Belize's Bonefish Bounty: Unlocking The Secrets To A Successful Catch

Belize is a paradise for anglers, with its world-class game fishing and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Belize Barrier Reef. Bonefish, also known as the ghost of the flats, are a common game fish to target in Belize and can be found in large schools around the white sands and docks. They are present in equal numbers throughout the year, with no clearly preferable season, but they are most active when there is a moving tide. To catch bonefish in Belize, it is recommended to hire a guide, wear protective clothing, and practice your casting and stripping techniques.

Where to find bonefish in Belize

Bonefish are present in equal numbers throughout the year in Belize, with no clearly preferable season for bone fishing. They can be found in the mangrove-lined lagoons and flats on the interior of the Belize Atolls. These bonefish are generally larger and take flies more readily than ocean-side fish, although they tend to be on the move, making casting accuracy more crucial.

If you're looking for larger bonefish, head to the South Water Caye Marine Reserve in southern Belize. Here, you'll find bigger bonefish that move in singles or doubles, but they can be extremely spooky and educated. The Bonefish Flats in Southern Belize also offer a fun challenge for anglers, as they require a bit more expertise to execute a precise presentation to get these fish to eat without spooking them.

For a more consistent bonefish experience, the Cayes or Islands throughout the fishery are a great option. Large schools of bonefish congregate around the white sands, docks, and shrimp and crab feeding grounds. These bonefish are perfect for novice anglers.

Ambergris Caye, located in Northern Belize, is another prime destination for bonefish. With over 400 square miles of sight-casting flats, Ambergris Caye offers ample opportunities to target bonefish. The area is easily accessible, with a short boat ride from San Pedro Town, and provides a strategic location for anglers looking to maximize their time on the water.

When to go bonefishing in Belize

Bonefish are plentiful year-round in Belize, but there are certain times of the year when you might have better luck catching the bigger ones.

The bonefishing season in Belize is virtually year-round, and the allowed season is from April through October. However, historically, April through November has been considered the prime time to find large numbers of bonefish. December through March is considered the peak season for tourism in Belize, but this has more to do with cold weather in North America than optimal fishing conditions. During this time, cold fronts can bring increased wind speeds and cloud cover, making it more difficult to spot fish.

Bonefish seem to be most active when there is a moving tide, likely because this means food is moving across the flats. They can also be targeted during low tides when permit fishing is slow.

If you're looking for the biggest bonefish, try casting to double-digit bonefish at Turneffe Atoll, one of the most productive bonefishing locations in the Caribbean. Bonefish in the lagoon take on a beautiful brownish-green coloration, allowing them to blend in with the bottom, and accuracy is key to hooking these challenging fish.

So, whenever you plan to go bonefishing in Belize, you're likely to find plenty of fish. But if you're specifically targeting large bonefish, your best bet is to go during the historical prime season from April through November and try your luck at Turneffe Atoll.

What equipment to use for bonefishing in Belize

Bonefishing in Belize is an exhilarating experience, but it requires the right equipment. Here is a detailed guide on what you will need:

Rods and Reels:

The recommended rod weight for bonefishing in Belize is 7 or 8 weight. A rod in this weight range will offer a good balance between casting accuracy and power when fighting larger bonefish. For the reel, a saltwater model capable of holding at least 200 yards of 20-pound backing is ideal. This will ensure you have sufficient line capacity when battling these strong fish.

Fly Line and Leader:

Go for a tropical weight forward floating line. This type of line is designed for warm saltwater environments and will perform well in the Belizean waters. As for the leader, a 9-14 foot length is recommended, depending on the specific fishing situation you encounter.

Tippet:

Fluorocarbon tippet is a good choice as it offers an advantage in terms of invisibility underwater. The recommended tippet size is 2X-0X with a pound test of 8-12 pounds.

Flies:

Effective fly patterns for bonefish in Belize include Pops' Bonefish Bitters (#6 and #8 in olive and amber), Crazy Charlies (#6 and #8 in chartreuse, white, pink, and brown), and Gotcha's (#6 and #8 in white, pink, and tan). These flies imitate the shrimp and crab prey that bonefish feed on.

