 |
|
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 Western Hemisphere, and is
best-known for its variety of saltwater fishing. The
availability of bonefish, permit and tarpon make Turneffe
Flats one of the rare spots in the world offering a legitimate
shot at a GRAND SLAM. Additionally, Turneffe offers the
opportunity to fish for a wide variety of other saltwater
species.
|
|
 |
Bonefishing
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 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 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.
|
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. |
|
 |
| Dick
Brown, author of Fly Fishing for Bonefish, has named
Turneffe Flats one of The World's Seven Best for
Bonefish". |
| Permit Fishing
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. 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.
|
Click here to see our
Guest
Comments
 Other Species
The interior of the Turneffe Atoll
offers miles of mangrove-lined bays, creeks and lagoons to fish for
various snappers, jacks and barracuda with poppers or Clouser
minnows. 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. Spending some time during your stay at Turneffe "chasing"
other species is always fun and usually rewarding.
 Fishing Skiffs
We fish from 16' Dolphin Superskiffs
custom built in the U.S. These are comfortable skiffs with a large
casting deck and rod holders. All skiffs are equipped with VHF
radios and safety gear.
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 5:00 P.M.
although it is adjusted depending on the tides and other
factors.
Each day you will have the option to
take a delicious packed lunch or return to the lodge for the noon
meal. Our Managers will coordinate your fishing each evening for the
following day.
Early morning fishing, particularly for
tarpon, can be exceptional, and arrangements to go tarpon fishing
before breakfast are easily made.
Catch and Release
We believe strongly in protecting the
fishery at Turneffe. With rare exception, all fish at Turneffe Flats
are released. |
