Belize Fishing: What's The Deal?

Belize is a small country in Central America, boasting access to one of the biggest coral reefs in the world, inshore lagoons, and deep offshore waters. This makes it a great destination for fishing, with a wide array of species to target. Belize is home to UNESCO's World Heritage Site, the Belize Barrier Reef, which is the largest in the Western Hemisphere. The country has an unmatched combination of environmental factors that create an ideal habitat for a myriad of saltwater game fish. Almost 50% of the country has been protected as parkland or nature preserve, which explains its reputation as an eco-paradise.

Fishing spots and lodges

Belize is a great destination for fishing enthusiasts, with its reef system stretching across its entire coastline and myriad of freshwater rivers. Here are some of the best fishing spots and lodges the country has to offer:

Fishing Spots

• Ambergris Caye is known for its superb flats fishing, with an abundance of bonefish, permit and tarpon. It's also great for deep-sea fishing, where you can catch big snapper, jacks, barracuda, snook, grouper and more.
• Turneffe Atoll is one of three atolls in Belize, offering privacy and pristine fishing locations. It's approximately 30 miles long and 10 miles wide, with a network of flats, creeks and lagoons that house a variety of marine species.
• Punta Gorda is known for its healthy fishing habitats, thanks to local environmental NGOs working to stop illegal fishing. It's a great spot for permit fishing, with two protected areas: Port Honduras Marine Reserve and Payne's Creek National Park.
• Hopkins on the southern coast of Belize offers abundant permit bonefish, tarpon, snapper, mackerel, jacks and barracuda. You can choose between full-day or half-day fishing tours, with options for beach BBQ lunches or dinners to enjoy your catch.
• Placencia Peninsula has stunning beaches to the east and rich, biodiverse mangrove lagoons to the west, offering an endless variety of fish. You can try deep-sea fishing outside the reef for dorado, wahoo, snapper, grouper, barracuda and more. The mangrove flats offer calm waters for permit, bonefish and tarpon, and you might even spot some manatees.

Fishing Lodges

• El Pescador Fishing Lodge on Ambergris Caye is a famous, award-winning lodge offering world-class service and fishing experiences for over 40 years. It's ideally situated near flats, helping anglers achieve their dream of a Grand Slam (catching bonefish, tarpon and permit).
• Garbutt's Fishing Lodge in Punta Gorda Town is a no-frills lodge built by fishermen for fishermen. It's centrally located, making it easy to mingle with locals and immerse yourself in the culture.
• Turneffe Flats is an eco-fishing resort on Turneffe Atoll that offers flats fishing, diving, snorkelling and other fantastic tours. The owners have taken care to provide creature comforts, including air conditioning made possible through solar power.
• Long Caye Outpost Lodge on Lighthouse Atoll offers direct "on the reef" access to some of the best fishing in Belize. Its out-of-the-way location and expansive swaths of white sand and flats give it a private lodge feel.
• Belize River Lodge is a world-class fishing lodge located along the river a few miles from Belize City. It has been in continuous operation since 1960 and offers excellent saltwater fishing. You can catch snook, jacks, barracuda and kingfish.

Fishing seasons and weather

Belize's tropical climate means that there are minimal seasonal changes, with the temperature varying by less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The weather is generally consistent throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 70-95 degrees Fahrenheit (averaging 84). Water temperatures average 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 83 degrees in the summer.

June marks the beginning of the rainy season, but this mainly affects the mainland rainforest and has little impact on the offshore atolls. Fall weather is usually pleasant, but the occasional cold front can cause temperatures to drop.

Belize is home to a diverse range of fish species, with something to target all year round. Bonefish, for example, are present in equal numbers throughout the year, and there is no clearly preferable season for bone fishing. Permit are also present in Belizean waters all year, although fishing tends to be more predictable when the prevailing winds are most consistent – generally in winter, spring, and summer.

Tarpon is a migratory species, so its presence is more seasonal. Numbers begin to increase in April and May, with peak months between June and August. Some resident tarpon are around throughout the year, and the migratory season extends from mid-April to October.

May, June, July, August, and early September are considered the best fishing months, with good numbers of bonefish, permit, and tarpon available. Summer temperatures are comfortable, and a steady trade wind keeps conditions pleasant.

For those seeking tuna, snapper, and other reef fish, stormy weather is said to be the best time as underwater currents drive schools of fish through the main fishing spots.

Fishing licences

Belize is a popular destination for fishing, with its world-renowned barrier reef and countless islands. The country's fishing industry is governed by the Coastal Zone Management Act (1998) and Sport Fishing Regulations (2009), which were enacted to protect the industry and its vital contribution to tourism.

