by Federation of Fly Fishers

Press Release - El Pescador Lodge is honored to announce that Captain Luis Paz, Captain Alex Gomez and Isa Rodriguez have each attained the distinction of becoming a Certified Casting Instructor by the International Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF).

Both Captain Luis and Captain Alex are 2nd generation El Pescador Guides following in their fathers' footsteps, Tomas Paz and Nesto Gomez respectively. Luis loves to fish, especially for tarpon, and loves to cast. Alex also loves to fish and enjoys teaching the art of the sport. Isa is the quintessential student and loves to learn; he will be a lifelong student and teacher of fly casting. These Isa anglers join fellow El Pescador guide, Cesar Acosta, as the only four Belizean certified casting instructors currently teaching in Belize.

Ali Flota from El Pescador lodge commented, "All El Pescador Guides are exceptional at guiding anglers in our diverse and unique fishery. However, in an effort to offer the best possible service to our anglers, we also want to be able to teach them the sport. Salt water fly fishing can be frustrating. It is important to have a team of Guides that will support and assist our guests on their journey in fly fishing."

Ali, Luis, Alex and Isa met for two-hour study sessions twice weekly for three months to prepare for the test. They studied the essentials and mechanics of fly casting, the equipment, analysis and correction of casting errors, etiquette and of course lots and lots of practical casting. Cesar Acosta also worked closely with their CI (certified instructor) candidates on the casting aspect of our program.

On February 1, 2013 Joe Libeu, FFF Master Instructor and Board of Governor executed the test at El Pescador on Ambergris Caye. The test consisted of a workshop, a written portion (36 questions) followed by a practical portion (24 tasks). It takes about two hours to complete the test. Captain Luis Paz, Captain Alex Gomez and Isa Rodriguez were successful and passed the test! This is an enormous accomplishment and sets a new standard for guiding on Ambergris Caye and in Belize.

"We would like to thank Luis, Alex and Isa, and all of El Pescador's Guides, who are continuing their education in fly fishing and bettering their skills as guides," stated Ali. "We plan to continue this process with more El Pescador Guides becoming certified casting instructors over the coming years. They all make El Pescador, Ambergris Caye and Belize proud; their hard work and enthusiasm for fly fishing are what makes Belize such a unique and special destination."

More information about the FFF please visit their website www.fedflyfishers.org: "Since 1964, the Federation of Fly Fishers has been an organized voice for fly fishers. We represent all aspects of fly fishing from the art of casting instruction and fly tying, to the protection of our fisheries. The Federation of Fly Fishers and its Councils are the only organized advocates for fly fishers on an international and regional level."