Experience the best fly
fishing in Placencia, Belize

— Guided by generations of expertise
Fly fishing in Placencia, Belize featuring an angler holding a freshly caught permit in shallow water alongside a guided skiff with an angler standing on the deck of the boat.
With over 25 years of experience, I've been guiding anglers through the flats in Southern Belize, a craft I learned from an early age while fishing beside my father, Charlie Leslie Sr. — one of Belize's first professional guides. I carry that family tradition forward with respect for the sport and the place we call home.

I offer both half-day and full-day charters from Placencia, as well as full-day trips from Hopkins or nearby islands.

Get in touch to book your next guided fly fishing charter.
Close-up of a Permit fish being released on the flats of southern Belize during a guided fly fishing trip.

Chasing schools of Permit on the Flats in southern Belize

Permit in Belize often weigh between 8 and 20 pounds, and we can encounter both single fish and large schools. We usually find them anywhere from shallow grass flats to coral patches and reefs in search of crabs and shrimp. They demand a quiet approach and careful casting. Any sudden move can send them scattering, so accuracy and stealth are everything.

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Angler pulling a large Tarpon slightly above the water's surface during a fly fishing charter in Placencia, Belize.

Fly Fishing for Tarpon in and around Placencia, Belize

Hook one, and you'll feel raw power with every jump and pull. Resident Tarpon in the 20–40 lb range prowl mangroves and channels year-round, while larger migratory fish push triple digits from late spring through summer. Set the hook solidly and prepare for those epic jumps and the scream of from the reel as they tear off on unstoppable runs.

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The gentle release of a Bonefish on a shallow flat during a guided fly fishing trip outside Placencia, Belize.

Hunting Bonefish on the shallow flats outside Placencia

Watch for that quick flash and get ready for a strong, steady run. Bonefish in Belize often weigh between 2 and 4 pounds, though bigger ones do lurk about. Their mirror-like scales and lightning reflexes mean stealth, and accurate presentations are key to hooking up.

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An angler holding a freshly caught permit in shallow water during a guided fly fishing charter outside Placencia, Belize.

The best time to come

Southern Belize is a year-round destination for fly fishing, but each season brings unique conditions. Bonefish are always around, bigger Tarpon arrives in the warmer months, and Permit is also active nearly all year—spring and early summer are prime times for fishing. Even the rainy season has its perks, with fewer anglers and sudden feeding frenzies after short afternoon showers.

Check out the when-to-come guide for a full breakdown of seasonal weather, tides, and fly fishing prime times.

Recommended fly fishing gear you should bring

Fly shops are limited in Placencia and throughout Belize, so showing up with your own gear can make all the difference.

Not sure where to start? Head over to the What to Bring page for a complete guide on what types of fly fishing rods, reels, lines, and leaders ++ you should pack with you when you come.

You can always reach out if you need any additional info.