Warm, clear, Caribbean water teeming with tarpon, permit and bonefish puts this Central American country on every angler’s bucket list. But a dream trip to one of the world’s premier fishing destinations is right next door. So pack your bags, it’s time to go kayak fishing in Belize.
Flights to Belize’s modern airport are inexpensive and easy to book. English is the official language. Accommodations are comfortable and transportation is a breeze.
Belize offers great fishing year-round, but the best action is during the summer off-season with more fish, calm weather and fewer tourists.
The world-famous Belize River Lodge is my home base. The classic fishing lodge is a throwback to the 1950s adventure travel heyday. Fish all day on the flats then return to the lodge and join the rest of the group in the mahogany-trimmed lounge relaxing in wingback chairs and swapping stories about their catch. The old fly tying station is supplied with bits and bobs from 70 years of anglers scheming to outsmart the local fish with fur and feathers.
The lodge hosts a full fleet of brand new fishing kayaks rigged with the latest gear and accessories, they even have guides who specialize in kayak fishing.
Be sure to bring heavy gear for monster tarpon and practice your cast to land a fly in the path of finicky permit and bonefish. Belize is sure to test your skills and your tackle, but this tropical getaway is always easy on your budget.
Plan: Fishing In Belize
Stay
Belize River Lodge
Olde River, Belize
1-888-275-4843
belizeriverlodge.comOutfitters and Guides
Belize River Lodge has a full battalion of experienced guides to put you on the fish. Ask for Young Mike, their kayak fishing expert.
Food
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizers and snacks are included with your stay. The lodge is only a short distance from Belize City, a full-blown tourist mecca.
Kayak Gear
Belize River Lodge offers a fleet of Jackson Kayak Mayfly, Cuda and Kraken kayaks outfitted with Power-Pole Micro anchors, rod holders and other accessories.
Fishing Gear
The lodge provides tackle and sells flies and other gear.
The Scoop In Belize
What’s Biting
Tarpon, bonefish and permit are the big three. Most anglers come for the world-class permit fishing.
After punching your permit tag, target tarpon or chase after schools of bonefish.
Seasons
Belize offers year-round fishing; the best action can be during the summer off-season when the weather is calm, the water is less crowded and the fish are biting.
August is the hottest time of year for bonefish, permit and tarpon. Lodges and airlines often offer their best deals during the summer.
Rigged Up
Bring an 8- to 10wt fly set up for bonefish and permit. Use a 10-foot leader and 10-pound tippet. For tarpon, bring the heaviest gear you can find. Fly choice changes through the season and year to year. Consult with guides before arrival for the hottest tackle and gear.
Kayak
Standup sight fishing is the name of the game, making a stable kayak the best choice on the flats and reef.
On windy days, an anchor system will make it possible to hold position and land the perfect cast. Power-Pole Micro anchor or push pole will stop the kayak at the first sight of a passing bonefish or permit.
Game plan
Each day starts with breakfast at 7:00 a.m. Meet the guides and either run up the mangrove rivers or shoot out to the flats. Fish all day and take a break for lunch. Guides return you to the lodge before 5 p.m. Clean up and meet the rest of the anglers in the lounge for cocktails before dinner at 7 p.m.
This could be you. | Featured Photo: Will Richardson
