DIY Fly Fishing Belize

Table of contents

• Top DIY fly fishing spots in Belize
• Tobacco Caye and South Water Caye
• Glover’s Reef Atoll – Long Caye and Northeast Caye
• Ambergris Caye (San Pedro)
• Caye Caulker
• Mainland lagoons and rivers – Tarpon & Snook from the shore
• Is it safe to fish on my own in Belize?
• Tips for a successful DIY Belize fishing trip
• Do you want to book a fly fishing charter?

Top DIY fly fishing spots in Belize

There are many DIY fishing spots throughout the country. Still, knowing where to start looking is never easy, especially if you are short on time. I was born and raised in Belize and have been a fishing guide there for 25+ years. Below are some recommended DIY fishing areas accessible by foot, kayak, or SUP.

Tobacco Caye and South Water Caye

In mid-/southern Belize, off Dangriga, Tobacco Caye and South Water Caye are inside the South Water Caye Marine Reserve. The islands are right on the barrier reef and are great places to stay for targeting a range of DIY species.

South Water Caye

DIY Bonefish on South Water Caye

South Water Caye is a 15‑acre island that's loaded with Bonefish. You'll find them laid up or cruising slowly on the hard sand or turtle‑grass bottom all around the island, especially in the middle of the docks around the west and north sides of the Caye.

DIY Permit on South Water Caye

You can sometimes see Permit cruising with the Bonefish, often in deeper water on the west and north sides of South Water Caye. For bigger Permit, get a kayak on the island and paddle north along the reef. The Permit on the reef are big, so keep your eyes out for tailing fish in knee‑deep water inside the barrier reef. Make sure to not step out of the kayak unless absolutely necessary. You don't want to step on and kill the corals. If absolutely necessary, wear proper flats boots with a hard sole so you don't hurt yourself.

DIY Tarpon on South Water Caye

You can even hook a Tarpon on South Water Caye. You can find them cruising outside the docks on the west/northwest side in the early morning and evening, just before and into the dark. Look for rolling fish, and you can even bring a bright flashlight, which will reflect in their eyes after dark.

Tobacco Caye

Tobacco Caye is a tiny 5‑acre island just a 10‑minute boat ride north of South Water Caye. This island holds zero Bonefish, but it's a great place to stay if you're after Trophy Tarpon and the chance of catching a Permit on your own.

DIY Permit from Tobacco Caye

Just like Bonefish, there are no Permit to be caught from the actual island, but get a kayak or a SUP board from one of the lodges and start paddling north along the reef. The Permit found on the reef are often massive, but getting one to eat comes with a challenge; once hooked, they will usually run right over the reef to head for deeper water, cutting you off on the corals. That being said, many have managed to land one on the reef anyway.

This is also a quick reminder to stay in the kayak or on the SUP as much as possible to avoid killing corals and to wear reef‑safe sunscreen.

DIY Tarpon from Tobacco Caye

The deep channel outside Reef's End Lodge on Tobacco Caye holds Tarpon year‑round. Juvenile Tarpon stay on the dropoff right in the channel opening on the Tobacco Caye side year‑round. The big migratory ones (70–100+ lbs) come rolling in during summer. You can hook a monster Tarpon 300 feet from the island. Hook one from a kayak (or worse, a SUP), and you'll be pulled into the middle of the channel in no time.

The Tarpon in the channel is mostly active in the early morning or late afternoon, approximately 1–2 hours before sunset.

Getting to Tobacco Caye and South Water Caye, and staying there

Tobacco Caye has a few simple eco‑lodges and hostels, reachable by a 30‑minute boat from Dangriga. South Water Caye has a couple of more upscale resorts. Day trips via water taxi from Dangriga are possible. Still, for a better DIY fishing experience, I recommend planning to stay the night on the islands. Both Cayes lie within a marine reserve, so you'll pay a small park fee (usually ~$5–10/day) – and don't forget to buy the required fishing license! The link to the fishing license can be found in the article intro.

Glover’s Reef Atoll – Long Caye and Northeast Caye

If you want a fully remote, off-the-grid DIY adventure, Glover's Reef Atoll delivers in spades. Located about 30 miles offshore, Glover's Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its untouched coral and rich sea life. It's also a DIY fly-fishing gem.

Long Caye

Long Caye has several eco‑lodges; you can wade out from shore and cast to Bonefish in minutes. These Bonefish cruise in small groups over the turtle grass and sandy potholes on the island's south side.

