Fly fishing Belize:
A complete north to south guide

Table of contents

• Ambergris Caye and the northern flats
• Caye Caulker and the central Cayes
• Belize City and Turneffe Atoll (Central Belize)
• Turneffe Atoll
• Central Belize: Stann Creek (Placencia, Hopkins, and the Barrier Reef)
• Are you thinking about or planning to visit Placencia, Hopkins, or nearby islands?
• Glover's Reef Atoll – offshore adventure
• Punta Gorda and the far south (Toledo District)
• Choosing the right Belize fishing region for you
• Frequently asked questions about fishing in Belize

Ambergris Caye and the northern flats

Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize and a hub for saltwater anglers. It is located at the northeastern tip of Belize, just below Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula.

Habitats and species in Ambergris

The island runs parallel to the barrier reef, so you get a bit of everything up there – sandy flats, seagrass beds, mangrove lagoons, and quick access to deep water. Bonefish populations are mainly small to medium size (1–3 pounds) but plentiful! Permit are found here too – often cruising in schools or small groups on the flats west of the island and near its northern tip.

The lagoon on the back side of Ambergris holds large schools with more minor 5–10 lb Permits. Bigger Permit can occasionally be found on the ocean side, especially around reef cuts and drop-offs. Ambergris is best known for their resident Tarpon population in the 20-60 lb range, swimming around in 4 to 6-foot deep water year-round. Ambergris is one of the few places in the Caribbean that have a legitimate shot at sizeable Tarpon any month of the year.

Other species, like Snook, can be found in the mangroves, and the Barracuda and Jack Crevalle can be found chasing bait in the deeper water.

Access and conditions

The waters around Ambergris are relatively sheltered by the Reef, making for generally calm flats. A fishing guide and a skiff are preferred to access the flats, but a few spots near town (e.g., the flats by Bahia and the airport) are available from shore for DIY. Note that some back flats have soft mud, so be careful. Consider the tides – a rising tide often pushes Bonefish and Permits them onto the flats, while a falling tide pulls them toward channels.

Pros for fishing Ambergris Caye:

• Year-round Tarpon fishery.
• Good variety and chances of a Grand Slam with a guide.
• Well-developed fishing infrastructure.

Cons for fishing Ambergris Caye:

• It is a popular destination with many tourists and boat traffic, making for high fishing pressure in popular areas.
• The average Bonefish size is smaller.
• Permit can be extra spooky due to fishing pressure.
• Muddy flats that need to be accessed with a boat or a kayak.

Caye Caulker and the central Cayes

Just south of Ambergris lies Caye Caulker, a smaller limestone island with a laid-back vibe. "Go slow" is the island's motto, but fishing can be fast-paced when you find rolling tarpon or tailing permits in this area. Caye Caulker sits near the northern end of Belize's central flats zone, including the patchwork of mangrove cayes and reef flats between Belize City and Dangriga.

Habitats and species in Caye Caulker

Much like Ambergris, Caye Caulker offers a mix of sand and turtle grass flats, plus nearby mangrove islands. However, one notable difference is that Permit here is often found in slightly deeper water (3–6 feet) compared to the super skinny flats down south (more about this soon).

Anglers around Caulker and the adjacent Long Caye (not to be confused with other Long Cayes) will frequently target Tarpon. In summer, large migratory Tarpon stay in the channels on Caulker's west side and the leeward flats – some well over 80–100 pounds. Tarpon up to 50 lb is commonly seen rolling near the mangroves, especially early in the morning.

Bonefish are present too, generally mid-sized and often in small schools on the lee (west) side of Caulker and around the split (the channel dividing the island in two). Permit populations around Caulker are growing as conservation efforts continue to pay off. You'll find Permit on mixed bottoms – turtle grass, hard sand, even areas with submerged rocks and small coral heads. This area isn't all shallow sand: moving tides are slightly less critical for finding Permit here than in other regions since they feed in those deeper flats steadily. Besides the big three, Caulker's surroundings have Barracuda, Jacks, Snapper, and the occasional Snook near the mangroves.

