|
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.
|
 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. |
