Black Fly Bonefish Club - Searching for permit at Moore

Waiting for us at the Marsh Harbor airport was Captain Clint Kemp, one of the proprietors of the Black Fly Bonefish Club, also known as the Black Fly Lodge. Clint is a native Bahamian and can trace his family’s Abaco Island roots back the 1700’s. Clint is the type of guy who makes you feel right at ease in his presence, comparable to being reacquainted with an old fishing buddy. Clint is as good at what he does as anyone I’ve ever met and is versed on many subjects, whether it is Wall Street finance, Bahamian history, politics in the Bahamas or the US, and especially fishing and fly tying. And, if Clint ever stops running his new lodge or guiding, he can be a good chef.

We found ice cold Mojitos waiting for us at the lodge expertly prepared by David and Mandy Knowles. A perfect start to our fishing trip on Abaco Island!

David is a native Bahamian, and like Clint Kemp, can trace his family roots back more than two hundred years. While attending college in Colorado he ran into his sweetheart and future wife Mandy. Now they are back in the Bahamas. Always lively, cheerful, and willing to lend a hand, David and Mandy have taken over the hospitality operations at Black Fly Lodge and their goal is to make the guests stay at the lodge enjoyable.  David is a trained boat mechanic and general handyman with the talent to fix just about anything. Mandy brings a wealth of experience in the hospitality field and a very high standard of service to Black Fly Lodge. The couple is well liked, laid-back, very professional, and add a youthful cheerfulness to the Black Fly Lodge Team!

Black Fly Bonefish Club - dinner at Black Fly Lodge

We found David and Mandy to have that rare combination of grace and knowledge which are the essence of a fine host anywhere in the world. Between Clint Kemp, David and Mandy, they are not only tremendous managers; they may be the best Bahamian cooking team in the Bahamas. The atmosphere, the camaraderie and the great cuisine are as good as the fishing.

For the time being, home base is an attractive beach house adjacent to Schooner Bay overlooking a beautiful beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Located at the southern end of Great Abaco Island halfway between Marsh Harbor and Sandy Point, this unique beach house is perfectly located to fish some of Abaco’s finest flats.

The Beach House is comfortable and very inviting. The spacious home can accommodate six anglers very comfortably in four bedrooms, sharing three baths. There is a large great room, dining room area, living room, lots of porch and deck area, full bar and a fully equipped fly tying table. The lodge has telephone and internet access and provides maid and laundry service.

For breakfast you will have a assortment of eggs, egg omelets, pancakes, fresh fruit, breads et cetera. For dinner you can expect a variety of beautifully prepared Bahamian and American specialties including  fish, lobster, conch, and of course steak. Your cooler lunch will be a pleasure as well, with perhaps a lobster wrap, conch and/or lobster salad or a variety of sandwiches made on homemade bread.

After a day on the water a variety of appetizers are provided including thin sliced fresh Conch Ceviche marinated in sour orange and pepper, mixed with onion, peppers, and pickled ginger, conch fritters, lobster fritters and more.

During our three-day visit we dined like landed gentry.  Surf and Turf Tenderloin with basil butter lobster served on spinach smashed potatoes, a Steamed Filet of Hog Snapper with locally grown vegetables served over saffron rice with grilled asparagus, and the last evening a Roasted Pork Tenderloin with silky saffron potatoes with a roasted red pepper and garlic sauce.

For desert there was a Guava Cobbler with rum butter sauce, a homemade Aztec chocolate ice cream with double chocolate chip brownies, and the last evening a homemade coconut sorbet with grilled pineapple and fresh mint garnish.

Oh…..and did I say open bar? The lodge includes a premium selection of liquor, excellent red and white wine, beer, juices, sodas and other appropriate mixers and garnishes for your pleasure. Help yourself as all drinks are included during your visit.

Black Fly Bonefish Lodge - Fishing at Moore's Island

As Captain Clint Kemp likes to say “You can’t control the fishing, but you certainly can control the food”. He does!

