Are you weathering the pandemic? I know some of you are even setting records these days. That’s great.
But some key members of the greater fly-fishing community aren’t holding up so well, and they need our help. The guide community in Belize is in specific need of some relief. Just as we’ve rallied together to help others after hurricanes and other disasters, it’s time for many of us—particularly those who have been fortunate these past several months—to band together and do the right thing.
The American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) the Yellow Dog Community and Conservation Foundation (YDCCF) and Angling Trade are working together on a relief campaign to provide anglers, industry businesses, and those who feel a strong connection to Belize a way to lend a hand to Belizean fly fishing guides. The goal is to raise $100K in the next month.
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.
Those of you who have been to Belize know how special a place it is, and how important it is to the sport of fly fishing. Even if you haven’t ever been, but you feel part of the greater fly community, please consider a donation. One day’s tip from a guide trip. The money you made selling those couple dozen flies you just sent out the door. The crumpled bills you just found in the dryer… anything helps.
And if history is any indicator, the people you help now will remember who came to their aid when they needed it.
We know we’re all being stretched and asked in many ways now. So thanks for helping others in the fly-fishing family.
