El Pescador offers anglers the opportunity to pursue bonefish, permit, and tarpon on Belize’s renowned shallow water flats, with fishing grounds starting just minutes from the lodge.

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LODGING

Single & Double Guest Rooms

SPECIES

Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, Jack Crevalle

SEASON

All Year

RECOMMENDED FOR…

Couples, Small Groups, Adventure-Seekers

EQUIPMENT

Bring Your Own Gear

El Pescador Lodge, located on the beautiful island of Ambergris Caye, Belize, offers anglers an unparalleled opportunity to fish the world-renowned shallow flats of the Caribbean. This destination is a dream for fly and spin anglers seeking the “Grand Slam”—bonefish, tarpon, and permit—all of which are abundant in these waters. The fishery is incredibly productive, with year-round bonefishing and seasonal opportunities for larger migratory tarpon. Whether you’re stalking tailing permit on the flats or casting to rolling tarpon in the lagoons, this fishery provides some of the best light-tackle action in the world.

El Pescador’s fishing program is designed for anglers of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. Guided by knowledgeable English-speaking captains, guests can fish from traditional pangas or wade the crystal-clear flats. The fishing day is flexible, with the option for full-day or half-day guided trips, and boats typically depart at sunrise to take advantage of prime feeding times. In addition to fly fishing, spin anglers can also target a variety of species, including barracuda, snook, and snapper. The lodge offers a full range of high-quality rental gear and expert instruction, making it an excellent choice for those new to saltwater fly fishing.

Beyond the incredible fishing, El Pescador Lodge provides a welcoming and comfortable retreat for anglers and their guests. The lodge features well-appointed rooms and private villas, a beautiful pool, a beachfront bar, and delicious locally inspired meals served in a family-style setting. After a day on the water, guests can relax with a cold drink, share fishing stories with fellow travelers, or take advantage of the many non-angling activities such as snorkeling, diving, and eco-tours. The lodge prides itself on warm hospitality, creating an experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year.

Belize itself is a spectacular destination, known for its stunning beaches, lush jungles, and rich cultural heritage. As the only English-speaking country in Central America, it’s easy for visitors to navigate and communicate. Home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, Belize offers world-class marine biodiversity, making it a haven for anglers, divers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether you come for the incredible fishing, the laid-back island vibe, or the opportunity to explore the country’s Mayan ruins and wildlife, El Pescador Lodge delivers an unforgettable adventure.

El Pescador Lodge is a charming, family-run fishing resort that blends comfort, adventure, and warm Belizean hospitality. Situated along the beachfront of Ambergris Caye, the main lodge offers a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere, perfect for anglers and non-anglers alike. The lodge features twelve well-appointed guest rooms, each with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. These rooms are designed with a blend of rustic charm and modern amenities, providing air conditioning, private baths, and easy access to the lodge’s common areas. The open-air bar and dining space serve as the heart of the lodge, where guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails, fresh seafood, and lively conversations with fellow travelers.

Beyond the comfortable accommodations, El Pescador’s main lodge is equipped with everything needed for a memorable stay. A sparkling pool overlooks the beach, offering a perfect spot to unwind after a day on the water. Guests can also enjoy complimentary kayaks, bicycles, and paddleboards to explore the surrounding area. The lodge’s experienced staff ensures a welcoming and personalized experience, whether it’s arranging a fishing excursion, organizing a snorkeling trip, or simply sharing stories at the bar. Evenings at the lodge often include social gatherings, fly-tying sessions, and delicious family-style meals featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

For those seeking a more private retreat, El Pescador also offers beautifully designed guest villas set just a short walk from the main lodge. These spacious, multi-bedroom accommodations are perfect for families, groups, or couples looking for a bit more seclusion. Each villa features a full kitchen, living area, and private veranda with stunning ocean views. While villa guests can enjoy all the amenities of the main lodge, they also have the added luxury of a more private and personalized experience, making El Pescador a versatile destination for all types of travelers.

El Pescador Lodge offers a world-class fishing program designed to accommodate both fly and spin anglers of all skill levels. With immediate access to the vast flats, lagoons, and mangrove estuaries of Belize, anglers can experience some of the best light-tackle fishing in the Caribbean. The lodge employs a team of highly experienced, English-speaking guides who specialize in sight fishing for the region’s most sought-after species. These local guides have spent their lives navigating the waters around Ambergris Caye and bring an unparalleled level of knowledge and expertise to each fishing trip.