For the non-fishing guest there is plenty to do. Around the lodge, let’s start with exploring the local beaches, investigating the famous blue holes, bicycling around the Abaco pine forest, kayaking the tidal marshes or searching for the elusive Abaco parrot. Or take the thirty minute drive into Marsh Harbor and shop, dine at one of the fine restaurants, a day of golf or perhaps take a day trip to the picturesque Elbow Cay and Historic Hope Town where you can see the last operational kerosene-fueled lighthouses in the world.

Ok fishing fans. There will not be any superfluous embellishment or useless rhetoric for this new lodge’s description of the fishing. Here are the facts.

The lodge fishing director and our guide for the trip was Captain Paul Pinder. Paul was born and raised on Abaco and knows the Island like the back of his hand. Paul’s vast knowledge of the fishery and good nature make for a pleasant day on the water. In short, Paul is one of the most knowledgeable guides we’ve fished with. Paul is organized and focused on maximizing productive fishing time. And for those of you who have fished around the Bahamas, the Pinder name is synonymous with great guides. You may have heard of David, Jeffery and Joseph Pinder, well Paul is their first cousin.

Southern Abaco has been fished lightly in the past. The new Black Fly Lodge is in the right place at the right time, located on the threshold of some of the most pristine bonefish flats in all of the Bahamas.

The Black Fly Lodge is currently using two amply powered 21’ Hewes Redfishers and two 16’ Beavertail skiffs all of which are trailered to various nearby boat ramps. The house ramp at Crossing Rocks is just a few minutes away. The longest haul is to Sandy Point and is approximately twenty-five minutes.

Black Fly Lodge Hewes boat

Most of the flats close to Abaco Island are protected by numerous outlying cayes and small islands. This is a visual fishery and these island flats can be fished while wading or fished from the boat. Plenty of wading opportunities exist on white sand bottom. During windy days, you can expect to fish the coves and inland lagoons. These shallow flats are protected and ideal for stalking tailing fish and bones pushing water. When the weather is settled, the flats close to Moore’s Island and Sandy Point’s Cross Harbor lagoon are protected by coral reefs, resulting in calmer, clear waters.

The Black Fly Bonefish Club has divided lower Abaco Island into six distinct zones, or fishing grounds. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to fish all these areas with the exception of the Blue water out of Schooner Harbor, although I have fished offshore farther up the island.

Edward Johnston at Black Fly Bonefish Lodge

Each of these zones are large enough to spend an entire day or more. In fact it will take you several days in each area to thoroughly cover it with the exception of the hundreds of square miles of the Marls which will take you a very long time to explore. Fishing on Abaco is exciting and life plays out intensely on the flats.  Every day is different. We fished three of these zones on this trip.

The first day we fished Moore’s Island.  We boarded the big Hewes Redfishers and after a brief  thirty minute ride we were there. A number of nice bonefish were caught in the morning and we had several good shots at permit. It was exciting to see the permit and try to feed them. The permit on this day were picky eaters which does not surprise me as all permit are picky eaters. We just did not have the fly that they wished to eat. I have caught 106 permit on the fly to date so I am familiar as how to feed them. We just need a little time to figure out what the Moore’s Island permit would like to consume (and a reason to return). We then checked out a few spots where Paul Pinder had seen migratory tarpon occasionally in the summer months. The tarpon were not around on this day. To finish our time Captain Paul poled the boat along the eastern shore of the main island looking for bonefish and we did find a few. When our time was up, Paul cranked up the engine and popped the caps on a couple of bottles of Kalik and we were on our way back to the lodge. A nice finish to a beautiful fishing day.

Black Fly Lodge overlooking the Marls of Abaco Island

Second day we launched from the Schooner Bay ramp and fished the channel leading out to open water for an hour or so. We then went northwest eventually to Cornwall Point and within sight of Big Mangrove Cay, stopping at a few spots along the way. We had several good shots at permit and caught some bonefish in the maze of mangrove channels. This area of the Marls does not see much angling pressure, so the bonefish remain plentiful on these expansive flats.

