Bonefish – Tarpon – Permit
SEASON: All year opportunity
DURATION: 3, 4 & 7 Night Packages
GUESTS: 4-8 Anglers
Known for bonefish, tarpon and permit, guests can chase a grand slam or spend the day reeling in snapper, barracuda and jack. With fishing sites in all directions and born fishermen as your guides, Turneffe Island Resort is the beginning of an unforgettable fishing story… the rest is up to you.
Fishing at Turneffe Island Resort
Boasting six expansive saltwater flats, Turneffe Island Resort has made a name in fly fishing, attracting anglers the globe round. Add a tangle of lagoons, creeks and miles of reef, and spin fishing, trolling, bottom and deep-sea fishing guest have more than enough fishing temptations.
Between an unrivalled location and seasoned guides, the reason to visit Turneffe Island Resort is to catch the evasive Caribbean Grand Slams every day – a bonefish, tarpon and permit, all in one day.
Land your grand slam and you’ll go down in the IGFA record books.
The fish
Bonefish are mostly in the 2 to 4-pound range. But if you move out of the schooling fish and work the wild side of the flats you will find much larger fish between 8 to 10 pounds.
Permit push onto the flats as the tide rises. Vast schools spread out to comb the flats in search of crabs, shrimp, and small bait fish. Permit range in size from 8 to 12 pounds & up to bruisers over 30 pounds.
The tarpon season begins in March and lasts well into October with the summer months being the peak season. Tarpon holes are abundant due to a large number of creeks and lagoons that are present on the atoll. The average catch is between 60 to 90 pounds with larger fish ranging from 100 to 130 pounds. Most casting is to the sound of rolling tarpon as they come up in the early morning or late evening to feed.
Rods:
We recommend 7wt, 8wt, or 9wt rods for bonefish. Include a 10wt for permit and then a 12 wt for Tarpon.
Reels:
Your reel needs to match your rod weight. Reel drag needs to be able to withstand significant runs & surges. Even the smallest bonefish is fast & will test your drag. Your reel should hold at least 150 yards of 20 lb. backing.
Lines:
Related to rods and need to be WF floating lines and optional sinking line for Tarpon. Take an extra fly line just in case the first gets damaged.
Leaders:
Bonefish: 10 pounds and 12 pounds
Tarpon: 40 pounds shock tippet also 20 pound Shock tippet
Permit: 12 Pounds
Reasons to Turneffe Island Resort
Built around conservation, the fishing program at Turneffe Island Resort is proudly catch and release. The fishing program respects the Turneffe Atoll bioregion, its ecosystems and the livelihood of Belizean fishermen.
Accommodation at Turneffe Island Resort
Guests have the option to stay in a guest room or upgrade the getaway to a private villa – wherever you find yourself on the coral island locale, palm trees guide you to your room and white sand greets you at your doorstep. With mahogany interiors and views of the Caribbean Sea in all directions, Turneffe Island Resort makes you feel like a luxury castaway.
The social centers for Turneffe Island Resort include a spacious, air-conditioned main lodge and the beachside bar. A pre-dinner gathering at the bar for hors d’oeuvres and refreshments is customary after a day of fishing, diving, or snorkeling on the atoll.
A large deck area and a swimming pool sit next to the bar and the main lodge, perfect for non-anglers as well as fishermen looking to relax after a day on the water.
Meals at the lodge are a combination of Belizean and American dishes served plated and family-style in the large dining area. Fresh seafood, local produce, and home-baked pastries are standard fare. Three delicious meals per day are provided, and each morning you will awaken to fresh coffee or tea served on your private verandah. The chefs at Turneffe Island Lodge are fantastic and will leave you full and ready for the day’s fishing ahead. The main bar is well-stocked with premium liquor and offers a variety of wines, as well as local beers.
Getting to the fishing
Wherever you’re traveling from, Belize City is the gateway to your island escape. The majority of our guests arrive via Belize City’s Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE).
After you book your flights, we will arrange all of the logistics. Belize’s first language is English, so there is no fear of arriving in a foreign city and feeling lost.
A representative will be waiting to greet you outside the airport with a personalized sign. Your bags will be tagged and transferred them to our shuttle – equipped with air conditioning and cold bottled water for your comfort – before driving you to the marina. And we’ll stow your bags in the boat until we cast off at 3:00 p.m., so your belongings are secure.
Itinerary for a 7-day package at Turneffe Island Resort
Day 1*: Arrive in Belize City, depart at 3pm for Turneffe Island Resort
Day 2: First day of fishing – 8 hours on the flats.
Days 3-6: 4 Full days of fishing.
Day 7: Transfer back to Belize City for your homeward journey.
All prices in USD, subject to change and 12.5% tax. Rates are per person, based on double occupancy in a Deluxe Room.
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Rates based on 7 Night Packages
US$4490.00 per angler sharing
*Wednesday to Wednesday or Saturday to Saturday
**Additional Cost for single anglers
Rates Include
- Return transportation from Belize City to Turneffe Island Resort
- Deluxe Guest room
- All meals (not including alcoholic beverages)
- Access to our gym, pool, paddle boards, kayaks and Hobie Cat
- 8 hours of fishing per day
- Personal, seasoned local fishing guide
- 50 HP, 4-stroke Dolphin Super Skiff
- All fuel to and from the resort
- Maximum 2 anglers per boat, plus a guide
- Maximum 8 anglers per week
Rates Exclude
- International airfare to Belize
- Meals and beverages in the mainland
- Alcoholic beverages
- Items of a personal nature such as phone calls and laundry
- Overweight baggage
- Gratuities to the lodge staff and fishing guides
Extra Info
Passport: Visitors to Belize must possess a passport valid for at least three months after the date of arrival and a return ticket with sufficient funds to cover their stay.
Citizens of certain countries need to present a tourist visa to gain entry. You can check if you need a visa or not in the link below.
Check your nationality status here at
https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/south-america/belize/passport-visa/
Insurance
While basic travel insurance is included, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that clients purchase Global Rescue insurance.
Medical Evacuation
It is important that clients have adequate travel and medical insurance that includes Medical Evacuation from point of Injury. Global Rescue offers the most comprehensive and inclusive insurance.
Vaccines
Currently, no vaccines are required to gain entry to Belize. However, if you wish to visit tourist sites you should ensure you are properly vaccinated against yellow fever. Remember that this vaccine must be administered at least 10 days prior to traveling to these destinations.
