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Fishing Tours

Caye Caulker Belize Fishing

Anglers worldwide have recognized the Caribbean and Central America as a world-class fishing destination, which includes Belize. Belize offers great diversity year-round which sets it apart from many other destinations. Such diversity includes permit, bonefish and tarpon in the shallow and deeper flats surrounding many of the cayes; snapper, grouper and barracuda in the calmer waters inside the nearby barrier reef; and larger species ling kingfish, marlin and wahoo in the open sea beyond the barrier reef.

Most popular species found on the flats are plentiful year-round. Bonefish range from 3-8 pounds and are found on most shallow flats surrounding Caye Caulker and the other offshore cayes. Just off the beach at the Iguana Reef Inn you often see schools of bonefish which you can catch right from the shore, especially when the local lobster fishermen are cleaning their catch. Even bonefish have an appreciation for lobster. Permit average 10+ pounds and are generally found in deeper flats. Tarpon range from 20 pounds to 150 pounds and are also found in deeper water flats.

Throughout the year Belize hosts a number of fishing tournaments, generally during the most productive months for offshore fishing. In a billfish tournament in February 1997 a 492-pound blue marlin was the winner. Also, the many rivers winding through the Belize mainland offer fishing for snook, snapper and tarpon to name a few.

Caye Caulker, sitting practically on top of the barrier reef, provides easy access to all fishing. Whether you’re interested in fly-fishing the flats or open water fishing around the barrier reef or deep-sea fishing “the blue”, the Iguana Reef Inn will set you up with local fishing guides on Caye Caulker.

While most guides provide equipment it is recommended that you bring your own gear if possible. Shops that carry fishing equipment are few and far between so it is best if you’re prepared. Our resident expert and frequent guest at the Iguana Reef Inn, Jack Blake, has put together an information page on fly fishing and light spinning gear. Jack, an avid fly fisherman, has been coming down since 1999 and fishes from sunrise to sunset while he’s here. Click here to read about Jack’s Tips.

List of species and the best months of the year for fishing:

Bone Fish –  Year-round 
King Mackerel –  Year-round but April-June are best months
Sailfish – Spring is best
Grouper – December, January and February are best months
Barracuda –  Year-round
Tarpon –  Year-round but May-June are best months
Marlin –  Year-round
Wahoo  – Winter is best
Snapper – Year-round