What better way to spend your holiday in Belize than fishing? Belize is the perfect destination where you can find many options for sport fishing all year round. Whether fishing from shore, deep sea, or on the flats, you are guaranteed a great time.
No matter what time of the year you choose to visit Belize, there are always fish around. The weather and moon cycle influence fishing and are also monitored by the guides to promise a successful getaway. The fishing day usually begins with a good breakfast in front of the beach and ends at sunset, although times are adjusted depending on the tides, weather, and other factors.
It’s important to know that locals believe strongly in “catch and release”. This means the act of catching the fish and immediately releasing the fish into the water in the same state that the fish was landed, to protect the fishery.
Belize is proud to be a country that protects bonefish, tarpon, and permit — all are catch and release species. According to the legislation: No person or establishment shall have in possession any Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon or any product form, save and except in the act of catch and release. However, you can always book a fishing trip in unrestricted areas where you can catch and keep other species.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE BOOKING YOUR FISHING TRIP
Many local 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).
In 2010 Belize became one of the first countries in the world to institute a ban on bottom trawling, a destructive commercial fishing technique that involves dragging nets along the bottom of the seafloor.
The only thing you need is a guide along with the perfect equipment and you’ll be good to go.
IF YOU WANT TO GO “PRO”
Check our Annual Fishing Tournaments:
- Yamaha Saltwater Fishing Tournament – September 21 – 22, Placencia, Stann Creek District
- Blue Water Classic, Belize Game Fish Association Tournament- October 12 – 13, St. George’s Caye
FISHING HOTSPOTS
While fishing is good across the country, there are a few prime locations.
AMBERGRIS CAYE AND CAYE CAULKER
• GETTING THERE
You can take a ferry that runs from Belize City almost every hour. The trip lasts between 70 – 90 minutes and tickets cost roughly $18 USD to $28 USD one-way. There are also regular 20-minute flights to San Pedro Airport from the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport or Municipal Airport in Belize City on Maya Island Air.
• CHARTER A FISHING BOAT
Spend the day out at sea on a chartered boat. Deep-Sea Fishing, the price usually ranges starts at $625 USD for a half-day trip, extending to $925 USD for a full-day trip. Book a Fly Fishing trip, the price range from $350 USD for a half-day to $525 USD for a full day.
BELIZE CITY
• GETTING THERE:
Many resorts and charter boats offer a pickup service from Belize City, often at an extra cost.
• CHARTER A FISHING BOAT:
Most charter operators from Belize City offer different all-inclusive day trips, Flats or River Fishing start at $550 USD if you prefer Reef Fishing a half-day trip starts at $750 USD.
PLACENCIA, HOPKINS AND PUNTA GORDA
• GETTING THERE:
Driving down South to Placencia or Hopkins takes approximately two and a half to three hours from Belize City, either by car or bus. Another option would be to take a 40 minutes flight from the International Airport in Belize City on Maya Island Air.
• CHARTER A FISHING BOAT:
Inshore and reef fishing trips range from $350 USD for a half-day to $450 USD for a full day. For a Fly Fishing trip the price range from $350 USD for a half-day to $525 USD for a full day.
