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
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5
Based on 28,542 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
What anglers said about Fly Fishing in Belize
What anglers said about Fly Fishing in Belize
The half day reef is great for people who want to experience ocean fishing with lots of varieties of fish, but without the swells and sea sickness!
5.0
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5
The half day reef is great for people who want to experience ocean fishing with lots of varieties of fish, but without the swells and sea sickness!
Reel, Grill & Chill Belize
If it is your first time make sure you are well protected from the sun and brace yourself for a hot but incredible experience!
5.0
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5
If it is your first time make sure you are well protected from the sun and brace yourself for a hot but incredible experience!
Nano Guerrero
When they say reef fishing it is man made reefs in shallower water not the 2nd largest reef in the world
5.0
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5
When they say reef fishing it is man made reefs in shallower water not the 2nd largest reef in the world
Freedom Tours โ Trolling Passion
Weather is generally favorable, but the wind can be unpredictable. We were fortunate enough to have a light day, but there were days later in our week, that I don't think deep sea fishing would be an option. Also, the sun there is nothing to joke about. Bring lots of sunscreen and use it often. Hats and light colored, sun blocking clothes can save your day.
5.0
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5
Weather is generally favorable, but the wind can be unpredictable. We were fortunate enough to have a light day, but there were days later in our week, that I don't think deep sea fishing would be an option. Also, the sun there is nothing to joke about. Bring lots of sunscreen and use it often. Hats and light colored, sun blocking clothes can save your day.
Uprising Tours Fishing โ Knotty Pirate
We were able to catch quite a few species of fish and also a good amount. We are very happy fishing in February in San Pedro.
5.0
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5
We were able to catch quite a few species of fish and also a good amount. We are very happy fishing in February in San Pedro.
Reel, Grill & Chill Belize
Good time for bonito and King Macs. Barras are always around the shallows.
4.7
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5
Good time for bonito and King Macs. Barras are always around the shallows.
Waata Daag Fishing Adventures
Although you can catch bigger fish off shore, reef fishing has great odds of bringing home some delicious fare for your dinner to be cooked locally.
5.0
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5
Although you can catch bigger fish off shore, reef fishing has great odds of bringing home some delicious fare for your dinner to be cooked locally.
Uprising Tours Fishing โ Knotty Pirate
Keep in mind we were spear fishing, not deep-sea or reef fishing with fishing poles. We were successful in our catch and ate a great meal that same night.
4.7
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5
Keep in mind we were spear fishing, not deep-sea or reef fishing with fishing poles. We were successful in our catch and ate a great meal that same night.
Captain Rogel Sanchez
Having your own equipment is recommended mostly so you are familiar with it. Learn the double haul cast for windy situations it's always present...be patient, it's more like hunting than fishing
5.0
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5
Having your own equipment is recommended mostly so you are familiar with it. Learn the double haul cast for windy situations it's always present...be patient, it's more like hunting than fishing
Captain Nato
Stayed inside reef because of wind. Lots of action and had several fish on the line before they got off. Good AM fishing.
5.0
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5
Stayed inside reef because of wind. Lots of action and had several fish on the line before they got off. Good AM fishing.
Reel, Grill & Chill Belize
Get with Captain Rogel of Rogel's Adventures! He will put you on the fish!!
5.0
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5
Get with Captain Rogel of Rogel's Adventures! He will put you on the fish!!
Captain Rogel Sanchez
Great fishing, caught Cuda, king and Spanish mackeral mutton snapper, tuna, and grunts of multiple variety This is wahoo season. We didn't catch any billfish, but they are around. Feb and March more for sails and marlin. Great fishing inshore and offshire!ยก
5.0
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5
Great fishing, caught Cuda, king and Spanish mackeral mutton snapper, tuna, and grunts of multiple variety This is wahoo season. We didn't catch any billfish, but they are around. Feb and March more for sails and marlin. Great fishing inshore and offshire!ยก
Fish 101 Belize
Plenty of sporty fish!!! Wahoo season is now bilut the king mackrel bite was amazing. Mahogany Bay pool bar did a superior job cooking outlr catch!
5.0
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5
Plenty of sporty fish!!! Wahoo season is now bilut the king mackrel bite was amazing. Mahogany Bay pool bar did a superior job cooking outlr catch!
Freedom Tours โ Trolling Passion
If you're targeting a specific species ask to see if they're around when you're planning your trip. I was hunting permit and they are hard to find in December
5.0
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5
If you're targeting a specific species ask to see if they're around when you're planning your trip. I was hunting permit and they are hard to find in December
Nano Guerrero
Donโt hesitate to book the trip, visit this beautiful country and experience what it has to offer!
5.0
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5
Donโt hesitate to book the trip, visit this beautiful country and experience what it has to offer!
Freedom Tours โ Lucky Strike
Communication is key, if you are booking from a cruise ship the terminals can be tricky. Stay in contact with Stef and youโll find the boat
5.0
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5
Communication is key, if you are booking from a cruise ship the terminals can be tricky. Stay in contact with Stef and youโll find the boat
In 2 Deep Charters Belize โ 30โ Custom Panga
Bring plenty of strong insect repellent not for the boat but for Ambergris Caye. The island has lots of standing water and trash everywhere and we were not able to go outside day or night without spraying down with repellent. We will not be going back to this island which is unfortunate because we had a great time once we were out on the boat.
4.7
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5
Bring plenty of strong insect repellent not for the boat but for Ambergris Caye. The island has lots of standing water and trash everywhere and we were not able to go outside day or night without spraying down with repellent. We will not be going back to this island which is unfortunate because we had a great time once we were out on the boat.
Captain Rogel Sanchez
Macon, VA
Be patient. If the wind isnt moving, it gets very hot, and the fish are able to see swivel/weights/etc. As soon as the wind picked up a little, we moved back to the spot we started at, and caught the fish that wouldnโt bite in the morning.
5.0
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5
Be patient. If the wind isnt moving, it gets very hot, and the fish are able to see swivel/weights/etc. As soon as the wind picked up a little, we moved back to the spot we started at, and caught the fish that wouldnโt bite in the morning.
Placencia Fishing Charters โ Capt. Edlin
Waxahachie, TX
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!
Reel, Grill & Chill Belize
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.
Reel, Grill & Chill Belize
Matawan, NJ