Any angler worth his or her saltwater fly rod already knows that Belize is a world-class fishing destination. Fly-fishing on the flats for permit, tarpon, and bonefish is the main draw, and the fish are excellent all up and down the coast and on the saltwater flats the length of the barrier reef. Bonefish- and permit-fishing is good year-round, while tarpon are best sought from April to November, with July and August being the best months. The southern zone around Punta Gorda and Placencia is prime fishing grounds for permit, while the coastal mangroves and rivers are excellent spots to land lively snook.
Just beyond the barrier reef, anglers can land snapper, barracuda, jack, and grouper, while those who head further out can stalk sailfish and marlin.
Action Belize (tel. 888/383-6319 in the U.S., or 223-2987 in Belize; www.actionbelize.com) is a Belize City-based operation offering a vast array of package and custom tour options. They are especially good with fishing itineraries, and even have their own boats and captains. A 7-day/6-night trip with 4 full days of fishing costs US$1,359 (£720) per person, double occupancy. A full day of fishing starts at US$150 (£80) per person for cruise-ship passengers and independent travelers.
Fishing Lodges
El Pescador (Ambergris Caye; tel. 800/242-2017 in the U.S. and Canada, or 226-2398; www.elpescador.com) is a luxury lodge on the northern end of Ambergris Caye, specializing in fishing packages. They have excellent guides and boats.
Turneffe Flats (Turneffe Island Atoll; tel. 888/512-8812 in the U.S.; www.tflats.com) is a beautiful fishing lodge with a privileged position right on the ring of the Turneffe Island Atoll and its extensive mid-ocean lagoon and open-water flats.
