Belize Fly Fishing Charters
Belize Fly Fishing Charters
Best Fly Fishing Charters in Belize
Best Fly Fishing Charters in Belize
Fly Fishing in Belize
Fly Fishing in Belize
Since it first showed up on the sportfishing map in the ‘70s, the reputation of Belize just kept growing. Nowadays, this Caribbean country is known as the saltwater fly fishing capital of the 21st century, the only one with the characteristic Tarpon flats outside of Florida. With realistic chances of catching Bonefish and Permit along with the Silver King on the same day, it’s no wonder that Belize fly fishing tops the bucket list of all fly fanatics.
What to Catch
Many locals and anglers visiting the area would agree that the best fishing in Belize begins and ends on the extensive flats. Whether going after a Grand Slam (catching Tarpon, Bonefish, and Permit on the same trip) or focusing on particular species, fly fishing is the way to go.
The Bone fishing Belize has to offer can be very exciting and productive – both wading or fishing from a boat. They're not the biggest of Bones (2–5 pounds), but they're abundant and always hungry for a fly. When it comes to Tarpon, Belize has a resident population of fish averaging 100 pounds, with even bigger migratory Silver Kings coming to these waters in late summer. Permit are considered to be the most elusive fish to catch on the fly and are found in Bonefish and Tarpon flats in large schools, ranging from 4–30 pounds.
In addition to this "Holy Trinity" of flats, Belize fly fishing trips will also give you a chance to land Barracuda, Snook, and Jacks.
Where to Go
Belize fly fishing lodges are scattered throughout the country, providing anglers with both great accommodation and experienced guides. With extensive flats and lagoons exploding with A-listers throughout the area, it's hard to decide which location holds the best fly fishing in Belize.
Ambergris Caye
Fishing in Ambergris Caye is at the top of the list of many fly anglers visiting the country. Located around 40 miles northeast of Belize City, the largest island of Belize is a true fly fishing paradise. These extensive turquoise flats with white sandy bottoms expand for over 50 miles and are reachable in less than 20 minutes from any lodge. These shallow waters (2–6 feet) are known as Tarpon feeding territories, and they also hold schools of Permit and Bonefish. In addition to these sandy flats, you can also explore limestone mud and turtle grass flats from a boat or by wading. Ambergris Caye fly fishing guides will help you navigate and show you their favorite secret spots teeming with trophies.
Caye Caulker
Some anglers consider the flats of Caye Caulker lagoons to be one of the best locations for fly fishing in Belize, if not the entire region. Located less than 20 miles south of Ambergris Caye, this island will also give you a chance to land the Grand Slam. Bones are the most popular target, and they average 2–8 pounds with 10-pounders also pretty common. You'll need only 10 minutes to reach these Bonefish flats after leaving the dock. Permit can be targeted both in shallow and deeper flats, easily accessible from poled skiffs. They're usually found swimming alone or in smaller schools. When it comes to the Silver King, you'll find them in the lagoons and creeks of Caye Caulker, some of them even bigger than 150 pounds.
Turneffe Atoll
Located 20 miles east of Belize City and south of Ambergris and Caye Caulker, the flats of this coral atoll are a favorite among many sight fishing enthusiasts. The extensive Bonefish flats on the seaward part hold large schools of Bones, while you can catch specimens over 10 pounds in the skinniest of waters on the ocean side of Turneffe. You can fish for Permit on the bars, flats, and shallows, while Tarpon can be found in the lagoons, creeks, and channels throughout the atoll. The inland lagoons, mangrove bays, and creeks are home to Snook, Barracuda, and Jack Crevalle, also amazing to catch on a fly.
Placencia
This small village located 115 miles from Belize City is the top fly fishing destination in southern Belize. Permit here average 10 pounds, and they're also very abundant – Belize Permit Alley stretches from Dangriga to Gladden Caye and is right at Placencia's doorstep. You can also catch Permit in mangrove lagoons of nearby Punta Ycacos. Placencia Lagoon and Monkey River are particularly rich with Bonefish, Tarpon, and Snook. Placencia waters all about catch and release fishing from locally-built pangas.
