Our guides’ encyclopedic knowledge of this fishery comes from a lifetime dedicated to learning where the fish are and how they behave.
El Pescador is the oldest and most established fly fishing destination in Belize. Since 1974, anglers from around the world have come to fish our prolific saltwater flats for bonefish, permit, tarpon. We have 20 guides and cater to the beginning, intermediate, and advanced saltwater flats enthusiast. We offer more choices and activities than any other fishing resort in Belize. Contact us today to start planning your dream fishing vacation.
At El Pescador, you can achieve the anglers’ ultimate dream—a Grand Slam of bonefish, tarpon and permit. Belize’s shallow water contains the only classic tarpon flats outside South Florida. Our flats are world renowned for offering the opportunity to site cast to tarpon 12 months a year.
Bonefish
The bonefish grounds are only minutes from the lodge. Most of the fly fishing for bonefish is done from the bow of the boat, but there are flats that can be waded as well. The bonefish run from 2 – 5 lbs and are plentiful.
Tarpon
The El Pescador fishery has resident tarpon over 100 lbs. The fish are spread out over our 250 square mile fishery. In the late summer (July, August, September), we have the bonus of a large migratory population, which doubles our tarpon numbers. Moon phases tend to effect tarpon more than other species. The guideline is to fish around the new moon. Remember, this is only a guideline, not a hard and fast rule. We land fish during full moon weeks all the time!
Permit
Permit are found on the bonefish flats, and on many of the tarpon flats as well. We have large schools of permit that range from 4 – 30 lbs, with the majority running about 8 – 10 lbs. Jack crevalle, barracuda, cobia and snook are also found on the flats and in the surrounding mangrove lagoons.
Non-guided Fishing
El Pescador maintains kayaks and canoes which provide access to an extensive system of lagoons behind our property, where you can fish for bones for a couple of hours in spectacular solitude. These boats are available at no charge to El Pescador guests. We will give you some basic guidance and directions, and then you are off on a private bonefish and nature adventure!
Catch and Release Fly Fishing
Permit, bonefish and tarpon are always released; some snook, snapper, barracuda, & grouper are kept for the table. Approaching four decades of serving avid anglers, El Pescador offers world class diving, snorkeling, majestic Maya ruins, cave tubing, zip lines, and eco-adventures galore. So bring the whole family or group and explore the mystic beauty of the Caribbean and Central America.
Guides
All El Pescador fishing guides were born and raised on the island. The lodge prides itself on having some of the most experienced guides in Belize. Many of our fishing guides have been with us for over 20 years, and now our second generation of El Pescador guides is in full swing! Most of them have been trained by their fathers and uncles with whom they typically spend several years learning the craft before captaining their own flats boat.
Our guides’ encyclopedic knowledge of this fishery comes from a lifetime dedicated to learning where the fish are and how they behave. El Pescador guides are excellent technical fishermen and will be happy to provide instruction during your fishing day.
At El Pescador, we have created a teaching environment. When you arrive we sit down with you, make sure you have the gear you need, describe the current fishing conditions, and generally get a feel for what you hope to achieve while fishing with us. Each day your guide will assist with casting and fishing instruction, and when you return to the lodge you may choose to join our evening casting workshops. There we will work on the tools needed to succeed in fishing the flats.
Since 1974, anglers from around the world have come to fish our prolific saltwater flats for bonefish, permit, tarpon.
All photography for El Pescador by Orion Media
