The coast of Belize is a complex system of river mouths, creeks, lagoons, flats, small cayes, mangrove islands and a barrier reef. This ecosystem supports millions of crabs, shrimp, baitfish and other aquatic life, hence the abundance of game fish like bonefish, permit, tarpon, and snook. This area is well-known for Grand Slams and even Super Slams. Anglers at Long Cay Outpost Lodge fish two per guide out of fiberglass pangas, which offer versatility for the variety of water fished. Wading is minimal in this part of Belize, however, guests may always ask their guide if wading spots are available. The guides at Belize River Lodge all Belizean, professional and highly skilled. Like the fishing program at Belize River Lodge, guides at Long Caye Outpost Lodge fish long hours. Combined with the lodge’s proximity to fishing grounds, this offers anglers the choice of fishing early in the morning or late into the evening. Anglers can break for lunch at the lodge or bring pre-made sandwiches with them to maximize time on the water. Oftentimes, anglers choose to take a short siesta during the hottest – and sometimes least-productive part of the fishing day – then fish late into the evening.
The Belize coast is known worldwide for its permit fishing flats and here they range from 5- to 30-plus pounds. The best time to fish for permit is usually between the months of April and September when there is less wind, but any day of the year can have good permit weather. Fly fishing for bonefish is a year-round pursuit in Belize, and though Belize’s bonefish tend to be smaller than in other countries, they are plentiful. The bonefish of Long Caye range from 2- to 8-pounds, with the majority being around 3 pounds. Belize has a resident population of large, adult tarpon, however in the spring and summer, migrating tarpon visit these waters, increasing the population. While you can fly fish for large tarpon year-round, the bigger tarpon are primarily found in the months of March through August.
