Turneffe Island Resort: Looking for Permit and Bonefish

Exotic By Dino Frangos, M.D., IFFF MAster Certified Casting Instructor

Belize City is the capital of Belize. Only a 2 ½ hour flight from Atlanta or Houston, it is your gateway to remarkable bonefish and permit fishing. Enjoy great sight fishing with a fly or spinning rod in an English speaking Central American country.

I just returned from Belize after a successful trip of fly fishing. This was my sixth trip to Belize, and my third stay at Turneffe Island Resort. TIR enjoys a worldwide reputation for its fishing, diving, and snorkeling.
Leaving Mobile, AL on the 6 am flight to Houston, and after a quick transfer, I was in Belize City by 11:30 am. At the airport I was greeted by the TIR manager and shuttled to the marina. There is a 1-1 ½ hour boat ride to the private island. The ride is very picturesque and a welcoming cocktail is served.

On arrival to the island, the entire TIR staff is there to greet you. It reminds me of the opening to the Fantasy Island TV show.  “Smiles everyone.” After settling in, dinner is served family style. Dinner usually includes a fresh local fish, homemade breads and dessert.  

The guided fishing is tailored to your interests and abilities. The experienced guides can accommodate beginners to experts. This trip I was guided by “Taku”, a permit sighting machine. He provided numerous shots at permit. I landed two 12-15 pound permit, lost another to a poor hook set, and had my fourth permit break me off in the coral. The late afternoon was spent landing bonefish.

Two other fly fishers reported numerous catches of bonefish. Their guides were Eddie and Dennis. Both are experienced guides. I have had the pleasure of Eddie guiding me on my two previous trips to TIR. 

This area of the Turneffe Atoll receives very little fishing pressure. In fact, the few other boats seen were from another Turneffe lodge coming to the Turneffe Island Resort area in search of permit.

I would recommend looking at Turneffe Island Resort for your next fly fishing experience. There is nothing like the sound of your fly line screaming off the reel as you try to land a bonefish or permit. You may want to bring along a significant other to enjoy the diving and snorkeling, or lounging by the pool sipping a Pina Colada.

If you want to know more about TIR contact me.

Dino Frangos
IFFF Master Certified Casting Instructor