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 our
custom-built Dolphin Superskiffs.
The
Turneffe Atoll is the largest coral atoll in the
Bonefishing at Turneffe Flats 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.
Our ocean side flats, only 5 to 15 minutes from the lodge, are some of the
most picturesque flats anywhere. While wading the flats at Turneffe you will
cast to large schools of bonefish averaging 3-4 pounds, with some larger
fish up to 12 pounds.
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
Bonefish
also inhabit the mangrove-lined lagoons and flats on the interior of the
Atoll. These bonefish are generally larger and take flies more readily than
the ocean side fish; although they tend to be on the move, making casting
accuracy more crucial. Fishing for these fish is mostly done from the bow of
our 16' Dolphin Superskiffs.
There is a wadeable flat immediately in front of the lodge, allowing you
extra fishing in the early morning or evening.
Permit Fishing
As
more saltwater anglers have come to enjoy the challenge of permit fishing,
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. Most of our permit fishing done
from a poled skiff but we also see permit (often with their backs out of the
water) on our wadable ocean-side flats.
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 Fishing
Tarpon inhabit the creeks, channels and lagoons of the Atoll. Most tarpon
jumped are 60-90 pounds, with some fish 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.
Daily Fishing Schedule
Our
fishing schedule is as flexible as possible. A standard day's fishing is
about 8 hours. Generally the fishing day begins after breakfast and ends
around
Each
day you will have the option to take a delicious packed lunch or return to
the lodge for the
Early morning fishing, particularly for tarpon, can be exceptional, and
arrangements to go tarpon fishing before breakfast are easily made
|
Location: Belize |
| Other activities: SCUBA, snorkeling, free diving, kayaking, and jungle/island adventures |