Permit (Trachinotus falcatus) are arguably the most difficult, and rewarding game fish to fool with a fly. Until very recently, even the most renowned permit anglers in the world had caught fewer than 100 fish with a fly in their lifetime.
Many saltwater destinations from the Florida Keys and Bahamas, to the Caribbean and Central America boast of good permit fishing. Some have large schools of fish cruising in deep water. Others have individuals feeding on soft-bottomed flats. But, none have the perfect combination of massive permit populations and vast stretches of habitat found in the southern waters off the coast of Belize.
The earth’s second largest barrier reef lies roughly twenty miles from the Belize shoreline. Between the mangrove lined mainland and the jagged corral flats of the reef is the best permit fishery in the world. These waters are dotted with countless flats of all shapes and sizes. Corral formations rise straight to the surface from an average depth of 80 feet forming “pop-up flats” that could be the size of your car, or your block.
These pop-up flats set Belize apart from other permit fisheries. Permit follow the rising tide from deeper water onto the flats to feed. Tidal fluctuations inside the reef are generally less than two feet allowing ample wading access to tailing fish who sometimes have half their back out of the water!
Despite the perfect storm of permit numbers and ideal habitat, catching a permit in Belize is still not a piece of cake. It’s a game of accuracy, stealth, and skill. Daily hook-ups are never a guarantee. What is a guarantee are dozens of shots at tailing fish in skinny water, and more excitement than you’ll ever have with a fly rod in your hand.
In addition to the world’s premier permit fishery Belize is also home to thousands of bonefish flats and a virtually untapped baby tarpon and snook fishery along the coast.
With its friendly, English-speaking guides and charming villages, Belize is a must for any serious saltwater fly fishing enthusiast.
Check out the following links to learn more about our trips to Belize.