On the third day  we launched from Sandy Point. We fished Cross Harbor point back along the flat towards Blackwood Point until we encountered the blue water, and then Rock Point to Galliot Point.  The Cross Harbor bay, is as beautiful and flat as you will find anywhere in the Caribbean. And along with Moore’s Island, Cross Harbor bay is one of the few places in the Bahamas with a predictable Permit fishery. We caught several bonefish early and then spent the remaining time looking for permit. We had numerous shots at permit throughout the day and came very close “ twice” to an interested fish. Occasionally a permit will just smash your fly. This day we were ignored, however, we will return and try again.

The Abacos are a 130 mile crescent shaped string of Bahamian islands located approximately 200 miles east of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and 75 miles northeast of Nassau Bahamas. With nearly 50 square miles of landmass, Abaco is the second largest island in the Bahamas. The Abaco Islands are rich with bird life and several areas have been set aside as preserves. The interior of the island is lush with Bahamian pine trees and here you will find the habitat of the Abaco parrot. Offshore, Abaco is also known for its elkhorn and staghorn coral reefs.

Marsh Harbour is the principal town and hub of the island and is only a 30 minute drive from the lodge.

Abaco Island has direct flights from Florida to Marsh Harbour. It is also possible to fly via Nassau, however a direct flight from Florida is by far the easiest.

For rates at Black Fly Bonefish Club click here.

The future:

On the main land of Abaco Island there is a place where the land narrows and the blue water of the Atlantic on the East and the vast flats on the west are only separated by a half a mile of pine forest, locals call it the “neck” of Abaco. Here you will find the new harbour side town of Schooner Bay. The project is situated on 330 acre parcel of land and will occupy 220 of those acres. The remaining acreage will be preserved as common green space which will only include native trees, indigenous flora and sand dunes. A lot of thought has gone into this development as it is being built to exact environmental and sustainable standards.

The new Black Fly Lodge at Schooner Bay Bahamas

As of writing, Black Fly Lodge has a new inn under construction in the new Schooner Bay development and completion date is scheduled for January 2013. Black Fly Lodge will sit at the harbors edge where guest will enjoy the beauty and community of the surrounding environment. The lodge will be an intimate two story veranda house with cozy living room, bar and open family style kitchen/dining room on the first floor. On the second floor there will be eight bedroom suits that open to a second floor veranda.

The lodge plans to add a new fleet of boats including Hells Bay skiffs for the inland areas and Action Craft for the run out to Moore’s Island and South of Sandy Point. An offshore boat is in the plans as well.

 If you have been there then you know already, if you haven’t been, then go now! Just remember, Edward Johnston at Leisure Time Travel told you so……….Book now for the rest of this year and/or reserve your spot at the new Lodge in 2013. Call us at 800-771-2202 or email us.

Leisure Time Travel – Your best and most knowledgeable choice for fishing the Caribbean

Leisure Time Travel Inc.

531 N. Citrus Ave. Crystal River, Florida 34428

352-795-FISH (3474) 1-800-771-2202

All Photographs by Edward R. Johnston

Copyright © 2012 Edward R. Johnston & Leisure Time Travel, Inc. 1996-2012

Belize River Lodge

Belize River Lodge will be celebrating its 52^ndbirthday this year.  Previously known as Barothy’s Caribbean Lodge, it was the first of three lodges built in Belize in the early 1960′s by the late Vic Barothy. In late 1986, current owners Mike & Marguerite, bought the lodge and renamed it Belize River Lodge.  Mike and Marguerite are both Belize natives with very prominent families in Belize. The husband and wife team were not new at managing lodges when they purchased Belize River Lodge. Their combined experience and talents make Belize River Lodge what it is today. When you choose to stay at Belize River Lodge you are getting more than just another fishing trip. You will receive the all star treatment from two of the most experienced host in Belize: Mike Heusner and Marguerite Miles.

