Belize fly fising

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Fishing Locations in Southern Belize

The bays, rivers, lagoons and coastline of northern Belize support rich and abundant fishing environment. Snapper, Triggerfish, Grouper, Bonefish, Barricuda, Rainbow Runners, Tarpon, Jewfish and many other large species frequent the waters of the barrier reef and its outer atolls. In the deeper waters beyond the reef sport fishing is fabulous where you can catch Marlin, Sailfish, Mackerel, Wahoo, Bonito, Black Fin, Blue Fin and Albacore Tuna as well as Pompano. Full and half day fishing excursions in the deeper waters or trolling in the shallows of the protected reef are offered by experienced guides.

Anglers may book private charters, smaller boats or party boats year round. Prices vary depending on the type of fishing, number of passengers, size of boat and time of year. Northern Belize is home to a large resident population of tarpon averaging 50 pounds in the winter while exceeding over 100 pounds in the summer. Bonefish also have a year-round presence. Step off the beautiful beaches of Long Caye at Lighthouse Reef and you will find yourself in a healthy fish flat. Ambergris Caye, north to Rocky Point at the Bacalar Chico channel are considered to be two of the finest bonefishing areas in the country. Some have been known to reach 80 pounds.

The fisherman of Sarteneja are among the best in the country. This charming little fishing village has gained notoriety as a fisherman's hot spot far Barracuda, Snapper and Tarpon.

Freshwater fishing in the lagoons of northern Belize have gained popularity. They support vibrant populations of Snook, Tarpon, Cubera, Snapper and occasionally Jewfish throughout the year. Corozal Bay is home to abundant fish populations capable of making the transition to saltwater. Visitors should first inquire about fishing regulations in the nearby towns prior to visiting one of the lagoons or rivers.

A significant portion of Belize’s pristine marine eco-systems are protected with many areas designated as World Heritage Sites. United Nations funding and regular monitoring helps protect these areas. These inhabitants and habitats may not be destroyed or harmed in any way. Most tour guides and fishing guides enforce local catch and release fishing as well as low-impact fishing practices.

Belize is a fishing paradise with many fishing lodges and fishing resorts concentrating on providing an unforgettable time. Spinning, flyfishing and trolling can be experienced year round, and the abundance of game fish as well as the numerous locations guarantee excellent sport.

Belize is gaining notoriety as a top angling destination because of the variety of fishing in an unspoiled setting. Such diversity includes permit, bonefish and tarpon in the flats surrounding most of the cayes; snapper, grouper and barracuda around the barrier reef; and kingfish, marlin and wahoo in the open sea beyond the reef.

Glovers Reef Atoll

Glover's Reef is about 70 miles southeast of Belize City and due east from Dangriga (about 2.5 hours from Placencia by boat). It encompasses an area of approximately 90 square miles. The atoll was named for the pirate, John Glover, and old pirate graves are said to be on North East Caye. Glover's Reef remains one of the most remote and unexplored areas of Belize. Some marine biologist believe it may be the most pristine atoll system in the Caribbean. All cayes except North East Caye have been zoned conservation areas, and Middle Caye is a designated wilderness. Fishing within the Reserve is catch and release, and is primarily trolling and spinning for Black- and Yellow- fin Tuna, King Mackerel, Barracuda, Jack Crevalle, Grouper and Snapper (the reef is an important breeding ground for grouper and snapper).

Inner Channel Flats

Flats are sand or coral bottomed, good for wading. Water is generally clear, with good visibility. Tarpon may also be found around mangrove cayes. Watch for pelicans diving and feeding, indicating quantities of batifish, and usually jack and tarpon.

Bluefield Range to Gladden Caye

This area off the coast from around Dangriga Town south to Gladden Caye is well-known for its permit flats - plus several cayes offering a range of lodging from very basic (Tobacco Caye) to air-conditioned cabanas overlooking the Reef (Southwater Caye). In addition to permit, the area also offers good opportunities for bonefish and tarpon, plus a variety of reef fish, including Barracuda, snappers and jacks, and the occasional tuna.

Inner Channel Cayes

Lots of good fishing for a wide variety of species in the Inner Channel (between the reef and the mainland). Most species are year-round. The best fishing locations will vary depending on season, weather and tides. However, following is information on areas that consistently perform well for specific species.

Outside Reef

A veritable "feast of fish" awaits anglers outside the reef: Yellowtail Snapper, Nassau and Red Grouper, Black, Yellow and Tiger Grouper, Barracuda, King Mackerel, Wahoo, Serra Spanish Mackerel, Cubera Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Black- and Yellow- fin Tuna, Skipjack Tuna, - - and marlin, sailfish and Dorado from Glover's Reef Atoll to the Ranguana Entrance.

Local Beaches and Dock

Size of fish varies depending on what happens to be "passing by." A particularly good location to try is the channel area between Placencia Peninsula and Placencia Caye on the beach between the main Placencia Village dock and Tradewinds Hotel. Crevalle Jacks, Mutton Snapper, tarpon and snook are among the species that can occasionally be caught from shore.

