Coming to Belize to test your fishing skills, whether you are casting from the docks or trolling offshore then you would want to ensure that you are doing so within the confines of the law and following the required regulations, such as securing the required permits and ensuring that you are in the company of a licensed tour guide.
Home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, spanning more than 200 miles across the country, the UNESCO World Heritage Site has a wealth of fishing opportunities just waiting to be explored. Blessed with hundreds of cayes, atolls, islands, estuaries, mangrove lagoons, and freshwater bodies, Belize is brimming with a wide assortment of fish species, perfect for a one-of-a-kind fishing experience, that can hardly be found anywhere else in the world.
Do I need a license to fish in Belize?
If you are between the ages of 16 to 65 years of age and you are planning to fish in Belize, then you will need to acquire a fishing license. A one-day fishing license will cost you BZ $20 while a one-week fishing license will cost BZ$50. If you are planning on staying in the country longer or even planning regular visits, then you can purchase an annual license for BZ$100. For this permit, however, you’ll need to apply at the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute in person. The other two can be secured online.
Regulations to Abide By When Fishing in Belize
But even with an abundance of fishes, like everything else, there are regulations by which to abide so that the local fish species could thrive. Known as a leader in conservation efforts the Government of Belize has enacted a series of regulations to protect local marine life in Belize such as a closed season for conch, lobster, and shrimps. Fish species such as the Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit fishes are protected under the law and can only be caught for catch and release purposes only. These specific fish species are very popular among sports fishers who have dubbed all three a Super Grand Slam feat on every fisher’s list. One other requirement to take in mind is to ensure that you are accompanied by a licensed tour guide or you might quickly find yourself on the other side of the law.
When to fish in Belize?
With temperatures hovering near 80 degrees and barely surpassing 100 degrees, nearly every day is a good day to fish in Belize. While experienced fishers agree that weather conditions are likely to be ideal and the fishes will respond, they will tell you that fishing during certain months will produce more fishing success than others. Even in the ‘’rainy’’ season, Belize does not receive excessive rainfall, apart from small bouts of passing showers. However, it is important to pay keen attention to the local forecast and warnings to ensure your safety on the seas.
Fish Species That Can Be Found In Belize
As we have already mentioned Belize is home to several species of fishes ranging from, tarpons, snooks, permits, bonefish, snappers, marlins, sailfish, jacks, barracuda, mackerel, groupers, invasive lionfish, and others too numerous to mention.
Where to Fish in Belize?
Choosing a fishing spot for the day will hardly ever be a problem when in Belize. You can choose from Ambergris Caye, Tarpon Caye, Permit Alley, Turneff Atoll, Punta Gorda, The Drop, or even the tiny seaside community of Placencia.
With approximately 16 miles of golden sandy beaches decorating its shores, and enthusiastic fisherfolks, Placencia is known to be a top fishing destination that also offers a wide range of adventure tours. In fact, apart from all their other inland itineraries, nearly all the resorts in Placencia offer fishing tours such as reef fishing, fly fishing, or catch and release fishing to their guest.
If you are planning to book one of these memorable fishing trips and are in need of a reliable shuttle service from your room to any specific destination then Uncharted Jewel Belize can take care of that for you.