Access and conditions

Caye Caulker has fewer boats and anglers than Ambergris Caye. Local guides use skiffs to reach the flats around the island and the string of Cayes extending southward of the island. The Drowned Cayes and St. George's Caye (closer to Belize City) are part of this central Cayes region and offer additional tarpon and bonefish spots. These Cayes are a short boat ride from Caulker or Belize City and provide clear flats once you're away from the river mouths. The water clarity around Caulker is usually excellent unless heavy rains roll in. Wind can be constant, but Caulker's west-side flats stay manageable.

Unique insights for Caye Caulker

In the Caye Caulker area, Tarpon is a highlight – dawn patrol for rolling Tarpon is a daily ritual in summer. It's common to pole along a 4-6 ft deep flat and see strings of Tarpon rolling or laid up. A 10-11-weight rod with a Cockroach fly or EP baitfish pattern is a good setup. When targeting Permit in Caye Caulker, don't be afraid to fish slightly heavier flies that can get down a bit in the 4–6 ft depths since these fish often cruise mid-water. Note that the Permit on these flats is usually not found in super shallow water like in "Permit Alley" outside Placencia and Hopkins (more on later).

Pros for fishing Caye Caulker and Central Cayes:

• Healthy Tarpon fishery with both resident and migratory fish.
• There is less fishing pressure than Ambergris – a more secluded flats experience.
• Diverse environments (mangrove creeks, open flats, deeper lagoon flats) give more options.
• The laid-back island atmosphere on Caulker makes for a pleasant trip (fishing + relaxation or a combo trip for fishing + family).

Cons for fishing Caye Caulker and Central Cayes:

• There are fewer expansive flats right by the island; finding spots often requires a guide and/or a boat ride.
• Permit can be harder to spot in deeper flats (no tailing in inches of water as often), requiring experienced eyes.
• If you are based in Belize City to fish this area, the city itself is not a great tourist spot—most visitors prefer staying on the islands for the scenery.

Belize City and Turneffe Atoll (Central Belize)

Moving down the map, we come to the Central Belize region around Belize City and offshore atolls. This part of Belize offers two very different fly fishing experiences: the coastal waters near the mainland (including river deltas and small cayes), and the remote paradise of Turneffe Atoll out in the blue.

Coastal Belize City and nearby Cayes

Belize City isn't usually a popular destination for flats fishing, but it's close to some good fishing areas. The city is located at the mouth of the Old Belize River, which flows into a wide bay. This area has a rich history with saltwater fly fishing in Belize; some of the first local fishing guides started their career long before Ambergris became popular.

Habitats and species (Belize mainland coast)

The water right at the river mouth is murky and muddy-bottomed, a high contrast to the gin-clear flats elsewhere in the country. This murky delta is a Tarpon hotspot with impressive numbers of large Tarpons gathering in the river mouth and delta, especially in spring and summer. These fish range from 40–50 lb juveniles to monsters over 100 lb. When conditions align, jumping multiple big Tarpon in a day is not uncommon.

The water clears up just a few miles offshore from the city, and you start seeing more classic flat habitats. You'll find Bonefish and Permit on light-bottom flats. Bonefish near Belize City tend to be in small schools and a bit larger on average than the heavily fished ones up north (2–4 lbs is standard). Permit on these central flats come in decent numbers as well. One of Belize's biggest Permits ever caught on the fly (around 35+ lb) was rumored to have been landed in these areas. The creeks and lagoons behind the mangrove Cayes also hold Snook and baby Tarpon.

Access and tips

To fish in this area, you should hire a local guide from Belize City or one of the lodges on nearby Cayes. It's all skiff fishing – the river flats are too soft to wade, and the offshore flats are spread out among channels, so a boat is needed to jump between them. A fishing day often starts at first light near the river mouth for rolling Tarpon. As the sun gets higher, moving out to the clearer flats of the Cayes provides better sight-fishing conditions for Permit and Bones.

A unique phenomenon on the deeper flats near some Cayes near central Belize: Permit will hang around in the deeper water, waiting for the tide to start pushing Sargasso sheets towards the Cayes. These sargasso sheets have smaller crabs riding on top and inside them, and the Permit will come up to the surface and suck in the floating crabs. If you're headed to this area, tie up some floating crab imitations in reddish brown or darker yellow shades.

Pros for fishing the Belize City area:

• Convenience: It's right by the international airport, so you can go fishing if you have a day to kill in transit.
• Getting a Permit on a dry fly is possible if you can find a guide who knows the right areas.
• Possibility for trophy Tarpon.

