Tag: tarpon

What distinguishes Tarpon Caye Lodge from other lodges is the flexibility of the daily fishing schedule. Charlie’s motto is, “we do fishing here!” Most other lodges operate on a set daily schedule, such as 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, irrespective of the tides. The permit fishing in the Alley, is extremely tide dependent. They are up on the flats feeding on the top 6-hours of the tide. If you had low tide at 12:00 noon and fished a conventional 8:00 am to 4:00 pm lodge schedule, you’d likely not see many permit between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. However, at Tarpon Caye, if your preference is to concentrate on permit, with a tide like this, you’ll have toast and coffee at 4:00 am, and be out on the flats at daybreak to catch the last few good hours of outgoing tide. Then return to the lodge for a full breakfast and siesta, snorkeling, or use the lodge’s sea kayaks to paddle down 5 minutes to the flats on the south side of the Caye to fish on your own. Then you’ll had back out with your guide in mid-afternoon to catch the best part of the incoming and top of the tide. Fishing such a schedule practically guarantees permit anglers will have shots at fish during every hour of their fishing day!

The tarpon lagoon for which the Caye takes it’s name, is a few pole pushes from the dock, and is usually chock full of resident tarpon in the 20 – 50 pound class. From April through November, migratory ‘poons in the 50 – 100 + pound range may be encountered both in the lagoon and on a number of the deeper flats in the area. Bonefish are not only plentiful on many of the flats, but these ocean fish tend to be much larger average size than the mainland fish. All the flats are from 3 – 20 minutes run time from the dock. This may be the only destination on earth where you have a shot at a Grand Slam without traveling more than a mile from the lodge!

But flyfishing or spinfishing for the “Big Three” is just the tip of the iceberg. Opportunities for bottom fishing, conventional trolling and offshore casting and flyfishing are nearly limitless. The cut through the Barrier Reef is just 7-miles from the Caye, and the drop off just beyond can produce sailfish and blue marlin during the spring months, and what Charlie refers to as “Little Big Game Fishing” for, Dorado, wahoo, kings, amberjack, barracuda and more. The channels within minutes of the Caye also produce king mackerel, Spanish macks, wahoo, Dorado, bonito (little tunny), blackfin tuna and more. Bottom fishing yields over 7-species of groupers, 5-species of snappers, jack crevalle, bar jack, triggerfish and more. Regardless of your species or method of preference, Tarpon Caye guides are both well equipped and well schooled in catching just about anything that swims in these waters!

Accommodations at Tarpon Caye are in 3 simple but comfortable double occupancy cabañas on stilts overlooking the Home Flat to the east. Each cabaña is furnished with 2 double sized platform beds with comfortable new mattresses and head board reading lights, writing table and chair, tiled floors, cathedral ceilings to help keep the cabañas cool, fully tiled private baths with hot and cold water. Each is fronted by a private veranda with hammock and two Adirondack style deck chairs overlooking the water. For 2009, Charlie is converting the current clubhouse to a 2-bedroom, quad occupancy cabaña suite to increase occupancy from 6 to 10 guests.

The new dining room/clubhouse will feature an open-air deck & dining area overlooking the water where anglers enjoy a relaxing happy hour before sitting down to one of Tarpon Caye’s signature Caribbean Gourmet dinners. Charlie (an excellent chef himself) recruits only the very best chefs from the mainland and oversees the menu. The food is outstanding!

Power on the island is generated full 110 volt so your DVD player or other appliances will plug right in. The main generator is shut down at 9:00 pm but a 12 volt system provides ample electric lighting throughout the night. Note: a new solar power system is anticipated for 2009 which will give 110 volt service 24/7.

A pump driven 12,000 gallon rain water storage system provides ample water pressure to all the cabañas. For communications, the lodge provides free Internet service (WiFi is planned for the 2008/2009 season), free incoming calls to the lodge, and use of the phone to make outgoing calls using a prepaid phone card (available on the Caye). The new bar will even have satellite television for those who can’t live without their CNN!

