Grand slammin' in the flats of Belize: need a respite? Try casting flies at this idyllic Caribbean fishing hub. But don't expect the tarpon to be easy. Just ask Intel's Craig Barrett

Chief Executive, The, Jan-Feb, 2004 by Scott Henjum

TARPON

Catching these brutes on a fly is addicting. The fish fly out of the water, twisting and shaking in a series of startling jumps. Belize has year-round tarpon that range from 20 to 90 pounds; migratory tarpon (June through September) can weigh more than 100 pounds.

PERMIT

As one expert puts it, "If the gods shine on you, you might be lucky enough to catch a permit." These spooky and finicky fish are the most difficult of the grand slam fish to catch. Belize has outstanding permit waters, replete with fish in the 4- to 30-pound range. Shaped like muscled-up garbage can lids, they have the strength to put up an unforgiving fight.

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RELATED ARTICLE: For the Novice

DON'T BE FOOLED by fly fishing's elite reputation. Challenging as it is, catching the trio of grand slam fish in Belize isn't limited to old salts.

Even neophytes can hook and land permit, tarpon and bonefish--as long as they get some formal instruction and practice beforehand. It's possible to catch a number of bonefish, the easier of the slam fish to land, during your first days on the water.

Because wind is often a factor when fishing in the Caribbean, beginners should practice casting a distance of 40 feet with some consistency. It's also wise to learn the "double-haul," a technique that allows you to cast even longer distances.

"Sometimes there is too much mystery surrounding fly fishing," says Randall Kaufmann, a noted fly fisherman and author. "People who learn to fish will find out that it isn't too hard. But you have to put your time in and practice. In some ways, it is similar to golf. You can't go play golf without some instruction."

For starters in Belize, set your sights on bonefish. There are lots of them and they are relatively easy to catch. Big permit also aren't out of reach. Landing a tarpon, however, especially a large fish in the 40- to 200-pound category, may be asking too much.

For fly-fishing instruction, check with a local fly shop or, for more intensive teaching, sign up from one of the multiday schools offered by equipment manufacturers. Another option is to get some tips directly from the local fishing lodges.