Mike & Marguerite, Owners of Belize River Lodge

Mike Heusner grew up in Belize between Belize City and Gales Point. As a young boy Mike learned and loved the sport of fishing. In 1966, he caught his first snook. The 12lb snook still hangs in the lodge today for all the visitors to see. Mike attended college in California where he studied environmental management. After college, Mike returned home to Belize. After his return he managed two different lodges before going into partnership with Maguerite who would later purchase Belize River Lodge. Mike is very active in several different organizations in Belize including Belize Audubon Society, Belize Chamber of Commerce and is a founding board member of Belize Tourism Industry Association.

Marguerite Miles, like Mike, is no stranger to Belize. She also spent her childhood days growing up in Belize. As a child she spent most of her days doing what kids do best, exploring and just “being a kid”. Swimming, fishing and riding her bike around the peaceful streets of Belize are what Marguerite enjoyed most. At the age of 12, Marguerite moved to Honduras with her family. Moving to a new country gave her a taste of what other ways of life where like and a great appreciation for travel.  A few years later Marguerite and her family returned to Belize so she could finish her schooling. After graduating she traveled to Mexico. During her stay in Mexico she was able to improve on her Spanish speaking skills. Marguerite took advantage of the opportunity to further her education by attending college in Michigan. Later a relocation to Pennsylvania was the last move for Marguerite until she returned back home to Belize almost 14 years later. After her return to Belize she worked alongside Mike Heusner managing Keller’s Caribean Sports.  Together Mike and Marguerite went on to manage another lodge in Belize until their return to Barothy’s Caribbean Lodge, which they would purchase in 1986 renaming it Belize River Lodge.

The Blue Yonder

Belize River Lodge has always offered traditional skiff fishing form the lodge. Most of your fishing day is spent checking out many different places, hunting or casting to fish. The main areas to fish from the lodge are the flats, channels, and mangrove islands near the Belize River, Sibun River, Manatee River, Black Creek, and several other creeks & lagoons.

Belize River Lodge also offers fishing cruises. The mother ship cruises are similar to the Lodge’s day except fishing can start earlier, returning to the yacht for breakfast and then going out to fish again until lunch, take a quick nap and go out fishing again until dark. You can choose your own fishing schedule. The mother ship is all inclusive and come with their own crew, Captain, guides, chef and flat skiffs. The air-conditioned vessel has two bedrooms and two bathrooms with hot and cold fresh water showers. The fishing cruise on the yacht will allow you to fish remote mangrove islands and cays which are not accessible from a land base.

In 2011 Mike and Marguerite added another option for anglers to enjoy Belize. They purchased a private resort on Long Caye

Long Caye Island Resort

naming it Long Caye Island Resort. The resort is a three bedroom double occupancy cottage that can accommodate groups up to six people. While staying at Long Caye Island Resort you will receive all the Belizian hospitality you have come to know and love about Belize River Lodge. You can choose your own fishing schedule during your stay here. Leave early to start your fishing day, return back to the resort for lunch, and then go out fishing again! You may choose to fish all day or half day. Maybe you would like to just fish right from the beach in front of the lodge. The choice is yours.

After 52 years the lodge still operates the same way it did back then, catering to anglers form all over making each fishing trip a success keeping the anglers coming back year after year.

Call Edward Johnston of Leisure Time Travel, Inc. for more details.

Turneffe Flats

Turneffe Flats Lodge celebrated their 30^thanniversary this year. With the beach front  accommodations, excellent service and world known fishing programs, it’s no wonder after 30 years Turneffe Flats still remains one of Belize’s best fishing lodges. They are always working hard to make their customer have the best experience possible.  In September of this year, Turneffe Flats moved their Belize City operations to the Radisson Hotel Marina. This move will provide our customers with a much nicer experience upon arrival in Belize City. This hotel has two nice restaurants, a bar, and a coffee shop, just to name a few items , to keep you busy while you are waiting for your boat to arrive to take you to the lodge.

Turneffe Flats, Turneffe Atoll, Belize

After the holiday season everyone could use a relaxing get away. There is no better time than today to book your Turneffe vacation. Right now they are offering a great short notice deal. For the weeks of January 14^th -21^st, 2012 or January 21^st – January 28^th, 2012 when you buy one full price trip, the second trip will be half off!  The packages are all-inclusive except for the international flights into Belize, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities. Space is limited so don’t let an offer this good pass you by.