When not fishing, eating or otherwise relaxing, guests may enjoy the complimentary use the lodge’s sea kayaks or snorkeling equipment. Optional snorkeling or diving charters may be arranged for non-fishing guests.

Travel to Tarpon Caye is through international arrival in Belize City followed by a 40 minute Tropic Air flight to Placencia. Guests are met at the airport and driven to Tarpon Caye’s 28 foot boat launch for the 45 minute boat transfer to the Caye.

Included in rate: Ground transfers from Placencia airstrip to transport boat and return; Boat transfer to Tarpon Caye from Placencia and return; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (all boats take out a packed lunch when going out to fish – upon request); Beverages (sodas, bottled drinking water); Accommodations: private cabin (2 max per cabin); Daily Housekeeping; Guided Fishing: guide, boat, fuel, gear* Complimentary use of snorkel gear and kayaks; Wi-Fi internet; Taxes.

*NOTE: Fishing gear of rod and reel/line only, is included. If you require lures, flies or any other artificial bait, etc., it is not included. You can either bring your own or TCL will have available for sale – upon request.

Not included in rate: Airfare to Belize City from the US; airfare from Belize City to Placencia; Alcoholic beverages; items of a personal nature; Fishing tackle; Fishing license ($25 US per angler/week); gratuities to guide and staff; and any additional tours/sightseeing days.  Other expenses might include tips to baggage handlers at Belize International Airport, $1 (US) per bag is adequate and $20 (US) or $40 (BZ) Belize Departure Tax (which includes Passenger Security Screening Fee approx. $2.50 BZ, Protected Area Conservation Trust Tax $7.50 BZ and Belize Travel Tax $30.00 BZ = $40 BZ or $20 US). Airport fees and tax rates subject to change.

For complete details about Tarpon Caye Lodge please contact Doug Schlink at Angler Adventures.

Copal Tree Lodge, Punta Gorda, located at the southern tip of Belize’s infamous “Permit Alley”, is home to one of the world’s premier permit fisheries. From the riverside marina, Copal Tree boats run 15 minutes down the Rio Grande to enter the Gulf of Honduras. The prime permit fishing areas begin at Sickle Cay, a half mile from the mouth of the river, and extends another 13 miles northeast to the Snake Cays. Within this area are hundreds of tiny islands, cayes with lagoon flats and pop up “pancake” flats just a short distance from the mainland. These include such notable fishing grounds as Mojo Caye, Wild Cane Caye and the Snake Cayes. The outside flats affiliated with many of these cayes tend to be gently sloping off into deeper water allowing permit to be found at all tidal stages. Just inshore from these cayes is the famed Ycacos Lagoon which, particularly on the higher stages of the tide, can be an amazing inshore permit fishery. The narrow channel into the lagoon can also be a hotspot for tarpon who will lie in wait at the mouth of the channel on the outgoing tide.

Tarpon and snook offer variety options for anglers. While not as abundant as permit, one should always keep an eye out for rolling poons or popping snook, especially when running the river to and from the permit grounds. Resident tarpon are present in the rivers and lagoons year round, and larger migratory fish are sometimes encountered between April and November. Snook fishing is best between November and March. If you wish to target tarpon or snook during your stay, Copal Tree offers access to many more rivers than the Rio Grande, including Golden Stream, Deep River, the Monkey River, and Moho River.

Bonefishing opportunities are limited, with the best chances existing out at the Sapodilla Cayes, a fairly long run from the lodge. While there are decent numbers of fish there, they tend to be small. If luck is with you in the morning (and you land both a permit and a tarpon), your chances of closing out the Grand Slam are good out at the Sapodillas!

