Belize Bonefishing - Turneffe Flats Resort

Permit Fishing is Good Year-Round.

Permit Season:  Permit are also present throughout the year, although permit fishing tends to be more predictable when the prevailing winds are most consistent - generally in the winter, spring, and summer. Some of the better permit fishing can be in the fall if the weather is not affected by a cold front. Most permit are found as singles or in small groups on the flats and bars, although larger schools are spotted of permit tailing in shallow water. Guides pole the skiffs, and there is also excellent wade fishing for permit on the oceanside flats.

Year-Round Bonefishing

Bonefishing:  There is no preferable season for bonefishing as they are present in equal numbers throughout the year. While wading Turneffe’s extensive turtle grass flats, you'll sightfish large schools of bonefish, plus smaller groups and singles. Some of their best flats are just minutes from the resort. As a result, long, rough boat rides aren’t necessary. They fish the entire atoll. Some bars, creeks, and lagoons are about a 30 to 40-minute run. While wading the expansive flats on the seaward side of Turneffe, you will see schools of bonefish, a great opportunity for new saltwater anglers to learn the sport. There is also plenty of skinny water for seasoned anglers who enjoy stalking larger bones, some over 10 pounds.
Read John B. Snow's Outdoor Life article:  A Bone Fishing Adventure on the Flats of Belize.

Pursue a Caribbean Grand Slam

Tarpon fishing is quite seasonal since most tarpon are migratory. Our tarpon numbers increase in April and May and drop off in September or October. Peak tarpon months are June, July, and August. Some resident tarpon are around throughout the year.
There is a definite tarpon season in Belize as most tarpon are migratory (May - October). Early morning fishing, particularly for tarpon, can be exceptional, and arrangements to go tarpon fishing before breakfast are easily made.

Standard Eight-Hour Fishing Day

Typical Fishing Day:
A standard fishing day is about eight hours. The fishing schedule is flexible. A coffee pot is in your room.
6:30 - 8:00 am - A hot breakfast includes baked goods. After breakfast, you'll meet your guide.
Mid-day - Enjoy a packed lunch on the boat or return to the Lodge for lunch. After lunch, you'll return to fishing.
4:00 to 5:00 pm - You'll return to the Lodge. For safety reasons, the Lodge asks that all guides be in an hour before sundown.
6:30 pm - Enjoy cocktails and appetizers in the main lodge or on the large breezy veranda.
7:00 pm - Dinner is served

The Fishing Program:

Boats:  Fish from 16 ft. Dolphin Super Skiff Pros are custom-built in the U.S. These comfortable skiffs cut the chop when running and pole well in skinny water. They have large casting decks, six rod holders, VHF radios, and safety gear. Two anglers per boat and guide.
Guides:  English-speaking Belizean guides. Several guides have been guiding on the flats for more than three decades, and most have been with Turneffe Flats for the majority of that time. They are some of the Caribbean's most experienced and dedicated flats guides. If you desire assistance, they will gladly help you with the technical aspects of saltwater fly fishing.
Fishing Equipment:  No gear is included in the package. A fly outfit rental is $25 per day or $140 per week (Sage/T&T rods and Hatch reels). A spin outfit costs $15 per day or $85.00 for the week. Our confirmation packet includes a detailed list of what to bring.
Fishing License:  A fishing license is $25 per week. You may purchase your license at the Lodge or online. There is also a Marine Park Fee of $50.00 per person for the week.

Turneffe Flats Resort

About the Resort

Turneffe Flats Resort is on the northeastern side of Turneffe Atoll on a private point with a white sandy beach. The main lodge is the social dining center. There are eight large cabanas on the beach, two spacious three-bedroom villas, and Pelican Villa, a two-bedroom and two-bath villa. All lodgings have wonderful views of the beach or reef. All rooms are air-conditioned and have private bathrooms.
Meals:  Enjoy Belizean-style and international dishes in the colonial-style lodge. Cooked breakfasts. Dinner entrees include local seafood, chicken, pork and beef. Packed lunches for the boat or dine at the lodge for lunch between noon and 2:00 pm.
Alcohol:  Alcohol is not included in the package. The Lodge has a well-stocked bar. Individual tabs must be paid before your departure.
Power:  The Lodge is completely self-sufficient without any public services. It is powered by a sophisticated off-grid solar system with a diesel generator backup. The power is 110V/220V/60Hz AC. The generators are not within hearing distance of the guest rooms.
Here is an energyglobe.info article about Turneffe's award-winning energy grid.

Escape to Turneffe Flats

Communications:  Wi-Fi is throughout the property, but not in all the rooms. Email and internet usage works fine. However, there is not enough bandwidth for extensive streaming services.

Getting to The Resort:

1.) You’ll fly to the international airport (BZE) in Ladyville on the outskirts of Belize City.
2.) A Lodge representative will meet you and drive you to the Radisson Marina. There is a restaurant/bar at the marina for lunch or a beverage while you wait to leave for the Lodge.
3.) You'll board the Lodge’s comfortable 50 ft. Hatteras yacht and take a 90-minute boat ride through the scenic offshore cayes, the Barrier Reef, and Turneffe’s mangrove channels before arriving at the Lodge.
Departure Day:  After a light breakfast, you'll leave the island on Saturday at 7:30 am. Their boat arrives at the Belize City Marina at 9:00 am. You will be driven to the airport with plenty of time to check in for your flight, provided it is booked after 11:00 am. For guests departing later in the day, a half-day tour of a Mayan Ruin or the Belize Zoo can be arranged for you. (Tours are an added fee.)