Belize boasts world class open water and fly fishing opportunities with a variety of environments and an impressive list of game fish. Belize’s vast portfolio of fishing options would suggest that it is an ideal choice for everyone; even the most discriminating angler!

Fishing Hot Spots
Belize’s southern half is heralded as the best locale for fly fishing. The Belizean fishing industry is proud of its offering of permit. The flats and mangrove lagoons offer a generous fishing ground at about 250 square miles and are full of permit averaging about 10 lbs and reportedly reaching 30lbs. Note to novice anglers – this is a sophisticated fish that does not fall prey to any lure. You’ll need a refined skill to cast your fly. Catching a permit on a first or second fly fishing excursion is highly unlikely.
Consider Punta Ycacos for a lagoon teeming with hungry fish.

Some outfitters offer kayak fishing. If you are the type that prefers the tranquility of silence and solitude, you may wish to paddle yourself out and warm up those arms. At Glover’s Reef, kayaks allow the dedicated soloist to find that prized secluded spot away from the shore waders and dock mongers. Check out Slickrock Adventures, Inc. for more details

River inlets and estuaries and the flats and lagoons offer jacks, crevalle, barracuda, cobia and snook. Jacks and barracuda can also be found among the reefs, as well as grouper, and snapper. Deeper waters are full of tuna, more snapper and grouper and wahoo. The deepest waters offer the big trophies in sailfish, marlin, bonito and pompano.

Seasons
Fishing is legal year round in Belize, but some parts of the year are better than others. Consult a fish calendar like the one here. Before planning your next trip, make sure you know what you’ll be landing and your trophy photos won’t be a big disappointment. Also note, most Belizean fish are catch and release though some species, like snook, snapper, barracuda, grouper can become your dinner if they meet size standards.

Tours
Tours run $100 – 200 USD depending on the type of fishing. This fee typically covers everything but the tip for your guide. Keep that in mind when your digital camera is full of prized photos. You know you couldn’t have done it on your own.

Lobster
Author’s note: As a New Englander, I cannot help but appreciate the consumption of fresh lobster. Belize has its own affinity for these tasty crustaceans as well. However, their lobster population is never quite predictable and prices will reflect that. If you are absolutely set on getting lobster, you’ll probably want to catch the annual lobster fest around Caye Caulker and Placencia. It happens just after the start of the season, July 15 and Belizeans will pilgrimage from all over to enjoy the delicacy. Prices will cap at about $10 US/lbs. during this festival. As you visit area restaurants, you’ll be amazed at the variety of cooking options available for your “buggy” dinner.