Not only does Turneffe Flats Lodge offers great fishing packages, but they also offer diving packages, combo fishing/diving packages, atoll adventure packages and non-activity packages. So bring the family along! There is something for everyone to do while staying at Turneffe Flats Lodge.

Turneffe Flats was recently published in Chris Santella’s book “50 Places to Fish Before You Die”.  The article was written by Steve & Gina Abel who are repeat customers of Turneffe Flats Lodge.

What a great way to bring in 2012! Call Edward Johnston of Leisure Time Travel, Inc. today for more details.

Kristine of Leisure Time Travel, Inc.

Hi Everyone! My name is Kristine and together with Edward Johnston and our staff at Leisure Time Travel, Inc., we are your number one source for all your fly fishing adventure needs! I have been working for Leisure Time Travel, Inc. for almost six years now. When you call Leisure Time Travel,there is a very good chance you will talk with me first. I do my best to make sure each and every one of our customers has all the correct information they need to make their fishing trip a success. Our customers are very important to us. Not only do we want to help you plan this fishing adventure, but we want you to become a repeat costumer! We take the stress out of your vacation. All you have to do is pack your bags and we will take care of the rest! We take each fishing adventure and customize it to fit each angler’s specific needs. With Edward Johnston’s vast knowledge for fly fishing and our great customer service skill, we make a great team! We are always by the phone ready to help! So give us a call and let us help you organized your next unforgettable fishing adventure! I look forward to working with you.

Peter with a Nice Tarpon

Our group experienced some great fishing at Turneffe Island Lodge for the whole week this past Spring.

Collectively, our five skiffs boated eighteen permit which averaged 3.6 permit per boat (18 permit/5 boats =3.6 per boat). This

Peter with a Turneffe Island Snook

compares to some of the best trips we have had at Ascension Bay.

The week began with great fishing conditions together with clear sunny skies and a smattering of clouds in the afternoon. A gentle relaxing easterly breeze produced mostly mild pleasant temperatures all week.

By mid-week the skies began to cloud up a little in the early afternoon allowing a welcomed afternoon break from the sun. Those partly cloudy skies in the evening provided some amazing sunsets. Thursday we had a heavy rain in the evening and again Friday morning. Once the weather moved on, we saw sunny skies with a nice breeze that resulted in great conditions for the remainder of the day.

Our colleague and fellow angler Peter Merriman experience some great fishing at Turneffe Island Lodge for the entire week of his trip.

First day on the water Peter scores a permit. Second day was the same – another permit. While Peter fished for all three major game fish, a Grand Slam was not his ultimate goal. Peter is a great guy and just enjoys quality time on the water.

Peter with a Turneffe Island Bonefish

On the forth day of the trip, Peter came very-very close to a Super Grand Slam after hooking and landing a tarpon, catching a bonefish, catching a big snook, then hooking a permit, but losing it the a broken hook just as the fish was about to be landed. His third of four permit for the week came the next day.

Heres the story: Wednesday morning (fourth day) Peter hooked into his first (of several) tarpon not more than a mile from the lodge. That would not be the end of his tarpon experience; he jumped another two tarpon in the same area. While his guide poled the boat scouting for more tarpon, Peter spied a nice snook to which he cast his fly and connected with a solid hookup.

On this particular day the bonefish was easy. A quick run to the outside flats, a few minutes wading and a nice bonefish was in hand.

Then, it was off to catch a permit. There were multiple casting oppurtunities that afternoon at permit and when Peter did hook-up it was a joyous but short lived moment. Peter was taken well into his backing by the large permit and did get the permit on his flyline, but then something in this day and age you would never expect to happen, happened. The hook broke.

Peter stayed out until dark trying for the final part of his Super Grand Slam, but it was not to happen this day. By the time Peter returned to the lodge l in the evening he was totally exhausted, but very pleased in spite of the loss of the final piece of the puzzle.

