Perhaps the most sought after species on the Belizean coast, the “grey ghost” is found in all of our waters surrounding Ambergris Caye.
Belize has long been known for a reputation of having many schools of small bonefish. This could not be further from the truth. In recent years, we have landed more double digit bonefish than ever before. The banning of commercial fishing around the island has helped increase stock and size of our fish tremendously. Fly fishing for Bonefish in Belize is as good as it gets. Schooling fish average 3-7 pounds with single and doubles in the 7-10 pound range. Bonefish in this size range will be found in small groups tailing the shallow flats along the deep water. Deep water provides an easy escape route for these wary fish. Smaller bones will be seen cruising and mudding in waist deep water on the edges of flats. You will spot what looks like a camera flash when these fish roll and dig into the mud to feed.
Disappearing act
Putting on the brakes
Our guides enjoy challenging guests on the tailing fish, so be ready. Wading for bonefish is extremely exciting, and 80% of our flats are hard bottom, wading flats. Spotting singles and doubles can be very difficult at first, but the guides will be able to coach you. They will help you decipher bottom contour, help you control glare, and tell you what the telltale fishy signs are. Patterns that are most effective here are Yucatan and Crazy Charlies, Bonefish Bitters, Gotcha’s and Raghead crab patterns in 2-8 are all effective if matched to bottom color correctly.
