From August 6th to the 8th, San Pedro once again celebrated community, conservation, and sport during the annual San Pedro Classic Fly-Fishing Tournament. A total of 22 teams participated this year, competing for permit, bonefish, and tarpon on the island’s pristine fly-fishing flats. At the end of the three-day competition, Team Robb’s Red Rumm emerged as the champions. The team also claimed the grand prize last year, when competing under the name One Shot Willy’s.
The tournament is more than a competition; it provides an opportunity to raise much-needed funds for educational and environmental programs. A 50/50 raffle raised more than $1,600 for the Belize Flats Fisher Association, along with an additional $800 donated by the tournament. Dr. Addiel Perez of the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust thanked everyone who supported the event and presented a $6,080 donation to his organization. Meanwhile, Omar Arceo’s Youth Fly Fishing Program also received a $6,080 donation. Tournament President Tina Winkler and fellow Master of Ceremonies Marisela Marin said these contributions support conservation efforts and youth development in San Pedro.
Throughout the tournament, while anglers were busy fishing the flats, pop-up markets at Central Park offered food, drinks, and music. Evening activities were also held for children interested in learning about fly-fishing. Arceo, affectionately known as the “Dr. of the Flats,” taught participants about this form of sport fishing and its significant contribution to the tourism industry. With support from sponsors such as Blue Bonefish Lodge, several young anglers were introduced to the sport while learning about the importance of conservation. Participants also took home prizes.
Following the fly-fishing competition, an award and closing ceremony was held at Central Park on Saturday, August 8th. Winkler and Marin presented certificates of appreciation to all anglers who participated this year. Individual awards were then presented in several categories. The Best Release award went to Martin Tamerlin of Team Chicken Whisper, while Tom Scott of Team The Navy won Best Tarpon Jump. In the Open Category, Jeff Sanders of Team Reel Fun took the prize.
In the Cast-Off Fly-Casting Competition, Cesar Acosta finished third with a cast of 107 feet, winning two round-trip tickets to Belize City with Tropic Air. Gordy Marin placed second with a 111-foot cast and won a Turtlebox speaker. Michael Peralta took first place with a cast of 113 feet, winning a two-night stay at Caves Branch Jungle Lodge on the mainland, along with other prizes.
The Top Female Angler award went to Jen Sanders of Team Reel Fun. She caught two bonefish and two permit for a total of 750 points. Her prizes included a pair of Flying Fisherman sunglasses, an Ernest Garcia swag bag, a Dry Pocket waterproof bag, and a US$500 gift card from Yellow Dog.
The evening closed with awards for the top three teams. Blue Bonefish finished third with 2,175 points after landing a grand slam consisting of one bonefish, one tarpon, and two permit. The team took home $2,000 and an original Ernest Garcia painting created especially for the tournament. Their prize package also included a Lamson rod and reel kit, Cortland 8-weight line, Cortland 20-pound leader, Dry Pocket waterproof bag, Turtlebox speaker, Squimpish fly-tying materials, Flying Fisherman sunglasses and buff, a Columbia cap, Blacktip towel, and a $500 Yellow Dog certificate.
Team Silver Ghost finished second with 2,275 points. The team landed a slam with five bonefish, one tarpon, and four permit. They took home $4,000 and an original Ernest Garcia painting created especially for the tournament. Their additional prizes included an Orvis Clearwater 9-weight rod, Orvis Hydros reel, Fishpond bag, Cortland 9-weight line, Cortland 20-pound leader, Turtlebox speaker, Squimpish fly-tying materials, Flying Fisherman sunglasses and buff, a Columbia cap, Blacktip towel, and a $500 gift certificate from La Laguna.
Back-to-back champions Team Robb’s Red Rumm won the tournament with 3,425 points. The team landed two slams with seven bonefish, two tarpon, and five permit. They took home $6,000 and an original Ernest Garcia painting created especially for the tournament. Their championship prize package also included an Orvis Recon 8-weight rod, Mirage reel, Fishpond Yuca bag, Cortland 10-weight line, Cortland 20-pound leader, Turtlebox speaker, Squimpish fly-tying materials, Flying Fisherman sunglasses and buff, Columbia cap, Cling Delta, The Mully towel, and a $500 gift certificate from La Laguna.
Winkler and Marin expressed pride in the event’s continued growth and expansion over the years. Organizers also emphasized fly-fishing’s importance as an economic driver for San Pedro. They joined environmental advocates in highlighting the need to protect the natural environment that sustains the industry and thousands of local livelihoods.
Planning is already underway for the 2027 tournament. Those interested in participating or learning more about next year’s competition can contact the San Pedro Classic Fly-Fishing Tournament through its official Facebook page.