The lodge is situated on Little Caye Bokel, a 12 acre privately owned secluded island located 30 miles from the coast of Belize on

Peter with a Turneffe Island Tarpon

the south end of the Turneffe atoll (approximately an hour and a half boat ride from Belize City). This is a beautiful island and kept incredibly clean. The resort is meticulously landscaped, with flowers and ornamental plants of all sorts everywhere you look. A lot of money has been spent here. In short; this is a very well-managed resort, with excellent service, friendly people, excellent food and very clean and comfortable accommodations.

The lodge runs like a well-oiled machine If you need something, just ask. The staff makes it abundantly clear that our job was to be on vacation and that their job was to make our vacation as fun and relaxing as possible. Every little detail of the service is thought out and flawlessly executed, like the early morning pre-breakfast tray of tea or coffee that finds its way to your porch. The staff to guest ratio is 1:1.

The cabanas are comfortable and well maintained, with delightful views through the palm trees to the incredibly blue sea. The air-conditioned cabana’s have beautiful wood interiors, comfortable bed(s) and are spotless. The bathrooms are fine, but the outdoor shower are a nice touch, just what the doctor ordered after a long day on the flats.

There is a nice pool with outside bar. The pool bar is the central gathering point at the end of the day. This is a great place to relax and share your stories before dinner.

Peter with a Turneffe Island Permit

After forty years, the private island Turneffe Island Resort is still recognized as one of the top saltwater flats fishing lodges in Belize and in the Western Caribbean. With forty years of experience and the record holder for the most grand slams caught, this your assurance that Turneffe Island Resort has a quality fishing program and has demonstrated with a high level of service over and over again.

Fishing possibilities are endless around the Turneffe Atoll. Most of the Turneffe cayes are covered with thick forests of red and black mangroves. Turneffe Island Lodge is strategically located in the middle of the most productive area which provides quick and easy access to the coral reef and flats.

The productive interior flats, creeks, channels and lagoons are dotted by literally hundreds of mangrove that islands throughout the shallow interior of the Turneffe Atoll.

All the fishing equipment at the Turneffe Island lodge is first class. The lodge tackle shop has a limited supply of flies, leaders, tippet and other supplies. It is best to bring everything that you will need and use the tackle shop for backup. The Lodge has a fly tying bench in the tackle shop with some materials and basic tools for you to use anytime. Rental fishing equipment is available .

There are five dolphin skiffs which can accommodate up to 10 anglers. The rates for 2012 are, Dec 31 – May 25 is $2,990 and May 26 – Dec. 14 is $2,790, per person for a seven-night six-day package with double occupancy (Saturday to Saturday). This will include transfers to the lodge, air conditioned room and meals.Not included are airfare to Belize, alcoholic beverages, fishing tackle, departure taxes, Gift Shop purchases, and items of personal nature.Click here for 2012 rates.

Leisure Time Travel Inc.
531 N. Citrus Ave.
Crystal River, Florida 34428
352-795-FISH (3474)
1-800-771-2202

Casa Blanca Lodge, Ascension Bay, Mexico

Quite easily, Ascension Bay and Espiritu Santo Bay are one of the finest saltwater flats fishing destinations in the world. The two bays are located in the heart of the Sian Ka’an National Park which spreads over more than a two thousand square miles, or about 1.3 million acres of wide-open flood plains, tropical dry forest and some of the most gorgeous saltwater flats on the planet.

Noni with a Nice Ascension Bay Permit

One of the last great unspoiled and undeveloped spots in the Yucatan, Ascension Bay and Espiritu Santo Bay are considered by many to have the finest flats fishing in the world for a shot at a permit and a grand slam.

The two sister lodges of Casa Blanca and Playa Blanca are easy to travel to. There are numerous flights from most major US and International Cities to Cancun Mexico. From Cancun you will travel south, but here is where the similarity with the other few lodges near Ascension Bay ends. From Cancun airport you will fly directly to Casa Blanca Lodge and if you are headed for Playa Blanca Lodge you just add a 20 minute ride along the winding ocean front road to the lodge. The flight, which takes more or less an hour, cuts about three hours off your travel time. The alternative method to reach the northern side of Ascension Bay, depending upon the road conditions is a four-hour drive.

