Tag:
omar Arceo
Community and Society
Caye Caulker Youth Complete First Fly-Fishing Conservation Camp
Fourteen children from Caye Caulker recently completed the island's first fly-fishing camp, led by San Pedro guide Omar Arceo, popularly known as the "Dr. of the Flats." The five-day program combined hands-on fly-fishing instruction with lessons in sustainable fishing and marine conservation, culminating in a fishing excursion on the western flats off Ambergris Caye on July 10th.
Community and Society
BTB partners with “Dr. of the Flats” to train San Pedro tour guides
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB), in collaboration with trainer Omar Arceo, known as “Dr. of the Flats,” launched the first adult fly-fishing training course for licensed tour guides in San Pedro, Belize. The six-day program ran from March 3rd to March 14th, culminating in an informal certificate presentation and dinner held at La Mulata Backyard Eatery on March 14th at 7:30PM. Ten participants completed rigorous training sessions to expand their professional skills.
Community and Society
Island fly-fishing experts participate in Bonefish & Tarpon Trust’s 8th Symposium in Florida
The Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT) hosted its 8th International Science Symposium from November 7th to 8th at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, bringing together leaders and experts from across the global flats fishing community. The event welcomed marine scientists, resource managers, industry professionals, partner organizations, veteran guides, and top anglers who share a commitment to conserving bonefish, tarpon, and permit fisheries.
Community and Society
Ken Watkins and Darrel Smith Break World Record for Most Permit Caught on Fly
A new milestone in saltwater fly-fishing has been set off the coast of Ambergris Caye. Longtime visiting angler Ken Watkins and San Pedro fly-fishing guide Darrel Smith have broken the world record for the most Permit caught on fly, landing an incredible 515 fish and surpassing the previous records of 513 and 514 held by renowned anglers Del Brown and Mike Ward.
Community and Society
Kids in Action 2025 Begins
On Monday, July 7th, the Youth Scuba Summer Camp, Kids in Action 2025, was launched at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium with the enrollment of children in the annual program. This summer initiative will offer participants training in scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, and fly-fishing.
Conservation
The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust to invest US$1 million in Belize’s Flat Fishery
The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT), a prominent international conservation organization, has announced a $1 million commitment to flats fishery conservation in Belize. According to an official release, this funding marks the next phase of BTT's efforts in Belize, which began in 2006 with a focus on bonefish and permit science. This investment represents a three-year initiative aimed at supporting projects designed to enhance the resilience of Belize's flats fishery.
Community and Society
Omar Arceo receives prestigious Meritorious Service Award
Omar Arceo, also known as the ‘Doctor of the Flats,’ has been honored with the prestigious Meritorious Service Award for his significant contributions to the San Pedro Town island community, Ambergris Caye, and conservation. His work has brought recognition to the community and inspired others to join the cause. He was one of 28 distinguished individuals recognized at this year’s Tribute to Belizean Patriots ceremony, which took place on September 12th near the newly constructed Haulover Bridge in Belize City.
Conservation
Omar Arceo offers summer fly-fishing training in Mexico
The Dr. of the Flats, Omar Arceo, conducted his final fly-fishing summer training camp in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The camp took place south of the municipality of Tulum at the Casa and Playa Blanca Fly-Fishing Lodges within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Unlike previous camps where Arceo trained children, this time, the participants were fly-fishing guides working in the Mexican flats fishery industry. They were grateful for the training and the knowledge Arceo shared.