Charters and rates for guided
fly fishing in Placencia, Belize
Come hunt the flats with me — your next big catch awaits!
Whether you choose a full-day or half-day fishing trip, my focus is helping both inexperienced and experienced anglers fish well and get multiple shots.
I’ve guided the flats outside Placencia and Hopkins for over 25 years. I learned from the best — my father, Charlie Leslie Sr., one of the first professional fly fishing guides in Belize — and I bring that experience with me every time we head out.
I’ve guided the flats outside Placencia and Hopkins for over 25 years. I learned from the best — my father, Charlie Leslie Sr., one of the first professional fly fishing guides in Belize — and I bring that experience with me every time we head out.
Charter details for full-day and half-day guided fishing
Guided fly fishing trips from Placencia:
Both half-day and full-day guided fly fishing charters are available. Half days run about four hours; full days are around eight hours, dock to dock.
Guided fly fishing trips from Hopkins and nearby islands:
Full-day charters only. These should ideally be arranged two to three days (or up to a week) in advance. However, feel free to get in touch if you didn’t have time to plan in advance, and we’ll see what we can do about getting you out on the flats.
I’ll plan the best time to start the charter according to the tides, and the pickup locations are arranged based on where you’re staying on the peninsula.
All charter rates are for up to 2 anglers per boat.
I’ll plan the best time to start the charter according to the tides, and the pickup locations are arranged based on where you’re staying on the peninsula.
All charter rates are for up to 2 anglers per boat.
What's included on the charters:
- Basic selection of flies, rods, reels, and tippets
- Lunch is included on all full-day charters
- Beverages are included on all trips
Fly fishing for Permit on the flats outside Placencia
Permit are some of the most challenging yet rewarding fish you'll ever chase when it comes to saltwater flats fishing. They're moody, elusive, and keenly aware of anything unusual in their environment—so much so that many anglers compare catching one to finishing a marathon!
Permit in Belize typically range from 8 to 20 pounds, though hooking into one pushing 30 isn't unheard of. We usually find them tailing on shallow grass flats, coral patches, and on the reef in search of crabs and shrimp. Then, as the tide starts to fall, they shift toward the edges of the flats, cruising, looking for deeper channels.
I prefer to wade the flats when it’s windy, as that gives us better shots and helps us get closer to the fish. When conditions are calm, I usually pole the flats until I see Permit, then we get out of the boat to chase them on foot for the best chance of hooking up. It’s also essential to match your rod weight (usually 8–10) to the wind conditions—using a heavier setup on breezy days can make all the difference.
Accuracy is everything. Some practice sessions before you come, and casting under breezy conditions is a great way to tune in your skills. Permit can test your casting ability in ways you've never experienced. Once they tip down or charge toward your fly, then that's the time to set the hook! The slightest mistake; a loud step, a sloppy cast, or even a sudden gust of wind—can spook them.
After 25 years and hundreds of Permit to the boat, I still get just as excited as you, and we’ll both have a blast experiencing the thrill of it—even if you don’t hook up on every cast! But when they finally turn on your fly and you feel that tension on the line? That’s pure exhilaration!
Permit in Belize typically range from 8 to 20 pounds, though hooking into one pushing 30 isn't unheard of. We usually find them tailing on shallow grass flats, coral patches, and on the reef in search of crabs and shrimp. Then, as the tide starts to fall, they shift toward the edges of the flats, cruising, looking for deeper channels.
I prefer to wade the flats when it’s windy, as that gives us better shots and helps us get closer to the fish. When conditions are calm, I usually pole the flats until I see Permit, then we get out of the boat to chase them on foot for the best chance of hooking up. It’s also essential to match your rod weight (usually 8–10) to the wind conditions—using a heavier setup on breezy days can make all the difference.
Accuracy is everything. Some practice sessions before you come, and casting under breezy conditions is a great way to tune in your skills. Permit can test your casting ability in ways you've never experienced. Once they tip down or charge toward your fly, then that's the time to set the hook! The slightest mistake; a loud step, a sloppy cast, or even a sudden gust of wind—can spook them.
After 25 years and hundreds of Permit to the boat, I still get just as excited as you, and we’ll both have a blast experiencing the thrill of it—even if you don’t hook up on every cast! But when they finally turn on your fly and you feel that tension on the line? That’s pure exhilaration!
Fly Fishing for Tarpon in southern Belize
Nothing gets your heart going like seeing a huge Tarpon breaking the surface! We usually find them inside the shallow lagoons and rivers, deeper channels, and even on the flats—especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the light softens.
