Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Belize pointers.....January 2026

Thanks so much for the info!   I'm well on my way to planning a few days of chasing tarpon, bones and permit in Belize!

On Sunday, August 17, 2025 at 4:35:24 PM UTC-4 Philip Watt wrote:

Hey Peter,

I spent 4 days fishing Belize in early June. Spent time at the Belize River Lodge and El Pescador. 

I had to spend the first day in Belize City due to another commitment I had there, so Richie at District Angling told me about the Belize River Lodge which is 10mins from the airport. It's one of the oldest fishing lodges in Belize, and while the owners are exceptionally nice the accommodations are pretty spartan. They typically fish the mouth of the Belize River for big migratory tarpon, but the day I was there the wind was howling so we stayed inshore and fished the River. Juvenile tarpon and snook were caught, so it was nice to get a bend in the rod but fishing the River was kind of ho hum. Spoke with a couple other guys who had been there for a few days and they had been stuck fishing inshore the whole time and were a little frustrated. All in all, if your schedule means you have a day to burn in Belize City then definitely stay there and fish, rather than some hotel in the city. 

Day 2 I flew to San Pedro and stayed at El Pescador. Along with Turneffe Flats this is probably one of the most well known and highly regarded fishing lodges in Belize. It didn't disappoint. This was how I envisioned Belize fishing to be. Plenty of shots at tarpon (big and small), bonefish on the flats, and large schools of permit. 

I spent 3 days fishing at El Pescador and thoroughly enjoyed it. They welcome you to "their family", and treat you that way. Everyone there knows your name as soon as you step off the shuttle boat from the airport, and they bend over backwards to ensure you're taken care of. The guides were first class, very dialed in to the fishery, and worked to ensure you got your shots in. They are happy to meet you as early as 4am for departure if you like to get a full day in before the wind and heat picks up. As your body clock is still on East Coast time this was easy to do.  We took a 45 minute run each morning up to the national park which borders Mexico to first target tarpon, then worked our way back south hitting the flats for bonefish and permit. The permit schools we found were massive, easily 200+ permit in the 8-10lb range. Bonefish were in the smaller side, and the tarpon there range from the resident 30lb fish all the way up to the big 100lb+ migratory tarpon.

Their "Grand Slam" wall has some of the most well known names in fly fishing on it, with several folks up there for "Triple Grand Slams".  Food is excellent, served family style so you get a chance to dine with the other guests each night. Speaking with other guests, several of them really enjoyed Turneffe Flats for pure hardcore fly fishing, but liked El Pescador more if you want to take a day off from fishing and head into San Pedro for shopping/ dining etc. Sounds like Turneffe does not have much in the way of non-fishing activities, if that is a concern. 

I do have to mention the sargassum weed as it was super thick, and is an annual occurrence during the summer months  The smell will knock your socks off, and rules out any swimming off the beach. Just something to consider if you are taking family who don't fish and planned to sit on the beach reading a book. Likely a no go.  Fortunately you don't fish near it so it's not a factor on that front. 

Hit up Richie as he was SUPER helpful with tips on what gear to take, lines, leaders, flies etc. El Pescador does have a full suite of gear you can borrow too if need be.  The guides will use the flies you bring so don't show up empty handed. They also are grateful if you leave them with a few upon departure. 

I was solo on this trip, but definitely plan to go back again with my son or another fishing buddy. Likely in August as that's apparently prime time for the big tarpon. 

Hope this helps, but feel free to ask any questions. 

Cheers

Phil

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 16, 2025, at 6:24 AM, peter odell <peter...@gmail.com> wrote:

I have a big birthday coming up and want to head to Belize for 4 or 5 days of flyfishing.  I've heard great things about the fishery, but the options seem a little overwhelming.  Tarpon, bones and permit in that order my hoped for targets.

Anyone have any advice on lodging, pros/cons, other advice or even an alternative (has to be warm, Florida too variable that month).  

Thanks in advance - I'm always amazed how wide the knowledge is in this group....

Pete

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