B. Hayes with a Permit he caught during a stay at Playa Blanca Lodge

Casa Blanca and Playa Blanca both offer large and well appointed first class seaside accommodations. There is an abundance of staff. The food is an excellent combination of Mexican, Mayan, and American dishes. And the fishing, well , there will not be any superfluous embellishment or useless rhetoric here, the area is plainly “World Class”.

Ascension Bay and Espiritu Santo Bay offer the light-tackle and fly fisherman one of the most diverse selections of game fish in the world. Given the right conditions, the angler can cast to Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, Barracuda, Snook, Jacks, Sharks, and an assortment reef species in a single week of fishing.

Casa Blanca Lodge can accommodate up to 22 guest.  Playa Blanca Lodge can accommodate up to 14 guests.
Whether you are serious angler or just looking for an enjoyable fishing vacation, call us! There is no substitute for experience! Your writer, Edward Johnston, of Leisure Time Travel, has visited this part of the Yucatan peninsula 29 times in the past twenty years and has caught 80 permit on a fly rod at Ascension Bay.

Edward Johnston Fishing the Waters of Crocodile Bay Resort

If Eco-adventure, luxury spas, and world class fishing are what you are looking for, than a vacation at the Crocodile Bay Resort is just what you are looking for.

Crocodile Bay Resort is the finest Costa Rican fishing and adventure tour destination with forty-four acres of lush tropical gardens, located on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula.The fishing at Crocodile Bay Resort is outstanding. It is home to an astounding variety of fishing species that bring anglers from all over to enjoy. You can chose to fish from the standard boats or they offer tower boat packages for the “Ultimate Sport Fishing Experience”.

Rich, Tropical Gardens of Crocodile Bay Resort

Want to bring along the family? There is a vast variety of other activities for the whole family to enjoy! Crocodile Bay Resort offers over twenty-five different Costa Rican Eco-tours. One day you can hike through the Osa Rainforest then maybe explore the Finca Kobo Chocolate Farm! You may choose to kayak through the exotic and mysterious landscape of a river mangrove estuary or how about spending the day horseback riding around the Osa Peninsula? You can choose your daily activities according to your preferences.

Crocodile Bay Resort also has a beautiful 5,000 square foot luxury spa. They offer a vast variety of spa treatments that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

There is no time like today to book your Costa Rican vacation to Crocodile Bay Resort. Squeeze in a vacation before the end of the year (December 22, 2011) and you will receive twenty percent off your vacation. If you would like to bring along the kids, Children 12 and under will receive fifty percent off when accompanied by a minimum of two adult standard fishing packages.

The options are endless…there is bound to be something to excite your senses! Call Edward Johnston of Leisure Time Travel, Inc. to take advantage of these great saving!

Here are some informative brochure for you to review.

Brochure- Eco-Advnetures                     Brochure- Fishing Packages                  Brochure- Spa

Ascension Bay Mexico

Fishing in the Yucatan is a bargain priced at the moment, but you will need to make a little effort to reach your destination. Ascension Bay is one of the last great unspoiled and undeveloped spots in the Yucatan and  is considered, by many, to have the finest flats fishing in the world for a shot at a permit and a grand slam.

The Mexican Federal Highway 307 from Cancun airport to Tulum  is an easy drive on a well maintained highway. On your two hour ride through the Riviera Maya (the Cancun-Tulum tourism corridor) you will pass through Playa del Carmen where you can stop and buy a cold drink and any other supplies you may need.

Sian Ka’an (“where the sky is born”) Biosphere Reserve

At Tulum you will turn on the Coba road going east, with access to the Sian Ka’an, Boca Paila and Punta Allen via the unpaved beach road. You will pass the Sian Kahn Park entrance – an arch made of native stone. At that point, depending on road conditions, you either take the jungle road down the Punta Allen Peninsula directly to the lodge or switch to a boat at Ceseak (CESeaK) and enjoy a boat ride to Punta Allen. Either way the total journey takes approximately one hour and is very picturesque and interesting. Soon you will arrive at the scenic ocean-side fishing village of Punta Allen where you will find the new Grand Slam Deluxe Fly Fishing Lodge.

