Providing Support for the Belizean Guide Community Affected By COVID-19

Seven months into the worldwide pandemic – as other Caribbean countries and destinations have opened back up to traveling anglers – the Belizean fly fishing community that is so important to our overall industry and to our sport is running out of resources and options. While the prime minister announced that the country now has a reopening date of October 1st, we know it will be a slow return to full time work for all of these guides.

To assist the licensed, full-time guides of Belize, the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) and the Yellow Dog Community and Conservation Foundation (YDCCF) have initiated a relief campaign to provide anglers, industry businesses, and those who feel a strong connection to Belize a way to lend a hand to our Belizean fly fishing guides.

HOW TO HELP

WHAT: A campaign to financially assist the guides from throughout Belize who have been hit hard by the closure of Belize tourism as a result of the ongoing pandemic.

WHO:  This relief project targets the professional, full-time fly fishing guides from throughout Belize. These are the individuals whose sole occupation is guiding anglers, and as they enter their fall season, they are looking at major financial hardship.

HOW:  With a goal of raising $100,000 in one month, our plan is to distribute equal cash payments to each licensed full-time guide on the list. Funds will be equally distributed once the goal has been met or in early October (whichever comes first!)

WHY: “Why only focus on Belize? Guides all over the world are hurting.” And this is a great question. The bottom line is that while many guides in many locations can use assistance right now, the Belizean guide community is a manageable and identifiable group that we can focus on. We feel that a lot of US guides have actually been able to work and guide clients throughout the summer months. The Yucatan is now open, and in The Bahamas, many fishing guides are spending this month focusing on lobster season and commercial fishing. We realize that there are others in need outside of Belize, but this is a starting point and a way to take a “manageable bite” with something that we can identify.

HOW (TO HELP):  Everyone that cares about Belize, has fished in Belize, or would like to fish in Belize in the future can DONATE TODAY! Consider donating the equivalent of a guided day of fishing or even a guide’s tip in order to help our Belizean guides while they are out of work due to border closures and limited booked days. YDCCF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and all gifts are tax deductible.

Money Raised: $64,040.00

KEY INDUSTRY SUPPORTERS

THANK YOU TO THE BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT belizean fly fishing guides

The guides that will be the recipients of this organized relief fund are full-time, licensed, year-round fly fishing guides affiliated with the lodges and outfitting operations listed below. We recognize that there may be other independent guides or part-time (seasonal) that are not included on this list. If you've fished with those guides, we encourage you to support them during these difficult times through other means.