and the entire 185 mile coastline of Belize. No one else shares the experience
with you. It's a great opportunity to spend time with people you enjoy.
It's a pristine environment that can provide the intensity of "world
class" fishing or the opportunity to relax and melt into the tropical
environment. Re-adjusting to the normal pace of life is a real shock after
a mothership trip.
A Belizean cruise puts you in a space you don't have to share. So many of
the great destinations in the world are crowded and have a commercial environment.
Your mothership will take you to places not accessible from land based lodges
or resorts. The only commercial decision will be how much to leave as a
tip for your crew at the end of the week.
This is a very personal experience with you in control and great fishing
opportunities - those are the reasons many return every year!
More
CLIENT COMMENTS
Sean and I had a fabulous time with Martin and Carlos on board Meca. We
couldn't have asked to be better looked after from the moment we arrived
until we said goodbye. The boat was comfortable, the food was great (our
waistlines are now a testament to this) and we became tropical vegetables!
Sue Hindmarch
Middlesex,England
Thank you for arranging for our recent permit trip. Everything about the trip
was above expectations including the fabulous permit fishing, the most
comfortable accommodations, five star cuisine, and excellent, knowledgeable,
friendly guides familiar with the needs of flyfishermen. As a fishing guide
myself, I appreciated the local knowledge and hard work of the crew. I have
traveled afar on many fishing trips and consider this past trip to Belize to be among the most memorable. To be living on such a comfortable vessel as the
"Meca" and to be able to roll out of bed and be minutes from prime permit flats was a thrill.
This is one trip I can recommend without hesitation.
Sincerely,
Lloyd Wruble , captain of the
"Yank One"
Miami, Florida
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General Info & Prices
A TROPICAL FISHING EXPERIENCE
WITH YOU IN CONTROL
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Since 1987, we have taken over forty mothership cruises in the inshore (inside the barrier reef) waters off the coast of Belize.
We have utilized all the available motherships from the luxurious to the more crusty and rustic options. The great appeal of a mothership trip can be summed up in three short phrases: fishing options and flexibility; you are in control; a personal experience.
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Client Comments "The crew was very special; they would fish long days on a three shift schedule. The separation from the rest of the world, tailing bone fish at sunset , sight -casting to giant tarpon - overall, a wonderful and unique experience. Of all the places we've been, this is the most relaxing fishing trip we've taken."
Renee Gold, Fly Creek,New York ( additional comments) |
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FISHING OPTIONS
There are anchorages available where, with no more
than a  ten minute run from your mothership in your flats skiff, you
can:
* sight cast to bonefish on shallow flats.
* blind cast in channels for 50 - 100 pound tarpon.
* fish the mangrove edges for snook, baby tarpon and snappers.
* be poled over white sand flats sight fishing tarpon and permit.
* troll the reef for barracuda and a wide variety of reef fish.
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The proximity of these varied fishing opportunities
is such that, if it was your desire, you could fish all the above
in one morning without a boat run of over ten minutes. This is
an example of the variety available in some areas of Belize.
Tarpon fishing in Belize, at its best, doesn't get any better anywhere
in the world. At its worst, it's still can be as good as anywhere
else. This is especially true when you consider the comparison to
the crowded tarpon flats of Florida. |
| We have fished entire weeks in some areas
of Belize from a mothership and not encountered another fisherman. |
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There are many areas in Belize where permit can
be found, but for numbers of fish, you can't top the central coast
of Belize. Fishermen who focus primarily on permit have had double-digit
trips utilizing the opportunity to change locations every day
or two, moving from flat to flat.
Bonefish, snook, baby tarpon, 'cuda, jacks, snappers, etc. - they're
all here. When conditions are right, it's your choice what you pursue
and where you want to pursue them.
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PRIVACY AND CREATURE COMFORTS
Privacy on board the Meca and the Seaduction is not a concern because
of the cabin layout and the understanding of your crew. The crew has many
years experience with live-aboard charters and understands the importance
of privacy for their clients. They have a way of disappearing quietly
that reflects their understanding. Each air-conditioned cabin is private
and has it's own shower, toilet, and sink. The dress is as casual as you
could possibly imagine. There is no one on board to dress to impress except
your own personal party. As long as you have a few light long sleeve shirts,
pants (light pants with zip-off legs are perfect), and a wide brimmed
hat to protect yourself from long hours on the water, you could get by
with shorts/swimsuit and a few t-shirts if your choice was ultra casual.
One light sweater is a good idea, but it probably won't get any use. From
native fruits and seafood to fresh baked breads and desserts, the food
is always ample and appetizing. The cuisine is continental with some traditional
Belizean dishes. Purified bottled water is in good supply along with a
selection of soft drinks and local Belikan Beer. You can ask to stop at
Brody's grocery store (5 minutes from the airport) on your way to the
boat and buy any special beverages you may prefer. There is a selection
(not as complete as a U.S. supermarket) of wines, soft drinks, and liquor
at Brody's. The Meca has a parlor with a VCR, stereo (CD's), and large
table for card games, tying flies, or sunset cocktail hours.
Meca's spacious rear cabin.
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YOU'RE IN CONTROL
Your experienced captain and crew are focused on your
trip being everything it can be. You have a key role
in making the decisions regarding:
* Where you anchor (for instance, if you wanted to
spend some time at the
Turneffe Islands, that could be added to the schedule).
