Belize reveals it’s amazing tarpon and permit fishery!
Phil and Gilbert had one of the most outstanding saltwater fly fishing adventures with El Pescador Lodge based in Belize. Each day they target tarpon, and each day they jump and land multiples. Presented with many shots at feeding permit each day, and a handful of other flats species – this fishery did not disappoint!
Winter steelhead are super large, aggressive fish that are truly in a class of their own! They can reach lengths over 40 inches, and some of these fish are in the 20 lbs range. The rain forest of the Olympic Peninsula is home to many rivers that feed right into the ocean. When these winter fish leave the salt and return to freshwater they are in their prime. Pure muscle that is chromed out in all it’s glory!
Phil and Gilbert have been chasing steelhead for nearly a decade. However, neither had experienced fresh chrome fish within a few miles of the ocean. This is a different ballgame! With the help of Captain Keith Allison of Chrome Chasers, they were blessed to find some winter steel that only dreams are made of!
The wind whistles quietly, hinting at the onset of winter across the Blue Ridge Peaks, the sycamores reflecting over the freshwater creeks and river systems as they wrap gently through the barren hills. A “gold mine” they say, home to the “fish of a thousand casts.” To those familiar with musky, these conditions signal the onset of the season’s most productive and rewarding pursuits when it comes to pursuing musky.
Hands down one of the most magical fly fishing excursions! Bull trout are some of the most amazing predators on this planet. Their voraciousness and willingness to eat giant streamers puts them in an elite group of freshwater predators.
Roosterfish have to be the coolest predator fish on the planet with a reputation of being one of the toughest species to land on a fly rod! In this episode of the Buffet Series you will see more displays of ferocity than you can count! Phil and Gilbert have the time of their lives as they hook into some of the most amazing fish either of them have ever caught!
In the heat of the desert there’s more to be found than scorpions and rattlesnakes. Experience bass fly fishing and underwater action for HUGE bluegill where the water meets the burning sand!
When you think of chasing bass, fly fishing isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, Phil and Gilbert were able to implement subsurface tactics that made for some extremely fast fishing! Relax and warm up to the summertime vibes emitted from this film and get outside soon to find some bass for yourself!
Xcalak is a small secluded fishing village located near the Mexico/Belize border. Surrounded by flats that are full of bonefish, permit, snook, jacks, barracuda, and many other species, Xcalak is the perfect place for a saltwater fly fishing destination trip. Phil & Gilbert made the most of their time while there, from sun up to sun down they were on the water looking for anything that would eat a fly. Assisted by friend Alex Beck, local guide Alejandro and his son Thomas, they not only found many willing fish, but also some world-class size bonefish that are rumored not to exist on Mexico’s flats. Minds were truly blown with this experience!
Utah’s Green River is home to one of the world’s greatest blue-winged olive (BWO) hatches. Often times there are so many mayflies on the water that it looks like a shag carpet floating down the river, and the trout can’t resist gorging themselves relentlessly. If dry fly fishing to rising trout is your thing, then you’re going to love this video!
Home Water follows professional skier and lifelong outdoorsman Riley Leboe as he travels back to his childhood region of British Columbia. Connecting with his brother Jess, they share an unforgettable fishing adventure, realizing their Home Water holds opportunities to create new anglers and resource advocates in a sustainable way. In addition, they seek out the trophy rainbow trout the region is famous for.
Catch Home Water in the 2022 International Fly Fishing Film Festival. Grab your tickets HERE!
Filmmakers: Riley Leboe, Hungry For Adventure
Hook: 3x long Streamer hook sz 4-12
Thread: Ted or black Uni-Thread 8/0
Bead: Silver or Black Nickel
Body: Silver Holographic tinsel, a few wraps of lead
Thorax: Simi Seal Dubbing grey/silver
Tail: Flourescent White marabou, krystal Flash
The Simi Minnow is one of 6 patterns recommended by Jeremy Davies for his “patented” Trout System. Â Check out the full article in the Winter 2021/22 issue of Fly Fusion Magazine!
