Belize's Coastal Catch: Exploring The Abundant Marine Life

Belize is a fishing paradise, with a diverse range of species available to anglers all year round. From the shallow flats of the estuaries to the deep offshore waters, Belize offers a wealth of fishing opportunities that will excite anglers of all kinds.

The country boasts access to one of the biggest coral reefs in the world, the Belize Barrier Reef, as well as inshore lagoons and deep offshore waters. This variety of habitats means anglers can target a wide array of species, from the prized Silver King Tarpon and Snook to Marlin and Sailfish in the deep.

Belize is also a prime destination for fly fishing, with its numerous flats, lagoons, and mangroves providing the perfect environment for this challenging pursuit. Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon are the most sought-after species for fly anglers, and Belize offers ample opportunities to target these fish.

With its English-speaking population, direct flights from major US cities, and close proximity to North America, Belize is an easily accessible fishing destination that should be at the top of every angler's list.

Bonefish

When fishing for bonefish, accuracy is key. A tried-and-true bonefish rod is the 8-weight, though a 7-weight fly rod can also be used, and a 9-weight is useful on windy days. Small shrimp imitations and Crazy Charlie flies tend to be effective.

Permit

The best gear for catching permit includes a 9 or 10-weight fly rod with a reel capable of holding at least 200 yards of backing. Floating lines are preferable, especially when wading. Crab or shrimp patterns are the go-to flies for permit in Belize, though sometimes bonefish flies are upsized. Tan, olive and brown are the most effective colours.

Turneffe Atoll is one of the best places to fish for permit in Belize, with approximately 250 square miles of fishing area.

Tarpon

The diet of tarpon consists of crabs, worms, shrimp, and smaller fish. They have bucket-style mouths that allow them to suck in their prey. Adult tarpon feed in the flats and channels, while juveniles feed in the mangroves. The best time to fish for tarpon in Belize is during the migratory season from April to October, with the peak months being July, August, and September.

When fishing for tarpon in Belize, anglers can try their luck in the flats, channels, and river mouths. The flats offer traditional sight fishing, while channels and river mouths involve more blind casting. The northern part of Belize, including areas such as Turneffe Atoll, is known for larger tarpon.

Setting the hook is crucial when fishing for tarpon due to their concrete-like mouths. Anglers should use strong, sharp hooks and set the hook firmly. During the fight, it is important to "bow to the king" by pointing the rod tip towards the fish to avoid breakage when the tarpon jumps. Keeping the rod tip down and using angles to your advantage increases the pressure on the fish. With these techniques, landing a tarpon can be achieved quickly and with minimal stress to the fish.

In summary, tarpon fishing in Belize offers a challenging and exciting experience for anglers. With the right equipment, knowledge of the fish's behaviour and habitat, and a well-executed strategy, anglers can have a successful and memorable tarpon fishing trip in Belize.

Snook

Fly fishing for snook requires perseverance as most of the fishing will not be sight casting. It's important to use an accurate presentation as snook often hold near some sort of structure, like mangroves or logs, and won't move far from their lair to take your offering. Bright flies with red, yellow, chartreuse, and orange as the predominant colours are recommended.

When spinning or casting for snook, it's a good idea to have a wide variety of jigs and surface plugs as it's hard to say which lure the snook will find enticing. It's best to keep switching lures until strikes start occurring.

Snapper

When fishing for snapper in Belize, anglers often use poppers and rapalas as lure options. Live bait, such as sardines and other small baitfish, can also be effective in attracting snapper bites. Snappers are known to put up a respectable fight when hooked, providing an exciting experience for anglers. Additionally, there are no catch-and-release laws for snappers in Belize, making them a desirable catch for those looking forward to a tasty meal.

The Belize Barrier Reef, one of the largest coral reefs in the world, is a prime location for bottom fishing and offers a great opportunity to catch snapper. The reef is home to incredible coral structures where anglers can target this sought-after species. Beyond the reef, the water depth drops to around 2,000 feet, providing an opportunity to target other deep-water species.

Belize's diverse fisheries and abundant snapper population make it a popular destination for anglers of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, the country's inshore lagoons, offshore waters, and vast coral reef offer a wide array of fishing opportunities.

Frequently asked questions