Of all the Caribbean flats species targeted by anglers, permit are arguably the most coveted species for many fly and light-tackle fishermen, and when it comes to consistent and productive permit destinations, the tiny Central American country of Belize sits at the top of the list.
While Belize has always been a well-known destination for anglers wishing to pursue these elusive and — at times — difficult fish, the permit fishing throughout Belize has arguably improved over the last 10 to 15 years. With increased pressure and a significant bump in angler numbers, how could this be possible?
There are three main reasons for this uptick in permit production, with the first (and most important) reason being mandatory catch-and-release regulations and nationwide protection of permit, bonefish and tarpon implemented in 2008. Since that time, fish numbers have stabilized and gradually improved. To date, Belize is still the only country in the Caribbean to enact this type of protection.
The second reason that Belize is such a permit hotspot has to do with a nationwide gillnet ban that became law in 2019. In tandem with mandatory catch-and-release fishing, the removal of indiscriminate gillnets has had an immediate positive effect. The third and final reason for an overall increase in permit productivity? The guides are spending more time focusing on and targeting the species, and their knowledge, techniques, and understanding of the species has radically evolved as a direct result.
Permit Fishing in Ambergris Caye, Belize
Running parallel to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, Ambergris Caye is the largest of the more than 200 islands that dot the coast of Belize — and by far the most popular tourist destination in the country. Long a famous tarpon destination, over the past 10 years the permit fishing in the waters that surround Ambergris has ramped up considerably — both with numbers as well as the average size of permit. The shallow lagoon on the back side of Ambergris is home to large schools of smaller 5- to 10-pound permit. When spotted, the speedsters will readily chase large shrimp and Gotcha-type fly patterns. For anglers seeking larger permit, the fish found in the Bacalar Chico area, north to Rocky Point, and south to Long Caye can be quite large. A guide is crucial for this part of Belize, as most flats are soft mud and difficult to wade.
Fishing for Permit at Turneffe Atoll, Belize
One of the most undeveloped, unvisited and pristine regions in all of Belize, Turneffe is home to an exceptional population of permit, which is why many seasoned traveling anglers will tell you that the atoll offers one of the best chances in the Caribbean to hook and land a “black-tailed devil.” On the outer flats of the atoll, most permit are found as singles or in small groups, feeding their way across the shallows in search of crabs, shrimp and other food sources. In the interior of the atoll on the muddy mangrove flats, more aggressive schools of permit are found on a regular basis, cruising the lengthy mangrove shorelines in schools that at times number 100 or more fish.
Permit Fishing at Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda (known throughout the region as “P.G.”) is the southernmost town in Belize and the capital of Belize’s Toledo District. Small, quiet and almost completely untouched by tourism, this has long been a popular destination for anglers serious about catching permit. The classic flats scenarios found in this area revolve around permit that feed and tail in skinny waters on shallow reef flats. It is not uncommon for the P.G. guides to poll the edges of the flats in search of tailing fish and nervous water. When fish are spotted in the shallows, the guide and angler will usually slip out of the skiff and approach the feeding fish on foot for the optimal shot.
Belize’s Hopkins and Permit Alley Fishing
This area has become world famous for its permit fishing, with hundreds of shallow, turtle-grass-covered, classic-style permit flats that are found just offshore in pristine waters surrounding Belize’s barrier reef. In this specific marine area — thick with tiny cayes and islands connected and joined by countless flats — good numbers of permit can be found year-round: often-times tailing, cruising and feeding in clear, shallow waters. These flats typically consist of hard-packed sand, mottled with patches of turtle grass and crushed coral. The shallower flats are ideal for wading, although a boat is still required to move from area to area.
Long Caye and Caye Caulker Permit Fishing
In addition to offering a healthy tarpon fishery, this central Belize destination offers great permit opportunities in the area surrounding Caye Caulker. The permit fishery is rapidly evolving here, as protection of the species continues to improve the population. This fishing differs from other areas in Belize (where permit are often found in super-shallow waters that are fished according to the tides) in that permit here are usually found in three to six feet of water, cruising and feeding over a variety of different bottoms including shallow grass, hard bottoms, and even submerged rock structures and caves. And while a moving tide is important, it is not as crucial as it is in other areas.
When Traveling to Belize to Fish
- 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 time March-July, October and November
- IDEAL FOR: Couples, families, first-time permit anglers, and seasoned veterans
