Turneffe flats slatwater fly fishing

Turneffe Flats Belize

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For more than two decades, Turneffe Flats has been known as one of the world's premier flats fishing destinations combining a remarkable fishery with excellent English-speaking guides, top-notch equipment and superior service. The ability to sight-fish for BONEFISH, PERMIT and TARPON on any given day makes Turneffe one of the few places where a Grand Slam is always a possibility. Turneffe Atoll is the largest of only four coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere, and is best-known for its variety of saltwater fishing. Turneffe Flats is located on a picturesque point with white sand beach and coconut palms. The coral reef is a stone's throw away and a large bonefish flat is right outside the front door.

Bonefish have been a primary target of Turneffe Flats' anglers for more than 20 years. While wading the expansive flats on the seaward side of Turneffe, you will regularly see large schools of bonefish providing an unequaled opportunity for new saltwater anglers to learn the basics of the sport. There is also plenty of challenging fishing for those who enjoy stalking larger fish (some in excess of 10 pounds) in skinny water. The back reef flats that run the lenght of the Atoll from North to South, are only 5 to 15 minutes from the lodge.

Bonefish are present in equal numbers throughout the year and they are on the flats all of the time as they are resident fish. 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-foot Dolphin Superskiffs.

Permit are the prime objective of many saltwater anglers these days and with Turneffe Flats leading the way, Belize has gained a reputation as the permit capital of the world. As much hunting as it is fishing, permit present a unique challenge and many guests have celebrated their first ever permit at Turneffe Flats. Most permit are found a singles or in small groups on the flats and bars throughout the Turneffe Atoll, although you also frequently see larger schools of permit tailing in shallow water.

Tarpon are perhaps the ultimate challenge of saltwater fly-fishing. Although there are always some resident tarpon to be found, The migratory tarpon season extends from mid-April to October. Tarpon inhabit the creeks, channels and lagoons of the Atoll and most tarpon jumped are 60-90 pounds, with some fish in the 100-150 pound range and occasional monsters approaching 200 pounds.

information

FISHING METHODS

Saltwater Fly Fishing, Spinning

SPECIES TO CATCH

Bonefish

Season: All Year
Peak: March to June
Weight: 2lb to 12lb
Average Weight: 2 - 3 lb

Permit

Season: All Year
Peak: March to June
Weight: 2lb to 60lb
Average Weight: 12lb

Tarpon

Season: All Year
Peak: Mid April to October
Weight: 5lb to 150lb
Average Weight: 90lb

Note: these figures are complied with catch reports over 5 years, however they can be affected by adverse weather.

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TOUR INCLUDES

All flights (WT), transfers, accommodation and guided fishing.

WHAT’S EXCLUDED

Holiday insurance, personal items, Miami transfer, local tips and fly fishing tackle.

OPTIONS

Seat upgrades available with British Airways.

VISA

No visa for UK citizens required.

Note: Because your flight will involve travelling into the USA, you will be required before travel to complete an Electronic System Travel Authorisation (ESTA) online, which is compulsory for all USA Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) travellers before boarding an air or sea carrier to the USA. For full information and to apply online visit our ESTA information page.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

No vaccinations currently required.

PLEASE NOTE

All details of visa and medical requirements are correct at time of press however please check these requirements for changes.

DEPARTURE TAX

There is a $39.50 US per person additional departure tax payable upon leaving Belize and can now only be paid in USD

FLIGHT ROUTE AND FLIGHT TIME

UK - Miami (approx 9hrs)
Miami - Belize City (approx 2 hrs)

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

(WT) 1 checked in item 23 kg (WTP) 2 checked in items 23 kg (C/F) 3 checked in items 23 kg.

TRANSFER TIME

Belize City - Turneffe Flats (approx 90 mins by boat)

other activities

SNORKELING

Turneffe Atoll offers several world-class snorkeling sites and our guides know them all. You can expect to see a wide variety of tropical reef fishes, rays, sea turtles, lobsters, dolphins and possibly occasionally manatees.

CROCODILE TOURS

Turneffe Atoll is one of the largest remaining nesting areas in the Caribbean for the docile and threatened American Crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus ). Join our Adventure Guide for a leisurely boat ride around the mangrove islands for the opportunity to see these crocodiles in their natural habitat. You are likely to see crocs sunning themselves or swimming in isolated lagoons. Additionally, you will see crocodile nests and possibly baby crocodiles.

BIRD WATCHING

More than 60 species of birds have been identified on the Turneffe Atoll with the following commonly seen: the snowy egret, little blue heron, great blue heron, tricolored heron, yellow-crowned night heron, clapper rail, mangrove swallow, brown pelican, magnificent frigatebird, double-crested cormorant, osprey, mangrove warbler, great tailed grackle, goldenfronted woodpecker, tropical mockingbird, cinnamon hummingbird, great breasted mango, hooded oriole, white crowned pigeon and royal tern.

An Amazing Week For The Customers At The Farquhar Lodge, Seychelles!

Turneffe Flats Belize