In a landmark win for Belize’s recreational fishing and tourism sector, two local fishing captains have secured one of the industry’s most prestigious international awards, cementing the Central American nation’s status as a world-class angling destination. As of May 26, 2026, Joel Moratoya from San Pedro and Stefan Musa from Belize City have been named recipients of FishingBooker’s 2026 Angler’s Choice Award, an honor that spotlights the most exceptional fishing guides across the globe. The selection process was fiercely competitive: out of nearly 9,500 nominated captains from around the world, fewer than 800 earned a spot on the final award list, making Moratoya and Musa’s inclusion all the more notable.
Unlike many industry awards that only celebrate record catches, the Angler’s Choice Award evaluates guides across multiple critical metrics: consistent service quality, outstanding customer satisfaction, and uncompromising adherence to safety protocols. Both Belizean captains posted an extraordinary 98% reliability score, positioning them among the most trusted and dependable fishing tour operators in the entire Caribbean region.
In an interview following the announcement, Musa shared his thoughts on the global recognition, emphasizing that the award reflects the daily dedication of Belize’s entire community of fishing guides. “There’s a lot of multi-talented guides across the country. We put in a lot of work day to day ensuring our equipment, our boats, our crew, everybody is up to standard, everything is top tier,” he said. Musa added that his team prioritizes vessel safety and works to create a welcoming, positive experience for every visitor, going beyond fishing excursions to help guests explore inland attractions and promote all that Belize has to offer.
When asked what advice he would share with other local guides hoping to earn similar recognition, Muso highlighted core principles for long-term success: unwavering dedication to the craft, discipline, attentive customer service, and a commitment to sustainable fishing practices. “Promote sustainable fishing. Take care of the natural resources for future generations to come. It’s very important,” he noted.
FishingBooker CEO Vukan Simic also praised the two Belizean captains, noting that they have consistently delivered the highest quality fishing experiences across the Western Caribbean’s most iconic angling waters. For Belize, the dual award serves as a major public vote of confidence in the country’s fast-growing reputation as a premier global fishing destination, a key driver of tourism revenue and local economic growth. The achievement also underscores the critical role that experienced, customer-focused local operators play in building Belize’s international brand in the competitive ecotourism and adventure travel space.