Fishing in Belize is The Perfect Island Getaway
Planning Your Trip
Belize is one of those rare destinations where almost every month of the year is prime time for a visit. However, if you’re looking for the best weather, plan your trip between mid-November and mid-May. During this period, daytime temperatures are comfortably warm, ranging from the mid-90s, while nights cool down to the mid-60s. This blend of warm days and pleasant evenings creates the perfect environment for outdoor adventures, from fishing and beach lounging to exploring the jungle and historical sites. No matter when you visit, Belize offers a vibrant, tropical experience you won’t soon forget.
Travel Tips for Flights to Ambergris Caye Belize
Getting to Belize is simple, with commercial flights arriving multiple times daily in Belize City. From there, it’s just a short journey to reach the fishing paradise of Ambergris Caye. You have a couple of exciting options to make your way to this island oasis: hop on a quick local flight with Tropic Air, which will take you from Belize City to the San Pedro airport in no time, or take a scenic water taxi—a powerful 30-foot boat outfitted with three 250hp motors. Whether you choose to fly above the Caribbean or cruise across its turquoise waters, the journey itself will be part of the adventure!
Budget Friendly Amenities
Once you arrive on Ambergris Caye, you’ll find an inviting selection of charming hotels, cozy motels, and boutique resorts, catering to a wide range of budgets and tastes. Unlike the towering high-rise chains that dominate other seaside destinations, Ambergris has managed to keep its development low-key and tasteful, preserving the island’s natural beauty and relaxed, intimate vibe. This means that most accommodations are smaller, more personal, and designed to blend seamlessly with the tropical surroundings, providing a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.
Dining on the island is a true delight, with options to satisfy every craving and budget. From tasty street vendor snacks to elegant, fine-dining experiences, Ambergris Caye offers a diverse mix of flavors that reflect the island’s culture and its abundant natural resources. You’ll find an array of fresh seafood dishes, vibrant Mexican-inspired cuisine, and familiar American fare, all at reasonable prices. Whether you’re enjoying a casual bite by the beach or indulging in a romantic dinner at a local gem, every meal feels like a celebration of the island’s rich, flavorful offerings.
Laid Back Atmosphere
When planning your trip to Belize, keep a few essential things in mind to make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible. First, remember that all international visitors must clear immigration and customs upon arrival, so be sure to have your passport ready.
Once you reach Ambergris Caye, you’ll quickly notice the island’s relaxed, welcoming vibe. The locals are incredibly friendly, and the dress code is famously “laid-back casual.” In fact, you’ll likely spot the popular slogan posted around the island: “No shirt, no shoes, no problem!” Flip-flops and beachwear are perfectly acceptable nearly everywhere, reflecting the island’s easygoing spirit.
So, leave the formal attire behind, bring your passport, and get ready to immerse yourself in the friendly, carefree atmosphere of Belize’s most charming island retreat.
Getting Around the Island
On Ambergris Caye, the laid-back lifestyle extends to the way people get around. With few automobiles on the island, locals and visitors alike favor golf carts and bicycles as their primary modes of transportation. Golf carts are easy to rent and perfect for navigating the island’s scenic paths and sandy roads, while bicycles offer a leisurely, eco-friendly way to explore at your own pace.
For those who prefer to go by foot, walking is an excellent option, too, as most places on the island are conveniently close and easy to reach. Embracing these relaxed travel methods adds to the island’s charm, allowing you to soak in the natural beauty of Ambergris Caye from a unique, unhurried perspective.
Must Haves
While the usual travel essentials are a given, a few specific items will make your stay on Ambergris Caye even more enjoyable. First, don’t forget plenty of sunscreen; the Caribbean sun is strong, and you’ll want to protect your skin during those long, sunny days outdoors. A quality pair of polarized sunglasses is also a must for shielding your eyes from the bright glare off the turquoise waters, while giving you a clear view of the island’s stunning landscapes.
A camera is essential for capturing the unforgettable sights—whether it’s the colorful marine life, the island’s pristine beaches, or the vivid sunsets over the ocean. If you’re a photography enthusiast, consider bringing extra memory cards or film to ensure you don’t miss a single moment.
In addition, lightweight, breathable clothing will keep you comfortable in the warm, tropical climate. Throw in a wide-brimmed hat for extra sun protection and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated as you explore. And if you plan to venture into the water, a good pair of water shoes and a waterproof phone case are handy for protecting your belongings while you enjoy the waves.
Let’s Talk Ambergris Caye Fishing in Belize
Coral Reef Fishing Trips
Ambergris Caye is a fishing enthusiast’s dream, bordered by the second-largest coral reef in the world, the Belize Barrier Reef. This magnificent natural wonder stretches along the entire coast of Belize, creating ideal fishing conditions and a habitat rich with marine life. Whether you’re a fan of spin fishing or prefer fly fishing, the opportunities here are endless.
Inside the reef, anglers will find miles upon miles of shallow flats, offering prime sight fishing for the “tropical Grand Slam” — tarpon, permit, and bonefish. Landing any of these fish is a thrill, but catching all three in one trip is a coveted achievement for many. You’ll also encounter impressive barracuda and other formidable fish that are perfect for light-tackle action.
