Belize's Best Spearfishing Catches

Belize is a haven for spearfishers, with its crystal clear waters and over 450 offshore islands, known as cayes. The calm, shallow waters of its barrier reefs are home to an impressive variety of fish species, including Snappers, Hogfish, Groupers, and Barracuda. Ambergris Caye, San Pedro, Dangriga, Hopkins, and Placencia offer ample opportunities for spearfishing charters. While Lionfish, an invasive species, is a common target due to its impact on local fisheries, it is also delicious. With professional guides ensuring your safety, you can explore the underwater world of Belize and indulge in some tasty treats from your spearfishing adventures.

Where to go spearfishing in Belize

Belize is a great place for spearfishing, with its crystal clear waters and over 450 offshore islands, known as "cayes". There are plenty of barrier reefs to explore just off the coast of Belize, with calm and shallow waters that are home to a wide variety of fish species. Here are some of the best places to go spearfishing in Belize:

Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is one of the largest islands in Belize and is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters. It is a great place to start your spearfishing adventure. You can explore the offshore reefs in the heart of the Caribbean Sea and try your hand at catching cobia, grouper, jack, and snapper.

San Pedro

San Pedro is a popular tourist destination and a great base for spearfishing charters. Skip the beaches and head out on a charter to tackle some of the same species as Ambergris Caye, including cobia, grouper, jack, and snapper.

Dangriga, Hopkins, and Placencia

The waters near Dangriga, Hopkins, and Placencia are teeming with delicious fish, including mackerel. You can also find underground metropolises overflowing with exciting fish species such as snapper, grouper, and cobia.

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is home to The Spearfishing Shack, a popular spearfishing tour company. They offer private tours and teach you about marine life and how to prevent overfishing. Their tours include a lesson on how to use the spear gun and information about the local fish and hunting techniques.

Southern Barrier Reef

The southern barrier reef is a great place to find a variety of fish. You can explore the underground metropolises and try to catch snapper, mackerel, grouper, and cobia.

Remember to be cautious of lionfish, an invasive species in Belize, and always follow the guidance of your professional guide to stay safe.

What fish to spear

Belize is a haven for spearfishers, with its crystal clear waters and over 450 offshore islands, known as "cayes". The calm, shallow waters are home to an impressive variety of fish, including Snappers, Hogfish, Groupers, and Barracuda. Here are some tips on what fish to spear during your spearfishing trip in Belize:

Snappers

Snappers are a common sight in the waters of Belize and make for an excellent target during your spearfishing trip. With their stunning appearance and tasty meat, they are a sought-after catch. You can find them in abundance in the southern barrier reef, particularly in areas like Hopkins, Placencia, and Dangriga.

Hogfish

Hogfish are another dazzling species that you'll encounter in Belize's waters. They are known for their unique appearance and are considered a delicacy by many. Like snappers, hogfish are often found in the southern barrier reef and can be targeted during your spearfishing charter.

Groupers

Groupers are a favourite among spearfishers due to their impressive size and taste. They can be found in both the northern and southern regions of Belize's coast. Groupers are a common target for spearfishers exploring the reefs around Ambergris Caye and San Pedro.

Barracuda

If you're looking for a fast and challenging target, barracuda should be on your list. These rapid swimmers are a thrilling catch for experienced spearfishers. You can find them in various locations along the Belize coast, including Ambergris Caye.

Lionfish

Spearfishing for lionfish in Belize is not just about the sport but also conservation. Lionfish are an invasive species in Belize, with a single female capable of laying up to 2 million eggs, destroying local fisheries. Spearfishing for lionfish helps control their population while also providing a delicious meal.

Mackerel

Mackerel is another tasty treat you can target during your spearfishing trip in Belize. They are commonly found in the southern part of the coast, particularly in the waters near Dangriga, Hopkins, and Placencia.

Remember to always follow local regulations, respect size limits, and practice sustainable fishing practices to preserve the marine ecosystem. Happy spearfishing in Belize!

Spearfishing safety

Spearfishing is a dangerous sport, so it's important to take safety precautions. Here are some tips to help keep you safe while spearfishing in Belize:

• Inform a trusted person of your dive plans, including where you're going, how deep you'll be diving, when you plan to return, and who you're going with. This ensures that if you don't return as expected, they can inform search and recovery teams.
• Always dive with a buddy. This is crucial, as spearfishing entails a range of hazards. A buddy can help you navigate unforeseen situations.
• Understand the quick-release mechanism on your weight belt and be prepared to use it in an emergency.
• Treat your speargun as a loaded firearm. Do not point it at anyone, even inadvertently. Keep it unloaded when not in use, even on a boat.
• Ensure positive identification of your target before pulling the trigger. Know what is behind your target as well to avoid hitting something unintentionally.
• Take a freediving class to understand freediving principles and rescue techniques.
• Learn CPR and first aid to be prepared for emergencies.
• Understand the underwater landscape of your chosen dive site, including areas with restricted water flow that may have strong currents, such as near reefs, pinnacles, walls, drop-offs, islands, and points.
• Study tide tables and be aware of stronger currents during periods of higher tidal slope. Slack tides are best for spearfishing.
• Stay hydrated to support proper equalization and overall well-being during dives.
• Use a float with a flag and a floatline to enhance your visibility to nearby boaters.
• Be aware of marine life beyond sharks, such as seals, barracuda, and large groupers, which can impact your experience by stealing your fish. Also, watch out for urchins, jellyfish, lionfish, and fire coral.
• Avoid diving with a cold or sickness, as this can cause problems when equalizing and may damage your eardrum.
• Equalize your ears regularly and before you feel any pain.
• Don't push beyond your limits. Listen to your body, and if something doesn't feel right, abort the dive.
• If you experience signs of hypoxia or shallow water blackout (SWB), do not continue diving. Return to shore and rest.

Additionally, always follow instructions and guidance provided by your spearfishing charter company and professional guides. They will help ensure your safety and provide you with the necessary equipment.

Spearfishing tours and charters

Belize is home to crystal clear waters and over 450 offshore islands, known as "cayes", providing endless opportunities for exploration and spearfishing. The country boasts many barrier reefs just off its tropical coast, with calm and shallow waters that are teeming with a diverse range of marine life.

For those seeking an adventurous spearfishing experience, there are numerous charters available along the Belizean coast. One popular destination is Ambergris Caye, where you can explore the heart of the Caribbean Sea and target a variety of fish species such as cobia, grouper, jack, and snapper. If you're looking for a more relaxed beach experience, skip the beaches of San Pedro and join a charter to tackle the same exciting species.

The southern part of Belize's coast also offers abundant spearfishing opportunities. From Hopkins, Placencia, and Dangriga, you can access the southern barrier reef, which is known for its plentiful and delicious fish, including mackerel, grouper, and cobia.

When spearfishing in Belize, it's important to be aware of the invasive lionfish species, which has become dominant in the region. A single female lionfish can lay up to 2 million eggs, causing significant damage to local fisheries. However, these fish are also delicious, so a key part of spearfishing in Belize is helping to control their numbers.

In addition to lionfish, it's important to remain vigilant for nurse sharks and stingrays. Professional guides will ensure your safety and advise you when to exit the water.

Belizean fishing charters typically provide spearfishing gear, but it's important to confirm with your captain beforehand and be aware of any surcharges. Most charters provide lunch for full-day trips and drinks and snacks for shorter excursions. So, if you're looking for an exciting and rewarding spearfishing experience, Belize is the perfect destination, offering both breathtaking underwater sights and the thrill of the hunt.

Spearfishing seasonality

Belize is a popular destination for spearfishing, with its crystal clear waters, over 450 offshore islands, and a wide variety of fish species. The best time to go spearfishing in Belize is during the dry season, from November to April, when the water is clear and visibility is excellent.

Summer Months

During the summer, divers often head to the atolls off the coast of Belize, such as Lighthouse Reef and Turneffe Islands, in search of big game fish. These areas offer clear waters and the opportunity to spot sharks, barracudas, and other large fish.

Winter Months

In the winter, the Barrier Reef is a popular destination for divers due to its calmer waters and better visibility. This is also the time of year when whale sharks are often spotted in the waters off Belize.

Lobster Season

If you're interested in spearfishing for lobster, it's important to note that the closed season for Spiny Lobster in Belize is from March 1st to June 30th. Lobsters can be found in shallow water near the shore, but they are more commonly found in deeper water offshore, so a boat or the ability to dive down to depths of 30 feet or more is necessary.

Lionfish

Lionfish are an invasive species in Belize and are a popular target for spearfishing as they are tasty and help to keep their numbers in check. They can be found in most parts of Belize, and a single female can lay up to 2 million eggs, destroying up to 80% of a local fishery within 5 weeks.

Other Species

Some of the best fish to target for spearfishing in Belize include snapper, grouper, barracuda, jackfish, tuna, and mahi-mahi. Snapper and grouper are commonly found in reefs and near drop-offs, while barracuda are fast and agile, making them a thrilling catch for experienced spearfishers.

Regulations

It's important to be aware of spearfishing regulations in Belize to ensure the safety of fishermen and the conservation of the fish population. All spearfishing must take place within the boundaries of a marine reserve, and fishermen are limited to taking two fish per day, with a minimum length of fifteen inches. Additionally, tanks are not allowed, and it is illegal to spearfish within 200 feet of a swimming beach.

Frequently asked questions