How to Fish
- Tarpon are caught using 10–12 wt rods, intermediate and floating sink tip lines, and a variety of 1/0–3/0 flies, usually without any weights. The most popular fly patterns are Black Death, Tarpon Toad, Tarpon Bunnies, Cockroach, and EP Peanut Butter in various colors. Bright colors work best on sunny days, while darker colors are better early in the morning.
- If you're after Bones, go for 7–8 wt rods with floating/saltwater taper lines and fluorocarbon leaders. When it comes to Bonefish flies, Belize captains recommend #2 to #8 sizes, and the most efficient patterns include Pops' Bonefish and Egghead Bitters, Puff Shrimp, Bonefish Bitters, Crazy Charlies, Gotchas, and several small crab patterns. Smaller unweighted or lightly weighted flies are preferable for skinny waters, while larger weighted flies are better in deeper waters, especially around mangroves.
- Permit are most commonly caught using 8–10 wt rods with Bonefish/Permit tapers, floating saltwater lines, and fluorocarbon leaders. For successful Permit fishing in Belize, fly fishing flies should be weighted (sizes 2–6) and shrimp/crab patterns are known to work the best. Some of the most popular patterns include Raghead Crab, Merkin Crab, Grand Slam Crab, Spawning Shrimp, Mantis Shrimp, Gotchas, and Crazy Charlies.
- Use an 8–10 wt rod with floating lines and 1/0–3/0 size flies when fly fishing for Barracuda. Saltwater Poppers and Clouser Minnows are among the most efficient patterns.
When to Go
Every season is fly fishing season in Belize. If you want to maximize your chances of success, book your stay at a Belize fishing lodge between May and November. Winter and spring fishing can be excellent as well if the winds aren't too strong. March and May are usually a safe bet since they normally mark the dry season in Belize. In addition to a significant population of resident fish, late summer brings large migratory Tarpon to these waters.
Don't miss the Tres Pescados Slam, a multiday catch and release fly-fishing tournament held annually in August in San Pedro. Whether you're after setting a new record or just trying something new and exotic, Belize fly fishing will be a life-changing experience.
Belize
4.4
/
5
Based on 26,559 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
What anglers said about Fly Fishing in Belize
What anglers said about Fly Fishing in Belize
Fishing in San Pedro you are sure to catch a variety of fish on the reef using live bait like snapper, triggerfish and barracuda. Don't sit around the resort pool all day... Get out and fish!
5.0
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5
Fishing in San Pedro you are sure to catch a variety of fish on the reef using live bait like snapper, triggerfish and barracuda. Don't sit around the resort pool all day... Get out and fish!
Adam T.
Alexandria, VA
Communicate with your captain on expectations and what kind of fishing you'd like to do prior to meeting. They are more than happy to accommodate when possible.
5.0
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5
Communicate with your captain on expectations and what kind of fishing you'd like to do prior to meeting. They are more than happy to accommodate when possible.
Daniel B.
Matawan, NJ
The guide has gear but bringing gear you are familiar with using may get you more fish.
4.7
/
5
The guide has gear but bringing gear you are familiar with using may get you more fish.
Joseph P.
Boise, ID
just go for it! you wonโt be disappointed in the variety that is in these waters
5.0
/
5
just go for it! you wonโt be disappointed in the variety that is in these waters
Jameson B.
Pulaski, VA
Diverse species and options to fish inside and reef oe outside reef for bigger game fish species.
5.0
/
5
Diverse species and options to fish inside and reef oe outside reef for bigger game fish species.
Bruce M.
Idaho Falls, ID
The wahoo and Marlin bite has slowed down for the season but the barracuda was good! Started picking up some grouper and mahi mahi! Our boat caught a huge bull!
4.7
/
5
The wahoo and Marlin bite has slowed down for the season but the barracuda was good! Started picking up some grouper and mahi mahi! Our boat caught a huge bull!
Vint C.
McGregor, TX
Bring your own gear but get on the flats with a good guide day 1. You'll learn bait, locations and what's biting from the charter and then apply it to DIY fishing for later days.
5.0
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5
Bring your own gear but get on the flats with a good guide day 1. You'll learn bait, locations and what's biting from the charter and then apply it to DIY fishing for later days.
Brad B.