Monkey River and Placencia Lagoon

Snook, tarpon, jack and machaka (a local species( are the primary targets in the Monkey River and Placencia Lagoon areas. Fishing in both locations is best very early in the morning and late evening. Winter months are prime fishing seasons in both locations. The Lagoon runs the length of the Peninsula (about 12 miles) separating it from the mainland.

Punta Ycacos Lagoon

Punta Ycacos Lagoon is for the serious permit angler, and the tarpon can be pretty good (and big) beginning in December through February - - especially in the Deep River, just south of Punta Ycacos. The Lagoon can only be reached by water and is located about an hour and a half south of Placencia Village. Punta Ycacos can also be difficult to reach in rough weather. Therefore, we recommend camping in the area for the best multiple day fishing experience at Punta Ycacos. Camping is in tents only, no facilities.

Sapodilla Cayes

Permit and bonefish are bountiful in these waters, and anglers will enjoy the opportunity to fish the many small cayes in the Sapodilla complex (North East Sapodilla Caye, Frank's Caye, Nicholas Caye, Hunting Caye, Seal Cayes, Tom Owen's Caye, Black Rock, Red Rock and North Spot). Good-sized barracuda can also be caught on spinning rods around the reefs.

Fish Species found in aboundance in the Waters of Belize

The following are the major fishing attractions of Belize. They are caught year round but many are subject to a catch and release policy.

Barracuda

Long and slender with brownish/gray/green color on top, shading to silver on sides and white on belly. Scattered spots on lower side, large mouth, sharp teeth. Found along mangrove shores and in open water. Contrary to popular notions, attacks snorkelers, swimmers and divers only rarely, usually in connection with an attempt to take a speared fish. Feeds on smaller fish. Average size in southern Belize is 7 pounds. Favorite local eating fish.

Billfish:

Blue Marlin

Dark blue above, 15 vertical rows of pale blue spots on side. Fin tips pointed. Deep bodied. Found outside reef in warm waters (often near drop-offs), and highly migratory, following the seasons and ocean currents to remain in warm waters. Great sport fish, but marlin has not been heavily fished in the Placencia area. Feeds primarily on surface-dwelling fish and ocean squids. Average size 200+ pounds in southern Belize waters

Sailfish

Slender with high, sail-like dorsal fin. Dark blue shading to white with vertical rows of blue spots on sides. Found both inside and outside reef. Extremely warm-water oriented, migration to warmer waters often caused by slight water temperature changes. Short life span. Great sport fish, but has not been heavily fished in southern Belize. Feeds on smaller fish (flying fish are favorites) and squid. Average size 100 pounds in southern Belize waters.

Bonefish

Slender, spindle-shaped body, conical snout, bluish back, silvery sides with dark streaks on upper sides. Found on flats, mangrove areas and river mouths. Feeds on invertebrates in shallow water. Average size 5 pounds in southern Belize waters.

Dorada

Compressed tapering body, brilliantly blue-green in color (color fades rapidly after boating). Small black spots on head and body. Found near the surface in open water. Follows ships, floating objects and large mats of floating sargassum. Feeds on fish, squid and crustaceans. Excellent food fish. Average size in southern Belize is 35 pounds.

Groupers:

Jacks

Crevalle

Blunt head, top is yellowish green to blue/black, silver with yellow tones on sides and belly. Small scales, spot on lower rays of pectoral fin and patch of scales on chest. Powerful swimmers. Found in shallow flats, near shore, open water and rivers (the older the fish, the further offshore the Crevalle is likely to have traveled). Spawning during the full moon periods in April and May attract schools of whale sharks in the Gladden Spit area off the Placencia coast of southern Belize. Average size 10 pounds in southern Belize.

Permit

Deep-bodies, blunt snout, silvery gray, often with circular black patch on side. Found over flats close to reef, and in lagoon and river channels and holes. Average southern Belize size 10 pounds. Good sport fish (catch and release only). Primarily fly-fishing, can also be caught on light tackle, but with live or cut bait only. Very spooky, clear line works best.

Mackerels:

Blackfin Tuna

Dark blue back with white belly, low second dorsal and anal fins. Found near the surface in open water outside the reef to a depth of about 650 feet. Average size 12 pounds in southern Belize. Good sport and eating fish. Feeds on smaller fish. Trolling, light tackle and on the fly. Whale sharks can often be found around schools of feeding blackfins in the summer months off the southern Belize coast.

King

Iridescent green back, clear dorsal fin, lateral line that curves downward at soft dorsal fin level. Large, sharp, blade-like teeth. Tend to travel in small schools and be found near surface in open water inside and outside reef. Average southern Belize size 10 pounds. Feeds on smaller fish (shad, small jack and herring-like fish).

Skipjack Tuna

Dark blue on top shading to silvery white on belly, dark longitudinal lines on lower side. Found in open water to depths of 860 feet during day and on surface at night. Average size 12 pounds off southern Belize coast. Good sport and eating fish. Feeds on smaller fish.