Cons for fishing the Belize City area

• It's not a scenic location in the classic tropical sense.
• Inconsistent water clarity.
• If you value wade fishing on crystal flats, you might be underwhelmed by the river delta environment.
• Belize City proper is a rough-around-the-edges city.

Turneffe Atoll

Heading about 30 miles offshore from Belize City, you'll find Turneffe Atoll – a legendary name in Belize fly fishing. Turneffe is the largest of Belize's three coral atolls. It's a massive ring of coral islands and reefs surrounding a roughly 30-mile-long lagoon. Turneffe has everything: countless flats, mangrove islands, channels, lagoons, and reefs. It's remote and pristine.

Habitats and species on Turneffe Atoll

Turneffe Atoll is often cited as the best bonefishing location in Belize. The Bonefish here average 2–4 lbs, but many larger ones are present; fish over 5 lbs aren't unusual, and 8–10 lb trophies have been caught (Turneffe probably gives the best shot at a Belize bonefish over 10 lbs. Large schools of Bonefish tail on Turneffe's sandy flats, especially on the west and south end of the atoll.

Permit are plentiful as well. Turneffe has two distinct permit fisheries: the shallow reef flats around the atoll's outer edges and the interior lagoon. On the ocean-side flats, you stalk Permit in the traditional way – poling or wading on the white sand and coral flats, searching for both tailing and cruising Permit. Turneffe's inner lagoons and channels hold larger schools of Permit (sometimes 50+ fish) that cruise the deeper (3–6 ft) turtlegrass flats near mangroves. These schooling Permit can be more aggressive feeders since they compete with each other. It's said that Turneffe's lagoon is one of the best places to get your first Permit, because the fish are less picky.

Turneffe also has a healthy population of resident Tarpon (20–50 lb range) in mangrove creeks, and bigger migratory Tarpon show up seasonally along deeper reef channels. You'll also find species like Jack Crevalles, Snappers, Triggerfish, and even the occasional Bonefish-eating Barracudas.

Access and conditions

Turneffe Atoll is isolated – there are no towns, only a few fishing and dive lodges scattered on the islands. Most anglers experience Turneffe by staying at one of those lodges or via a 'mothership yacht'; however, this comes with a hefty price tag. Day trips from the mainland are long and only practical in very calm weather.

Once at Turneffe, you typically fish from a skiff due to the vast area to cover, but plenty of wading opportunities exist on the firm flats. The atoll's waters are gin-clear and rich with life (you'll see rays, sharks, and turtles regularly while fishing).

Fishing Turneffe is often described as like having your own personal island. You might fish all day without seeing another boat. Some of the Turneffe flats have scattered coral patches, so when that big Permit takes off, your guide will likely pole like mad or start the motor to chase it to prevent a cut-off on coral heads. For Permit schools in the lagoon, fishing guides at Turneffe will sometimes chum with crushed crabs or use their push pole to stir mud and attract the school.

Pros of fishing Turneffe Atoll:

• Huge area with minimal pressure – very natural, unspooked fish behavior.
• Exceptional Bonefishing has high numbers and a larger average size than other areas.
• Great Permit opportunities.
• Beautiful, pristine environment – feels like a private fishing paradise.

Cons of fishing Turneffe Atoll

• Staying at Turneffe is not budget-friendly, as accommodation is primarily all-inclusive lodges.
• If the weather turns bad, being offshore can limit options as you can't run to inland spots easily.
• Practically no DIY fishing – you need a boat and guide to navigate the atoll and flats.

Central Belize: Stann Creek (Placencia, Hopkins, and the Barrier Reef)

Continuing south, we reach the Stann Creek District of Belize – home to coastal villages like Dangriga, Hopkins, and Placencia (more on Placencia in the next chapter). Offshore from these villages is a maze of Cayes that has earned the nickname "Permit Alley." This central-southern region, roughly from the Sittee River (Hopkins) down to the northern reaches of the Placencia area, is renowned almost entirely for its permit fishing. Species like Tarpon, Bonefish, Jacks, Barracuda, and more are also present, making it an exciting area to explore with a fishing rod.

