When it comes to outstanding permit fishing spots, the small Central American nation of Belize is unparalleled.
Jim Klug
Of all the species sought after by anglers in the Caribbean flats, permit are arguably the most sought-after by many fly and light-tackle fishermen. When selecting reliable and fruitful permit fishing locations, the tiny Central American nation of Belize ranks at the very top.
While Belize has long been a prominent destination for anglers eager to catch these elusive and sometimes challenging fish, permit fishing in Belize has arguably seen improvements over the last 10 to 15 years. With increasing fishing pressure and a notable rise in the number of anglers, how is this surge in success possible?
Three primary factors contribute to this growth in permit population. The first and most significant reason is the mandatory catch-and-release regulations, along with nationwide protections for permit, bonefish, and tarpon established in 2008. Since that introduction, the populations of these fish have stabilized and gradually increased. To date, Belize remains the only Caribbean nation to adopt such protective measures.
The second reason Belize stands out as a permit hotspot is a nationwide gillnet ban that came into effect in 2019. Alongside mandatory catch-and-release policies, eliminating indiscriminate gillnets has led to an immediate positive impact on fish populations. The third and final factor contributing to the rise in permit productivity is that guides are focusing more on targeting this species, with their evolving knowledge, techniques, and understanding of the fish growing significantly as a direct result.
Permit Fishing in Ambergris Caye, Belize
In some of Belize’s lagoons, large schools of smaller permit weighing 5 to 10 pounds can be found.
Jim Klug
Ambergris Caye, the largest among the over 200 islands that line Belize’s coast, runs parallel to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and remains the most popular tourist destination in the country. Historically a prominent tarpon fishing location, permit fishing in the waters surrounding Ambergris has significantly increased over the past decade, both in fish numbers and average size. The shallow lagoon at the back of Ambergris hosts large schools of smaller permit ranging from 5 to 10 pounds. When seen, these swift fish eagerly pursue large shrimp and Gotcha-style fly patterns. For anglers in search of larger permit, the area around Bacalar Chico, extending north to Rocky Point and south to Long Caye, hosts notably bigger fish. A knowledgeable guide is essential for navigating this part of Belize, as most flats are composed of soft mud, making them tricky to wade through.
Fishing for Permit at Turneffe Atoll, Belize
Larger permit are typically found alone or in small groups, searching for crabs and shrimp in shallow waters.
Jim Klug
Turneffe Atoll is one of the most undeveloped and pristine areas in Belize, boasting an exceptional population of permit. Many seasoned traveling anglers contend that this atoll offers some of the best chances in the Caribbean to catch and land a “black-tailed devil.” On the outer flats of the atoll, permit are often found alone or in small groups as they forage in the shallows for crabs, shrimp, and other food sources. Within the atoll’s interior, aggressive schools of permit can regularly be observed on muddy mangrove flats, often cruising the extensive mangrove shorelines in groups that sometimes exceed 100 fish.
Permit Fishing at Punta Gorda
Anglers can anticipate classic flats scenarios, with permit tailing and feeding in shallow waters over the reef flats.
Jim Klug
Punta Gorda, commonly referred to as “P.G.,” is the southernmost town in Belize and serves as the capital of the Toledo District. Small, tranquil, and nearly untouched by tourism, this area has long served as a popular destination for dedicated permit anglers. The classic flats scenarios here revolve around permit that feed and tail in shallow waters over the reef flats. It’s common for P.G. guides to pole along the flats’ edges in pursuit of tailing fish and nervous water. When fish are sighted in the shallows, the guide and angler typically exit the skiff and approach the feeding fish on foot for the best chance at a cast.
Belize’s Hopkins and Permit Alley Fishing
Some anglers prefer to cast from a boat, while others wade near tailing permit to avoid spooking them.
Jim Klug
This region has gained worldwide fame for its permit fishing, featuring hundreds of shallow, turtle-grass-covered classic-style permit flats located just offshore in the pristine waters of Belize’s barrier reef. In this marine area, which is rich with tiny cayes and islands connected by numerous flats, good numbers of permit are present year-round, often tailing, cruising, and feeding in the clear shallow waters. These flats generally comprise hard-packed sand interspersed with patches of turtle grass and crushed coral. The shallower flats are excellent for wading, although a boat is still necessary for traveling between areas.
Long Caye and Caye Caulker Permit Fishing
Fly anglers flock to Belize in pursuit of permit. Crab and shrimp fly patterns are essential.
Jim Klug
In addition to offering a robust tarpon fishery, this central Belize locale provides excellent opportunities for permit fishing around Caye Caulker. The permit fishery here is developing rapidly, as improved species protection helps bolster the population. Unlike other areas in Belize, where permit are typically encountered in very shallow waters and fished based on tides, those found here usually inhabit waters three to six feet deep, foraging over various bottoms including shallow grass, hard substrates, and even submerged rock formations and caves. While a moving tide remains important, it is not as critical as in other areas.
When Traveling to Belize to Fish
In the last two decades, Belize has introduced significant changes to safeguard flats species like tarpon, permit, and bonefish, establishing it as a true shallow-water fishing paradise.
Jim Klug
MAJOR AIR HUB: Belize City, Belize (BZE)
ENTRY DOCUMENTS REQUIRED: Valid passport
LANGUAGES: English and Caribbean Creole
LAND SIZE: Approximately 8,867 square miles
TIME: U.S. Central Standard Time
FISHING SEASON: Year-round, with peak permit times of March to July, as well as October and November
IDEAL FOR: Couples, families, first-time permit anglers, and seasoned veterans