Southern Belize: The Best Destination to Fly Fish for a Grand Slam

According to the International Gamefish Association (IGFA), “A “Grand Slam” is defined by an individual angler catching at least three of the eligible species within a category (shown below), per IGFA International Angling Rules. All catches must be made within one calendar day, and all past and present catches are eligible, provided they are properly documented.

 The following designations apply to IGFA Slam Clubs:

• Three species in a day = Grand Slam (Permit, Bonefish, and Tarpon)

Most anglers would say that catching and landing a permit on the fly is the hardest species to complete the grand slam. This is the sole reason why Southern Belize is one of the best places in the world to complete the slam. There is no better place than Southern Belize to get more shots at permit specifically tailing permit. Due to the expansive flats, the habitat is rich in biodiversity providing and supporting these fish with ample food supply. So when you fly fish in southern Belize you should expect to get multiple good shots at permit each day.

While the permit may be considered the toughest of the three species, landing a tarpon is no easy task. Tarpon are the largest, strongest and most acrobatic of the grand slam species found in Belize. Even juvenile fish will put angling skills to the test and strain tackle beyond belief. Resident tarpon are typically small- to mid-sized specimens (20-60 pounds), and the large migratory fish can range from 100-150+ pounds.

Large schools of bonefish can be found on a consistent basis on numerous caye (islands) throughout our fishery. Since bonefish are the most abundant fish, they tend to be the most willing to eat a fly. So typically this species can be the easiest and the last species to catch to fulfill the inshore fly fishing grand slam.

Luckily in Southern Belize the guides at Blue Horizon Belize are very skilled and know the waters and area very well to help guide you into your grand slam of a lifetime. Feel free to send us an email to check availability.

Guide to Bonefishing in Belize

Having a reef that spans the whole coastline of Belize, let’s just say there is plenty of fish habitat. It is a true saltwater angler’s paradise. One of the most common game fish to target on the fly in Belize is the bonefish. Also called the “ghost of the flats,” this species can be tricky at times but for the most part, a well-presented fly will always result in a hookup. Don’t underestimate the power of these fish either, once you have them on it’s common that they will take you to the backing.

The average size of bonefish in Belize is 2-5 pounds while there are some bigger fish that move in singles or double but these fish can be extremely spooky and educated.

Where to find bonefish?

While northern Belize is known for more bonefish, the bonefish in the South Water Caye marine reserve tend to be bigger. Our fishery is not as well know for bonefishing, but it no less productive.

Cayes/Islands: Large schools of bonefish can be found on a consistent basis on numerous caye (islands) throughout our fishery. The schools of bonefish congregate around the white sands where they feed on shrimp and crabs. They will also congregate around docks, as at times fish scraps fall into the water. These bonefish are perfect for the novice or never ever anglers.

Bonefish Flats: There are also some skinnier shallower flats that provide good habitat for bonefishing in Southern Belize. These flats can be a lot of fun to hunt down a bonefish. It does take a little bit more expertise to execute a precise presentation to get these fish to eat and not spook.

When to target bonefish?

Bonefish are plentiful year-round in Belize. While the weather can play a factor in finding the fish they seem to be creatures of habit and can be found in the same areas day after day. The bonefish can also be targetted during low tides when the permit fishing is slow. Bonefish do seem to be most active when there is tide moving, most likely because this means food is moving across the flats.

Recommended Bonefish Tackle:

    •       Rods: 7 or 8 weight

    •       Reel: Saltwater reel holding at least 200 yards of 20 pound backing

    •       Fly Line: Tropical Weight forward floating line

    •       Leader: 9-14 feet - depending upon the fishing situation

    •       Tippet: 2X-0X 8-12 pound test - fluorocarbon offers an advantage

Bonefish Flies:

Pops' Bonefish Bitters, #6 & #8 (Olive and Amber)

Crazy Charlies - chartreuse, white, pink & brown (unweighted for outer flats) #6 & #8

Gotcha’s - white, pink, tan , #6 & #8

 The guides at Blue Horizon are skilled in chasing down bonefish and are always willing to teach a new angler the ways of flats fly fishing for Belizean bonefish.