Habitats and geography for the Stann Creek area:

The barrier reef runs closest to the mainland in this stretch. The South Water Caye Marine Reserve is just inside the Reef, a large protected zone full of small islands (Pelican Cays, Twin Cays, South Water Caye, Thatch Caye, etc.) and connecting flats. The flats down here are classic Permit flats with shallow, hard sand and crushed coral bottom interspersed with turtle grass.. Many of these spots are pancake flats; small, self-contained flat areas often surround a tiny mangrove caye or a coral platform rising from deeper water. These structures are ideal for hunting Permit. You'll also find some longer flats along the east side of larger cayes.

The water is typically gin-clear. A notable feature in Permit Alley is the number of flats and Cayes: there are hundreds of little spots with different water levels where you can find tailing or cruising Permit. The complexity of the habitat is high – channels, lagoons, reefs, and flats all intertwine.

Placencia is a great place to have your home base for fishing in the "Permit Alley" as it sits in the center of everything, making for just a short boat ride to some of Belize's most productive Permit flats. Many freelance fishing guides in Placencia are ready to take you out to the flats including myself.

For a deep dive into fishing from Placencia and "Permit Alley", make sure to check out this deep diving article: Fishing in Placencia, Belize: A local fly fishing guide's perspective

Species focus in "Permit Alley"

Permit, Permit, and more Permit

This area has been described as one of the world's most prolific permit fisheries. Good numbers of Permit are found year-round, often seen tailing happily on calm mornings or pushing wakes as they cruise in schools. Some flats might have a dozen Permit feeding at once, their black tails tipping up as they search for crabs. The Permit in this area averages between 5–15 lbs, but larger specimens over 20 lbs are certainly around. The Permit tends to be strong and healthy because these flats are near the open ocean. You'll often find huge Permit on the inside edge of the barrier reef, although hooking one here will likely run over it and towards deeper water, cutting you off the corals.

Bonefish

Bonefish is present year-round in Permit Alley but not in large numbers. You usually find a smaller school of Bonefish on a sandy patch behind a Caye. A few DIY spots in the reserve also hold bones (e.g., the flats around South Water Caye).

Tarpon

The resident Tarpon in the brackish lagoons of the mainland, like Sittee River, occasionally swims out to the Cayes. We can also find them in deeper water around cayes like Tarpon Caye. Monster migratory Tarpon also arrives every summer, where we usually find them in the deep channel outside Tobacco Caye, just north of South Water Caye.

Angling experience

Fishing Permit Alley usually means long days on the bow of a skiff, eyes scanning for a sign of a Permit. Because of the size of this habitat, guides will move from flat to flat, hitting the likely spots depending on tidal stages.

Tidal currents are significant. Many of these little flats fish best on an incoming or high tide when Permit feels comfortable coming up to feed. You'll find the fish cruising in the deeper edges on a low tide.

Why Placencia stands out

Placencia offers one of the best all-around locations for a chance at a Grand Slam in Belize. You can fish for Tarpon in a mangrove lagoon at dawn, then run for 30 minutes and be on a coral flat spotting permit mid-morning. Then, quickly run to a shallow, sandy og turtlegrass flat and find some Bonefish to lock it in. The diversity is fantastic. Placencia has a long guiding history, with several second-generation guides poling this area for over 20 years.

Pros for fishing the Placencia area:

• This Permit paradise is a top choice for getting multiple shots at a Permit on pristine flats every single day.
• Fly fishing in the Placencia area will probably give you the best balance of species in Belize – excellent Permit fishing plus solid tarpon and bonefish opportunities.
• There is a massive area of flats and multiple areas to choose from, leading to low fishing pressure aside from seeing maybe one or two other skiffs in the far distance a few times daily.
• Flexibility: If one species isn't cooperating, you can easily switch targets (e.g., hit the Tarpon in the lagoon if the flats get too windy).
• Placencia is a nice little beach village and is a perfect location to bring the family for a mixed fishing/family vacation.

Cons for fishing the Placencia area:

• There are few DIY opportunities from shore unless you're staying at an island that might have access to a Bonefish or Permit flat or a Tarpon channel right outside.

Are you thinking about or planning to visit Placencia, Hopkins, or nearby islands?

