Fishing in Belize is synonymous with shallow water angling, but the best kept secret of this unparalleled sport fishing destination is its location along the migration path of Atlantic Sailfish. The island of Ambergris Caye sits adjacent the Mesoamerican reef system, which spans nearly 700 miles, the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. Proximity to this extraordinary reef, which drops off from 50ft to over 1,000ft in the span of 200 yards - is an ideal environment to target migratory pelagic species. Particularly sailfish!
Each year, for the past 8 years now, I have visited Belize to fish the crew of the Reef Rat, in the prime season to target migratory sailfish. We often kite fish the edge of the reef on windy days, presenting anywhere from six to 9 live bites at a time, as we target sailfish which cruise down the reef line, often at "cuts" in search of bait. Catching sailfish in Belize is one of the most thrilling experiences available to traveling sportfishermen - if only because you are hardly half a mile off the island! It's an amazing feeling to hook a billfish in sight of land, and there are few places in the world where you can do that!
I learned to Kite Fish for Sailfish in Miami, FL and I apply those very same techniques to target this highly acrobatic species in Belize. The Reef Rat is a highly customized 42' performance sport fishing center console built by Capt. Sharks Boat Yard in Ambergris Caye, and is powered by twin V10 400HP Mercury engines. The vessel is unlike any other, in that is is exceptionally wide, stable, and light weight, which makes it an ideal sport yacht for the waters around Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. You can learn more about this boat by visiting:
www.captainsharksbelize.com/b...
If you're planning on fishing in Belize, or interested in offshore fishing in Belize, you should consider staying at the premier property on the island, The Phoenix! This luxury resort is directly on the ocean with a spectacular swimming pool. It is the ideal destination for visiting anglers to call home when they are not offshore chasing billfish, or battling permit on the flats behind the island. Check it out:
www.thephoenixbelize.com/
I've fished extensively in Belize for almost a decade, and I can tell you without a doubt, it is some of the very best fishing anywhere in the world. There are only a handful of places in the world where you can catch inshore trophy species in the morning, then go offshore in the afternoon to target billfish. If you're considering a fishing trip in Belize, this is your sign to get on the plane and go for it! Feel free to message me if you need recommendations on guides or offshore charters when visiting Ambergris Caye.
Pura Vida,
- Capt. Charlie Ellis