Guests fish from custom 23-foot Mexican-style pangas, which provide a stable and comfortable platform for both fly casting and spin fishing. The boats are equipped with poling platforms, allowing guides to silently maneuver through shallow waters in search of tailing fish. Most fishing days begin at sunrise, with boats departing the dock early to take advantage of prime feeding times. Anglers can expect a full day on the water, typically returning in the early afternoon, though half-day trips are also available. While most fishing is done from the boat, wading opportunities are available in certain areas where the conditions allow. For those new to saltwater fly fishing, guides are more than happy to offer instruction and advice to help improve casting and presentation techniques.

Both fly and spin anglers will find ample opportunities to target a variety of species in these productive waters. Fly anglers typically use 7- to 10-weight rods, depending on the target species, while spin fishermen often use light to medium tackle with artificial lures or live bait. The lodge provides rental gear for those who need it, and their well-stocked fly shop carries all the necessary tackle, including flies specifically designed for local conditions. Whether you’re a seasoned angler chasing a Grand Slam or a beginner looking to land your first saltwater species, El Pescador’s fishing program caters to all skill levels and interests.

fished waters.

About The Species

Bonefish

Bonefish are plentiful year-round, often found in schools on the hard-bottom flats, making them a perfect target for both fly and spin anglers.

Permit

Known for their challenging and elusive nature, permit are also present throughout the year, providing an exciting challenge for experienced anglers.

Tarpon

Tarpon fishing is particularly productive from April through September, with both resident and migratory fish available, ranging in size from 10 to over 100 pounds.

Other Species

In addition to these premier species, anglers can also target barracuda, snook, snapper, jacks, and a variety of other inshore game fish, ensuring that every day on the water offers exciting opportunities.

A Year-Round Fishery

Belize offers one of the most consistent saltwater fisheries in the world, with excellent fishing opportunities available year-round. Thanks to its neo-tropical climate, the region experiences minimal temperature fluctuations, and rather than having defined seasons, Belize is subject to micro-climate changes. Occasional cold fronts may pass through during the winter months, but they tend to be short-lived and unpredictable. With an annual rainfall of less than 25 inches and a semi-arid environment, anglers can expect plenty of sunshine and fishable days throughout the year.

The diversity and abundance of species make every month a great time to visit. Resident bonefish, permit, and tarpon are present in the flats 12 months of the year, ensuring consistent action. In late summer, Belize sees a major tarpon migration, bringing in even more large, aggressive fish to target. Even during what might be considered the “slowest” months, fishing quality rarely dips below excellent. If the best months are a 10 out of 10, the least productive months still rank as an 8.5 or 9, meaning anglers can always expect rewarding opportunities on the flats and reefs.

Each month offers unique highlights for different species. Winter months (January–March) provide solid opportunities for bonefish and permit, along with resident tarpon in the 20–90 lb range. As spring arrives, tarpon numbers increase, and by April, larger migratory tarpon start moving onto the reefs. Summer (June–September) is widely regarded as peak tarpon season, with the biggest fish of the year appearing in large numbers. Fall (October–December) continues to offer plenty of tarpon, permit, and bonefish action, with aggressive fish and the arrival of species like jack crevalle and snook in certain conditions. No matter when you visit, Belize’s productive flats, lagoons, and reefs offer an incredible saltwater angling experience.

Traveling to El Pescador Lodge

At El Pescador, everything is taken care of to ensure your journey is seamless and stress-free. From the moment you arrive in Belize, the lodge handles all the details so you can relax and enjoy your trip.

After landing at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City, you’ll have a smooth transition from the mainland to the lodge on Ambergris Caye, with coordinated domestic flights, boat transfers, and friendly staff ready to assist you.

Upon arrival at BZE, you’ll proceed through Immigration, collect your baggage, and pass through Customs. If you have no items to declare, use the “No Goods to Declare” lane on the far right for quicker processing. From there, continue into the main terminal and check in at the Tropic Air counter, located on the far left. Your tickets for the short, 20-minute flight to San Pedro will be waiting—just mention El Pescador and provide your name. Tropic Air operates hourly flights between 7:40 AM and 6:40 PM, and each passenger is allowed two bags, up to 40 lbs each. If your international flight is delayed past 5 PM, simply contact the lodge, and they will adjust your Tropic Air booking accordingly.

After arriving in San Pedro, an El Pescador representative will be waiting at the Tropic Air baggage claim area. A quick taxi ride will take you to the dock, where a private lodge boat will be ready for the final leg of your journey—a scenic seven-minute boat ride to El Pescador. In the case of inclement weather, land transfers will be arranged instead. Once you step onto the dock, it’s time to unwind, take in the stunning Caribbean surroundings, and start your fishing adventure—you’ve arrived!

