Belize: The Permit Captial of the World

Belize is known as the Permit Capital of the World, drawing anglers from across the globe in pursuit of this elusive and thrilling game fish. Its pristine flats also offer incredible opportunities to land tarpon and bonefish, making it one of the few places where a Grand Slam is within reach.

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Permit

Permit (Trachinotus falcatus) are famously one of the most challenging game fish to catch on fly due to their sharp eyesight, spooky nature, and unpredictable behavior. These fish are known to inspect flies with extreme caution, often refusing even the most well-presented offerings. Belize is an ideal location to target permit because of its expansive, shallow flats, which provide perfect habitat for feeding and sight-fishing opportunities. The combination of healthy permit populations and clear waters makes Belize one of the best places in the world to pursue this elusive prize on the fly.

Chasing Shadows:
The Permit Pursuit in Belize

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Rod:
- 9-foot, 9 or 10-weight fast-action fly rod (for casting in wind and turning over crab patterns)
- Backup rod of the same weight in case of breakage or varying conditions
Reel:
- Large arbor saltwater fly reel with a sealed drag system (smooth, strong drag is critical for permit runs)
- Backing capacity of at least 200–250 yards of 30 lb backing
Fly Line:
- Tropical weight-forward floating fly line (e.g., Permit Taper or Bonefish/Permit hybrid taper)
- Optional: Intermediate sink tip line for deeper flats

Avalon Fly
- Size: #2-#6
- Colors: Tan, olive, white
- Weights: Med-heavy eyes
EP Spawning Shrimp
- Size: #4-#6
- Colors: Tan, olive, pink
- Weights: Lead and bead chain eyes
Flexo Crab
- Size: #2-#6
- Colors: Tan, white, olive
- Weights: Medium to heavy
Merkin Crab
- Size: #2-#4
- Colors: Olive, tan
- Weights: Heavy lead eyes
Raghead Crab
- Size: #4-#6
- Colors: Sand, olive
- Weights: Bead chain and small lead eyes

The Cast:

When casting to a permit on fly, accuracy and presentation matter most. Make a quick, quiet cast ahead of the fish’s path and let the fly sink naturally — too much splash will spook them. Aim to lead the fish by a few feet and strip slowly with long, smooth pulls. Keep false casts to a minimum and stay ready for a subtle take; patience and precise placement are your best tools for success.

The Fight:

When fighting a permit on fly, keep your rod tip up and apply steady, even pressure to wear them down without pulling the hook. Permit are strong and unpredictable, so let them take long runs and use your reel’s drag to control the fight. Stay patient, use side pressure to turn the fish, and don’t rush — short, smooth pumps will help you gain line. Keeping calm and persistent is key to landing one of these powerful fish.

Bonefish:
The Ghosts of the Flats

Catching bonefish on the fly in Belize is an unforgettable experience for anglers of all skill levels. Known scientifically as Albula vulpes, bonefish are famous for their speed, power, and elusive nature, making them a prized target on the flats. Belize’s expansive shallow-water habitats provide the perfect setting to sight-fish for these “gray ghosts,” often requiring precise casts and delicate presentations. Once hooked, bonefish put up a thrilling, blistering run that tests both your tackle and technique.

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Rod:
- 9-foot, 8-weight fast-action fly rod or 9-weight for casting into wind
- Backup rod of the same weight in case of breakage or varying conditions
Reel:
- Large arbor saltwater fly reel with a sealed drag system (smooth, strong drag is critical for the initial bonefish run)
- Backing capacity of at least 200 of 30 lb backing
Fly Line:
- Tropical weight-forward floating fly line (e.g., Permit Taper or Bonefish/Permit hybrid taper)

Bonefish Bitters
- Size: #2-#8
- Colors: Tan, olive
- Weights: bead chain eyes
EP Spawning Shrimp
- Size: #4-#6
- Colors: Tan, olive, pink
- Weights: Lead and bead chain eyes
Crazy Charlie
- Size: #2-#6
- Colors: Tan, white, olive, pink
- Weights: Lead and beach chain eyes
Gotcha
- Size: #4-#6
- Colors: Tan, white, pink, chartreuse
- Weights: Lead and beach chain eyes
Christmas Island Special
- Size: #4-#6
- Colors: Sand, tan, white/pearl
- Weights: Bead chain and lead eyes

The Cast:

Bonefish are easily spooked in shallow water, so a quiet landing is essential. Aim to land your fly 2 to 3 feet in front of the fish to avoid startling them while ensuring they see the fly. Use short, intermittent strips to mimic a shrimp’s movement, and stay alert for a subtle tightening of the line.

The Fight:

When you feel a bite, use a strip set by pulling the line straight back with your hand rather than lifting the rod. Once the hook is set, immediately clear any loose line to the reel to prevent tangles. Keep your rod tip high during their fast, long runs to help the line clear any coral or grass on the flat.

Tarpon:
The Silver King of Belize

Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) are among the most challenging and rewarding fish to target on a fly rod. Their sheer size, acrobatic jumps, and bony mouths make them notoriously difficult to hook and land. Anglers must present a fly with precision and have the patience and skill to set the hook at the right moment. Belize is one of the best places in the world to pursue tarpon, offering a variety of habitats — from mangrove-lined lagoons to expansive flats — and a healthy population of both juvenile and migratory giants, making it a true paradise for dedicated fly fishers.

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Rod:
- 9-foot, 10-weight for baby tarpon, 12-weight for migratory fish
- Backup rod of the same weight in case of breakage or varying conditions
Reel:
- Large arbor saltwater fly reel with a sealed drag system
- Backing capacity of at least 250 yards of 30-50 lb backing
Fly Line:
- Tropical weight-forward floating fly line with aggressive front taper designed to turn over large, wind-resistant
- Optional: Intermediate sink tip line for deeper flats

Black Death
- Size: #2-3/0
- Colors: Black/Red, Black/Purple
- Weights: Unweighted
Laidup Tarpon
- Size: #2-2/0
- Colors: Tan, white, light grey
- Weights: Unweighted
EP Tarpon Streamer
- Size: 1/0-3/0
- Colors: Black/Purple, Chartreuse
- Weights: Unweighted
Tarpon Toad
- Size: 1/0-2/0
- Colors: Chartreuse, Tan, Black/Red
- Weights: Unweighted, beadchain
Cockroach
- Size: 1/0-3/0
- Colors: Natural Grey/Grizzly
- Weights: Unweighted

The Cast:

When casting to a tarpon, your goal is a clear interception. You need to lead the fish by 3 to 6 feet so the fly enters their field of vision just as they arrive. Use long, steady strips to keep the fly moving; if a fish shows interest, speed up your retrieve slightly to mimic escaping prey and encourage a strike.

The Fight:

Fighting a tarpon requires specific timing to account for their size and jumps. You must "bow" to the fish—dropping your rod tip toward them—the moment they leap to slacken the line and prevent a break. Once they are back in the water, apply heavy side pressure with the rod held low to tire the fish quickly and keep them from surfacing for air.

Belize: The Permit Captial of the World

Chasing Shadows: The Permit Pursuit in Belize

Chasing Shadows:
The Permit Pursuit in Belize