The Flats of Belize
Bonefish, permit, and tarpon off the Belize coast!

Vic Barothy put Belize on the fishing map in the early 1960’s.

This guy was already notorious for his houseboat bonefishing trips in Isles of the Pines, Cuba, which then held every world record bonefish. When Fidel took power on New Year’s Day of 1959, Vic and his wife, Betty (a former silent movie star), loaded two cruisers with whatever valuable possessions they could get on board. Late that night, each took a helm and the two of them sailed for what was then British Honduras, towing all their skiffs and and a group of loyal Cuban guides.

Barothy was no dummy about fishing. His father had owned one of the most famous hunting and fishing lodges on the Pere Marquette and he had grown up in the business. One of his best friends was a guy named Joe Brooks, who used his connections and influence at Field & Stream to put Vic’s three new lodges and houseboats in the angling public’s eye.

Barothy designed his Turneffe Island Lodge, and Belize River Lodge to resemble his family’s Michigan operations, and hired Mennonites to handle the construction in an era and region where electricity was uncommon.

Belize is a democratic, pro-American country with English as its official language. It’s native people are happy, productive and enjoy one of the highest rates of literacy of the Americas. With daily, direct flights from Houston, Dallas and Miami, Belize is easy to get to and safe. Anglers can count on getting more bang for their buck in Belize, where the variety of flats species and quality of outfitters to choose from is second to none.

In recent years, increasing numbers of saltwater anglers have focused on permit and Belize is one of a only a few saltwater destinations where anglers routinely experience the excitement of flats wade fishing for tailing permit and have a reasonable opportunity to catch one.

The Turneffe archipelago has miles of shallow, hard-bottmoed flats that are ideal for wading and are often covered with large singles and schools of tailing bonefish.

Permit and bonefishing in the Turneffe atoll is consistent throughout the year. Though most widely renowned for bonefish and permit, the coast of Belize has some terrific tarpon fishing, particularly in the spring, when aggressive, naive fish that have never seen a lure pour out of the blue onto the shallow off-shore flats. These migratory tarpon average about 40 pounds, with a few larger fish.

Both lodges in the Turneffes offer similar packages and both to fly rodders and divers. Accommodations and food at each are excellent. Both employ well-seasoned English-speaking guides and use modern Super Skiffs. The two lodges coordinate their daily destinations and work together harmoniously to insure a wonderful fishing holiday for everyone in the Turneffes. Non-fishing, single occupancy, combination, and SCUBA packages rates are available.

Reservations, Deposits and Final Payments: A 50% deposit is required within 21 days of reserving your dates to confirm the reservation. Final payment is due 60 days prior to scheduled arrival date. For reservations made 60 days or less prior to scheduled
arrival date, full payment is due upon invoicing.

Cancellations and Refunds: Written cancellation up to 60 days prior to departure: refund of deposit less $400 handling charge, per person. Cancellation within 60 days: at this point, individual is responsible for total land costs and no refund will be made unless a suitable replacement is provided. No refund will be made for unused land arrangements included in cost. Refunds of deposit/payments made by credit card will be charged a 3.5% service charge to fully compensate The Fly Shop for bank charges incurred.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: To protect yourself, and your investment in the even of an unexpected trip cancellation or interruption, The Fly Shop strongly recommends the purchase of Trip/Travel Insurance. A brochure and application for that insurance will be included with your billing. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that the traveler has read, understands, and accepts our cancellation and refund policy. Prices and terms are subject to change without notice. However, no changes will be made after initial deposit. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts the payment, cancellation and refund policy.