Resident Tarpon usually weighs between 20 and 40 lb, but if you’re chasing the migratory giants, be prepared to start hauling fish well over 100 lb.
Gear up accordingly. For the really big ones, I recommend an 11- or 12-weight rod with a robust and smooth drag system. Make sure your leader is set up with a 20–30 lb class tippet and a 40–80 lb shock section. Before you start casting, double-check your line for tangles or wraps—any snag can cost you precious seconds.
When we’re in the zone, we’ll be looking for Tarpon gulping air at the surface; they’re often in feeding mode, making them more likely to eat your fly. As soon as you feel that sudden burst of tension, be ready! Their lip is hard like a rock, so make sure you set that hook as hard as possible, or else the fight will be short lived.
Every Tarpon fills me with excitement, whether you land one or not. The adrenaline of the chase, experiencing the raw power of a Tarpon’s jumps and runs, is unforgettable.
Resident Tarpon usually weighs between 20 and 40 lb, but if you’re chasing the migratory giants, be prepared to start hauling fish well over 100 lb.
Gear up accordingly. For the really big ones, I recommend an 11- or 12-weight rod with a robust and smooth drag system. Make sure your leader is set up with a 20–30 lb class tippet and a 40–80 lb shock section. Before you start casting, double-check your line for tangles or wraps—any snag can cost you precious seconds.
When we’re in the zone, we’ll be looking for Tarpon gulping air at the surface; they’re often in feeding mode, making them more likely to eat your fly. As soon as you feel that sudden burst of tension, be ready! Their lip is hard like a rock, so make sure you set that hook as hard as possible, or else the fight will be short lived.
Every Tarpon fills me with excitement, whether you land one or not. The adrenaline of the chase, experiencing the raw power of a Tarpon’s jumps and runs, is unforgettable.
Fly fishing for Bonefish in shallow water
Bonefish in Belize have made an impressive comeback. For years, gill nets took a heavy toll on their numbers, but thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, we can see large schools of Bonefish returning to the flats.
Typically weighing between 2 and 4 pounds—with the occasional 6 or 7 lb lurking about. Bonefish are built for speed and are masters of quick pivots and rapid escapes with their forked tails and streamlined body shapes. Their mirror-like scales blend seamlessly with the light-colored sand and patches of turtle grass, making them hard to spot until that quick flash of movement catches your eye.
When we’re out on the flats, we’ll look for signs like nervous water, subtle shadows, or even a slight ripple that might hint at the faint tip of a tail. The key is a gentle and accurate cast. I recommend using an 8-weight rod as your go-to setup—switch to a 7-weight in calm conditions or a 9-weight on breezy days. Effective fly choices include small shrimp imitations like Christmas Island Specials and Bonefish Bitters in sizes 4 and 6.
Bonefish are a year-round pursuit, with the prime time typically seen from April through November.
Typically weighing between 2 and 4 pounds—with the occasional 6 or 7 lb lurking about. Bonefish are built for speed and are masters of quick pivots and rapid escapes with their forked tails and streamlined body shapes. Their mirror-like scales blend seamlessly with the light-colored sand and patches of turtle grass, making them hard to spot until that quick flash of movement catches your eye.
When we’re out on the flats, we’ll look for signs like nervous water, subtle shadows, or even a slight ripple that might hint at the faint tip of a tail. The key is a gentle and accurate cast. I recommend using an 8-weight rod as your go-to setup—switch to a 7-weight in calm conditions or a 9-weight on breezy days. Effective fly choices include small shrimp imitations like Christmas Island Specials and Bonefish Bitters in sizes 4 and 6.
Bonefish are a year-round pursuit, with the prime time typically seen from April through November.
Experience the best fishing spots in Belize
Check AvailabilityTerms and conditions
A 50% deposit is required within 10 days of your reserved date(s). Upon receipt of the deposit you booking will be reserved. All payments should be made by cash or credit card.
Trips cancelled or shortened as a result of inclement weather and/or acts of nature including hurricanes or due to airline delays, strikes or political unrest are not refundable.
Any unused hours/days by guest's choice is not refundable.
Cancellations
- Cancellations received before 90 days from arrival date, 100% of deposit may be transferred to another date or to another angler or refunded minus 10% cancellation fee.
- Cancellations between 45-90 days from arrival date, 50% of deposit may be transferred to another date or to another angler or refunded minus 10% cancellation fee
- Less than 45 days before arrival date, No deposits will be refunded or credited to another date/angle
- All cancelations must be in writing