Ambitious anglers will reel in the excitement at Blue Reef Island (pun intended!). Looking to go fishing in Belize? Wondering where to find the best fishing spots? You’ve come to the right place! A private island nestled along the Belize Barrier Reef, Blue Reef Island is a fisherman’s (or woman’s) dream destination, offering incredible opportunities to catch a remarkable variety of fish.
Belize is quickly gaining international recognition as a premier fishing destination, with world-class conditions for landing everything from trophy-worthy sport fish to fresh catches perfect for the dinner plate. Here’s a look at some of the fish you can expect to hook during your Blue Reef Island vacation.
Common Catches to Grace Your Dinner Plate
The restaurant at Blue Reef Island serves up a catch of the day, every day. Your fishing expedition might even provide the evening’s feast! An abundance of Jacks, Barracuda, Mackerel, Grouper, Snook, and Snapper can be found in the surrounding waters. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-time fisherman, there’s plenty of opportunity to reel in something delicious.
“We came to dive and fish and eat what we caught…and we did just that every single day…the accommodations, food, service turned out to be better than expected so that was icing on the cake.”
Blue Reef Island’s restaurant specializes in seafood preparation, bringing out the finest flavors and textures of each fresh catch. Simple yet exceptional, freshly prepared Yellowfin Tuna sashimi is a guest favorite. For lunch, enjoy flavorful fish tacos filled with generous portions of Mahi-Mahi, freshly chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of Caribbean lime. It’s a delicious meal that will keep you energized for an afternoon of adventure.
A humble Grouper sandwich can be surprisingly unforgettable. Served blackened on soft, slightly sweet Creole bread with chipotle mayo, lettuce, tomato, and onion, it’s hard to beat! For something more traditional, enjoy a hearty Belizean meal of coconut rice and beans, whole fried Snapper, and creamy, tangy coleslaw. It’s the perfect meal to fuel whatever adventures lie ahead.
Outer Reef
Looking for something more adventurous? Add a deep-sea sport fishing excursion to your stay and venture beyond the reef in search of Marlin, Wahoo, Sailfish, and Tuna. This adventure isn’t for casual anglers. It’s for those ready to take on the challenge of battling some seriously big fish!
Deep-sea trolling requires time, patience, and determination, but the rewards can be extraordinary. Your catch might include larger Barracuda and Grouper, Dorado, Tuna, or perhaps even a Sailfish or Blue Marlin. Fishing beyond the reef calls for skill, endurance, and a little brute strength. After all, there’s a reason they call it sport fishing!
Deep-sea fishing in Belize is a marathon, not a sprint. It may test your strength and stamina, but for those who rise to the challenge, the reward is well worth the effort.
The Big Three
Belize is renowned for its incredible Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon fishing. Known as the Big Three, these prized catch-and-release species offer anglers an unforgettable challenge. For the ultimate achievement, try for a Grand Slam: catching one of each within a 24-hour period!
The shallow waters surrounding Blue Reef Island are ideal for targeting Bonefish. Whether casting or fly fishing, these spirited fish are incredibly fun to catch and put up quite a fight. Sight fishing makes the experience even more exciting, allowing anglers to spot their target before making the perfect cast.
Belize has earned a reputation as the Permit Capital of the World, and its waters are home to plenty of this notoriously elusive species. Permit are among the most challenging fish to catch, thanks to their natural suspicion, keen eyesight, and highly developed senses. Tracking one down can test even the most patient angler, but successfully landing a Permit is an accomplishment worth celebrating.
The surrounding waters are also teeming with Tarpon, ranging from 10-pound juveniles to impressive specimens weighing more than 100 pounds. Landing one is no easy task. Get ready for an incredible fight as these powerful fish are known to run, leap, and break free during the battle. Bringing in a large Tarpon is a hard-earned achievement and a memory you’ll be talking about long after your vacation ends.
