Belize's Secret Fishing Hot Hours: Unveiling The Prime Times For Angling Success

Belize is a dream destination for anglers, offering a variety of game fish, from grand slams to billfish and tuna. The best time to fish in Belize is from May through September, when the country's main game fish species—bonefish, permit, and tarpon—are most abundant. Bonefish season generally runs from April to October, while tarpon numbers increase in May and decrease in October. Belize's tropical climate means fishing is possible year-round, but these months offer the optimal experience.

Best months to fish in Belize

Belize is a year-round fishing destination, thanks to its tropical climate. However, certain months are better for fishing than others.

May to September is considered the optimal time to fish in Belize, with the chance to catch bonefish, tarpon, permit, and snook. In May, you can expect to see migratory tarpon in the fishery, feeding on the flats. In June, the elusive mahi-mahi comes into season, and the bonefish season is in full swing. July, August, and September are the best months for tarpon fishing, with the largest tarpon typically caught in August and September.

If you're looking to catch a grand slam (permit, bonefish, and tarpon), June, July, and August are your best months, with plenty of fish on the flats. The biggest permit are also present during this time.

April to October is bonefish season in Belize, and the best months for permit fishing are generally in the winter, spring, and summer when the winds are most consistent.

The dry season in Belize, from December 1st to May 30th, is considered the best time for fly fishing due to minimal weather disruptions.

If you're specifically looking to catch sailfish, blue marlin, or wahoo, the best months are August to September. For blue marlin, the season typically runs from August to October, and sailfish can be caught from August through to September.

For those interested in snook fishing, the best months are November through to April, as low tides make casting easier.

Belize has something to offer anglers all year round, with a variety of game fish to target, from grand slams to billfish and tuna.

Fishing seasons in Belize

Belize is a year-round fishing destination, with its tropical climate and diverse marine life providing ample opportunities for anglers. However, certain months offer better chances for catching specific game fish species. Here is a breakdown of the fishing seasons in Belize:

May to September

This period is considered the optimal time for fishing in Belize, especially for the country's main game fish species: bonefish, tarpon, and permit. Bonefish season generally runs from April to October, with tarpon numbers increasing from May and peaking in August and September. These months offer the best chances for a grand slam, targeting permit, bonefish, and tarpon. The weather is typically calm and warm, making it comfortable for anglers.

June to August

Considered the best months for tarpon fishing, with June, July, and August offering the highest chances of landing this prized game fish. Tarpon can weigh up to 200 pounds, providing a challenging and exciting experience for anglers.

November to April

During these months, snook fishing is at its peak. Snook tend to move out of the mangroves and congregate around channel cuts, making it an ideal time for fast-paced snook fishing. Bonefish, also known as the "ghost of the flats", can be found year-round, but the larger ones are more common during this period.

August to September

Belize's deep waters offer world-class marlin fishing opportunities. The best months to target blue marlin are August and September, although they can be found in the ocean all year round. Blue marlin can reach impressive sizes, sometimes exceeding 1,000 pounds, making them a true test of an angler's strength and endurance.

Year-round

Belize boasts excellent fishing opportunities throughout the year for certain species. Barracuda, also known locally as "barra", can be found in large numbers on the reefs and flats. Permit, another popular game fish, is also abundant year-round, with a slight peak in June. Anglers can target these species at any time, making Belize a consistent fishing destination regardless of the season.

Fishing regulations in Belize

Belize has specific fishing regulations in place to safeguard its natural resources. Here are some key regulations to be aware of:

• Fishing Licenses: All anglers in Belize are required to have a valid fishing license, which can be obtained from the Coastal Zone Management Authority (CZMA). The cost of a daily license is BZ$20, while a weekly permit is BZ$50. An annual license is also available for BZ$100, but it requires in-person application at the CZMA. Seniors over 65 who are citizens or permanent residents of Belize are exempt from the license requirement.
• Catch and Release: Belize is a leader in Central America when it comes to conservation. All Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit must be released back into the water after capture. This is to ensure the sustainability of these species for future generations.
• Seasonal Restrictions: Certain species have specific seasons during which fishing is allowed. For example, the Bonefish season runs from April to October. Tarpon fishing is best from June to August, as they are migratory and their numbers fluctuate throughout the year.
• Size Limits: The Belize Fisheries Department has implemented size limits for many commercial species. For example, there are minimum size requirements for conch shells and lobsters.
• Closed Seasons: There are closed seasons for certain species to allow for their reproduction and recovery. For example, conch fishing is closed from July 1st to September 30th, and lobster fishing is closed from February 15th to June 14th.
• Restricted Fishing Techniques: Some fishing techniques that are harmful to the environment are banned in Belize. This includes spearfishing, fish netting, and the use of explosives. In Marine Protected Areas, there are restrictions on fishing gear, prohibiting the use of nets, longlines, and traps.
• Special Permits: Certain species require special permits. For example, fishing for Sea Cucumber requires a special permit. There are also specific rules for filleting fish, such as leaving a 2-inch by 1-inch skin patch on the fillet.
• No Shore Fishing: It is illegal to fish from the shore in Belize. Anglers must maintain a certain distance from the shore when casting their lines.
• Conservation Efforts: Belize is committed to protecting its marine ecosystem and preserving its fisheries stocks. This includes efforts to eradicate invasive species like Lionfish, which has no natural predators in the Caribbean and preys on commercial fish.

