Beyond Belief in Belize: The Wild True Tale of a Bucket-list Tropical Adventure

Pedro Ayuso Aldana

I’ve met some memorable characters on fishing trips, but no one quite like my Belizean Creole fishing guide, Pedro Ayuso Aldana (above). Compactly built, with a broad smile and the kind of barrel chest you get from decades of poling a panga, the 60-ish Pedro freely shared his immense knowledge of the local waters, along with his philosophies on life, love and the universe.

I have immense affection for Pedro, who was a very good flats guide. But because he really, really wanted me to catch fish, he could also be kind of intense. Pedro was relentless in his coaching, but also genuine with his praise. Several times I wanted to conk him with his push pole, but many more times I wanted to hug him.