North East Caye

On the other side of the channel from Long Caye is Northeast Caye, a rustic camping lodge with over-water cabanas and other camping options. Here, you'll usually find hundreds of Bonefish close by. Sometimes, depending on where you stay on the island, you can catch them standing right on the porch of your overwater cabana.

You'll also have access to the barrier reef surrounding the Atoll from this island. Here, you'll find huge Barracudas, Triggerfish, and more. You can also paddle out in the channel in the evening, where you can hook up to big Jacks, Pompano, and more. You can even get them on a popper fly. Super fun!

Getting to Glovers Atoll and staying

Glover's Atoll is remote—access is typically via a weekly boat charter (about 1.5–2 hours) from Dangriga or Sittee River. Most people book a week‑long stay at either Long Caye or Northeast Caye. The accommodation is spartan, but you're surrounded by fishy waters.

Make sure to bring all your gear and do enough research before going, as there are no fly shops or rental outfits way out here (even the lodges do not provide tackle). Once there, you can fish and explore the island's waters on your own. Plan to pack enough food or opt for a meal plan, as there are no towns – you're basically on a coral island playing Robinson Crusoe with a fly rod.

Ambergris Caye (San Pedro) – Easy-access flats and lagoons

On the opposite end of the spectrum from Glover's remote vibe is Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest and most developed island – but it still offers great DIY fly fishing possibilities. Ambergris/San Pedro has a network of roads, restaurants, and fly shops, making it a convenient base.

Yet just outside town lie lots of wadeable flats and mangrove lagoons where you can stalk fish.

The key DIY zone on Ambergris is the west side of the island. The eastern shoreline faces the barrier reef, mostly turtle grass and deeper cuts that are not easily waded. On the western side, however, north and south of the popular "Secret Beach" area, you'll find clear, ankle- to knee-deep flats. Perfect Bonefish habitat. You should find good numbers of Bonefish within 50 yards of stepping onto the flat.

Species to target on Ambergris

Bonefish on Ambergris tend to average 2–3 pounds. They aren't huge, but there are a lot of them. Bring some Gotchas, Crazy Charlies, and other small shrimp patterns.

Along with Bonefish, expect to see plenty of snapper and barracuda on the flats (especially near mangrove clumps or channels). These "bycatch" species keep things exciting; even a smaller snapper or a Jack can put a bend in an 8‑weight.

Tarpon and Snook can also be found in the back lagoons. The Caye's vast mangrove lagoons on the west side (e.g., Santa Cruz Lagoon and Frances Caye Lagoon) are known to hold baby Tarpon (5–30 lb range) and Snook. These areas are not reachable on foot as the ground is too muddy and full of mangroves, but they are ideal to explore with a kayak or stand‑up paddleboard.

Many hotels in San Pedro can arrange a kayak rental. The method is typically to paddle quietly along the mangrove edges at dawn or dusk, looking for rolling Tarpon or Snook chasing bait. Cast small streamers or gurglers into the mangrove pockets, and get ready for a strong take!

Getting around

A short flight or ferry from Belize City gets you to San Pedro. Once there, rent a golf cart for a day or two – this is the primary transportation on the island. You can drive north of town along the coast and pull off wherever you see a promising flat.

Caye Caulker

Just south of Ambergris lies Caye Caulker, a smaller, even more relaxed island offering DIY fly fishing opportunities. While Caulker has fewer extensive flats than Ambergris, it's still worth mentioning.

Bonefish on Caye Caulker

Bonefish is the main catch around Caye Caulker. Some known schools cruise the flats on the western side of the island and the north end (near the split to Caye Caulker's northern extension). Wading access is somewhat limited because much of the shoreline is either soft or developed. Still, there are spots you can get in and walk.

There are also some known wading options near the airstrip and the ferry terminal. Additionally, Bonefish gather under the lights at the Sea Dreams hotel dock on Caulker! These same fish prove nearly impossible to hook during daylight, but after dark, they lose inhibition.

Permit and Tarpon on Caye Caulker

Caulker isn't as renowned as other spots for Permit and Tarpon, but they also occasionally show up here. Juvenile Tarpon sometimes hang around the island or in the mangroves on the north end. A kayak would help to reach those. Some permit cross the Caulker flats seasonally, but targeting them without a boat is hit‑or‑miss.

