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Fly Fishing In Belize  Path: Home > Fly Fishing - Destinations > Belize Fishing - Belize Destinations Fly Fishing In Belize - For decades the Turneffe Atoll has been known as a premier flats fishing destination. Our expansive ocean side flats offer miles of wadeable flats, while the bars and flats inside Turneffe's lagoons are best fished from our custom-built Dolphin Superskiffs. The Turneffe Atoll is the largest coral atoll in the Western Hemisphere, and is best-known for its variety of saltwater fishing. The availability of bonefish, permit and tarpon make Turneffe Flats one of the rare spots in the world offering a legitimate shot at a GRAND SLAM. Additionally, Turneffe offers the opportunity to fish for a wide variety of other saltwater species. Bonefishing Bonefishing at Turneffe Flats offers something for anglers of all levels of experience. Novice saltwater anglers can expect to see hundreds of bonefish providing a great opportunity to learn the basics of flats fishing. Experienced saltwater anglers find plenty of challenging fishing, particularly fishing to smaller schools and larger singles. Our ocean side flats, only 5 to 15 minutes from the lodge, are some of the most picturesque flats anywhere. While wading the flats at Turneffe you will cast to large schools of bonefish averaging 3-4 pounds, with some larger fish up to 12 pounds. The ocean side flats also offer the opportunity to pursue small schools, singles and doubles. This fishing requires casting accuracy and provides the added challenge many seasoned saltwater anglers relish. Bonefish are present in equal numbers throughout the year and they are on the flats most of the time. This differentiates Turneffe's bonefish from those in other areas, such as the Florida Keys, where bonefish only enter the flats in search of a meal. These are very lush flats full of crabs, shrimp and other bonefish foods. As a result, these fish can become selective. This can make for challenging fishing and the right tackle, flies, presentation and fishing techniques are all important. Bonefish also inhabit the mangrove-lined lagoons and flats on the interior of the Atoll. These bonefish are generally larger and take flies more readily than the ocean side fish; although they tend to be on the move, making casting accuracy more crucial. Fishing for these fish is mostly done from the bow of our 16' Dolphin Superskiffs. There is a wadeable flat immediately in front of the lodge, allowing you extra fishing in the early morning or evening. Permit Fishing As more saltwater anglers have come to enjoy the challenge of permit fishing, Belize has been recognized as one of a few locations to experience the excitement of casting to tailing permit on the flats. The Turneffe Atoll has an exceptional population of permit and increasing numbers of anglers are visiting us to sight-fish to permit. Most permit are found in singles or in small groups on the flats and bars throughout the Turneffe Atoll, although we also frequently see larger schools of permit tailing in shallow water. Most of our permit fishing is done from a poled skiff but we also see permit (often with their backs out of the water) on our wadeable ocean-side flats. You can expect plenty of shots at 10 to 20 lb. permit with some fish in the 30 to 40 lb. class. Permit fishing at Turneffe may afford you more shots than other destinations, but they are always challenging! Tarpon Fishing Tarpon inhabit the creeks, channels and lagoons of the Atoll. Most tarpon jumped are 60-90 pounds, with some fish in the 100-150 pound range and occasional monsters approaching 200 pounds. Tarpon fishing is quite seasonal as tarpon are migratory. Tarpon numbers begin to increase in April or May and drop off in September or October with peak tarpon months being June, July, and August. There are a few 'resident' tarpon around Turneffe throughout the year. Other Species The interior of the Turneffe Atoll offers miles of mangrove-lined bays, creeks and lagoons to fish for various snappers, jacks and barracuda with poppers or Clouser minnows. This can be some very exciting saltwater fishing with either a fly rod or spinning gear. Barracuda are an underrated and acrobatic game fish inhabiting the reefs at Turneffe in large numbers. Some anglers prefer to troll a fly for them, but they can also be taken by sight casting on the flats or by casting poppers into the deeper holes along the reef. Along the reef, wading anglers can take snappers and jacks by casting deceiver patterns or poppers into the surf. Spending some time during your stay at Turneffe "chasing" other species is always fun and usually rewarding. Fishing Skiffs We fish from 16' Dolphin Superskiffs custom built in the U.S. These are comfortable skiffs with a large casting deck and rod holders. All skiffs are equipped with VHF radios and safety gear. Daily Fishing Schedule Our fishing schedule is as flexible as possible. A standard day's fishing is about 8 hours. Generally the fishing day begins after breakfast and ends around 5:00 P.M. although it is adjusted depending on the tides and other factors. Each day you will have the option to take a delicious packed lunch or return to the lodge for the noon meal. Our Managers will coordinate your fishing each evening for the following day. Early morning fishing, particularly for tarpon, can be exceptional, and arrangements to go tarpon fishing before breakfast are easily made. Main Lodge The social center for Turneffe Flats is our air-conditioned 'Lodge '. A pre-dinner gathering for hors d'oeuvres and refreshments is customary, and our screened verandah is a wonderful place to enjoy the tropical evening with new and old friends. Guest Rooms Our spacious, air-conditioned guest rooms are all located on the beach with panoramic views of Turneffe's coral reef. All rooms are furnished with a queen size bed and an extra-long single bed. Each room has a large private bath with two sinks and a shower. Diving The offshore atolls of Belize are consistently rated amongst the world’s ‘best dive destinations’. With pristine coral reefs, abundant marine life and warm Caribbean seas, it’s easy to see why. Turneffe Flats is ideally located to take advantage of Belize’s best diving, and three dives per day plus a weekly night dive are standard. Our dive vacations also include a day trip to Lighthouse Reef to dive the famous Blue Hole, Half Moon Wall and Long Caye. Small dive groups are our norm (4 to 8 divers) with our excellent Instructors and Dive Masters emphasizing personalized service and maximum flexibility. PADI & SDI Instruction are available on-site and we offer a range of courses including Discover Scuba Diving, Open Water Referral and Advanced Diver Certification. |
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Destination Belize Turneffe Flats Gallery
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