Fishing in Belize – Everything You Need To Know
Fish in Belize and enjoy the dynamic experience found only here. With many important marine habitats, you can use a variety of methods including spinning, trolling and fly. Partner with a knowledgeable guide for a day out on the sea. Our tour partner, Tuff E Nuff Tours, can help you plan the perfect day of fishing during your stay at Belizean Shores Resort. Charter your trip at least 48-hours in advance.
The estuaries, inlets, and mouths to the many rivers are known for their tarpon, snook, and jack. The lagoons and flats are known for their bonefish, permit, and barracuda. The coral reefs support grouper, snapper, jack, and barracuda while the deeper waters off the reef are home to sailfish, marlin, bonito, and pompano. Spin, trolling and fly fishing is available all year long.
Best Fishing Season in Belize
Belize is a tropical country, experiencing warm weather year-round with a pronounced green season from June-November where increased rainfall can be expected. Temperatures are typically between 70-95 degrees F with water temperatures near 80 degrees F throughout the year. Weather patterns and the moon cycle do influence fishing and are keenly observed by the guides so as to increase the odds of a successful outing. If you are going for a grand slam for permit, bonefish, and tarpon, your best bet is to plan your trip for May-August as all three tend to be plentiful that time of year.
Popular Fishing Tours in Belize
Deep-Sea Fishing
This half-day fishing excursion departs daily at 8am and 1pm, weather allowing. Your guide will select a site outside of the reef in the deep sea. This is where you hit on the bigger fish such as Sail Fish, Billed Fish, and King Fish.
Flat Fishing
Also known as Fly Fishing. This is done on the western part of the island over “the flats”. This is catch and release, targeting permit and bonefish. Belize is unofficially known as the world capital of permit fishing. Many have landed their first-ever permit while vacationing in Ambergris Caye. Available all year round, start times are based on the tides, your guide will suggest the best schedule.
Reef Fishing
Half-day Reef Fishing excursions depart daily at 8am and 1pm, weather allowing. Your guide will select a fishing site inside the reef, not too far from the shoreline. You are likely to see Snappers, Barracuda, Jack, and other Reef Fish.
Tarpon Fishing
Experience the thrill of the Tarpon. This catch and release tour to fish tarpon on the flats of Ambergris Caye is available year-round, weather permitting. Your guide will select a site based on conditions for the best chance at hooking a tarpon. Tarpon is easiest to find June- August, though they are present throughout the year.
Finding Fishing Gear & Equipment in Belize
All fishing tours include the necessary equipment, including flies, leaders, rods, and reels. The serious fisher may choose to bring their own favorite equipment along as well, though this is not required. Prepare for a day out on the sea by bringing sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses, and loose clothing to keep you cool. Each tour serves water, soda, and beer. You may wish to bring along some light snacks as well.
Whether you end up reeling in something or special or not, a day spent fishing in Belize is certainly one you won’t soon forget. Ambergris Caye is situated near some phenomenal hotspots and within just a few minutes of leaving your dock, you can be in the flats or out on the blues fishing in deep water. Make fishing memories to last a lifetime in Belize!
