Belize Fishing 2024
The favorite pastime for tourists and locals alike
Best time: all year round (best May–September)
One of the world's top fishing destinations, Belize is a dream for any angler due to a variety of game fish, from grand slams to billfish and tuna. Many species weigh up to 60-100 lb (25-50 kg). The most popular fishing ports are San Pedro, Placencia, Hopkins, and Belize City, with dozens of fishing charters available for a one-day or multi-day fishing adventure.
Thanks to the tropical climate, fishing in Belize is available year round. However, the best period to try your luck with a fishing rod is from May through September. During these months, Belize's main game fish species—bonefish, permit, and tarpon—are especially abundant. While bonefish season in Belize generally runs from from April through October, tarpon numbers increase in May and decrease in October.
Deep sea fishing in Belize
Belize's Barrier Reef—rich with snapper, barracuda, black grouper, marlin, mahi-mahi, permit, grand slam, and tuna—is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list and is one of the best deep-sea fishing destinations on the planet. Southern Belize ports of Placencia and Hopkins specialize in taking visitors to offshore fishing grounds.
Glover’s Reef is one of the most popular fishing spots, located less than one hour from Hopkins and Placencia. The reef boasts a small sharks population, as well as marlins, wahoo, and tuna. Plenty of smaller fish and medium-sized fish can be caught there too, like mackerel and bonito.
Flats fly fishing in Belize
Belize is famous for its flats fishing that attracts many angling enthusiasts from all over the world. Ambergris Caye boasts over 400 mi (643 km) of flats rich with barracuda, permit, bonefish, and tarpon. Some of the most popular spots include Mosquito, Savannah and Long Caye. It takes about 15 minutes to get to the flats from the port of San Pedro.
Fishing license in Belize
You need to purchase a license from the Coastal Zone Management Authority (CZMA) to go fishing in Belize. Fishing charters usually provide licenses on the spot. Many fishing techniques that are not environmentally friendly are banned in Belize so make sure to learn about local fishing regulations before your trip.