The Grand Slam Lodge is an intimate place with private suites open year round. For anglers wanting modern facilities, air conditioning, hot water showers, and good food, this Lodge is as close as you can get for quality luxury accommodations in the Sian Kahn Biosphere.

Spend a week fishing the fabled Ascension Bay.  Sight cast for Bones, Tarpon and Permit in crystalline waters of Ascension Bay and spend your evenings in luxury. There is no better time than now to book your trip to Grand Slam Lodge!

Read more about the trip here: Grand Slam Deluxe Fly Fishing Lodge.

Fishing the Flats of Andros

There are many “Specials & Last Minute Deals” going on at some of our favorite lodges. Now is the time to book your trips to take advantage of these great savings!

Abaco Lodge , located on Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas, is offering free air fare from Miami, Florida to Marsh Harbor when you book your all inclusive fishing trip during the weeks of November 5^th – November 10^th,   2011, November 12^th – November 17^th, 2011 or December 4^th – December 8^th,   2011.

Grand Bahama Bonefishing Club, located at Freeport in the Bahamas, is offering an additional night stay and an additional day of fishing for FREE when you book 3 days of fishing at the Sheraton, Lucaya Reef Hotel.  If you would like to book a fishing trip at the Radisson, Lucaya Resort, you will receive 10% off your entire fishing package. Both of these offers are valid form September 1, 2011- February 28, 2012.

Turneffe Flats Lodge, located on the Turneffe Atoll of Belize, is offering a Last Minute Special for the weeks of Oct. 29 – Nov. 5, 2011; Dec. 3 -10,2011; or Dec. 10 -17, 2011. If you book a fishing trip during any of these weeks the cost will only be $1.950 plus tax per person based on double occupancy.

El Pescador Lodge and Belize River Lodge are offering a BOGO special. Buy one get one free! You pay the single angler rate for one angler and the second angler comes along for FREE! El Pescador you must book between June 1^st – Dec. 15^th, 2011 and for Belize River Lodge you must book Nov 5th -13th, 2011 or Dec. 1^st -18th, 2011.

These prices will not last forever! Contact Edward Johnston of Leisure Time Travel, Inc. today for more details!

Long Caye Island Resort : Belize River Lodge

Belize River Lodge is now operating a new resort called Long Caye Island Resort!

Just when you think Belize River Lodge couldn’t get any better…. it has! Belize River Lodge has brought all the hospitality you know and love to a new private resort on Long Caye. The resort has three double occupancy bedrooms with two twin beds in each room and one shared bathroom, making this an ideal place for groups of up to six people. The fabulous chefs, known for their Belizean Creole cuisine, of Belize River Lodge will be preparing your delicious meals daily.

Fishing "stories" told here!

Belize’s best fishing waters surround Long Caye Island Resort. These waters offer an immense variety of fish including, but not limited to, Tarpon, Snook, Bonefish and Permit. While staying at the island resort you can choice your own fishing schedule. You may want to leave early, return for lunch, and then go out again…or pack a lunch and stay out all day! The choice is yours. You may also choose to just fish right from the beach in front of the lodge. You will have a good shot at catching a Permit or a Bonefish this way.

Private Resort Sitting On The Beautiful Sandy White Beaches of Belize.

Now is a great time to book your group trip to Long Island Caye Resort. If you do you will be able to take advantage of these great fall specials going on right now. Purchase a single occupancy package and the second person gets to go along for FREE! This offer is only valid for the following weeks:

October 23 – 30, 2011; November 5 – 13, 2011; November 20 -27, 2011; and December 1 – 18, 2011.

What a great place to go to get away from all your daily stress. Give Edward Johnston of Leisure Time Travel, Inc. a call for more details.