Omar's Freelance Fishing

14/09/2024

🌟 A Proud Moment for Omar's Freelance Fishing 🌟

We’re thrilled to share that the Dr. Of the Flats, Omar Arceo, has been awarded the Meritorious Service Award at Belize’s Tribute to Patriots ceremony! 🏆 This honor, presented by Governor General H.E. Froyla Tzalam, recognizes Omar’s commitment to teaching sustainable fishing practices across Belize’s coastal communities. 🎣🌿

Omar’s work goes beyond Belize—he’s been traveling internationally, proudly representing Belize while teaching fly fishing. He’s also dedicated to working with children, raising awareness about the protection of the Flats and its endangered species, and inspiring the next generation of fly fishermen and women. 🌍🌊🐟

Congratulations, Omar! Your dedication to conservation and education is truly inspiring! 🙌

30/08/2024

Such great students!

The Dr. of the Flats, Omar Arceo, conducted his final fly-fishing summer training camp in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.

12/08/2024

A great summer of teachingg, learning and collaborating with partners who believe in our children and sustainable fishing practicing.

07/08/2024

We've had a busy summer teaching sustainable fishing practices to the coastal communities in Belize: Sarteneja, Hopkins, San Pedro, Dangriga and now Punta Gorda!

Conservation is key

Im happy to be partner with my friends at Environmental Defense Fund, Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute , Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development - Belize Yellow Dog Flyfishing and Kids In Action

11/07/2024

Summer has begun and Omar is training young fly fishermen and women!!!

The sponsors for the annual CZMAI annual fly fishing summer camp that kicks off this week in San Pedro are Omar Freelance Fishing, Hilian Martinez, Kids in Action, Environmental Defense Fund, Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, Blue Bonefish!

22/05/2024

Omar has been invited as an international expert to Cuba to share his experience and expertise in fly fishing and sustainable fishing practices. The aim is to support sustainable fishing practices in coastal communities while safeguarding fragile coastal ecosystems. Omar will be working with fishers, scientists and conservationists to share the art of fly fishing and discuss livelihood opportunities.

Omar is currently stationed at the Zapata Swamp National Park, a place with renowned fly fishing opportunities, so it's a great place for an exchange of experiences, talent, and a chance to learn together.

This training is part of an ecosystem-based adaptation project, known as Proyecto AbE-C, that is funded by the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund and coordinated by the National Center for Protected Areas (CNAP) along with WCS and EDF.
EDF helped connect Omar to this project, building on a history of work with Cuba and Belize focused on marine and coastal conservation, sustainable fisheries, and local development.

20/05/2024

The Dr. Of the Flats is in Cuba!!

Omar has been invited as an international guest and speaker to a week long workshop at the Parque Nacional Ciénaga de Zapata – PNCZ. Omar is part of the team that is hosting the workshop based on rural marine and aquaculture opportunities. Providing Alternative fishing practices based on native ecosystems.

The team is being led by Omar's friend Lalo Bone and Omar will be presenting on the positive impact sustainable fishing has on coastal communities and ecosystems

As a native of San Pedro Town, and a sustainable fly fisherman, Omar will share 30 years of experience and teach fly fishing techniques to the attendees and students of the workshop.

Wish Omar and the students the best !

14/11/2023

🎣🌊 Exciting News from Omar's Freelance Fishing! 🌟

We're thrilled to share that Omar, our passionate Dr. Of the Flats, was recently invited as a guest to the esteemed and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) Conference in the beautiful Bahamas! From November 1st to November 9th, Omar proudly represented as part of the delegation consisting of the Defense Fund, Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute, Belize Fisheries Department, and Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association

A special thanks to EDF and its incredible team, including Mr. Sepp Haukebo, Mr. Sho, and Mr. Nicanor Requena, for making this dream trip a reality for the Dr. Of the Flats. Their support was invaluable in ensuring this fantastic opportunity became a reality. 🙌

One of the highlights was the captivating presentation by the renowned Dr. Of the Flats, alongside the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Team, shedding light on the diverse ecosystem of Northern Ambergris Caye. They emphasized the critical importance of managing the bonefish flats and preserving the invaluable mangroves. 🌿🐟

During this enriching experience, Omar had the honor of being hosted by the esteemed Mr. Prescott Smith at his fishing lodge in Andros, Bahamas. It was an incredible opportunity as the Dr. Of the Flats took the lead in guiding his colleagues through the mesmerizing flats of Andros, showcasing the beauty and significance of these waters. 🌊🎣

Omar returned inspired and filled with valuable insights, reaffirming our commitment to responsible fishing practices and the preservation of our precious marine environments. Stay tuned for more updates on how this experience will shape our journey here at Omar's Freelance Fishing! 🌟

15/08/2023

Omar Arceo and Hilian Martinez are part of the team in Placencia village teaching children in the community the art of fly fishing.