Serra Spanish

Silvery with 3 rows of orange spots on side, 47-49 vertebra(rather than 50-53 found on the Spanish Mackerel, Scomberomorus maculatus). Found near the surface in open water outside the reef. Average size 2 pounds in Placencia area. Good sport and eating fish. Feeds on smaller fish.

Wahoo

Blueish green shading to silvery white, long beak-like snout, vertical blue bars along upper side, lateral line curving downward below first dorsal fin. Wahoo tend to travel singly, rather than in schools. Migratory following warm weather and water. Found near the surface in open water outside the reef to a depth of about 650 feet. Average size 25 pounds in southern Belize - not heavily targeted for sport fishing in Belize. Good sport and eating fish. Feeds on smaller fish (flying fish are a Wahoo favorite).

Yellowfin Tuna

Dark blue shading to pale yellow to silver-white, with yellow dorsal and anal fins. Found near the surface in open water outside the reef to a depth of about 650 feet. Migratory following warm weather and water. Averages 30 pounds in southern Belize. Excellent sport and eating fish. Feeds on smaller fish.

Sea Bass:

Black

Body somewhat elongated, gray/brownish color, rectangular dark gray blotches on sides of body. Found in coral reefs and other hard-bottomed areas at depths of 33 to 100 feet. Average size 15 pounds in southern Belize. Feeds on smaller fish. Trolling, bottom fishing and handlining.

Nassau

Moderate size, light olive/tan to reddish body, dark mark on front of head, small dots around eye, dark vertical bars on side of body. Capable of rapidly changing colors from white to banded to very dark. Found over hard bottoms such as coral reefs in depths of up to 300 feet. Average size 10 pounds in southern Belize - becoming rare. Feeds on smaller fish.

Red

Moderate size, reddish brown, small spots on side of head. Found near shore to depths of approximately 360 feet. Average southern Belize size of 7 pounds. Feeds on smaller fish.

Tiger

Somewhat elongated, greenish/black in color, brown spots on cheeks, pale narrow lines on back, yellow-orange color inside mouth. Found over coral reefs and rocky bottoms. Average southern Belize size is 15 pounds. Feeds on smaller fish.

Yellowfin

Similar in appearance to Black Grouper, but without squarish blotches or yellow margin on pectoral fin of Black Groupers. Found over coral reefs and to depths of approximately 450 feet. Averages 15 pounds in southern Belize. Feeds on smaller fish.

Snappers:

Cubera

Oblong body, dark gray back and side with slight pink/red tinge. Rounded anal fin. Found around reefs and rocky bottoms in all water depths up to 130 feet. Feeds on fish and crustaceans. Average size 30 pounds in southern Belize. Night fishing only. Bottom fishing or light tackle.

Mangrove

Oblong, moderately compressed body. Grayish green in color. Found around mangroves, grass beds, shallow rocky areas and coral reefs to depths of 60 feet. Feeds on fish, mainly at night. Good eating fish. Averages 1 pound in southern Belize.

Mutton

Oblong body, greenish back and upper sides, lower side slightly pink/red. Two blue lines on each side of the snout. Found along mangrove shores, in lagoons and rivers over sandy bottoms containing plant matter, and over reefs. Feeds on small fish, crustaceans and mollusks. Average size 12 pounds in southern Belize in open water, 3 pounds around docks and beaches. Good eating fish. Light tackle, fly fishing and bottom fishing.

Queen

(Locally known as "Red Snapper") Red with large eyes and a deep notch in the dorsal fin. Found in deep water (440-1,475 feet). Feeds on smaller fish. Average size 20 pounds in southern Belize. Good eating fish. Bottom fishing.

Yellowtail

Elongated body, deeply forked tail, upper body blue/gray with yellow spots, yellow line along mid-side area of fish. Found along coral reefs in water up to 60 feet. Feeds on fish and invertebrates. Average size 1 pound. Good eating fish. Bottom fishing, handlining, light tackle and flyfishing.

Snook

Common

Slender body with fine scales, yellow/brown or green/brown upper body, silver sides and belly. Found in coastal marine and brackish waters, may also enter fresh water. Feeds on fish and crustaceans. Average size 8 pounds in southern Belize. Good sport and eating fish. Light tackle.

Tarpon

Very large elongated body, silvery color, large hard scales, large mouth with bony jaws. Found in inshore waters around mangroves and brackish estuaries (sometimes entering fresh water). Can survive in water with very little oxygen (such as low-oxygen marshes and estuaries). Feeds on live fish (shad and similar looking forage fish). Average size 25 pounds in Monkey River, Southern Lagoon at Gales Point and Placencia Lagoon, 75 pounds in Inner Channel off the southern Belize coast, and 150 pounds and up in Deep River/Punta Ycacos mid-December through end of January. Good sport fish (catch and release only).Fly fishing or light tackle.