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………Permit Alley.
At the end of a 17 mile long peninsula on the mainland of southern Belize is the small fishing village of Placencia. Not yet discovered by commercial tourism, this quaint town is alive with Belizean culture. Brightly colored houses and shops line the streets, garifuna music vibrates under thatched roofs, and fresh lobster is a way of life.
Another way of life is permit fishing. Positioned perfectly at the mouth of Permit Alley, Placencia has the best access to permit flats in all of Belize, and arguably the world. A world-class community of independent flats guides has developed here. Names like Bruce Leslie, Kurt Godfrey, and Leslie Fox spend hundreds of days each year on the flats continuing to advance the art of hunting permit with a fly.
During our trip to Placencia we stay at a locally owned Belizean guest house. Rooms are clean and comfortable with two beds, hot showers, air conditioning, and plenty of room for gear. On the north side of the house is a large veranda that overlooks gardens and the waterfront. We’ll gather on the veranda each evening for cocktails and appetizers as everyone gets done with their day. Our guides meet us in the morning on the beach out in front of the house.
Meals are prepared by a beautiful, Belizean mother and daughter team, and served under a thatch roof that sits over the water just a short stroll down the beach from our guest house. The menu is a sampling of the best home-cooked Belizean fare. Fresh seafood, chicken, pork, rice and beans are all standards. The ladies take extraordinary care of us while we’re in Placencia. So, don’t come expecting to loose a few pounds. On the last night of the trip we host a BBQ and invite all of the guides and their families to join us for one last hoorah before we go.
Check out the Belize Photo Gallery
Our fishing days are long. The guides typically meet us after breakfast at 7:00 am, and we fish hard, many days returning at dark. Our focus in Placencia is hunting for permit. Some days we might run 2o or 30 minutes first thing in the morning, and spend the day fishing our way back from flat to flat. Other days, we’ll start off looking for snook and tarpon along the mainland before the tides begin to rise, and head out to the permit flats for the rest of the day. One of the biggest advantages of staying on the mainland in Placencia as opposed to out on one of the cayes close to the flats is the access to the mainland fisheries. When weather sets in, the open water that surrounds many of the outside permit flats can become too rough to run safely or comfortably in. If you’re staying at a camp on one of the cayes when weather rolls in, you’re out of business. When we experience bad weather on the mainland, we have infinite opportunities fishing for baby tarpon and snook. Not only does this untapped fishery offer a fantastic option when weather hits, but it can also be a terrific break from the rigors of permit hunting, when you just need to feel something pull back on that line. In addition to snook and tarpon, a growing number of bonefish are moving in to the same flats that we fish for permit. While the numbers aren’t enough to count on yet, the possibility for a new bonefish fishery in the near future is very real.
We lead our trips to Placencia in late February and March. This timing is important as it’s late enough to avoid the strong chance of cold fronts descending from the states found earlier in the winter and early enough to miss the warm, unsettled weather of spring.
Placencia Trip Leader
Oarsmen Expeditions’ Belize trip leader is Steve Hoovler. Steve will be with you every step of the way on your trip to Placencia. Oarsmen Expeditions trip leaders work hard to ensure that each and every detail of your trip is taken care of. From meeting you at the Belize City airport to cocktail hours, dinners, and guides, Steve will be there to make sure things run smoothly.
Palcencia Dates & Rates
March, 2012
$3150 per person based on double occupancy
What’s Included
Included in this six night seven day Oarsmen Expedition is all your food, lodging, and five days of guided fishing, as well as complimentary cocktail hour each evening at the guest house, all taxis, and domestic airfare.
What’s Not Included
International air flight to Belize City, gratuities for guides and staff, bar tab at dinner (calculated at the end of the week)
Oarsmen Deposit & Cancellation Policy
A fifty percent (50%) deposit is required to reserve your spot. The remaining balance is due sixty (60) days prior to your trip. No refunds will be given for cancellations made after final payment has been received..
Questions or Reservations
Phone: 406-579-6440
Email: oarsmenexpeditions@gmail.com
Mailing Address:
Oarsmen Expeditions
PO BOX 1828
West Yellowstone, MT 59758
Check out the Belize Photo Gallery