I've spent the past two decades exploring every nook and cranny of the flats and barrier reefs outside Placencia and Hopkins, learning everything from my father, Charlie Leslie Sr., one of Belize's first professional guides.

If you want to catch some fish in Permit Alley, get in touch to check availability at [email protected] or WhatsApp (501) 661-5709!

Glover's Reef Atoll – offshore adventure

Further east of "Permit Alley", about 20+ miles offshore of the Stann Creek District, lies Glover's Reef Atoll. This atoll is a ring of coral reefs and small islands surrounding a large, shallow lagoon.

Glover's Reef environment

Glover's is the southernmost atoll in Belize, designated a marine reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The water here is beautiful, with countless shades of blue and green. Inside the atoll, you'll have some sand and coral flats at the north end and the Reef surrounding the whole atoll. The flats mix hard sand and coral rubble. The outer edge of the atoll drops off into a deep, dark blue ocean, which means just beyond the coral reef, you have huge blue water species like Wahoo, Tuna, Mackerel, and more cruising in deep water.

Bonefish on Glover's

These are present on Glovers year round. Glover's has some larger bonefish alongside schools of the more common 2-3 pounders. These Bonefish often hang near Cayes like North Easy Caye and on the turtlegrass flat west of Long Caye. A simple Crazy Charlie or Gotcha in tan or pink is usually effective.

Permit on Glover's

There are few Permit to be found on Glovers, and local guides don't focus on it either. Some flats up north will have the occasional single Permit on the right tide.

Barracuda on Glover's

Glover's is loaded with big cudas! They'll lurk on the flats, along the Reef, and in the drop-offs. If you're prepared with a wire tippet, a deceiver, or a bright chartreuse Needlefish fly, you can have a blast sight-casting to Barracuda in knee-deep water.

Other species

One of Glover's calling cards is the proximity of pelagic and Reef fish. On the outer reef edge and in deeper channels between islands, it's common to hook various Jack species and Snappers. Giant Trevally does not live in our waters, but Glover's big Jacks fill that niche with powerful brutes that can top 20–30 lbs!

The Glover's experience

Fishing Glover's Reef is usually part of a wider experience – many who visit this atoll are divers or kayakers. If you're stationed on one of the Cayes on Glover's, you'll likely fish alone or with the only guide out there. The remoteness means you won't see other skiffs around; it's just you and miles of water.

Pros for fishing Glover's Reef:

• Visit an untouched ecosystem that offers arguably the most scenic fishing in Belize, with picturesque palm islands and turquoise lagoons.
• Possibility to catch a wide variety of species: Bonefish to Barracuda to big Jacks and major offshore species, even a permit if luck strikes.

Cons for fishing Glover's Reef:

• Logistically, you must stay out there or tolerate a very long and probably bumpy boat ride, which most day charters avoid.
• Permit fishing is less reliable than in other areas closer to the mainland.
• There are fewer professional fly guides compared to places like Placencia.
• DIY or unguided fishing is more common, which can be challenging if you're not experienced with saltwater fishing.
• Glover's has little shelter if a cold front comes in, and fishing could be blown out.

Punta Gorda and the far south (Toledo District)

Finally, we reach the deep south of Belize: Punta Gorda, or "PG". This quiet coastal town near the Guatemalan border is the gateway to a specialized fishery.

Punta Gorda setting

The coastline here differs from the rest of Belize. The mainland is framed with mangroves, and there's no long sandy peninsula like Placencia. Offshore, the barrier reef lies further out (about 20+ miles), and between PG and the Reef are numerous small cayes and patch reefs. Many of these Cayes—such as the Snake Cayes, Water Cayes, and the Sapodilla Cayes further out—have flats around them.

The typical Punta Gorda flat is a narrow coral flat around a mangrove Caye that drops into deep water. You'll see patches of coral and rock mixed with sand and grass. These flats aren't huge in area; they might be only a few hundred yards long around the rim of an island. Before it drops off, the water is generally very shallow (knee-deep or less on the top of the flat). Because of this structure, many Permit cruise along the edges of flats and around the coral heads.

You will also find Permit within the huge backcountry delta, accessible through the river systems. This area is covered with mangrove bushes, with connected pools of shallow water and muddy ground. This place will hold Permit and Bonefish, Snook, and baby Tarpon.

