Community Fly Fishing will be hosting a 2026 saltwater retreat in Stann Creek - Hopkins, BZE for anglers of all skill levels, to introduce, improve, and refined strategies for the saltwater game, while connecting with local community and culture.
Stann Creek, Hopkins, Belize, is a vibrant, traditional Garifuna fishing village on the Caribbean coast, known for its rich culture, chill locals, and rustic beach vibe, serving as a gateway to jungle and reef.
The goal of this retreat is to learn and connect with the local community and culture, while providing economically inclusive ways to travel. While providing donated gear to local guides to continue to serve the broader community. Please reach out to CFF via email if you have any donations for local guides for this initiative.
CFF is committed to providing lodging and food for participants throughout the duration of the retreat.
Flights: Belize City International Airport “Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport” is a short, non-stop or one stop flight away from many cities in the United States. Flights are offered by American, United, Delta, and Southwest
Getting to Hopkins: Hopkins is a 1.5-hour drive south of Belize City Airport. Please let CFF know if you need Transportation from Belize City Airport to Hopkins Lodge. If so, CFF will arrange group transportation to and from the airport. Rates between (EST $50 - $80 USD each way depending on capacity). Transportation is not covered by CFF.
Lodging: CFF has spots for 11 guests. Guest will share rooms for the duration of the retreat. For room requests please reach out directly to Community Fly Fishing.
Food: CFF will provide meals each day. Let us know if you have any food allergies in advance. CFF will not cover alcoholic beverages.
Community Fly Fishing is a 501c3 non-profit, if you are interested in assisting, your donation of ($50 or more) will go toward the overall cost of this retreat.
Fishing DYI / Guided Days:
DIY fishing is an option in Hopkins, with close access to the beach and lagoon.
We encourage participants to book a guided day to support local community and learn more about the fishery from local experts. If you are interested in a guided trip let CFF know and we will arrange with Local Guides. Guided days are not covered by CFF. Participants should be prepared for additional tip (est 20%+) of trip cost.
Pricing: Per boat, each boat can have up to 3 people.
Full Day: $600
Includes lunch
Rods and flies are included
Half Day: $400
Rods and flies are included
Bring your own snacks
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in Hopkins - 4:00pm
CFF has access to a transportation service from the Belize City Airport on Thursday afternoon. Let CFF, know if you are interested in transportation and we will assist in coordinating.
If you would like to meet in CFF in Hopkins please be at the lodge by 4:00 pm for Check in.
Dinner will be served in the evening
Day 2: Community Event - Saltwater Fly Fishing Basics
Morning
Breakfast
Local Guide Saltwater Fly Fishing Flats Information
Info for Fly Fishing Flats
Setting up your rod - Leader / Tippet
Casting
Presentation
Spotting fish
Flies
Hook-up, fight & release
Afternoon
Lunch
Fishing
Time for DIY fishing
Optional guided fishing afternoon session
Relax, nap, or enjoy the pool and beach
Evening
Dinner will be served in the evening
Day 3: Community Day
Morning
Breakfast
DIY fishing
Optional guided fishing session
Afternoon
Lunch
Connect with local community
CFF will bring gear and equipment to donate to folks in the community. Alongside local guides we will assist in a general casting / saltwater informational session with the local community, led by local guides, to assist in providing communities with opportunity to experience the art of fly fishing.
Retreat closing
Closing remarks
The Community Fly Fishing retreat will be concluded on Saturday afternoon. We encourage participants to stay an extra night or arrive early in Hopkins to fish, explore and connect with the local community. If you are interested in staying an extra night or arriving early CFF, can assist in coordinating accommodations and guided fishing trips. Participants will cover additional nights and guided fishing days at their own expense.
Getting Around: Hopkins is a relatively walkable town, our location for this retreat is walkable to restaurants, beach, and a local fishing / fly shop “Yalifo Fly shop”. The Hopkins areas is a fiver mile radius, if you are interested in renting a Golf Cart, CFF can assist in coordinating. Golf Cart rentals are typically around ($65 - $75 USD Per Day). There are also options for beach bikes.
Additional Nights in Hopkins:
There are plenty of other hotels in the area that will accommodate a wide variety of budgets – reach out if you have questions.
All Seasons Belize o Sugar Patch Inn
The Cosmopolitan Guest House
Almond Beach Resort
Hopkins Inn and Day Spa
Getting Home: CFF will assist in providing group transportation back to the airport, cost estimated rate between (EST $50 - $80 USD Each Way depending on capacity) on Sunday March 29th at 9:00 am. If you would like to leave to the airport at a different time or extend you stay, let CFF know if you need help coordinating.
Fish Species: Hopkins, Belize, offers diverse fishing with famous "Big Three" for fly fishing (Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit - catch & release), plus Snook, Jacks, Snappers (Mutton, Lane, Mangrove), Barracuda, Grouper, Wahoo and more.
FISHING GEAR + Flies
Fly Rod & Reel: 8, 9, 10 wt rods with floating or intermediate lines.
8wt/9wt will be your most ideal rod
Leader and tippet: 10, 12, 16, 20-pound test for multi-species
Flies: green crab patterns, tan crab patterns,
lightweight shrimp patterns, baitfish patterns in purple, chartreuse, red, and black, needlefish patterns for barracuda
Sling pack or Backpack
Pliers with cutter / Nippers
Apparel
Quick dry pants and sun shirts with long sleeves and long pant legs for sun protection and to prevent turtle grass stings.
Rain jackets
Wading Boots or ankle-high booties
Reach out if you have any questions
Executive Director, Community Fly Fishing – Austin Campbell
Phone: 720.413.2591
Email: Communityflyfishing@gmail.com
