Fishing in Belize
 

Where is the best place for flats fishing in Belize. We are in the process of planning our honeymoon. So far I think we are staying at Matachica on Ambergris Caye for 4 nights then headed inland to San Ignacio for a few days and Tikal for a day. Possibly to Antigua in Guatemala. But we also want to go someone to fish for a few days. Any advice? Also if there a absolute place we are missing. Looking for nice beach and with reasonable but nice stay?

How much time do you have and what is your general budget? I can help you better with that information. I think the best flats fishing you'd find is on the atolls - don't know if your time frame and budget will accommodate that.

Pretty sure you'll be happy with the flats fishing off Ambergris. We were there during February and chased bonefish, but tarpon are also available depending on the season. Winds are strong -- I defaulted to spinning gear -- but still great fun. Hired a guide known as Capt. Abel in San Pedro.

Do you prefer fly or spinning gear? Are there specific fish you're targeting or are the flats appealing because you don't want to be in a boat or do you plan on being in a skiff on the flats?

Fishing for tarpon on Caye Caulker was easy from shore and they were big, strong fighters -- used 30# braid on Penn reels and it was *so* much fun. I saw fly fishermen wading in those non-sandy areas and they were picking up bonefish - on the small side and the action wasn't constant but they seemed pleased.

There's a board with regulars and residents who fish a lot at ambergriscaye.com/forum (or google ambergris caye belize message board and it should come up.) When I stayed on Ambergris I didn't fish so it's difficult to compare to what I did in Caye Caulker which was pretty great. I have a report on my trip if you click on my handle or look up Caye Caulker.

On another note -- I think you have too many destinations on your itinerary if you're looking at a 10-12 day trip -- moving around eats into your leisure time, not to mention the time and thought that's wasted on packing up every few days. (Even on a "non-travel" day, I feel it's a bummer and a hassle to start packing the night before.) I'm not sure why Antigua would be a worth a visit on this itinerary. Many people do a Belize mainland/jungle itinerary for 3-4 nights and then fly or ferry to Ambergris or Caye Caulker for 4-5 nights to finish up with a relaxing beach and water vacation. Good luck and tight lines!

hopefulist-We have been waiting on a this trip so budget is't so much a concern. We have 14 days, but don't have to use them all.

Fra- thanks! I hope so!

fishee- we have fly, but prefer spinning. Want to catch bonefish and permit. Thanks for the advice on moving around. We just want to see everything :) But I will looking into what you posted! Thanks!

Check these out:
www.turnefferesort.com
www.tflats.com

My husband has caught both on Glover's Atoll but the place we stay is very rustic (no running water or electricity); the places on Turneffe Atoll are way more than we're willing to spend but get fabulous reviews from fisherman. My husband is strictly a fly fisherman so I can't advise at all on spin fishing.

I hope you'll let us know how it goes! Happy trails!

A man staying in my condo building on Ambergris, took his fishing pole to a neighboring dock, and landed a permit.

He didn't even know what it was......

: ) LOL - that's awesome.... we use live bait for tarpon and permit so bring sabiki rigs with you.... and maybe an aerator. Big spoons would probably work too if you want to keep whipping.