Permit fishing in Punta Gorda

This area's Permit typically ranges from 5–15 lbs, but larger ones are around. What makes PG famous (or infamous) is how bright and spooky these Permits can be. Some say these fish have PhDs in evading capture—even more so than elsewhere. Why? Possibly because the environment (shallow, often glassy water over a complex bottom) gives them every advantage.

Other species

Punta Gorda is mostly about Permit, but if you need a break or conditions aren't right on the flats, there are a few alternatives. The mouths of a few nearby rivers (Moho River, Rio Grande) have Snook and Tarpon, especially in winter or after rains when rivers pump food out. These areas can be fun to explore on cloudy or windy days when sight-fishing on the open flats is tough.

Also, further offshore at the Sapodilla Cayes are some bonefish flats – small sandy areas where modest Bonefish live. However, Bonefishing is not a primary draw here and is relatively inconsistent. You can always tangle on the reef edge with a Barracuda or Jack.

The Punta Gorda experience

Punta Gorda is remote and uncrowded. There are only a handful of skiffs out fishing on any given day – often all associated with the few local outfitters or lodges. Many flats in the far south might not see an angler for weeks.

You'll likely see manatees by the boat and dolphins cruising the channels, with the Maya Mountains as a backdrop.

Pros for fishing Punta Gorda:

• PG offers excellent opportunities to catch Permit for an experienced angler.
• The lack of fishing pressure means these fish exhibit lots of natural feeding behavior.
• The quiet, authentic nature of Punta Gorda appeals to those who dislike crowded tourist spots.

Cons for fishing Punta Gorda:

• If you only want Permit and don't care about anything else, PG is ideal. But this might not be the best place if you need a wide variety or are hoping for a Grand Slam.
• Punta Gorda's location means a bit more travel.
• While there are some nice fishing lodges around PG, the general tourism infrastructure is minimal – which could be a con for some (or a pro for those wanting seclusion).

Choosing the right Belize fishing region for you

Each region from north to south offers something unique:

Summary of Ambergris Caye (north)

The island offers plentiful Bonefish and resident Tarpon any month of the year. A well-developed guide fleet and easy logistics make it popular, yet that popularity brings busy channels and pressured Permit that can turn spooky when the flats get crowded.

Summary of Caye Caulker & central Cayes

A quieter alternative south of Ambergris, Caye Caulker puts you on mixed sand-and-grass flats that hold summer Tarpon, the occasional Permit, and mid-sized Bonefish. Most prime water sits a skiff ride away, so you'll still want a guide, but boat traffic and angling pressure stay lighter than up north.

Summary of Belize City coast & Turneffe Atoll

Near the mainland, murky river mouths hold big Tarpon, while 30 miles offshore, the crystal flats of Turneffe yield trophy Bonefish and schooling Permit. It's a high-reward fishery, though day trips demand long runs, and lodge stays on the atoll can stretch the budget.

Summary of Placencia & "Permit Alley" (central south)

Base yourself in Placencia, and a short run delivers hundreds of lightly pressured pancake flats famed for year-round Permit action. Schools of Bonefish can easily be found on sandy patches, and Tarpon, even if resident or migratory, can be seen breaking the surface year-round —giving realistic Grand-Slam potential. With an easy-going beach village and an opportunity to book multi-generation guides, Placencia edges out as the most well-rounded choice for anglers at any level.

Summary of Glover's Reef Atoll

Spectacular bluewater scenery surrounds hard-bottom flats that produce larger Bonefish, aggressive Barracudas, and Jacks. Isolation is the draw— and the trade-off: reaching Glover's usually means an overnight stay on the atoll or a long, weather-dependent boat ride.

Summary of Punta Gorda and the far south

For veteran permit hunters who want privacy, the coral or muddy backcountry flats of Punta Gorda offer a fishery without any pressure. Variety is limited, and travel time is longer, but the payoff is a stalking Permit that may not have seen a fly in weeks, all against a quiet, jungle-backed coastline.

Ready to plan your next fishing trip to Belize?

Combining regions often works well if you want to travel around—for example, a mix of Caye Caulker and Placencia. Domestic flights make Belize travel easy.

If you ever need advice on where to go to best suit your interests or want to arrange a tailored trip, I'm happy to help! E-mail me at [email protected] or WhatsApp/call (501) 661-5709.