Fly Fishing

Fly Rods

Fly rods in the 7-8 wt. range are the ideal size for Belize bonefish. The lighter rods (7 wt) are great when there is little or no wind and an 8-weight rod has more than enough muscle to deliver a fly in even the stiffest of gales. Moreover, the 8-weight rod will double as the ideal rod for permit and light tarpon fishing. Many anglers prefer to have the larger rod, 8-10 wt. rigged up and in the boat for the permit and a 7 weight rod with a floating line in hand for the bonefish that are routine. This also leaves a heavier rod as a reserve for extremely windy days. Ten to twelve weight rods are perfect for Central American tarpon fishing.

The choice of rod length is important. Nine or nine-and-a-half foot long rods are optimum. More line can be picked up off the water with the longer rods, with less surface disturbance. Also, for the vast majority of fly anglers, greater distances can be covered with less effort using the longer fly rods.

Fly Reels

Should be anodized, corrosion-resistant saltwater models that will hold a full fly line, plus approximately 200 yards of 20 lb. backing for bonefish and permit, and 250 yards of 30-50 pound backing for tarpon. Reels equipped with high quality, smooth, drags are essential to prevent break-offs from the blistering runs of a hooked fish.

Fly Lines

A weight forward tropical saltwater taper floating line is ideal for most of the sight fishing you will encounter. There may be a few times when an intermediate sinking line is the answer for tarpon and permit fishing. Anglers should also bring along some sort of line cleaner for the lines as well, since saltwater has a way of making them sticky after a few days use.

Leaders

Tarpon: 9 foot straight piece of 40, 60 or 80 lb. Fluorocarbon Tippet Material.

Bonefish: Tapered Leaders 9’-12’ feet long, –ending in 10 or 12 pound.

Permit: Tapered Leaders 9’-14 feet long –ending in 16 to 20 pound.

Spin Fishing / Conventional

Bonefish

Rods: Lite – Med Lite

Length: 6.5 ft – 7.5 ft for ¼ – ½ oz. lure

Line Weight:       8-10 lb. mono

Reel: A quality spinning reel that can handle the rigors of saltwater fishing and hold at least 170 yards of 10-pound line.

Example: Shimano Stradic ST4000FH or equivalent.

Leader: 12-15 lb. mono

Permit/Snook

Rods: Medium Lite – Medium

Length: 6.5 ft – 7.5 ft for 1/4 –5/8 oz. lures

Line Weight:       12-15lb. mono

Reel: A quality spinning reel that can handle the rigors of saltwater fishing and hold at least 170 yards of 12-15-pound line.

Leader: 15-20 lb.

Small Tarpon

Rods: Medium – Medium

Length: 6.5 ft – 7 ft for 3/8 –1 oz. lures

Line Weight:       15-25lb. mono or braid

Reel: A quality spinning reel that can handle the rigors of saltwater fishing and hold at least 200 yards of 15-25lb. line.

Leader: 60 lb. mono.

Big Tarpon, Grouper etc.

Rods: Medium – Medium/Heavy

Length: 5.5 ft – 7 ft (medium) 5.5. ft – 6.5 ft. (med/heavy)

Line Weight:       50lb. braid

Reel: A quality spinning reel that can handle the rigors of saltwater fishing (BIG FISH) and hold at least 250 yards of 50 lb. braid.

Leader: 80 lb. mono or#50 wire.

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Catch and Release

Permit, bonefish and tarpon are always released; other species like snapper & grouper may be kept for the table.

TRIP INCLUDES

  • The number of nights lodging specified in your package in a standard room
  • Daily guided fishing
  • Roundtrip land, air and sea transfers between Belize International Airport and El Pescador
  • 3 meals per day, hors d’oeuvres, and an afternoon snack
  • Belizean beverages (including soda, beer and rum) consumed at our bar
  • Complimentary use of all amenities (pools, WIFI, paddle boards, kayaks, bikes, etc)

DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • International flights
  • Gratuities for the staff
  • 9% hotel tax and/or 12.5% GST tax
  • Sport fishing licenses (available here)
  • Park fees (if applicable)
  • Fly rods/reels (which may be borrowed, based on availability)
  • Imported beverages
  • Terminal tackle

Villa Upgrade

To upgrade from 1 room to a 1-bedroom villa please add $300 + $27 tax = $327 per night (total, not per person).
To upgrade from 2 rooms to a 2-bedroom villa please add $300 + $27 tax = $327 per night (total, not per person).
To upgrade from 3 rooms to a 3-bedroom villa please add $300 + $27 tax = $327 per night (total, not per person).

ADVENTURE AWAITS

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