Belize's Catch: Exploring The Country's Fishing Regulations

Belize is a fishing paradise, offering a wide variety of fish species and angling opportunities for enthusiasts of all levels. With its Caribbean coastline, offshore cayes, and the world-renowned Belize Barrier Reef, it's no wonder that Belize has become a prime destination for sport fishing.

Among the many fish species that anglers can target in Belize, the Big Three are particularly sought-after: tarpon, bonefish, and permit. These fish are known for their fighting spirit and the thrilling challenge they present to anglers. In addition, species such as snook, snapper, jacks, barracuda, and grouper are also abundant and provide exciting fishing experiences.

Belize's diverse ecosystems, including estuaries, inlets, lagoons, and coral reefs, support an array of fish species. The country's mangroves and flats are ideal habitats for bonefish, permit, and tarpon, while the deeper waters beyond the reef are home to prized catches like marlin, sailfish, and tuna.

With its year-round fishing opportunities, pristine ecosystems, and English-speaking guides, Belize offers a unique and accessible fishing adventure for anglers from all over the world. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice, Belize's waters promise an unforgettable experience.

Where to fish in Belize

Belize is a Central American country with a diverse range of fishing spots, from inshore lagoons to deep offshore waters. It is home to the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest in the Western Hemisphere and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The country's warm climate, calm waters, and abundant marine life make it a popular destination for anglers. Here are some of the best places to fish in Belize:

Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is Belize's largest island and part of the Belize Barrier Reef. It offers excellent inshore fishing for Tarpon and Snook, as well as bottom fishing just offshore. The waters surrounding Ambergris Caye are teeming with a variety of saltwater fish, and the island is known for its experienced fishing guides. Within a short distance from the shore, anglers can access tidal flats or deep blue waters. Charters in this area can cost around $350 per person for a full day of reef fishing and $650 for deep-sea fishing, including bait, tackle, drinks, and lunch.

Tarpon Caye

Tarpon Caye is located in the heart of the Belize Barrier Reef and is renowned for its abundant Tarpon. The solid sands make it an ideal spot for wading, and the Tarpon in this area can grow to impressive sizes. The peak season for fishing at Tarpon Caye is from May through November, but Tarpon are present throughout the year.

Permit Alley

Permit Alley is a 30-mile stretch of flats between Placencia and Dangriga, offering prime fishing for Permit and Bonefish. A boat is recommended for accessing this area, as the flats can be very soft.

Turneffe Atoll

Turneffe Atoll is a top spot for fly fishing in Belize. Anglers can target both mangrove and salt flats, with the opportunity to catch Tarpon and Snapper in the same day.

Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda, a small town in southern Belize, was once a well-kept secret among anglers. It remains a quiet destination, offering a peaceful fishing experience.

Belize City

Belize City, the country's largest city, provides access to both inshore and offshore fishing grounds. Anglers can explore the rivers, flats, and reefs just a few miles from the city.

The Drop

The Drop refers to the area beyond the Belize Barrier Reef, where the water depth drops to around 2,000 feet. This is the prime location for big game fishing, including Marlin and Sailfish.

What fish can be caught in the flats and lagoons

Belize is a fishing mecca, with anglers flocking to its flats and lagoons all year round. The flats and lagoons are known for their bonefish, permit, and barracuda, but there are many other species to be caught.

Bonefish are the most readily available game fish for fly anglers, and they can be found on the flats year-round. The best time to fish for them is from March through November, and they can be found in deep soft-bottomed lagoons or hard shallow coral flats. The bonefish near the mainland shores and lagoons, as well as those found near the cayes inside the reef, tend to range in size from about 6 inches to a few pounds. The Turneffe Atoll offers anglers the best bonefishing in Belize, with larger fish averaging 3 pounds and growing to over 10 pounds.

Permit are also found in the flats and lagoons of Belize. They are present throughout the year, but they are more affected by tides, moon, and weather. They really don't like unsettled weather, so the best time to fish for them is from April to October. Permit can be found as singles, in small schools, and in large schools. The bigger fish tend to be solo or paired, with the smaller fish finding safety in numbers. The 'tailing permit' is a sight to behold, with fish feeding in shallow water. The flats near Placencia offer a great opportunity to see permit feeding on these shallow flats.

Barracuda are also found in the flats and lagoons. They are an underrated and acrobatic game fish, and they inhabit the reefs in large numbers. They can be very aggressive and will run and jump in a destructive manner.

Other species found in the flats and lagoons include tarpon, snook, snapper, jacks, and sharks.

What fish can be caught in the coral reefs

Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, which makes it a haven for anglers. The reef is a spawning ground for hundreds of species of marine life, including hundreds of species of fish.

The coral reefs of Belize support grouper, snapper, jacks, and barracuda. The reefs are also home to king mackerel, kingfish, jackfish, barracuda, and snapper. Anglers can fish the reef for jacks, barracuda, and mackerel.

