Fishing in Placencia, Belize: A local guide's perspective

Everything you need to know about fishing the flats around Placencia and Hopkins
Aerial photo of a shallow turquoise flat surrounded by deeper blue water off the coast of Placencia, Belize, with a small skiff in the center.
By Marlon Leslie, Belize fly fishing guide
Last updated: February 8, 2026

I was born and raised in Placencia. I've been guiding these waters for over 25 years. My father, Charlie Leslie Sr., was one of the pioneering fly fishing guides down here, and I literally grew up on these flats.

This is my backyard. I know where the fish are, when they feed, how the tides move them around, and what works when the wind picks up or the moon goes full.

This guide covers the species you'll target, the gear you need, when to come, how to get here, and what to expect when you're on the water.

Let's get into it.

Table of contents

Conservation and guiding heritage

The country has worked hard to keep the fisheries healthy. All sport fishing species like Permit, Tarpon, and Bonefish have been strictly catch-and-release by law since 2009. The nationwide gill net ban in 2020 further boosted game fish populations. Thanks to these conservation efforts, permit are more plentiful than ever. We're also seeing schools of bonefish returning to the sandy flats outside town.

I learned the sport from my father, Charlie Leslie Sr., who was one of the pioneering fly fishing guides down here. Many other local guides also come from families who've fished here for generations.

Permit, tarpon, and bonefish

Most visiting anglers want to target one or all of these three species. Each presents a unique challenge and rush. Here's a closer look at what you'll find on the flats around Placencia and Hopkins.

Permit: the ultimate flats challenge

Permit are the ultimate prize on the flats. They're notoriously elusive, selective, and incredibly alert to their surroundings. These fish weigh 8-20 pounds down here, with the occasional bruiser pushing 30 lbs. We spot them tailing on shallow turtle grass flats or near coral patches and reef edges. On a rising or high tide, they come up across the flats to feed. As the tide falls, they shift toward the edges or into deeper channels.

Stealth and accurate casting are everything. Any sudden noise or a poor cast can send them running. On very calm days, we'll get out of the boat and wade when we see a tailing fish to minimize disturbance.

For insider tips and proven tactics, read this article: Crack the Permit code: A complete guide to catching Permit

Tarpon: hunting the Silver King

The tarpon around here range from smaller juveniles to monster adults. We have resident tarpon in the 10-40 pound class stalking the mangrove-lined lagoons, creek mouths, and deeper channels. We often spot them rolling at the surface to gulp air in the early morning calm. Hooking one of these smaller fish is a ton of fun on a 9 or 10-weight rod.

From late spring through summer, the big migratory tarpon arrive. These fish can be 80-120+ pounds and tend to cruise in more open water or hang around river mouths and deeper channels. When one hooks up to the end of your line, you'll never forget it.

Tarpon are most active when light and temperature are in our favor. Dawn and dusk are prime times, especially on calm days. Tides matter too. An incoming tide pushes baitfish into the lagoons, drawing tarpon in to feed. An outgoing tide concentrates bait at creek outlets. I plan tarpon fishing for periods of moving water and avoid slack tide when they settle down.

Your tackle should be sturdy. I recommend a 10-12 weight rod, a reel with plenty of backing, and a 40-80 lb shock tippet. When you hook up, set a hard strip set followed by a few firm side-pulls of the rod to drive in that hook.

Bonefish: plentiful and lightning-fast

Most bonefish here are 2-4 pounds, with the occasional 5-7 pounder in the mix. We find them around nearby cayes, and you'll easily spot the flashes and nervous water moving across the shallows on a clear day. Bonefish are around year-round.

Local conditions and gear

The weather is warm and tropical. Expect daytime temperatures around 80-90°F (27-32°C) for most of the year. It can get a bit cooler (70s°F) on winter mornings and hotter (mid-90s°F) in midsummer midday, but overall it's pleasantly warm. Humidity is high, and the sun is intense. Even when there's a nice breeze, that tropical sun will roast unprotected skin.

Sun protection is necessary. Pack a good hat or cap, polarized sunglasses with copper or green glass, high-SPF sunscreen, a buff, and a lightweight long-sleeve sun shirt. Lightweight quick-dry pants and flats boots are necessary for wading. Also bring a light rain jacket in your bag. Rain showers are brief but can pop up from nowhere.

Rods and reels

When it comes to tackle, gear up for saltwater species. For bonefish, a fast-action 7 or 8 wt rod is perfect. For permit, a 9 or 10 wt is most common. Bring the big guns for tarpon: a 10 wt can handle the juveniles, but you'll be happier with an 11 or 12 wt for anything sizable. Reels should have a smooth, strong, reliable drag system and at least 150-200 yards of backing for permit and 250-300 yards for bigger tarpon.

Fly lines

Fly lines must be tropical-rated so they don't turn limp and sticky in the heat. We use floating lines on the flats. However, if you have an extra spool or reel, an intermediate or full sinking line can help get the fly in front of tarpon in the deeper channels outside town.

Leaders and tippets

We use 9-12 ft leaders tapered to ~12-20 lb test for bonefish and permit. For tarpon, you'll want a shock tippet: a 5-6 foot 20 lb class tippet with a 2-3 foot section of 60-80 lb shock tippet.

Flies

You don't need a ton of patterns, but having a good selection of proven winners helps.

For permit, carry a variety of crab and shrimp flies (sizes 2-6). Classics like the tan or olive Bauer Crab, EP Spawning Shrimp, and Raghead Crab are staples, as are Del Brown's Merkin crab patterns.

Bonefish will readily eat small shrimp patterns like Gotchas, Crazy Charlies, and Bonefish Bitters.