Frequently asked questions about fishing in Belize

When is the best time to come for fly fishing in Belize?

Belize is a year-round fishery! Check out my Belize fly fishing calendar for a month-by-month breakdown of conditions and species.

Do I need a fishing license in Belize?

Yes. Belize requires a sport-fishing license for fishing (fly or spin) in saltwater. You can easily purchase your fishing license from here. If you head out with a guide, you don’t have to worry about this. The cost is minimal (around $10 USD per day, or $25 per week, etc.). The license covers you for all catch-and-release sport fishing.

Rangers make checks, especially in marine reserves, so it's important to have one. Also note that all Permit, Bonefish, and Tarpon are legally protected – 100% catch and release for those species. This conservation rule has been in place since 2009 and is why Belize's fisheries are so healthy.

Which part of Belize is best for Permit?

It's hard to beat the southern waters (Placencia to Punta Gorda) for Permit numbers and big fish. Places like the flats off Placencia and the Cayes of the Toledo district (PG) are often cited as the top permit grounds in Belize – even in the entire Caribbean.

Turneffe Atoll is another excellent Permit spot with a hefty price tag.

Is DIY fly fishing possible in Belize, or do I need a guide?

It depends on where you go. DIY wade fishing is possible on a few accessible flats – for example, around Ambergris Caye, there are public flats near shore where anglers wade for Bonefish and the occasional Permit or Snook. Caye Caulker has some wadeable spots, too (though the best areas are a boat ride away). Some adventurous anglers rent kayaks or small skiffs to poke around mangrove cayes. However, most of Belize's prime flats are best accessed and fished with a boat and guide.

What gear should I bring for fly fishing in Belize?

For a standard Belize flats trip, plan on 7–8 weight rods for Bonefish (and perhaps light Snook), 9–10 weight for Permit, and 10–12 weight for Tarpon. Reels should have good drags and plenty of backing (at least 150 yards for bonefish/permit, 200+ yards for big Tarpon). Fly lines: tropical floating lines are the go-to for flats. You might also pack an intermediate sinking line to fish deeper channels for Tarpon. Leaders: 9–12 ft tapered leaders, ending in ~12–16 lb tippet for Bonefish and Permit. You'll want a 60–80 lb shock tippet on a sturdy leader setup for Tarpon.

For a detailed packing list and specific gear recommendations by species, check out our Belize fly fishing gear checklist – it covers rods, reels, lines, leaders, flies, clothing, and more in depth.

Besides flat species, can I do other fishing in Belize, like Reef or offshore?

Absolutely! You can catch species like snapper, Barracuda, Grouper, Jacks, and Mackerel ++ on the reefs by spin or fly fishing with baitfish patterns and poppers. There's also offshore fishing outside the Reef for species like Dorado (mahi-mahi), Wahoo, Tuna, Sailfish, etc., typically done on conventional tackle with local charter boats.

How do I get to all these different fishing spots within Belize?

Belize is small, but traveling far north and far south can take some time. The fastest way is via domestic flights. Tropic Air and Maya Island Air have daily hopper flights connecting Belize City to San Pedro (Ambergris), Caye Caulker, Dangriga, Placencia, and Punta Gorda.

If you're visiting the northern cayes, water taxis connect Belize City to Ambergris and Caulker.

To fish offshore atolls like Turneffe or Glover's, you usually arrange boat transfers with lodges (Turneffe is ~ a 1.5-hour boat ride from Belize City).

What else is there to do for non-fishing companions or rest days?

You can explore Mayan ruins (like Xunantunich or Lubaantun), go zip-lining and cave tubing in the rainforest, or visit the famous Great Blue Hole (by flyover tour or diving). Snorkeling and SCUBA are top-notch along the barrier reef – even shallow snorkel trips to Hol Chan Marine Reserve (Ambergris) or Silk Cayes (Placencia) will get you up close with rays, sharks, and coral fish.

The mainland has wildlife sanctuaries where you can spot howler monkeys, toucans, and jaguars (Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is near Placencia, for example). Island-hopping on a catamaran is another fun activity, as well as soaking in the sun and stopping at cayes. Belize's beaches (especially Placencia and parts of Ambergris) are lovely for relaxation, and many resorts offer spa services.