If you are between the ages of 16 and 65 and plan to fish in Belize, you will need to obtain a fishing licence. All non-residents engaging in any fishing activity, including river fishing, shore fishing, or catch-and-release, are required by law to have a valid sport fishing licence. Even if you are in a boat with someone who is fishing but you are not, you still need a licence.

• One-day licence: BZ$20 (approximately US$10)
• One-week licence: BZ$50 (approximately US$25)
• One-year licence: BZ$100 (in-person application only)

The one-day and one-week licences can be acquired online through the Coastal Zone Management Authority Sports Fishing License Portal, while the one-year licence requires an in-person application at the CZMAI’s Office or an approved distributor of sport fishing licences. A valid photo ID must be presented when applying for the one-year licence.

Consequences of Fishing Without a Licence

Belizean law imposes strict penalties for anyone caught fishing without a valid licence. The consequences include a fine of BZ$500 or up to six months in jail.

Regulations for Fishing in Belize

In addition to the licensing requirements, there are several regulations in place to protect local marine life:

• Bonefish, tarpon, and permit fish are protected under the law and must be released after catching.
• Closed seasons for conch, lobster, and shrimp fishing are in place to allow for the replenishment of these species.
• It is mandatory to be accompanied by a licensed tour guide while fishing in Belize.

Popular Fishing Spots in Belize

Belize offers a variety of fishing locations, including:

• Ambergris Caye
• Tarpon Caye
• Permit Alley
• Turneffe Atoll
• Punta Gorda
• The Drop
• Placencia

With its diverse fishing spots, year-round fishing opportunities, and abundance of fish species, Belize is a prime destination for anglers seeking a unique and memorable fishing experience.

Fishing methods and equipment

There are a variety of fishing methods and equipment used in Belize, including:

• Nets: Cast nets, raati nets, gillnets, beach seines, jamo nets, and beach traps are all used in Belize. Cast nets are used to catch baitfish, while raati nets are used for blue crab. Gillnets are large nets that hang vertically in the water and are set overnight to catch fish such as snook, mackerel, and snapper. Beach seines are used in shallow water to encircle schooling fish, while jamo nets are used to catch lobsters. Beach traps are traditional fishing traps made from galvanized chicken wire and mangrove poles, and are used to catch shad, barracuda, and snapper.
• Lines: Hand lines, set lines, and tow lines are commonly used. Hand lines are simply tied to a hook and baited, while set lines are tied to a post in the water and tow lines are tied to a boat and towed behind while moving.
• Traps: Lobster traps, lobster shades, and fish pots are used to catch lobster and fish. Lobster traps are hand-built and baited, while lobster shades are structures that provide shade for lobsters to hide under. Fish pots are used in shallow areas and are typically larger than lobster traps.
• Rod and reel: This method is used by sport fishers to catch tarpon, permit, bonefish, marlin, tuna, and other fish species.
• Fly fishing: A recreational method used to target sport fish such as tarpon, permit, and bonefish.
• Long line: A commercial fishing method where hundreds of baited hooks are strung on a line and set out in the water or attached to a boat.
• Electric reels: Used by recreational or commercial fishers for deep-water fishing.
• Spears: Including slings, hook sticks, and spear guns. Slings are rubber-powered spears used to catch lionfish and other finfish. Hook sticks are traditional tools used to catch lobster, and spear guns are used to catch hogfish, barracuda, grouper, snapper, and lionfish.
• Skin diving: Also known as free diving, this method is used to collect conch and sea cucumbers by hand.

Catch and release

Belize is a country that takes pride in protecting its bonefish, tarpon, and permit populations, with strict catch-and-release policies in place for these species. The legislation states that no person or establishment shall possess any of these fish, except in the act of catch and release. This means that after capturing a fish, anglers must immediately release it back into the water in the same state it was landed, to protect the fishery. This approach ensures that these prized and strong creatures can continue to thrive in Belize's waters and be enjoyed by future generations of anglers.

The catch-and-release practice in Belize is not limited to just these three species. In recent years, more and more boat operators and resorts have adopted catch-and-release policies for various fish species. While a few fish may be kept for a meal, the majority are released back into the water. This approach aligns with Belize's commitment to conservation and sustainable fishing practices.

Belize's fishing regulations also require anglers to obtain a fishing license. Daily and weekly licenses can be purchased online, while annual licenses require in-person application at the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute. These licenses are essential to support the sustainable management of Belize's fisheries and ensure compliance with conservation measures.

Belize offers a diverse range of fishing experiences, from shore fishing along its inshore lagoons to deep-sea fishing beyond its famous Barrier Reef. With its abundance of prized fish species and commitment to conservation through catch-and-release practices, Belize provides anglers with a unique opportunity to test their skills while contributing to the long-term health of the fishery.

Frequently asked questions