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Fishing at Turneffe Estates

For decades the Turneffe Atoll has been known as a premier flats fishing destination. Our expansive ocean side flats offer miles of wadeable flats, while the bars and flats inside Turneffe's lagoons are best fished from skiffs.

The Turneffe Atoll is the largest coral atoll in the Western Hemisphere, and is best-known for its variety of saltwater fishing. The availability of bonefish, permit and tarpon make Turneffe one of the rare spots in the world offering a legitimate shot at a Flats Grand Slam. Additionally, Turneffe offers the opportunity to fish for a wide variety of other saltwater species.

Bonefishing at Turneffe offers something for anglers of all levels of experience. Novice saltwater anglers can expect to see hundreds of bonefish providing a great opportunity to learn the basics of flats fishing. Experienced saltwater anglers find plenty of challenging fishing, particularly fishing to smaller schools and larger singles.

The ocean side flats also offer the opportunity to pursue small schools, singles and doubles. This fishing requires casting accuracy and provides the added challenge many seasoned saltwater anglers relish. Bonefish are present in equal numbers throughout the year and they are on the flats most of the time. This differentiates Turneffe's bonefish from those in other areas, such as the Florida Keys, where bonefish only enter the flats in search of a meal. These are very lush flats full of crabs, shrimp and other bonefish foods. As a result, these fish can become selective. This can make for challenging fishing and the right tackle, flies, presentation and fishing techniques are all important. Dick Brown, author of Fly Fishing for Bonefish, has named the Turneffe Flats one of The World's Seven Best for Bonefish.

As more saltwater anglers have come to enjoy the challenge of permit fishing, Belize has been recognized as one of a few locations to experience the excitement of casting to tailing permit on the flats. The Turneffe Atoll has an exceptional population of permit and increasing numbers of anglers are visiting us to sight-fish to permit. Most permit are found a singles or in small groups on the flats and bars throughout the Turneffe Atoll, although we also frequently see larger schools of permit tailing in shallow water. You can expect plenty of shots at 10 to 20 lb. permit with some fish in the 30 to 40 lb. class. Permit fishing at Turneffe may afford you more shots than other destinations, but they are always challenging!

Tarpon inhabit the creeks, channels and lagoons of the Atoll. Most tarpon jumped are 60-90 pounds, with some in the 100-150 pound range and occasional monsters approaching 200 pounds. Tarpon fishing is quite seasonal as tarpon are migratory. Tarpon numbers begin to increase in April or May and drop off in September or October with peak tarpon months being June, July, and August. There are a few 'resident' tarpon around Turneffe throughout the year.

The interior of the Turneffe Atoll offers miles of mangrove-lined bays, creeks and lagoons to fish for various snappers, jacks and barracuda. This can be some very exciting saltwater fishing with either a fly rod or spinning gear. Barracuda are an underrated and acrobatic game fish inhabiting the reefs at Turneffe in large numbers. Some anglers prefer to troll a fly for them, but they can also be taken by sight casting on the flats or by casting poppers into the deeper holes along the reef. Along the reef, wading anglers can take snappers and jacks by casting deceiver patterns or poppers into the surf.

Turneffe Estates, own your piece of paradise today in beautiful Belize