Tarpon Fishing in Belize
Average Belize Tarpon
Tarpon fishing is also an extremely popular when planning a fishing trip in Belize. Though Tarpon are known to be around the area of the Cayes (outer islands) year round. It’s the summer time migration of the large migratory Tarpon that bring in the monster Belize Tarpon. Those prehistoric looking acrobatic monsters of the deep.
It’s every fly fisherman’s dream to to lock-into one of these giant behemoths and attempt to reel it in. These massive prized game-fish can weigh-in over two hundred pounds. If you’re planing to go fishing in Belize for Tarpon then there are a few things you’ll need to be prepared. And don’t be disappointed if you have several chances and hook-ups to reel in these monster fish and never get one to the boat. The “SILVER KING” as the tarpon is dubbed is a known acrobatic artist and has an amazing ability to “throw” the hook. This coupled with the immense pressure on your rod and line tends to send the fly hurling back towards the fisherman at a EXTREMELY fast rate of speed. It’s not unusual to have a fisherman hook himself or at the very least put a dent in his forehead. Play the Tarpon game long enough and it’ll happen to you as well, regardless of how seasoned of a pro you are. But then again, it’s kinda like a “battle scar”… One you don’t mind showing off to the fellas round the bar.
So, let’s get into a few things you’ll need for successful Tarpon Fishing in Belize:
1.) Tarpon are large game-fish and they will put a “hurtin” on your gear. You’ll need at least a 10 weight rod and line for your average Tarpon you’ll
A LARGE Belize Tarpon
catch when fishing in Belize. Most of the year you’ll have opportunities at “juvenile” tarpon in the 25 lb to 50 lb range. However, as mentioned before, If you’re planning you Belize fishing adventure during the summer months then I’d play it safe and have an 11 to 12 weight rigged up and ready to throw should you see a school of the massive migrating Tarpon that cruise the Belize fishing grounds on their way north for the comfortable summer months of North America.
2.) Leaders for Tarpon fishing in Belize. You’ll need to buy a few “Bimini Twists: or make them if you’re so inclined. These fancy woven leaders act as shock tippet providing stretch to your line when the Tarpon begin their daredevil acrobatics. Fishing without these make landing tarpon EXTREMELY difficult. So for your own success – go ahead and toss down the cash for a pack of 3 to 5.
3.) The best fly patterns for Belize Tarpon fishing: Well, large chartreuse Clousers, the famous Cockroach, Tarpon Toad, Lefty’s Deceiver, the famous “Peanut Butter n Jelly” has been known to work. For more popular Belize fly patterns for fishing in Belize visit our Belize Fly Pattern section