The tranquil tourquis waters surrounding Ambergris Caye are host to a variety of marine species of game fish. We have chosen this area as our home base for this main reason: the proximity of the Barrier Reef provides a complex ecosystem that provides and sustains all levels of marine life. The deepwater reef surrounding the flats provides an area where gamefish can reside when not feeding. The reef is over 300 miles long and comes closest to land at the town of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Belize Fly Zone can create custom fly-out trips to other islands nearby for the ultimate adventure.
A typical west side flat is slick calm on most days
West side of Ambergris Caye: The large, open flats of the west side of the island provide slick calm, near wind-less conditions on a daily basis. These flats, channels and mangrove lined island chains are a sanctuary for Permit, Tarpon, Bonefish, Snook and Barracuda. Nearly 80% of the flats on the west side are wade able, providing good opportunity for what we call “spot and stalk” fishing. On any given day, an angler will have opportunities to present flies to all of the main species as well as Jack’s of all makes and sizes, snapper and sharks just to round out the list. Hard and soft sand is abundant in this area, and small turtle grass areas are also present, making homes for shrimp and small crab. Crazy charlies and spawning shrimp patterns in sizes 4-8 are deadly. At the far end of the West side lie the Savannah flats, home to Belize’s huge schools of migrating tarpon. During spring and summer, hundreds of large tarpon are found feeding in very shallow water in the morning hours. Heavy 10-12 weights are rigged with our custom leaders to turn these fish over.
Our guides can provide flies and give advice on tackle
East side of Ambergris Caye: To the east of the island lies the Caribbean’s largest barrier reef. Scuba divers from around the world visit here to see the vast populations of fish that populate the reef. The reef serves as a protective “wall” against any oncoming waves, thus providing a tranquil ocean side environment for the angler. The visual blend of deep green and turquoise water will often distract anglers from fishing. It is a sight that must be seen firsthand to believe. Large bonefish up to 10 pounds can be caught while wading the ocean side flats as well as big, ocean migrating Permit. Enormous Barracuda prowl these waters as the tide rises, so be mindful of this when fighting your fish. Tarpon ride the tides in and out of the cuts in the reef, and sometimes poling along these areas will produce shots at these Silver Kings. Remember to “bow to the King” when he is airborne.
Classsic permit water in Ambergris Caye is only a 20 minute boat ride
North of Ambergris Caye: To the north of San Pedro lies the Mexican border. These flats have been a local haunt of our guides recently and for good reason. Bacalar Chica National Park resides just south of the Mexican/Belize border, and is accessible through the west side of the island. This island requires a $5US payment to the ranger upon entry. This money goes towards the constant preservation of the park. Bacalar Chica is a protected on all sides by land and is host to large schools of Jack’s, Permit and Bonefish. Schools of Jacks seem to prefer this area than other recently. They are hungry predators that do not hesitate to strike anything. Recent anglers have hooked Jacks on sloppy back casts that have landed the fly in the water. A surprised angler is always a guarantee, along with a broken rod. Permit in large schools are always in this area as well. The calm nature of the protected area makes spotting “nervous water” very easy. These magical fish tend to be on the smaller side up here, usually between 6-9 pounds. Again, shrimp patterns and small crabs are highly effective flies for Belize.
South of Ambergris Caye: On the south end of the island you will find spots such as Congrejo, Long Caye, and the mainland. Cogrejo is a series of mangrove islands separated by cuts and channels. This area has huge numbers of bonefish that tail on the flats during incoming tides. Permit use the cuts to cruise in and out of shallow water to feed on crab and crustaceans. Permit here have a tendency to eat almost anything that is properly presented to them in this area. Bonefish numbers here are outstanding. Glistening tails can be seen for acres, but be careful, this is our only non-wade able area. The cuts and channels are there for a reason, they constantly deliver powder like sand to the flats. A step off the bow will result in waist deep muck. Our newest member to the staff, Nathaniel is the expert for Long Caye and mainland guiding. He comes to us from a very popular tarpon lodge on the mainland. He has logged countless days on these flats and just shakes when he hears the word Tarpon. His custom shock leaders are the best in the world, and he will not tie them unless he is locked up alone in a room, so no one can duplicate them. He has put more people on Tarpon than anyone on our staff, so he is your man if you seek Megalops Atlanticus.
Backcoutry and open flats Tarpon will keep you busy all week - www.youtube.com/belizeflyzone
