INTERNATIONAL
BILLFISH TOURNAMENT
International Billfish Tournament - Sponsored by Raddison Fort George and Esso, it is an International tournament held annually, where they display the heaviest fish blue and white marlin, sail fish, and bill fish.
What better way to spend your holiday in Belize than fishing!
Belize is the perfect destination where you can find many options for sport fishing all year round. Whether fishing from shore, deep sea or on the flats, you are guaranteed a great time.
No matter what time of the year you choose to visit, there are always fish around. The weather and moon cycle influences fishing and is also monitored by the guides to promise a successful getaway. The fishing day usually begins with a good breakfast in front of the beach and ends at sunset, although times are adjusted depending on the tides, weather and other factors.
It’s important to know that locals believe strongly in “catch and release”. Which means the act of catching the fish and immediately releasing the fish into the water in the same state that the fish was landed, to protect the fishery.
Belize is proud to be a country that protects bonefish, tarpon and permit as catch and release species. According to the legislation: No person or establishment shall have in possession any Bonefish, Permit or Tarpon or any product form, save and except in the act of catch and release.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE BOOKING YOUR FISHING TRIP
Many local fishing charters include fishing licenses as part of the package. If they don’t, you will need to purchase one from Belize’s Coastal Zone Management Authority (CZMA).
In 2010 Belize became one of the first countries in the world to institute a ban on bottom trawling, a destructive commercial fishing technique that involves dragging nets along the bottom of the sea floor.
The only thing you need is a guide along with the perfect equipment and you’ll be good to go.
Check our Annual Fishing Tournaments:
- Grand Caribe Fishing Tournament - August, at Grand Caribe on Ambergris Cayeo
- Yamaha Saltwater Fishing Tournament – September 21 – 22, Placencia, Stann Creek District
- Blue Water Classic, Belize Game Fish Association Tournament- October 12 – 13, St. George’s Caye
FISHING HOT SPOTS
While fishing is good across the country, there are a few prime locations.
1. AMBERGRIS CAYE AND CAYE CAULKER
GETTING THERE - You can take a ferry which runs from Belize City almost every hour. The trip lasts between 70 – 90 minutes and tickets cost roughly $18USD to $28USD one-way. There are also regular 20-minute flights to San Pedro Airport from the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport or Municipal Airport in Belize City on Maya Island Air.
CHARTER A FISHING BOAT - Spend the day out at sea on a chartered boat. Deep Sea Fishing, the price usually ranges starts at $625USD for a half-day trip, extending to $925USD for a full day trip. Book a Fly Fishing trip, price range from $350USD for a half-day to $525USD for a full day.
2. BELIZE CITY
GETTING THERE - Many resorts and charter boats offer a pickup service from Belize city, often with an extra cost.
CHARTER A FISHING BOAT - Most charter operators from Belize City offer different all-inclusive day trips, Flats or River Fishing start at $550USD, if you prefer Reef Fishing a half-day trip start at $750USD.
3. PLACENCIA, HOPKINS AND PUNTA GORDA
GETTING THERE - Driving down South to Placencia or Hopkins takes approximately two and a half to three hours from Belize City, either by car or bus. Another option would be to take a 40 minutes flight from the International Airport in Belize City on Maya Island Air.
CHARTER A FISHING BOAT - In shore and reef fishing trips range from $350USD for half-day to $450USD for a full day. A Fly Fishing trip the price range from $350USD for a half-day to $525USD for a full day.
Note: Prices are subject to change without notice. These were the prices quoted as of September 2019.