Tarpon in southern waters will eat a range of baitfish and attractor patterns. Tarpon Toads in black/purple, red/black, or chartreuse, Cockroach flies, EP baitfish streamers, and Deceivers work well depending on conditions. I also like to have some Clouser Minnows handy (size 1/0 or 2).

Remember, fly shops around here are limited, so bring what you need.

For a full rundown of recommended gear, check out my fly fishing gear checklist, which covers rods, reels, line types, leader setups, and fly recommendations in detail.

Getting to Placencia

Getting here is relatively easy. If you're coming from abroad, you'll first fly into the main international airport (Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, code BZE) near Belize City. From there, the quickest route is to hop on a 25-minute domestic flight down to Placencia. Two local airlines, Tropic Air and Maya Island Air, have frequent daily flights. The planes are small, and the views are amazing. You'll skim right over reefs and cayes. It's a smooth ride that drops you at the tiny airstrip just minutes from the village.

If flying in small planes isn't your thing or you want to save money, you can also travel by road. Driving from Belize City takes around 3 to 3.5 hours. You can rent a car and drive yourself. The highways are paved, and it's a nice ride through the countryside as you pass orange groves, small villages, and jungle hills. Alternatively, private shuttles and buses also run this route. A shuttle can be convenient if you prefer not to drive.

Once you arrive, you'll find it's a laid-back beach town with one main road and sidewalk. Everything is close. Most hotels or resorts in the area can arrange transportation from the airport if needed.

When to come for the best fishing

There is no off-season for bonefish, permit, or resident tarpon. That said, different months offer different experiences.

Spring and summer (March through August)

These months are prime time. The weather is stable: warm days, lighter winds, and rain comes in short bursts, if at all.

April, May, and June are especially excellent. Big tarpon are migrating through, and permit and bonefish are plentiful. These months also have longer daylight hours, which means more sight-fishing time each day.

Fall (September through November)

Fall is a mixed bag because it's the region's peak of the rainy and hurricane seasons. You can still have fantastic fishing in fall. September and October often have very calm, hot days that fish great. But you might deal with an occasional afternoon thunderstorm or an early-season cold front in November. The upside is fewer crowds and less fishing pressure on the flats.

Winter (December through February)

Winter brings slightly cooler temperatures and a chance of cold fronts from the west and northwest. When a cold front rolls in, we get a couple days or up to a week of windy days, cooler air, and the occasional rain shower. But outside of those fronts, winter days are mild (75-80°F), low humidity, and mostly sunny.

Bonefish don't mind the cooler water, and permit are still feeding. We focus on smaller, resident fish when going after tarpon in winter. The giants won't be back until late spring.

In short, fly fishing around here can be tailored to any time of year. If your schedule is open and you ask me the best time to come, I say March through August. But if your trip falls in a different month, I'll still put you on fish with multiple shots guaranteed.

Each season has its highlights. To help plan around weather and lunar cycles, I have a month-by-month breakdown. Check out the guide to the best time to fish in southern waters for details on what to expect. The "best" time is whenever you can get here. We can make any month work with some flexibility and the right game plan.

Pro tip

If you can, avoid scheduling your only fishing day right before or after a full moon. The fish tend to feed all night on full moons, making them tougher to catch the next day. It's not a deal-breaker, but something to consider when picking dates.

Frequently asked questions

What species can I catch with a fly rod in southern waters?

The big three targets here are Permit, Tarpon, and Bonefish. Besides those, there are other fun species around too. Hooking into big triggerfish and barracuda near the flats, as well as snook and big jacks in the mangroves and lagoons, is not uncommon.

When is the best time of year to go fishing?

Fishing is good year-round. April-June offers stable weather and peak activity, while late summer can be hot but productive. Fall has fewer crowds yet higher hurricane risk. Winter still brings bonefish and permit, though cold fronts can roll in.

Do I need to bring my own fly fishing gear, or do guides provide equipment?

Bring your own if you have it, but you don't have to. Most guides down here can provide the gear needed. That said, many anglers prefer using gear they've tuned to their casting style. It's up to you. If you bring gear, make sure it's suitable for saltwater, and rinse it every day after being out.

If you're a beginner or don't want to invest in new gear just for one trip, your guide will have everything you need. Just let them know in advance so they can prep the boat accordingly.

Is this a suitable location for fly fishing beginners?

Yes. You don't need to be an expert. I regularly take out clients on their very first flats fishing trip. We have plenty of bonefish and smaller resident tarpon, which are perfect targets for beginners. Permit are more challenging, but that doesn't mean a beginner can't hook one. I'll offer as much coaching as you want and need.

How long are the charters, and should I do a full-day or half-day?

A half-day charter is about 4 hours dock to dock, while a full-day is around 8 hours dock to dock. I recommend a full-day trip if your schedule and budget allow it. More time on the water equals more opportunities. A full day lets us fish multiple tide phases and various spots and maximize the best times of the day.

Half-days can be very productive. If you only have a free morning, we can catch fish in 4 hours. Remember that we must pick a narrower game plan with a half-day charter.

Book a fly fishing charter

Get in touch via mail at [email protected], or through WhatsApp at (501) 661-5709 to check available dates.

If I'm already booked on your preferred dates, I'll do my best to connect you with another skilled guide from my network. To ensure you get the dates you want, I recommend reaching out as soon as possible for peak season (spring and summer). If not, reach out anyway. I often set aside some dates for walk-ins and might have a cancellation or a flex day.

Once you're booked, we'll make a game plan to target what you want and aim for the best tide cycle to maximize the chances. Feel free to ask if you have any questions before booking.