This program has been sponsored and organized with our friends from Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and Defense Fund

We are glad to meet new students and stakeholders that will continue to build the fly fishing industry in Belize!

21/07/2023

The Dr. Of the Flats is back in San Pedro and training fly fisher boys and girls on the flats of Ambergris Bay.

14/07/2023

Another successful full week of fly-fishing training in Punta Gorda Town.

I have met wonderful children who are now trained fly fisher men and women !

This was done In part with EDF and Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute

06/07/2023

The permits are biting at and we got permit fever ! Way to go Ryan!

We will always keep saying NO TO OVER THE WATER STRUCTURES.

01/06/2023

Wrapped up the sustainable fishing program with 17 new male and female fly fishers!

Gracias Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development - Belize and to the participants you were amazing.

Teach others and thrive.

Sarteneja, home of the giant tarpons!!!

01/06/2023

Fly fishing is not just a passion but also a way of living sustainably. As we move towards being environmentally friendly we must learn new skills and adapt.

Gracias Sarteneja, home of the giant tarpons!

30/05/2023

30/05/2023

We recognize our partners in conservation Mr. Addiel Perez from Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) for his participation in the sustainable fishing program hosted by the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development - Belize and the Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute.

Adiel engaged our students lessons focused on sustainability and protection of Belize's fragile ecosystem. He reiterated that through sustainable fishing practices fisher folk can safeguard the environment and their economic benefits.

26/05/2023

The Dr. Of The Flats, Omar Arceo, is in Sarteneja village where he has joined the team from Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute and Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development - Belize as a facilitator in their project to promote sustainable development and fishing practices.

For the past week, Omar has been engaging a group of students, men and women fishers, in fly fishing lessons focused on catch and release practices, conservation, and fly fishing techniques.

Joining the team is Addiel Perez from Bonefish & Tarpon Trust who are teaching about our fragile ecosystem and our role as stewards of the environment.

The goal is to shift focus from commercial fishing to sustainable fishing and strike a balance between our responsibility to Conserve our environment and generating income.

14/05/2023

Let's wish the Dr. Of The Flats a happy birthday! May he always land the permits!!!

23/12/2022

Happy Holidays & Fish Navidad from Omar's Freelance Fishing!

Dear friends,
This year we were reunited on the flats chasing for bonefish and permit! I hope to see you all again next year in Belize for another adventure with the Doctor of the Flats.

May your holidays be as peaceful as the waters of the Savanna Flats.

Fish Navidad to all!

All our love,
Omar Arceo (Dr. Of the Flats)

05/11/2022

The Dr. Of The Flats is in Florida!

The experience has been amazing, thanks to my friend and brother James D. Brownile. We fished on the Florida keys for three days and caught bonefish.

Guess what? NO OVER THE WATER STRUCTURES IN SIGHT.

Today, I'm a panelist at the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) annual symposium in Florida.

05/06/2022

Randy and his 77 year old dad arrived yesterday and landed the first permit today!!!

Thank you Randy Wruble and dad for choosing Omar Arceo and Omar's Freelance Fishing !

This permit was caught from a school that frequents in

08/03/2022

Just another permit Monday!

A huge school of permit tried their best to evade us but we got one!! School of over 100 permit at Rosary Caye!

Pictured here is 74 year old Larry who was committed to getting his permit!

He visited San Pedro 13 years ago and reached out to me as soon as he touched down last week.

Thank you Sunbreeze Belize for getting us together.

07/11/2021

18/10/2021

Permit catch by Lucas at Rosary Caye Flats last week! permit

04/08/2021

Meeting for all independent/freelance fly fishing guides. To discuss a flats association.
Time: 5:00 pm
Place: Town Council
Date: Friday 6th August