I personally love fishing in the Keys. I haven't gotten a chance to go many other places. I have a friend that goes to Belize frequently. He loves it there. What are some other nice spots? What's so great about them?

TBONE;
I'm like you. I fish around Marathon every chance I get. I know that I am in the minority around here as I fish under the bridges with live bait and a bait caster. I get a real thrill fighting Tarpon up close and personal around the bridges.
Later---JD

I made my first trip to Belize this past April. It was awesome! First permit, all the bones you wanted to catch, giant and baby tarpon, snook, cudas, cobia, big jacks, tripletail...We stayed at Belize River Lodge and I highly recommend it.
Pisco

Although the Keys are home to the biggest bonefish and amazing tarpon, Belize offers more bonefish (that are less pressured and therefore more approachable and catchable) and probably even better shots at tarpon - the downside is getting there. It's really the lack of pressure on this fishery that makes it special. Also, Belize just made bonefish, tarpon, and permit catvch and release only, which will make the fishery even better.

There are several great lodges with very different options. Those out on the islands (Turneffe and Ambergris) have access mostly to flats - lots of bones, mostly smaller tarpon, and lots of permit. Those on the mainland have those plus more shots at giant tarpon (especially around the mouth of the Belize River) and better chances for snook.

I recommend trying both options and finding which ones suit you best.

I'm hoping to go to Belize this spring, and I'm fairly certain I'll be staying at the Belize River Lodge, so I'm glad to hear a recommendation for them. I know they are involved with BTU, so it'll be great to see what they've got there.

JD - nothing wrong with bait, in my opinion. I learned to bait a hook when I was four, I didn't start with flies until much later, so I have a soft spot for the real deal. I do love the skill involved in fishing with flies, though. The drawback, of course, is the skill - I don't fish often enough and so that skill has to be re-learned from time to time. I know the solution though - Fish more!!

JD, I thought I'd let you that you are in good company when it comes to fishing with bait, in fact over 35% of BTU members prefer fishing with something other than fly tackle. It's the thrill of the hunt and the fight that matter, and protecting the fish and their habitat.