San Pedro Town, Belize District
The area is beautiful. You can fish either within the reef or past the reef. Be sure to specify with the boat captain what type of fish you are looking to catch. We had a great time.
5.0
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5
The area is beautiful. You can fish either within the reef or past the reef. Be sure to specify with the boat captain what type of fish you are looking to catch. We had a great time.
Justin B.
Caldwell, ID
Rogel adventures is the best! Booking with him in the future. Simply incredible captain!
5.0
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5
Rogel adventures is the best! Booking with him in the future. Simply incredible captain!
Jon E.
Arvada, CO
Plan a few days this time of year. Wind prevented a few trips offshore if thatโs what you are looking for. Itโs a nice place.
5.0
/
5
Plan a few days this time of year. Wind prevented a few trips offshore if thatโs what you are looking for. Itโs a nice place.
James L.
Macon, GA
We had a great day with lots of fish and only moderate winds. The captains work diligently to maintain sustainable practices and the fishery has prospered from reduced tourism during Covid. Adding San Pedro to my list of recurring stops.
5.0
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5
We had a great day with lots of fish and only moderate winds. The captains work diligently to maintain sustainable practices and the fishery has prospered from reduced tourism during Covid. Adding San Pedro to my list of recurring stops.
Alan R.
Englewood, CO
Lots of fish around to try either reef fishing for fun with the Kids, or deep water fishing.
5.0
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5
Lots of fish around to try either reef fishing for fun with the Kids, or deep water fishing.
Daniel Z.
Wayzata, MN
Stay long enough to be able to pick days with reasonable weather conditions
5.0
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5
Stay long enough to be able to pick days with reasonable weather conditions
M B. P.
Albuquerque, NM
Bring sunscreen even though there is a awning just in case and be patient.
5.0
/
5
Bring sunscreen even though there is a awning just in case and be patient.
April J.
Belize City, Belize District
It was great fun. I would recommend it to anyone visiting Placencia. Our Captain Grayson Sierra and his mate Brian were fun and attentive and service oriented.
4.7
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5
It was great fun. I would recommend it to anyone visiting Placencia. Our Captain Grayson Sierra and his mate Brian were fun and attentive and service oriented.
Jan M.
Tulsa, OK
Making it threw the reef channel can be quite rough, but the remainder of the trip was well worth it.
4.7
/
5
Making it threw the reef channel can be quite rough, but the remainder of the trip was well worth it.
Brady P.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
We fished spinning gear and I brought my own. If you fish with Nano you dont have to bring spinners, I left him 2 brand new set ups. Seems like alot of people fly fish for bonefish here. I dont know anything about that. But you would have had alot of opportunities
5.0
/
5
We fished spinning gear and I brought my own. If you fish with Nano you dont have to bring spinners, I left him 2 brand new set ups. Seems like alot of people fly fish for bonefish here. I dont know anything about that. But you would have had alot of opportunities
Tim M.
Belize City, BZ
If new to fly fishing in salt water do your homework. It's not the same as fishing for trout or salmon but that's also what makes it interesting.
4.7
/
5
If new to fly fishing in salt water do your homework. It's not the same as fishing for trout or salmon but that's also what makes it interesting.
Scott Z.
Red Lodge, MT
Book a big enough boat for the expected conditions. A 26 foot open boat would make for a less enjoyable trip in anything but calm seas. The โdry boatโ was a good choice.
5.0
/
5
Book a big enough boat for the expected conditions. A 26 foot open boat would make for a less enjoyable trip in anything but calm seas. The โdry boatโ was a good choice.
Brian S.
Belize
Took the inner reef trolling trip. The captain stops to catch live bait, before he brings you to different spots of interest. Hang on to your rod and be ready to the reel the fish in! These fish are strong for their size, so when you land a big one, it can be a workout to bring them to the boat. Use good sunscreen and\or long sleeve shirts and pants!
4.3
/
5
Took the inner reef trolling trip. The captain stops to catch live bait, before he brings you to different spots of interest. Hang on to your rod and be ready to the reel the fish in! These fish are strong for their size, so when you land a big one, it can be a workout to bring them to the boat. Use good sunscreen and\or long sleeve shirts and pants!
Ryan H.
Mississauga, ON