For those who prefer the excitement of offshore blue-water trolling, Ambergris Caye offers easy access to charter boats that venture into deeper waters for large game fish. Anglers can target majestic billfish, as well as tuna, dorado, and more. The reef and surrounding waters are home to a remarkable diversity of fish species, many of which can be caught with conventional or fly fishing gear.
Fly Fishing Ambergris Caye
When fly-fishing for bonefish off Ambergris Caye, it’s essential to have the right equipment to handle the breezy coastal conditions. During our trip, Robin and I used 9-foot, 8-weight Horizon series rods by Thomas & Thomas, which feature a fast action that’s ideal for making long casts in windy weather. In areas with good bonefish populations, wind is often a given, so having a rod with a quick recovery speed and the strength for accurate distance casting can make all the difference.
To enhance your experience, bring extra leaders, plenty of backup line, and weighted flies in different patterns to handle changing water depths. With the right gear, you’ll be ready to take on both the elements and the thrill of reeling in these elusive fish!
Bonefish Reels for Fly Fishing Ambergris Caye
When targeting bonefish in Belize, having a quality reel is crucial, as these fish are known for their long, powerful runs. We opted for size 8 J. Ryalls reels, which have a smooth, reliable drag system—perfect for managing the intense bursts of speed bonefish are famous for. A smooth drag prevents sudden resistance that could cause break-offs, helping to tire the fish while protecting your line and tippet. For anyone planning a bonefishing adventure, investing in a reel with a consistent, smooth drag system is key to handling these strong, tropical fighters successfully.
Bonefish Line
For our bonefishing trip in Belize, we chose the Monocore Bonefish line designed by Jim Vincent of Rio Company, and it proved to be an excellent choice. This line features a medium-length front taper that helps turn over the fly smoothly, while the slightly longer back taper ensures a controlled, smooth casting loop.
Given the three key factors—windy conditions, clear shallow water, and the notoriously skittish nature of bonefish—the Monocore line excelled in making delicate and precise presentations. Whether casting in the wind or approaching spooky fish in shallow flats, this line delivered the performance needed for success on the water. It was an ideal match for the conditions we encountered around Ambergris Caye, enhancing both our accuracy and stealth as we sought out bonefish.
Long Leaders
Best Flies
While we came prepared with a variety of flies for our bonefishing adventure in Belize, the one that proved most effective was the tried-and-true Crazy Charlie, in a size 8. Its simplicity and versatility made it the perfect choice for enticing bonefish, and it consistently produced results. Despite having dozens of other options at our disposal, the Crazy Charlie’s ability to mimic the movement of small baitfish and shrimp made it the standout fly for the conditions we encountered around Ambergris Caye. Sometimes, it’s the classic patterns that prove to be the most reliable!
Spin Fishing
If spin fishing is more your style, you’ll want to come prepared with the right gear for a successful outing in Belize. We recommend a medium-weight rod, typically rated for 10 to 18-pound test line, and measuring 8 to 10 feet in length. This setup provides the versatility and sensitivity you’ll need for casting in both shallow flats and deeper waters. Pair it with a high-quality reel that features a smooth drag system to handle the fast, powerful runs of species like bonefish or tarpon.
For bait, the local guides and tackle shops are invaluable resources. Depending on the season and the fish species you’re targeting, they can provide you with the most effective baits to maximize your chances of success.
Other Island Recreations
If you’re traveling with a non-fishing partner or simply want to take a break from the thrilling fishing action on Ambergris Caye, the island and mainland offer an abundance of exciting outdoor activities to fill your days. Whether you’re into exploring ancient Mayan ruins, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, scuba diving on the world-famous barrier reef, or kayaking through the lush mangroves, there’s something for every adventurer. The sheer variety of activities in Belize is one of the reasons why we’ve already visited twice and are eagerly planning our return this spring. With so much to do, it’s easy to see why this destination keeps calling us back!
Get Outside!
adventures we mentioned earlier. Whether you’re interested in scuba diving, where many resorts offer trips and lessons for beginners (with gear included if needed), or other nature-based excursions, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy.
One of the most memorable experiences for us was hiking through the lush rainforest and exploring ancient Mayan ruins—an incredible thrill that adds a rich historical layer to your adventure. We also took an unforgettable boat ride up the New River, where we encountered stunning wildlife such as hawks, egrets, flocks of wild parrots, and, of course, crocodiles. The beauty of the river and surrounding nature added an exciting and serene contrast to the thrill of fishing.
In short, Belize is a destination that offers more than just world-class fishing—it’s a must-do for any nature lover or adventurer looking for a unique and enriching experience. Whether you’re casting a line or exploring the diverse landscapes, the memories you make here will last a lifetime!
Original Article By Gary & Robin Edwards
About The Authors
Gary and Robin Edwards have been sharing their experiences in the outdoors for the last 25 years. Together they have traveled and fished across the country and around the world. Their fishing exploits have been featured in Sports Afield, Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, Fly Fisherman, and numerous regional publications, as well as on ESPN and PBS. The Edwards offer hosted trips to Mexico, the Bahamas, Argentina, Belize, Wyoming, Montana, and more through their business Vacations on the Fly. www.vacationsonthefly.com
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
