Ambergris Caye Fishing Guide: Seasons, Species, and Tips
Ambergris Caye, the largest island of Belize, situated in the Caribbean Sea northeast of the mainland, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and rich history. Stretching approximately 40 kilometers from north to south and 1.6 kilometers wide, the island has witnessed human development since the 17th century, marked by the establishment of coconut plantations.
Despite modifications, much of the island retains its pristine white coral sand, adorned with a central mangrove forest. The eastern coast runs parallel to the northernmost section of the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enhancing the island’s draw.
San Pedro Town, the largest settlement and sole town on Ambergris Caye, serves as a hub for the island’s activities. The Belize District administers the island, with its closest point on the mainland falling within the Corozal District. The island is also dotted with small villages and resorts, catering to the burgeoning tourism industry, particularly in ecotourism and scuba diving.
The waters surrounding Ambergris Caye offer a haven for fishing enthusiasts. The lagoons and flats are renowned for bonefish, permit, and barracuda. The coral reefs teem with grouper, snapper, jack, and barracuda, while the deeper waters off the reef provide a habitat for sailfish, marlin, bonito, and pompano.
Fishing along the Belize Barrier Reef is a must for those booking trips with San Pedro fishing charters, targeting delicious catches like wahoo, jack crevalle, and amberjack.
Engaging in reef fishing off Ambergris Caye provides an immersive experience, surrounded by the breathtaking marine ecosystem of the Belize Barrier Reef. The variety of fish species available ensures that both novice and seasoned anglers can find a thrilling challenge and a delicious reward in these pristine waters.
Read about NY’s best fishing spots.
Seasonal Fishing Techniques
Spring (March to May)
During the spring months in Ambergris Caye, Belize, anglers can indulge in world-class fishing opportunities. Inshore fishing becomes a highlight, with a focus on targeting heavyweight champions like tarpon in shallow waters ranging from 2 to 6 feet deep.
This season also marks the spawning period for permit and bonefish, creating an exciting opportunity for anglers to achieve the sought-after fly fishing “grand slam” by catching all three species in a single day. It’s important to note the local fishing culture’s emphasis on catch and release, which is mandatory for bonefish, permit, and tarpon during this season.
Anglers typically employ fly fishing techniques, utilizing crab imitation flies for permit in sandy flats and seagrass beds, while opting for light tackle and small flies to target the elusive bonefish.
Summer (June to July)
During the summer months in Ambergris Caye, Belize, the angling focus remains on the prized tarpon, known as the “silver kings.” These acrobatic fish continue to be a primary target, especially in the mangroves and flats. The warm summer temperatures provide favorable conditions for tarpon fishing, with the peak season for the silver king running from May to September, aligning with their annual migration.
While tarpon takes the spotlight during these months, anglers may still encounter opportunities to pursue other species such as permit, bonefish, snook, jacks, and barracuda. Engaging the services of local guides becomes particularly beneficial during the summer season to enhance the chances of a successful and enjoyable fishing experience.
Fall (August to November)
In the fall months in Ambergris Caye, Belize, anglers are presented with prime opportunities for reef fishing. The focus shifts to targeting species like snapper, grouper, and barracuda, making it an ideal time for enthusiasts of bottom fishing. The reefs around Ambergris Caye, especially the Belize Barrier Reef, offer prolific spots for anglers to engage in this activity.
To enhance the chances of success, anglers commonly use medium-to-heavy spinning rods and reels, equipped with a 20–30 lb test line, paired with live or cut bait. Timing can play a crucial role during the fall season, as some species exhibit increased activity during their spawning season. Overall, fall in Ambergris Caye beckons anglers to explore the vibrant reefs and underwater landscapes, providing a rewarding experience for those targeting snapper, grouper, and barracuda.
Winter (December to February)
In the winter months spanning from December to February in Ambergris Caye, Belize, anglers shift their focus primarily to pelagic species during deep-sea fishing excursions. The colder season provides an excellent opportunity to target prized catches like mahi mahi and wahoo.
Anglers seeking offshore adventures can venture just a few miles from the coast, beyond the reef’s offshore edge, where the seabed drops from 600 to 2,000 feet. This proximity allows for quick access to prime spots for encountering pelagic species.
To tackle these formidable fish, anglers commonly employ heavy-duty gear, opting for a sturdy 30–50 lb class rod paired with a robust reel loaded with a test line ranging between 50–80 pounds. The preferred techniques involve trolling with lures or live bait, offering the chance to hook into mahi mahi, wahoo, tuna, and even billfish.
The winter season in Ambergris Caye thus presents a thrilling opportunity for anglers to explore the deep offshore waters and pursue some of the ocean’s most sought-after pelagic species.
What Ambergris Caye Belize is Known For
In the realm of fishing achievements in the waters surrounding Ambergris Caye, Belize, one notable record stands out. On November 26, 2002, Scott Bush, hailing from West Chester County, NY, achieved an impressive feat by landing 54 bonefish on a fly with the assistance of guide Carlos.
This remarkable catch showcased both skill and abundance in the local waters. Additionally, historical records include Larry Boyd of Grand Junction, CO, landing a record tarpon weighing 187 lbs with the help of guide Nesto, and Scott Rogers in Punta Gorda setting a record for permit at 36 lbs, verified by Scully’s scale. These fishing milestones contribute to the rich history of angling in the area.
Ambergris Caye’s local historical fishing accomplishments extend beyond individual records, revealing the resilience and productivity of the fishing grounds. Despite challenges such as warm rainy weather and the impact of hurricanes in recent years, the flats have consistently produced an incredible abundance of fish.
The reef fishing, particularly in December and January, has been consistently epic, with guides reporting unprecedented numbers of fish. These accomplishments underscore the importance of the region as a prime destination for fishermen seeking extraordinary fishing experiences.
Beyond fishing, Ambergris Caye is a vibrant community with a plethora of activities, events, restaurants, and festivals. The island’s tourism development, which began in the early 1970s, has flourished, making it a sought-after destination.
The main attractions include the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world, and pristine beaches. Whether you’re interested in relaxing on the beach, scuba diving to explore the underwater wonders, delving into the island’s rich history and culture, or simply escaping the hustle and bustle, Ambergris Caye has something for everyone. With a thriving community and a range of exciting options for recreation and relaxation, it’s no wonder that the island continues to captivate visitors.
Public Access Points and Arrival
In order to experience the aquatic wonders surrounding Ambergris Caye, travelers have multiple options for accessing the island. Located at the north edge of San Pedro Town, roughly 36 miles from Belize City, SunBreeze Suites provides a convenient starting point. The primary modes of transportation to the island are by air or boat.
From the Belize International Airport (BZE – Phillip Goldson International Airport), visitors can opt for a 17-minute domestic flight to the San Pedro Johnny Grief Municipal Airport (SPR). Flights are available hourly from 7:40 am to 5:40 pm. Upon arrival, SunBreeze Hotel is easily accessible by foot, located on the east side of the San Pedro Airport.
For those preferring a scenic boat journey, guests can take a 25-minute taxi ride from the Belize International Airport to the water taxi terminal in Belize City. From there, a 1 1/2 hour water taxi ride to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye awaits. After arriving in San Pedro Town, a brief 3-minute taxi ride (US$5.00) will take visitors to SunBreeze Hotel.
Once on the island, the primary modes of transportation are golf carts and bicycles, available for rental through the front desk. With the SunBreeze Hotel located in town, within walking distance to various amenities, including restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and entertainment centers, exploring San Pedro becomes a seamless and enjoyable experience.
