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.
Practical info
When is the best time to go fishing in Belize?
Fishing in Belize is possible throughout the year, yet May through September is the optimal time. These months witness an abundance of bonefish, tarpon, and permit - Belize's primary game fish species. Seasonally, bonefish breeding improves from April to October, and tarpon increases from May and decreases in October.
What type of fish can be caught in Belize?
Belize's Barrier Reef is amongst the supreme deep-sea fishing destinations in the world with various fish species available like tuna, barracuda, snapper, permit, marlin, mahi-mahi, black grouper, and more. Barracuda, permit, tarpon, and bonefish are frequently found in Ambergris Caye, Mosquito, Savannah, and Long Caye.
Where are the most popular fishing ports in Belize?
Some popular ports for fishing charters in Belize include Belize City, Placencia, Hopkins, and San Pedro. Placencia and Hopkins located down south offer deep-sea fishing trips for visitors. Glover’s Reef, which is just under one hour away from Placencia and Hopkins, is a famous fishing site.
How do I obtain a fishing license in Belize?
To fish legally in Belize, an individual requires a license that can be obtained from the Coastal Zone Management Authority (CZMA). Fishing charters usually supply licenses instantly. Before embarking on your trip, make sure to educate yourself on the local fishing regulations, as many ecologically harmful fishing practices are banned in Belize.
What are some of the fishing regulations in Belize?
To safeguard its natural resources, Belize has specific fishing regulations in place. These regulations stipulate which sizes of fish can be caught, seasonal catch controls for lobster, and restrictions on fishing techniques. It is illegal to fish from shore, carry out spearfishing, fish netting, or use explosives. Additionally, fishing licenses are a must for all anglers.
