Fishing

Although southern Belize, especially Placencia, is the main sportfishing center in Belize, Ambergris Caye also has good opportunities for flats, reef, and deep-sea fishing. May to September is the best time for catching tarpon off Ambergris Caye; April to October is the best time for bonefish; and March through May is best for permit. Reef fishing for snapper, grouper, barracuda, and other reef fish is more expensive. Inquire about the cost of deep-sea fishing outside the reef for billfish, sailfish, wahoo, and tuna; sportfishing license (catch and release only) is now required for fishing in Belize waters, except for fishing off piers or from shore. You can buy a license online from the Belize Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (www.coastalzonebelize.org) or your fishing guide or hotel may be able to help you get it. El Pescador is the leading fishing lodge on Ambergris Caye and one of the top in Belize.

For fishing that's easier on the pocketbook, you can fish for snapper, barracuda, and other fish from piers and docks on the island. No license is required. Bring your own gear or buy tackle at local hardware stores and ask local anglers about bait. Small sardines work well. For fly-fishing aficionados, there are multiple shops. You can also wade out in the flats near shore on North Ambergris, north of the river channel on the back (west) side, and try your luck with bonefish. Keep an eye out for the occasional crocodile. You'll catch more with a guide and boat, but fishing on your own is inexpensive fun.

Fishing Guides

Fishing San Pedro. A fishing service run by Steve DeMaio, Fishing San Pedro works with a number of guides on the island. Call and describe what you want and he'll arrange a guide and boat for spin or fly fishing. Rates for a half day of flats or reef fishing are around BZ$500 for up to four persons, including boat, guide, and tackle; full-day flats fishing runs around BZ$750 for up to two. A beach barbecue is BZ$100 per boat and tips to guides not included. San Pedro Town, Belize District. 607/9967; 860/966–3902; www.fishingsanpedro.com.

George Bradley. Long-time local guide George Bradley specializes in fly-fishing for bonefish. San Pedro Town, Belize District. 226/2179.

GoFish Belize. Local fishing guide Abbie Marin arranges flats, reef, and deep-sea fishing charters. A full day of fly or spin flats fishing is BZ$850 for one or two persons and beginners are welcome. Boca Del Rio Dr., San Pedro Town, Belize District. 226/3121; 703/646–3474 ; www.gofishbelize.com.

Lori-Ann Murphy. Lori-Ann Murphy is an extremely qualified guide and general resource on fishing in Belize. She also owns the Reel Women Fly Fishing Adventures. San Pedro Town, Belize District. www.loriannmurphy.com.