What To Know When Trying Fly-Fishing In Belize

by Dion Vansen

Anglers from different parts of the world visit Belize, especially San Pedro on Ambergris Caye to do one of the most popular catch and release fishing activities-flyfishing. If you do not have any experience in this popular sport, but want to give it a try, then you are in the right place. San Pedro has some of the best fly fishing areas and instructors. Here you can start your fly fishing lifetime career. Here is what you need to know.

Your Basic Equipment


At one of the many tour companies in San Pedro, with some of the greatest as GoFish, Tres  Pescados Fly Shop, or El Pescador Lodge, they will advise you on any necessary fly fishing equipment. These include a good fishing rod and flies, typically provided by your tour company/fishing lodge. Local instructors in San Pedro will tell you that while out there on the flats, simply enjoy the experience and become one with nature. Because you’re out in the elements, you’ll need to provide your own protective gear: long-sleeved rashguards, long pants (usually), and a fishing buff. All in all, this experience will be once in a lifetime that will hone your conservationist side.

Chasing A Grand Slam

Chasing tail in Belize. Image via Tres Pescados Fly Shop

The three species of fish involved in this sport of fly fishing are the Tarpon, Bonefish, and Permit, which are all protected species that call the flats on the west coast of Ambergris Caye their home. These species are protected in Belize as catch-and-release-only and contribute to the lucrative fly-fishing industry of the country.

How To Cast Your Fly

The tip is to think like a fish. These fish tend to hang out in calmer stretches of water where they can catch bugs drifting by. Therefore, mimicked ‘flies’ are used in fly fishing to look like the real thing. Your guide will tell you that if you spot feeding fish, that’s a good place to try and land your fly. Another good tip knows to be successful is to watch your shadow while fishing.

fly fishing

Of importance to note is that you will need to spend a few trips before getting very familiar with your gear and learning how to cast properly. You will also learn how to find the right spots, so when you return for your next fly fishing adventure, you will have a chance of landing a grand slam. That is catching a Permit, Tarpon, and Bonefish on the same day.

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