The calm, protected waters inside the reef offer fantastic variety for anglers who prefer light tackle. Here, anglers can do battle with several species of snappers and jacks, kingfish, and big barracuda.

The Belize Barrier Reef is one of four types of coral reefs: fringing, barrier, atolls, and patch. The reef is approximately 180 miles long and is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. It is the largest reef of its type in the northern hemisphere.

In addition to the fish found in the coral reefs, anglers can also find bonefish, tarpon, and permit in the flats and mangroves of Belize.

What fish can be caught in the deep waters

Belize is a fishing mecca, with its vast inshore lagoons, coral reefs, and deep offshore waters. With over 500 types of fish species, it is a fisherman's paradise.

Beyond the reef, the water depth drops to around 2,000 feet, making it a prime spot for deep-sea fishing. Here are some of the fish species you can catch in the deep waters of Belize:

• Marlin: A member of the Billfish family, Marlin are known for their acrobatic instincts as they leap out of the water.
• Sailfish: Also part of the Billfish family, Sailfish are sought after for their beauty rather than their taste.
• Giant Groupers: These large fish can be found in the deep waters beyond the reef.
• Tuna: Head beyond the reef to target delicious Tuna.
• Red Snapper: Found beyond the reef, Red Snapper is a tasty treat for anglers.
• Wahoo: Target Wahoo for a delicious meal.
• Mahi Mahi: Also known as Dolphinfish, Mahi Mahi is another tasty option found in the deep waters.
• Swordfish: Test your fishing skills against the mighty Swordfish.
• Blue Marlin: A challenging catch, Blue Marlin are found in the deep waters of Belize.
• Barracuda: While Barracuda can be found in shallow waters, they are also present in the deeper parts of the ocean.
• Amberjack: Found in the deeper waters off the outer reefs and atolls, Amberjack is a sought-after catch.
• Pompano: Like Amberjack, Pompano is a deep-water fish found off the outer reefs and atolls.

With its diverse fishing grounds and abundant fish species, Belize offers a unique fishing experience that is sure to create lasting memories.

Rules and regulations for fishing in Belize

Belize is a popular destination for anglers, offering world-class game fishing and a wide variety of fish species. To ensure the sustainability and protection of its fisheries, the Belize Fisheries Department has implemented several rules and regulations that anglers must follow. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the fishing regulations in Belize:

Fishing Licenses

Firstly, it is important to note that anyone intending to fish in Belize requires a fishing license, regardless of the fishing method or location. Daily, weekly, and annual licenses are available. Daily licenses cost BZ$20, weekly permits are BZ$50, and annual licenses are BZ$100. Annual licenses must be obtained in person from the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute.

Conservation and Sustainability

Belize takes conservation and sustainability seriously. The country has implemented catch-and-release policies for several species, including Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit. These species are protected, and anglers are required to release them back into the water after capture. Additionally, there are closed seasons for certain seafood species, such as conch and lobster, to allow for replenishment.

Size and Catch Limits

Belize has strict size and catch limits for specific fish species. For example, the Nassau Grouper must be between 20 and 30 inches in total length. There are also regulations for conch shell length and market clean weight. It is important to adhere to these limits to ensure the long-term health of the fisheries.

Prohibited Species

Belize has a complete ban on fishing certain species, including coral, parrotfish, blue tang, surgeon fish, permit, tarpon, bonefish, marine turtles, whale sharks, and all marine mammals. It is illegal to fish, buy, sell, or possess any of these protected species.

Shark Fishing

Shark fishing in Belize is strictly regulated and requires a special license from the Fisheries Administrator. There are specific shark species that require a CITES permit for exportation, including large hammerhead species, silky sharks, and thresher sharks. Shark finning is prohibited, and all sharks must be landed with their fins attached.

Fishing Gear Restrictions

Belize has restrictions on certain types of fishing gear to prevent overfishing and reduce by-catch waste. The use of gill nets longer than 328 feet is prohibited, and joining gill nets to exceed this length is also forbidden. Additionally, possessing a gill net longer than 656 feet alone or in combination is not allowed.

Marine Protected Areas

In Marine Protected Areas, several restrictions on fishing gear apply. The use of nets, longlines, and traps is prohibited in these designated areas to ensure the conservation of marine life and habitats.

Compliance and Enforcement

It is important to adhere to the fishing regulations in Belize, as violations can result in fines and legal consequences. By following these rules, anglers can help protect the shared marine resources and ensure the long-term sustainability of the fisheries.

Belize offers a unique and diverse fishing experience, and it is important for anglers to be mindful of the rules and regulations in place. By following these guidelines, anglers can contribute to the conservation of the marine ecosystem and ensure that Belize's fisheries remain healthy and abundant for future generations.

Frequently asked questions