Other Gear:

Don't forget to pack essential items such as polarised sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and quick-drying clothing suitable for the tropical climate. Additionally, a good pair of flats boots or wade shoes will provide traction and protection for your feet when wading in the flats.

Boat and Guide:

Bonefishing in Belize is often done from a boat, so consider hiring a local guide with a suitable vessel. They will have knowledge of the best bonefishing spots and can make your trip much more productive.

How to cast for bonefish in Belize

Belize is a paradise for saltwater anglers, with its warm climate, balmy waters, and abundance of fish. Bonefish, also known as the "ghost of the flats", are a common game fish to target in Belize. Here are some tips on how to cast for bonefish in this fishing paradise:

Location

Bonefish can be found in the mangrove-lined lagoons and flats on the interior of the Belize Atolls. The bonefish in northern Belize are known to be more plentiful, but the ones in the South Water Caye Marine Reserve tend to be bigger. Large schools of bonefish can be found consistently on the numerous cayes (islands) throughout Belize, especially where white sands and docks provide an abundance of shrimp, crabs, and fish scraps for them to feed on.

Timing

Bonefish are plentiful year-round in Belize, but they seem to be more active when there is moving tide, as this means food is moving across the flats. The allowed season for bone fishing is from April through October.

Equipment

When it comes to equipment, here are some recommendations:

• Rods: 7 or 8 weight
• Reel: Saltwater reel holding at least 200 yards of 20-pound backing
• Fly Line: Tropical Weight forward floating line
• Leader: 9-14 feet, depending on the fishing situation
• Tippet: 2X-0X 8-12-pound test - fluorocarbon offers an advantage

Casting Technique

Bonefishing is more like hunting than fishing, so it's important to be quiet and stealthy in your approach. When you spot tailing (bonefish hanging in two feet of water), pole or wade slowly towards it, keeping a respectful distance. Work on your double haul technique to be able to cast a lot of lines and lay it delicately on the water. Distance is key with bonefish, so cast far and then strip the fly back to you in solid tugs. Bonefish will chase the fly like cats after a toy. When they bite, remember not to set the hook by lifting your rod tip, as you would with trout. Instead, strip the line to set the hook.

How to hook a bonefish in Belize

Bonefish are a common game fish to target in Belize, but they can be tricky to catch. Here's how to hook one:

Where to Find Bonefish in Belize

Bonefish can be found in the mangrove-lined lagoons and flats on the interior of the Belize Atolls. They are generally larger in these areas and more likely to take flies, but they tend to be on the move, making casting accuracy more crucial. Bonefish also inhabit the northern part of the country and the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, where they tend to be bigger. Large schools of bonefish can be found consistently on the caye (islands) throughout the fishery, congregating around white sands, docks, and shrimp and crab feeding grounds. There are also skinnier, shallower flats in Southern Belize that provide good bonefishing habitat.

When to Target Bonefish

Bonefish are plentiful in Belize year-round, but the weather can impact their location. They seem to be creatures of habit and can usually be found in the same areas day after day. Bonefish can also be targeted during low tides when permit fishing is slow, and they are most active when there is a moving tide, as this means food is moving across the flats.

Gear Recommendations

• Rods: 7 or 8 weight
• Reel: Saltwater reel holding at least 200 yards of 20-pound backing
• Fly Line: Tropical Weight forward floating line
• Leader: 9-14 feet, depending on the fishing situation
• Tippet: 2X-0X 8-12-pound test - fluorocarbon offers an advantage

Techniques for Catching Bonefish

Bonefishing is more like hunting than fishing, so it's important to be quiet and stealthy in your approach. Distance is a weapon with bonefish; you need to tease them from afar. Cast far away, and then strip the fly back to you in solid tugs. Bonefish will chase it, and when they bite, remember not to set the hook. Landing a bonefish is all about stripping the line, not lifting the rod tip.

Frequently asked questions