Thinking of planning a fishing vacation? Why not come to Belize. With the Belize Barrier reef stretching across the coast of Belize, it is a fantastic destination for sports fishing. Up for deep sea fishing, inner reef fishing, spearfishing, or fly fishing….. you name it, it is all possible with great fishing all year round.
Wondering when to plan your fishing vacation in Belize?
Despite having fishing year-round, particular times of the year you have better luck of catching certain species. Take a look at the fishing calendar for the different species of fish.
Blue Marlin and White Marlin
- Best Months are November – June
- Rare Months are August – September
Sail Fish
- Spring is the best time to catch Sail Fish Excellent Months are April – May
- Best months being January – March and June
- Rare Months are August – September
King Mackerel
- You can catch King mackerel year round but the best months are between April – June
- Rare Months are September – January
Amberjack
- The Best Months are September – March
- Rare Months are May – July
Grouper
- The Best Months are December – January and April
- Excellent Months are February – March
Wahoo
- Winter is best time to catch Wahoo
- Excellent Months are November – March
- Best Months are January – April – October
Photos Courtesy: Belize Game Fish Association
Mahi Mahi, also known as Dolphin
- Excellent Months are June – July
- Best Months January – April – May then August to October
Permit
- Best Months are June – November
- Excellent Months are March-May
Tarpon
- You can catch Tarpon year round but the best months are between May – June and September
- Excellent Months are July and August
- Rare Months are December – February
Atlantic Snook
- Rare Months are July – August
- Excellent Months are December – February
- Best Months are March and November
The fish that are relatively great all year round include the Great Barracuda, Snappers, Tuna, Bonefish, and Jack Crevalle
Before coming on your fishing vacation, please touch base with your guide to share with you the requirements for fishing in Belize. Many fishing charters include fishing licenses as part of the package. If they don’t, you will need to purchase one from Belize’s Coastal Zone Management Authority (CZMA). Additionally, please be aware of the country’s catch and release policy for particular species.
Written by Louise Roe
