Bonefishing

Bonefishing at Turneffe Flats offers something for anglers of all levels of experience. Novice saltwater anglers can expect to see hundreds of bonefish providing a great opportunity to learn the basics of flats fishing. Experienced saltwater anglers find plenty of challenging fishing, particularly fishing to smaller schools and larger singles.

Our ocean side flats, only 5 to 15 minutes from the lodge, are some of the most picturesque flats anywhere. While wading the flats at Turneffe you will cast to large schools of bonefish averaging 3-4 pounds, with some larger fish up to 12 pounds.

The ocean side flats also offer the opportunity to pursue small schools, singles and doubles. This fishing requires casting accuracy and provides the added challenge many seasoned saltwater anglers relish.

Bonefish are present in equal numbers throughout the year and they are on the flats most of the time. This differentiates Turneffe's bonefish from those in other areas,  such as the Florida Keys, where bonefish only enter the flats in search of a meal. These are very lush flats full of crabs, shrimp and other bonefish foods. As a result, these fish can become selective. This can make for challenging fishing and the right tackle, flies, presentation and fishing techniques are all important.

Bonefish also inhabit the mangrove-lined lagoons and flats on the interior of the Atoll. These bonefish are generally larger and take flies more readily than the ocean side fish; although they tend to be on the move, making casting accuracy more crucial. Fishing for these fish is mostly done from the bow of our 16' Dolphin Superskiffs.

There is a wadeable flat immediately in front of the lodge, allowing you extra fishing in the early morning or evening.

Dick Brown, author of Fly Fishing for Bonefish, has named Turneffe Flats one of  The World's Seven Best for Bonefish".

Permit Fishing

As more saltwater anglers have come to enjoy the challenge of permit fishing, Belize has been recognized as one of a few locations to experience the excitement of casting to tailing permit on the flats.  The Turneffe Atoll has an exceptional population of permit and increasing numbers of anglers are visiting us to sight-fish to permit.

Most permit are found a singles or in small groups on the flats and bars throughout the Turneffe Atoll, although we also frequently see larger schools of permit tailing in shallow water. Most of our permit fishing done from a poled skiff but we also see permit (often with their backs out of the water) on our wadable ocean-side flats.

You can expect plenty of shots at 10 to 20 lb. permit with some fish in the 30 to 40 lb. class. Permit fishing at Turneffe may afford you more shots than other destinations, but they are always challenging!

Tarpon Fishing

Tarpon inhabit the creeks, channels and lagoons of the Atoll. Most tarpon jumped are 60-90 pounds, with some fish in the 100-150 pound range and occasional monsters approaching 200 pounds.

Tarpon fishing is quite seasonal as tarpon are migratory. Tarpon numbers begin to increase in April or May and drop off in September or October with peak tarpon months being June, July, and August. There are a few 'resident' tarpon around Turneffe throughout the year.

Other Species

The interior of the Turneffe Atoll offers miles of mangrove-lined bays, creeks and lagoons to fish for various snappers, jacks and barracuda with poppers or Clouser minnows. This can be some very exciting saltwater fishing with either a fly rod or spinning gear.

Barracuda are an underrated and acrobatic game fish inhabiting the reefs at Turneffe in large numbers. Some anglers prefer to troll a fly for them, but they can also be taken by sight casting on the flats or by casting poppers into the deeper holes along the reef.

Along the reef, wading anglers can take snappers and jacks by casting deceiver patterns or poppers into the surf. Spending some time during your stay at Turneffe "chasing" other species is always fun and usually rewarding.

Fishing Skiffs

We fish from 16' Dolphin Superskiffs custom built in the U.S. These are comfortable skiffs with a large casting deck and rod holders. All skiffs are equipped with VHF radios and safety gear.

Daily Fishing Schedule

Our fishing schedule is as flexible as possible. A standard day's fishing is about 8 hours. Generally the fishing day begins after breakfast and ends around 5:00 P.M. although it is adjusted depending on the tides and other factors.

Each day you will have the option to take a delicious packed lunch or return to the lodge for the noon meal. Our Managers will coordinate your fishing each evening for the following day.

Early morning fishing, particularly for tarpon, can be exceptional, and arrangements to go tarpon fishing before breakfast are easily made.