Tarpon Season In Belize: When To Go

Tarpon season in Belize is all year round, but the best time to go fishing for them is during the late spring and summer months, when tarpon migrate through the Turneffe Atoll. The migratory tarpon season extends from mid-April to October, but the best tarpon months are June, July and August.

Tarpon season in Belize is year-round, but the best months are June, July, and August

Tarpon season in Belize is indeed year-round, but the best months for fishing are June, July, and August.

Belize is a tropical paradise for anglers, with its warm climate and diverse marine life. The country's temperature varies by less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, so there is little seasonal variation. Instead, Belize experiences micro-climate changes, with the occasional cold front in the winter months. This means that fishing is good to excellent all year, with calm days in the summer offering the best conditions.

Tarpon is a migratory species, so their numbers fluctuate throughout the year. The peak season for tarpon fishing in Belize is during the late spring and summer months when the fish migrate through the Turneffe Atoll. This migration usually starts in late spring and continues through late summer. Therefore, fishing for tarpon is best from May to September, with the biggest fish typically caught in August and September.

The best months for tarpon fishing coincide with the rainy season in Belize, which runs from June 1st to November 30th. The rainy season doesn't mean rain every day, as the small monsoon cycles move through the tropical climate quickly. The dry season, from December to May, may be considered better for fly fishing due to minimal weather impact, but there are other factors to consider, such as fishing pressure from other anglers and moon cycles/tides.

While tarpon can be found in Belize all year, the summer months offer the highest chances of landing a large migratory tarpon. The migratory tarpon season in Belize generally extends from mid-April to October, with the biggest fish typically caught in the summer months. These giant fish can weigh anywhere from 60 to 200 pounds, with some reaching over 200 pounds.

Belize is a world-class fishing destination, offering a unique challenge for saltwater fly fishermen. The country's flats, creeks, channels, and lagoons provide excellent hunting grounds for tarpon, bonefish, permit, and occasionally barracuda. The country's English-speaking environment and close proximity to North America also make it a convenient and attractive destination for anglers from around the world.

Tarpon migrate through Belize in the late spring and summer months

Tarpon are a migratory species, and their numbers increase in April and May, when the weather is warming up and the winds are dying down. In April, migratory tarpon begin to arrive, and by May, they can be spotted in the fishery and on the flats feeding.

June, July and August are the best months for tarpon fishing, as there are good numbers of all three species available. The summer temperatures are comfortable, and there is a steady trade wind. This is the best time of year to visit Belize for tarpon fishing, and it is considered the best tarpon season of the year.

In August, the bigger tarpon can be caught, with some weighing in at over 100 pounds. By September, the tarpon are very aggressive, and the largest tarpon flies should be used. In October, the migratory tarpon begin to move south, and the resident tarpon remain.

Belize has a neotropical climate, with temperatures varying by less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. This means that, rather than seasons, Belize experiences micro-climate changes. The weather is generally warm and calm, with the occasional cold front in the winter months.

Tarpon inhabit the creeks, channels, and lagoons of the Atoll

Turneffe Atoll is the largest of only four coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere and is best known for its variety of saltwater fishing. Tarpon inhabit the creeks, channels, and lagoons of the Atoll. The Atoll is home to both resident and migratory tarpon, with the migratory tarpon season extending from mid-April to October.

The creeks, channels, and lagoons of the Atoll provide the perfect habitat for tarpon, with their winding waterways and sheltered areas. These environments offer an abundance of food sources and protection from predators. The mangrove-lined bays and creeks of the interior Atoll are particularly attractive to tarpon, providing a lush and nutrient-rich environment. The tarpon can be found in various sizes, with most jumped tarpon weighing between 60 and 90 pounds. However, some larger individuals can reach weights of over 100 pounds, and on rare occasions, massive tarpon approaching 200 pounds are also present.

The diverse fishery of the Atoll, including healthy populations of bonefish and permit, makes it a top destination for anglers seeking a Grand Slam—catching all three species in one trip. The Atoll's remote location, picturesque white sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs further add to its appeal as a premier fishing destination.

To maximize your chances of encountering tarpon, it is recommended to plan your trip during the migratory tarpon season. Additionally, the use of 11 to 12-weight fly rods with intermediate fly lines is suggested, allowing anglers to target tarpon at various depths. The most popular tarpon flies are typically in the 2-0 to 4-0 size range, and a 16-20 lb. class tippet with a 60-80 pound shock tippet is recommended.

The fishing conditions in the Atoll are also influenced by the micro-climate changes and occasional cold fronts during the winter months. However, with year-round temperatures varying by less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit, there is never a truly bad time to visit Belize for fishing.

Tarpon fishing is a challenge for fly fishermen, but Belize has perfect areas for this type of fishing

Tarpon fishing is considered the ultimate challenge of saltwater fly-fishing. In Belize, the peak tarpon fishing season occurs during the late spring and summer months, particularly from July to September, when tarpon migrate through the Turneffe Atoll. During this time, anglers can expect to encounter numerous tarpon in the 60-90 pound range, with some specimens reaching over 100 pounds.

While tarpon fishing in Belize is a year-round possibility, with resident tarpon always present, the migratory tarpon season typically extends from mid-April to October. This seasonality provides anglers with the opportunity to target these massive fish as they inhabit the creeks, channels, and lagoons of the Atoll.

To successfully land a tarpon, fly fishermen need to be equipped with the right gear. For tarpon fishing in Belize, 11 to 12 weight fly rods are recommended, paired with an intermediate fly line that enables fishing at various depths. When it comes to flies, the 2/0 to 4/0 size range is the most popular, and a 16-20 lb. class tippet with a 60-80 lb. shock tippet is suggested.

Belize's tropical climate, with temperatures varying less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, contributes to its reputation as a world-class fishing destination. The country experiences micro-climate changes rather than distinct seasons, and its winds can vary from calm to light breezes. This unique climate provides a diverse and abundant fishery, ensuring that anglers can pursue tarpon and other species throughout the year.

While tarpon fishing in Belize can be challenging, the country's ideal conditions and year-round fishing opportunities make it a top choice for fly fishermen seeking to test their skills against these formidable opponents. With its peak season from late spring to summer, Belize offers anglers the chance to hook into giant tarpon in a breathtaking tropical setting.

Tarpon can be found in the flats, channels, and river mouths of Belize

Flats

Flats fishing is a more traditional style of sight fishing. Anglers will typically be in a boat with a guide, searching for cruising fish. This style of fishing uses floating lines, with the strategy being to intercept patrolling tarpon and strip quickly. The colour of the fly should match the colour of the bottom of the flats, which could be light-coloured sand or turtle grass.

Channels and River Mouths

Channel and river mouth fishing involves more blind casting. Intermediate lines that sink quickly are preferable in these areas. The large channels in the reefs are prime locations for tarpon, as they feed on smaller fish. River mouths are also good spots to find tarpon, as they feed on prey in these areas. Anglers can target rolling tarpon in the early morning or late evening in these locations.

Equipment

Due to the large size of tarpon, it is important to have the correct equipment. For juvenile tarpon, a seven-weight rod is sufficient. For tarpon in the 50-90 pound range, a ten-weight rod is recommended. For tarpon over 100 pounds, an eleven or twelve-weight rod is needed. A fast-action rod is preferable for migratory tarpon.

For leaders, ten-foot leaders with a 20-pound class tippet and 80-pound shock are recommended. Both floating and intermediate lines should be brought.

Frequently asked questions