* The boat schedule (do you want to look for rolling
tarpon at the crack of dawn or sleep in and start
the day slowly - breakfast will be prepared around
your schedule).
* What fish do you want to focus on (some areas have
greater concentrations of certain species than others).
* A mothership allows you to fish the most productive
time in the tropics, the hour before and after dark.
Do you want dinner early or late?
* Your air-conditioned cabin can provide a welcome
area for a short nap after lunch - if you feel the
need for a break.
* Do you want to combine some snorkeling? (If so,
it's best to bring your own equipment sized for you).
Your captain will set the schedule and itinerary to
meet your goals. Of course, he will make decisions
with safety as a first consideration, and there are
times when weather can limit options.
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One of our family's primary concerns on our
first trip was that two of us get seasick very easily. We
found this is not a concern as your trip is inside the second
largest barrier reef in the world. The waters are sheltered
and your anchorages are always in protected areas. The only
time open ocean is encountered is if you choose to make
the run to the Turneffe Islands. That run requires crossing
open water outside the reef.
GROUPS OF TWO TO SIX
Live aboard cruisers can accommodate two, three, or four
people. For groups of five or six, two or more motherships
would have to be chartered. If the group wanted to stay
together, this could be accomplished by anchoring the boats
in the same area. To schedule multiple charters, planning
far in advance is usually necessary.
ALL INCLUSIVE PRICING
Your price includes virtually everything except personal
beverages, tips, and fishing equipment. A supply of bottled
water, soft drinks, and native Belikan Beer is on board.
You are met at the Belize City International Airport (daily
flights from Miami, Dallas, and Houston) by a member of
the staff and transported to your cruiser. Flight times
from the U.S. are approximately 2 – 2.5 hours, depending
on your departure city.
A trip for three or four would include a crew
of three. The captain and mate would serve as your guides
and the cook/stewartd would take care of the culinary and
housekeeping needs. Two flats skiffs with 40HP outboards
would be towed and used for your daily excursions. The charter
price for a party of two would include one skiff and guide.
THE MOTHERSHIPS
We are familiar with all the motherships available in Belize.
The air conditioned cruisers we can recommend to provide
a value oriented experience are (NOTE: All prices listed
include seven nights with six full days of fishing. Longer
or shorter charters may be available depending on dates
and scheduling):
The Meca: Parties of two ($6,800), three ($8,400),
and four ($9,200). For a description of the Meca, click
on the link "Report:
First Mothership Trip."
The Seaduction: A 37' Sea Ray with cabins fore and aft that
charters for two ($5,800). For a description & photos,
click on the link"Report:First
Mothership Trip" and scroll to the bottom.
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CLIENT COMMENTS
"As a fly fishing outfitter and guide in Patagonia
as well as a frequent traveler to some of the most spectacular trout destinations
world round, it is not easy to surprise me. However Martin McCord and his
unique Belize experience did just that. Tarpon, permit, bonefish, snook
as well as many other saltwater species, all available in surprising numbers.
But Martin's experience is more than just fishing; it's superb cuisine and
comfortable accommodations, extraordinary guides, plus the chance to move
and fish different locations and marine environments. Unique is the word
to describe this experience. I'll be back soon!" Pablo Negri,
Santiago, Chile
"For the last two years I have fished from Martin
Mc Cord's mother ship, "Meca." Fish at your own pace on your own
schedule, comfortable air conditioned cabins, and our cook/housekeeper,
Carlos, couldn't seem to do enough for us. We have a twelve day trip booked
for next year." Alice Hallberg, Lake Oswego. Ore.
" From the moment I landed in Belize City, my first
saltwater fly fishing experience, on board "Meca", exceeded all
expectations, I never imagined the unspoiled natural beauty, extent of sea
life, and diversity of fishing opportunities that would surround me. It
was as if the waters were our private domain. I will long recall the thrill
of boating and releasing a 90+ pound tarpon after a one hour and twenty
minute struggle.What a trip!".................. Ed Farver,Napa,
CA
"Dan & I & the gals had a terrific time on
our mother ship trip with Martin. The ability to move from place to place
to accommodate our fishing objectives and not see but one other fisherman
in a week was truly exceptional in this time of crowded fishing destinations.
You can't beat fishing tarpon morning and evening, bonefish during the day,
and sight fishing permit on the rising tide. Having our "floating mobile
lodge" with it's great flexibility made this all possible. The highlight
of the trip for me was sight fishing so many permit. Hooking two permit
and landing and releasing a weighed 19/1/2 # permit on my first trip was
a dream come true. Great guides and crew, great food and great fishing!!!
Can hardly wait for next year." Dave Ellis Lake Ann, Michigan
"Captain Charles Westby is one of the finest guides
I've met anywhere. His wife, Avi, made great meals and baked bread or pies
everyday. I'm going back for two weeks next year to hook up more tarpon."
Gary Fritz, Helena, Montana - Montana flyfishing outfitter and guide
The overall trip was great. I will definitely do it again. We all enjoyed the boat being so close to the fishing areas and not having to go on long rides in the skiffs. I had fished a lot around the Blue Grounds on previous trips, but it always required a long boat ride so the change was very nice. We also liked the flexibility to be able to move around to different areas. Everyone also thought the food was as good or better than we have had on any other trip. Carlos does a great job.
Art Hinckley, Reno, Nevada
HOW TO CONTACT US:
888-347-4896 OR e-mail to
flyfish@napanet.net
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