By adhering to these regulations, anglers can help ensure the sustainability of Belize's fisheries and the preservation of its marine environment for future generations.

Fishing locations in Belize

Belize is home to UNESCO's World Heritage Site the Barrier Reef, the largest in the Western Hemisphere, and offers a wealth of fishing opportunities. Here are some of the top fishing locations in Belize:

Ambergris Caye

Known for its superb flats fishing, Ambergris Caye is a major draw for enthusiastic fishermen. It offers an abundance of bonefish, permit, and tarpon, as well as deep-sea fishing opportunities for big snapper, jacks, barracuda, snook, grouper, and more. Local fly fishing guides can lead you to the best spots for a Grand Slam, and some even offer deep-sea guiding for a fresh seafood buffet. After a day of fishing, you can enjoy the lively nightlife in San Pedro or relax at your resort.

Turneffe Atoll

Turneffe Atoll is the perfect place to hide away and fish in privacy. It is one of three atolls in Belize, spanning approximately 30 miles long and 10 miles wide. It features a network of flats, creeks, and lagoons that house a variety of marine species, both commercially important and threatened. The remote location and pristine waters make it an ideal spot for those seeking a quiet and exclusive fishing experience.

Punta Gorda

Located in the untouched and beautiful district of Toledo, Punta Gorda is known as a great spot for permit fishing. It is situated within two protected areas: Port Honduras Marine Reserve and Payne's Creek National Park. Local environmental NGOs like TIDE have worked to stop illegal fishing, making Punta Gorda one of the healthiest fishing habitats in Belize. It is the perfect place to land the toughest of the fly fishing species while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Hopkins

Hopkins, on the southern coast of Belize, offers abundant fishing opportunities for permit bonefish, tarpon, snapper, mackerel, jacks, and barracuda. Fishing tours in Hopkins can range from a half-day to a full-day experience, often including a beach BBQ lunch or dinner at a small caye to enjoy your catch of the day. You may even take your catch back to your hotel and have the chef cook it to your liking.

Placencia Peninsula

The Placencia Peninsula, located further south from Hopkins, offers a diverse range of fishing experiences. You can try your luck at deep-sea fishing outside the reef, targeting dorado, wahoo, snapper, grouper, barracuda, and more. The mangrove flats provide calm waters for permit, bonefish, and tarpon fishing, and if you're lucky, you might even spot gentle manatees. With stunning beaches and biodiverse mangrove lagoons, Placencia is a popular tourism hotspot that combines fishing with natural beauty.

Fishing techniques in Belize

Belize is a dream fishing destination for anglers due to its variety of game fish, from grand slams to billfish and tuna. The country is home to UNESCO's World Heritage Site, the Belize Barrier Reef, which is the largest in the Western Hemisphere and offers unmatched game fishing.

Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is a popular technique in Belize, especially for anglers targeting tarpon, permit, and bonefish in the flats. It involves using a rod, reel, and a weighted line with an artificial fly at the end. Fly fishing is a challenging but rewarding experience and has made Belize one of the most sought-after fishing destinations in the Caribbean.

Shore Fishing

With a diverse range of inshore fish, shore fishing is a common practice in Belize. Anglers can cast their lines from riverbanks, estuaries, or island coasts. Shore fishing along the flats in Belize is renowned worldwide, offering opportunities to catch tarpon, permit, and more.

Boat Fishing

Boat fishing, including the use of fishing charters, is a great way to explore the diversity of fisheries in Belize. It provides mobility, allowing anglers to move to different spots if the fish aren't biting. Boats can be used inshore, on the reefs, or for deep-sea fishing.

Spearfishing

Belize is considered one of the best places in the world for spearfishing due to its gin-clear waters. Spearfishing is an exciting way to get up close and personal with the fish and can also help the environment by targeting invasive lionfish.

Traditional Techniques

Local fishing communities in Belize employ various traditional techniques. This includes the use of sailboats, dories (small, non-motorized boats), dugout canoes, and skiffs (motorized boats). These vessels are equipped with different gear, such as nets, lines, and traps, to catch a variety of fish species.

Catch and Release

It is worth noting that Belize has adopted catch-and-release policies for many fish species. This practice ensures the sustainability of the fishery and allows anglers to release their catch back into the water after taking photographs or videos.

Belize offers a unique fishing experience with its diverse range of fish species and stunning natural environments. These techniques provide anglers with a range of options to explore and enjoy the country's rich fishing grounds.

Frequently asked questions