Fly fishing the flats is what made Belize a popular international fishing destination decades ago, but it is far from the only game in town. For anglers who prefer spinning tackle over fly tackle, rest assured Belize has a lot more to offer than just fly fishing. With over 400 islands, countless lagoons and river mouths, and the world’s second longest barrier reef the light tackle fishing in Belize is spectacular. The inshore and reef fishing in Belize allows you to fish the reef for jacks, barracuda, and mackerel, the lagoons for tarpon and snook, or go bottom fishing outside the reef for snapper and grouper. Browse our sample packages below and then let us customize your Belize fishing vacation.

Reef Fishing in Belize

Belize is Central America’s smallest country, but being home to three of the four atolls in the Western Hemisphere, over 400 cayes, and the second longest barrier reef in the entire world there are fantastic opportunities for light tackle inshore fishing. Whether you are chasing tarpon on the flats and lagoons or trying to catch dinner along the Mesoamerican Reef, the inshore and reef fishing in Belize offers incredible variety of species as well as huge numbers of fish.

Outer Reef Fishing in Belize

Belize is not considered a billfishing destination like it’s neighbors Costa Rica and Guatemala, but it does still see it’s share of offshore trophy fish. The waters inside the reef are typically less than 100 ft deep, but once you get outside the reef it can quickly drop to a couple thousand feet deep in a matter of miles. Most offshore anglers in Belize head outside offshore in search of wahoo and dorado (mahi-mahi), but they can also find schools of feeding blackfin and yellowfin tuna if they get lucky.  Although it’s not an everyday occurrence, offshore anglers can strike gold and nab a blue marlin or Atlantic sailfish. Whether you are trolling offshore, casting surface plugs and swimbaits towards the reef, or bottom fishing there are plenty of action outside the reef, including some potential monster fish.

Inner Reef Fishing in Belize

If you prefer light tackle fishing, the calm protected waters inside the reef offer fantastic variety. The reef is 19 miles from the coast at it’s farthest point in Southern Belize, but less than a mile at it’s closest point in Northern Belize so the reef is always easy to access. Light tackle fishing inside of the reef will have you do battle with several species of snappers and jacks, kingfish, and big barracuda. This can be done with poppers or swimbaits, drifting live sardines, chunk baiting, or vertical jigging. Some of the best bait here is fresh conch meat your guide finds for you right on the reef! Inner reef fishing is ideal for anglers who want to fish on light tackle, like a variety of fish, and who are looking to catch themselves a fresh seafood dinner!

Snorkeling & Fishing Combos

Reef fishing in Belize adds another element of fun in that you don’t have to strictly fish all day, we can easily set up fishing & snorkeling combo trips. The great Mesoamerican Reef is a living, breathing UNESCO World Heritage site plus Belize features several marine national parks, so it would be a shame to not experience these on your fishing vacation. Whether you want to jump in for a bit to cool off or want to snorkel as much as you fish, our charters are 100% private so you can use the boat as you please. We have the option to fish for a few hours, pull in to one of our white sand cayes and do a beach BBQ, then spend the afternoon snorkeling. In addition to snorkeling, when in season you may also be able to dive for lobsters and catch your own dinner. Our snorkeling and fishing combos are great for families!

When is the Best Fishing in Belize?

Thanks to all the different places we can fish inside and outside the reef, our Belize fishing packages are always in season. Some species in Belize are migratory while others are present year round, so no matter when you visit we’ll be able to put you on the fish. If you are targeting something specific let us know so we can customize your vacation and make sure you are in the right spot at the right time for the fishing you want to do. Below is our Belize fishing calendar to give you a general idea of the different species and fishing seasons. 

Belize Fishing Species List

Belize offers an incredible variety of game fish because you can fish offshore, inshore, or on the flats and mangroves. Offshore fishing can produce the occasional sailfish or marlin but is better known for dorado and wahoo. Fishing along the Mesoamerican Reef offers the most variety as we’ll catch several species of jacks, snappers, groupers as well as mackerel and barracuda. Of course you can always hit the flats to target bonefish, permit and tarpon or the mangroves for snapper and snook. 

Offshore & Reef Fishing

Flats Fishing

Belize Fishing Lodges & Accommodations

Anglers have been fishing in Belize since the 80’s and general tourism boomed in the 2000’s so today there are plenty of great properties to fit almost any travel style. You can choose between boutique hotels, luxury beach resorts, private condos, and all inclusive fishing lodges. We even have several fishing lodges and exclusive boutique hotels that are located on private islands. As a luxury vacation outfitter, we only work with the nicest 3, 4, and 5-star operations that meet our expectations for quality, reliability, and service. Being local experts, we have personally visited every single property we represent so we’ll use our personal experience to hand pick the perfect fit for your group.

Belize Day Tours & Excursions

Reef fishing in Belize doesn’t need to be the only thing you enjoy on your vacation. Belize is nicknamed “Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret” for a reason, so while you are here you can visit Mayan ruins, explore caves on foot or in canoe, hike the rain forest looking for wildlife, waterfalls, white sand beaches, islands, and of course snorkeling and diving at the famous Mesoamerican Reef. Whether it’s an off day from fishing or for the non-anglers in your group, there are several great eco and adventure tours available. We can also customize your Belize fishing vacation so you spend a few nights in different locations throughout the country so you can see all that it offers.The list includes:

• Mayan Ruins
• Cave Explorations
• Cave Tubing
• Horseback Riding
• Canopy zip-line tour
• Waterfall Rappelling
• Guided tours of national parks
• Bird Watching
• Waterfalls
• Snorkeling
• Diving
• Catamaran cruises
• Manatee watching
• Chocolate making
• Cultural Immersion & cooking classes

All Belize Fishing Packages booked with Central America Fishing include the following:

• Free Vacation Planning (no fees + direct rates)
• Meet & Greet upon exiting the BZE Airport
• Private, air-conditioned transfers with English speaking driver.
• All in-country domestic flights
• Luxury accommodations in your choice of all inclusive fishing lodge, luxury beach resort, or a boutique hotel.
• Private fishing charters
• Day tours & excursions
• All Belizean taxes and service fees
• Free quotes on travel insurance
• Pre-arrival assistance with dinner reservations, tee times, pre-stocking your condo or villa, hiring a private chef, and special requests.
• 24/7 support once you are here in country