6 Reasons Why You Should Go Fishing In Belize

REASON #1 - Belize has Many Geographical Features
Belize has many geographical features, which makes it some of the best fishing in the world.  One reason for this, is that the country lies right off the Belize Barrier Reef. The Belize Barrier Reef, is part of a much larger Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, stretching some 200-miles in length and is considered one of the largest coral formations in the entire world! 
So the question might be asked, what does coral reef formations have to do with fishing?  A coral reef provides both nutrients and shelter to a wide range of smaller bait fish and crustaceans, that attract (you got it) much larger game fish.
The reef is home to more than 500 species of fish.  There are over 200 islands, or “Cayes,” located off the shores of mainland Belize, which are surrounded by lagoons.  Did you know, that lagoons make up 5% of the entire country’s land area (22,960 square miles) and is covered by these coastal inlets?
Belize offers river fishing, flat fishing, reef fishing, and deep sea fishing.  Each one offers an exciting variation to a wonderful adventure in Belize.

REASON #2 - This is a Fly Angler’s Paradise
Belize boasts more than 200 miles of coastline flats. The country is renowned for its Tarpon, Permit and Bone Fishing, all catch and release.  Snook is another regular fly fishing catch.  If you’re up for the ultimate fly fishing challenge, come and try fly fishing for a Super Grand Slam (Permit, Bonefish, Tarpon, and Snook all in the same day).
Keep in mind that a number of flats in Belize have soft bottoms (making it hard to walk or wade in), so you’ll be doing most of your fly-fishing from a boat.  Although the flats around Tarpon Caye, have a more solid bottom - making it easier to wade.   You can either cast from the boat as your guide poles these flats, or simply hop out of the vessel to get an optimal casting position.
Jungle River Fishing is also an amazing setting for any fly fishing adventure. Places like the Belize and Monkey River offer exciting game like Tarpon, Black Snapper, Cubera Snapper, and Jack Crevalle.

REASON #3 - Reef Fishing
If fly fishing is not your thing, and you don’t want to spend an entire day on the water, reef fishing is a great alternative.  The reef attracts a wide range of marine life. Some of these just happen to be awesome game fish.
Most spots are within a half to an hour from the coast, so a half day outing will give you more than enough time to catch your fill.  Fish you can expect to catch are:  Jacks, Groupers, Snappers, Kingfish Barracudas and Wahoo.

REASON #4 - Deep Sea Fishing
Thanks to the sheer number and size of its flats and lagoons, most traveling anglers swarm to the Belizean coast to do a little fly and reef fishing.  This leaves much of the deeper waters unspoiled when it comes to deep sea fishing.
Once you get past the beautiful reef, you’ll be greeted by a variety of big game species that rival any of the hottest deep sea fishing destinations in the Western Hemisphere.  Immediately past the reef, you can start trolling for Sailfish along the shelf drop-off.  If you go out a bit further, you can catch Marlin and Blackfin Tuna. Fish you can expect to catch are:  Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Marlin, Blackfin Tuna, and King Mackerel. You can find most big game fish as deep as 650 feet, and getting to the hot spots usually takes no longer than half an hour.

REASON #5 - A Chance to Save the Reef!
Ever since Lionfish (who eat coral) were accidentally introduced to the area, it has jeopardized much of the delicate ecosystem of the Barrier Reef.  Lionfish have no natural predators, therefore the authorities are trying their best to systematically reduce its population.  Belize is among the leading Caribbean countries in terms of conservation.  About a third of the entire land territory is currently under some form of protection. There are many wildlife sanctuaries serving as shelter for endangered species.  As far as fishing is concerned, the government has put into place many policies to address the dwindling numbers of fish species.  Belize no longer allows bottom trolling, also fish such as Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit are now catch and release only.

REASON #6 - Belize's Geography
Belize has a unique geography, which makes it much more than just a good place to cast a line. With lush, waterfall-laden jungle on one side, and colorful beaches and corals on the other, the views in this place are nothing short of spectacular.
The crystal clear waters around the local islands are the perfect place for snorkelers and water sports enthusiasts. Forty miles off the mainland coast of Belize, divers can enjoy the adventure of experiencing the Great Blue Hole, a giant marine sinkhole made famous by French explorer Jacques Cousteau. 
On the mainland, you will find a variety of jungle lodges to spend a few relaxing days in.  Take a hike to one of the breath taking waterfalls, or enjoy an adventure to one of many Mayan ruins scattered across the countries landscape.  Belize has one one of the smallest population densities in the Caribbean, which means no crowds, no waiting in line.