Turneffe Atoll has long been recognized as one of Belize's premier saltwater fly fishing and marine ecotourism destinations. The Atoll boasts the largest and most biologically diverse coral Atoll in the Caribbean.
The diversity of the saltwater flats fishing sets the Atoll apart from other destinations and the opportunity to catch bonefish, permit, and tarpon on a given day makes the flats that surround the Atoll one of the rare places to pursue a "Flats Grand Slam," by landing all three species in a single day.
Turneffe Atoll is the largest of only four coral Atolls in the Western Hemisphere, and is best know for its variety of saltwater fishing.
Bonefishing
Bonefish have been a primary target for visiting anglers, While wading the expansive flats on the seaward side of the Atoll, you will regularly see large schools of bonefish providing an unequaled opportunity for new saltwater anglers to learn the basics of the sport. There is also plenty of challenging fishing for those who enjoy stalking larger fish (some in excess of 10 pounds) in skinny water.
The flats are usually only 10 to 15 minutes from the lodge and are some of the most picturesque flats anywhere. While wading the flats you will cast to large schools of bonefish averaging 3 to 4 pounds, with some larger fish up to 10 to 12 pounds.
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 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 be become selective. This can make for challenging fishing and the right tackle, flies, presentation and fishing techniques are all important.
Permit Fishing
Increasing numbers of saltwater anglers have developed a serious interest in permit fishing. Turneffe Atoll is one of a select group of saltwater destinations where you can experience the excitement of flats fishing for tailing permit and have reasonable opportunity to catch one. Belize has gained a reputation as the permit capital of the world. As much hunting as it is fishing, permit present a unique challenge and many guests have celebrated their first ever permit with us.
Most permit are found as singles or in 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 the permit fishing is done from a poled skiff but we can see permit on the wadeable ocean-side flats. Good permit fishing is available throughout the year.
Tarpon Fishing
Because Tarpon are migratory, they are by nature seasonal. Although some tarpon are around throughout the year, the prime season generally begins in mid to late April and continues to mid- October with June, July and August generally being the best months. Most of the migratory Tarpon are in the 70 to 90 pound range, but a few 150 to 200 pound monsters are seen each year!