Mainland lagoons and rivers – Tarpon & Snook from the shore

For a different DIY fly fishing experience, don't overlook the mainland's lagoons and rivers. Plenty of inlets, mangrove lagoons, and river mouths hold Snook and baby Tarpon year‑round. These areas can often be fished from shore or with a kayak. One such place is the Placencia Lagoon in mid/southern Belize. This large brackish lagoon behind Placencia Village and the peninsula is known for juvenile Tarpon (5–30 lbs) and plenty of Snook.

While much of the Placencia Lagoon's prime fishing is usually done by boat, there are still a few spots you can check out. In the late afternoon, juvenile Tarpon and Snook cruise the municipal pier. You can also launch a kayak and drift south toward Sunset Pointe, where a shallow grass bed holds the same species. Just 150 yards farther, Rosanna Caye often has evening action from Snook, Jacks, mid‑size Barracuda, and some baby Tarpon. On calm days, keep an eye on the east side of Placencia Caye—Permit sometimes tail there when the wind lays down.

Further north, the Belize River and Haulover Creek near Belize City are known for their Tarpon. DIY fishing a big river is tough without a boat. Still, there are shore access points (like near the Belize River Lodge or along highways).

Caution: Do not wade in Belize’s big rivers — aside from deep mud, there are crocodiles! Stick to fishing from firm ground or docks.

In central Belize, the Sittee River (Hopkins) and Monkey River (Toledo) are smaller systems holding Tarpon and Snook. These are typically fished by boat. However, near the river mouths, it's possible to wade along the beaches and intercept fish as they move in and out with the tide.

For example, at the Sittee River mouth, there's a shallow bay where Tarpon sometimes feeds at night. It's remote, but give it a try if you're in the area and feeling adventurous!

Is it safe to fish on my own in Belize?

Belize is considered safe for tourists, and incidents involving anglers are very rare.

Wildlife-wise, there are a few concerns: saltwater crocodiles inhabit mangroves and lagoons, but attacks are extremely uncommon. Still, give any big crocodile some distance and avoid night wading in murky waters.

Bigger sharks are present on the reef, but you'll mostly see smaller, harmless nurse sharks on the flats. Wear foot protection to avoid urchins and stingrays.

Crime-wise, the islands and tourism areas are well-patrolled and friendly. Petty theft can happen, so don't leave rods unattended on the beach or in a golf cart. When going to isolated areas, just as a precaution, let someone (hotel, friend) know your general plan.

The most significant hazards are environmental – dehydration, heat stroke, or disorientation. Always carry water and a small dry pack with safety essentials. If you use a kayak, wear a life jacket. Weather can change fast, especially in the wet season – keep an eye out for squalls and head to shelter if thunder rolls in.

In summary, use common sense, and you'll find DIY fishing in Belize relatively safe and welcoming!

Tips for a successful DIY Belize fishing trip

Going DIY in Belize means you're wearing the guide hat yourself. A few pointers will increase your chances of success (and safety):

• Plan around tides: Like guided trips, DIY flats fishing is best on moving water, so check the tide charts! Avoid planning your fishing window for slack tide if you’re short on time.
• Fishing early and late: For Tarpon, Snook, and even Bonefish in skinny water, dawn and dusk are prime. Be on the flats early—you can always siesta in a hammock at noon.
• License and regulations: Buying a Belize fishing license is mandatory, even for DIY. Thankfully, it’s easy and cheap—about $25 USD for a week. Carry your license (digital or printed) while fishing; rangers do make checks, especially in marine reserves. (The link to the license is at the start of this article.)
• Bring proper gear: An 8–9 wt rod covers Bonefish, Snook, smaller Permit, and Tarpon. Have a heavier 10–12 wt if you’re targeting migratory Tarpon or large barracuda. Pack plenty of leader/tippet and a good selection of flies (gotchas, spawning shrimps, crab patterns, EP baitfish, poppers++). Extra flies are crucial—the coral can claim a few, and you won’t find fly shops on remote cayes. Also bring polarized sunglasses and wading boots. Don’t forget sun protection (cap, buff, reef‑safe sunscreen). Lastly, a good waterproof sling or backpack will keep your license, phone, and snacks dry.

Consider booking a professional guide for a day or two

A local guide can show you some additional spots and even take you to prime fishing locations.

The Placencia/Hopkins/nearby islands are my backyard, where I have guided for over 25 years. Feel free to get in touch if you want to check availability or book a day trip: [email protected] or message/call through WhatsApp at (501) 661‑5709.