Top Fishing Spots in Belize

April 18, 2023
by belizehubstaff +

Whether your heart hankers for deep sea fishing in the blue waters of the Caribbean or you’d rather be angling from riverbanks near lush rain forest, Belize offers opportunities for you to indulge your passion. This Central American nation is known for its marine life. In order to safeguard its pristine ecosystem, the government has set aside almost half the country as either nature preserve or parkland. In fact, for several species of gamefish, Belize is the only Caribbean country to offer protection.

Thanks to the diligence of its government, Belize therefore offers fishermen good-sized populations of gamefish as well as a pollution-free, beautiful environment.

The coastlines and cayes of Belize offer some of the best saltwater fishing on the planet. Some of the species that inhabit these coastal waters include snook, snapper, barracuda, many types of sharks, jacks, pelagic, bonefish, permit and tarpon.

If you prefer river fishing, you can try for a local favorite, the cubera snapper. Also known as the “river rhino”, it’s a feisty large fish that has been known to break fishing lines. Belize has many rivers that will allow you to try fly-fishing from their banks, and in addition to different types of snappers you can catch bonefish, permit fish and tarpon this way.

Here is our selection of the best fishing spots for visitors to Belize.

Ambergris Caye

With its town of San Pedro made famous by Madonna’s song, Ambergris Caye is Belize’s most popular tourist destination. This may discourage some avid fishermen from coming here, as its crystal clear waters have gained a reputation as being over-fished, and the island itself can be full of day-trippers from cruise ships, making it somewhat crowded.

However, there are many reasons to deal with the crowds.

First of all, Ambergris Caye is home to the largest tarpon flats outside of Florida. While the large specimens, weighing up to 200 pounds, can be fished exclusively in the late spring and early summer, the resident tarpon can be caught year-round.

Other fish in the area include snook, permit fish, and jacks, as well as the prized bonefish.

In addition to the fishing, Ambergris Caye has a vibrant night life, wonderful restaurants and shops, and beautiful beaches. Its proximity to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Belizean Barrier Reef means it’s a prime spot for scuba divers and snorkelers as well as for fishermen.

It is also quite close to Belize City, making it an easy destination to get to.

Therefore, if you’re hankering for an active vacation that includes a variety of activities in addition to fishing, this might be the perfect spot for you. Just be prepared to hire a good local guide, as many locations may be over-fished. A local expert will help make sure your trip is productive and enjoyable.

Turneffe Atoll

In sharp contrast to Ambergris Caye, the Turneffe Atoll provides you with privacy. It is the largest atoll in the Western hemisphere and one of the most pristine and protected spots in the region. Here you will find bonefish in its miles of oceanside flats. There are also large schools of permit fish throughout the spring and summer. The ease of wading out to prime fishing spots makes this a great place for anglers.

Declared a marine reserve in 2012, Turneffe Atoll provides nursery habitats for many species of fish as well as lobster, conch, and crocodiles. In addition to fish, you might see sea turtles, manatees or dolphins during your time here, making this a wonderful location for those seeking a more natural and placid adventure.

Hopkins and Placencia

The permit fish may be one of the most prized shallow-water gamefishes in the world. For anglers who wish to catch this elusive fish, the flats and waters off of Hopkins and Placencia are the place to go. Here you’ll find not only world-class permit fishing but also famous saltwater fishing guides that can help make your trip a success. Note that even with a great guide, permit fishing requires patience and persistence.

In addition to superb fishing, the Placencia Peninsula has some of the best beaches in Belize. While it is much less touristy than Ambergris Caye, you’ll still find many great bars, restaurants, and cafes in this area, particularly in Placencia Village, which is a charming tourist destination.

Punta Gorda

Permit fishing is also the focus in this Southern Belizean destination. Off the beaten track, it’s a great place for those who prefer a more secluded experience. Here you may see larger permit fish than any other place in Central America, with large schools of fish weighing up to 15 pounds.

In addition to the permit fish, the rivers in the region offer snook, jacks, and tarpon, and the outer reefs are rich with bonefish.
While mainly a fishing town, Punta Gorda does offer nearby dive sites where you can see turtles and whale sharks. The nearby Payne’s Creek National Park offers coastal wetlands and opportunities for bird watchers.

Monkey River Town

A popular destination for anglers, you’ll find the mouth of the Monkey River to be a great spot to catch bonefish, permit fish, and tarpon. If you are willing to travel deeper inland to the Punta Ycacos Lagoon, you’ll find schools of barracuda and jacks as well.

In addition to being a great place to fish, Monkey River town is an interesting tourist destination as it is one of the few purely Creole settlements in the country. Here you can enjoy a meal cooked over a fire hearth in the traditional style. You might also see howler monkeys, as well as other wildlife while fishing on the river.

As you can see, Belize is a fisherman’s paradise, with many exciting destinations where great fishing can be found. Thanks to the country’s commitment to preserving its natural environment, the country features healthy populations of popular gamefish as well as a pristine ecosystem for you to enjoy.

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Depending on what part of Belize you visit, you can enjoy an active nightlife after a day spent fishing, or seek out solitude and tranquility if that is your preference.

Things to remember when you fish in Belize:

All sport fishing is catch and release, except for lionfish, which is an invasive species that you are encouraged to kill.
In protected areas such as marine preserves, you are not allowed to use nets, traps, or longlines.
You are not allowed to disturb sea turtles, sea cucumber, or Nassau groupers.

Due to the importance of following these rules, it makes even more sense to hire a guide who can help make sure you don’t inadvertently break one. You’ll find that not only are Belizean guides knowledgeable about the best fishing spots, they also speak English, making it easy to communicate.