Formerly known as Belcampo Belize, the lodge was completely revonvated in 2008 – 2009 as Machaca Hill and the new owner purchased the 12,000 acres of rainforest surrounding the lodge. When the lodge became Belcampo (and later Copal Tree Lodge), they continued to elevate their level of service and commitment to the keystone organic crops of cane, cacao, coffee and vanilla, and provide guests with agritourism programs that showcase these exotic ingredients at their origin. Copal Tree Lodge Belize has grown from pioneering ideas of sustainable food production and agritourism to an award-winning, world-class destination, welcoming discerning travellers from around the globe. The 12,000 acres that surrond this lodge have been classified as a private reserve to ensure that the native Belizean flora and fauna that makes this remote and virtually undisturbed wilderness area such an interesting and beautiful place to visit. The reserve surrounding the lodge also creates a unique feeling of privacy.

Copal Tree Lodge is situated at the plateau summit of “Big Hill or Machaca Hill” over looking the Rio Grande, the rainforest, and the Caribbean Sea. There is a private tram (or a staircase with 365 steps) to take guests from the riverside deck (which includes the waterside dining area and Maya Bar) to the lodge compound 400 feet above the Rio Grande. The lodge portion of Copal Tree cosists of the main lodge bulding with The Jungle Farm Restaurant, The Rum Bar, the spa, lounge areas, a swimming pool, and observation decks with open views of the coast, the Maya Mountains and a seemingly endless pristine rainforest. There are also 16 individual, spacious suites, which are well appointed with plush beds, screened fresh-air verandas, and spa-style bathrooms with floor to ceiling tropical rainforest views.

The Jungle Farm Restaurant runs on a farm to table philosophy that creates everything in house using ingredients grown on Copal Tree’s farm or locally sourced from nearby farmers, including compassionately and organically raised chickens, sheep and pigs, and a variety of organic produce including many local staples such as mangoes, passion fruit and pityia. The seafood is sourced locally from a team of fishermen who supply Copal Tree with sustainable fish, conch, lobster and wild shrimp. Meals at Copal Tree Lodge Belize are a blend of Mayan, East Indian, Creole, Garifuna, Latin and Indo-Caribbean inspired fare and are prepared by using traditional and modern cooking techniques. There is also the Copal Tree Rum Bar, which is a great place to relax and unwind at the end of each day. A central lounge is surrounded by cool shaded decks perched within the jungle canopy. Cocktails and complimentary snacks are served each day at 6 PM.

Copal Tree Lodge offers a unique array of non-fishing programs and activities, and well-trained guides focused on a providing a high level of personalized service. These activities at Copal Tree include birding and wildlife tours, jungle excursions, caving adventures, night time jungle hikes and drives, river tours, nighttime river cruises, snorkeling, diving, yoga, spa treatments, and explorations of the Mayan culture.

Copal Tree Lodge Belize 2025 Rates

We’re updating this page with 2025 rates! Contact us below!

Included in the package cost are: number of days guided fishing; number of nights lodging; 3 meals per day and after fishing hors d’oeuvres; laundry service; use of all amenities (pool, internet, tram, canoes, bikes, etc); transfers from/to Punta Gorda Airstrip; taxes / fees.

Not included in the above rate are: Air transportation to and from Belize City; Roundtrip air Belize City / Punta Gorda ($280 pp, rate subject to change); rental tackle; beverages; gratuities; additional tours/sightseeing days. Additional expenses such as transfers, hotels, meals incurred due to delays or other unforeseen events. Other expenses might include tips to baggage handlers at Belize International Airport, $1 (US) per bag is adequate and the Belize Departure Tax.

Two sets of four villas are set on opposite ends of El Pescador’s main lodge building in the tropical gardens, surrounding a private pool, and provide stunning views. The villas are only a short walk from the main lodge; far enough away allow guests privacy but close enough to allow access to all of the amenities and services offered at El Pescador. Amenities include 3 swimming pools; Complimentary Kayaks; Complimentary Bicycles; Fishing Instructor; SCUBA Diving Instructor;

Email service; Tour Office; Gift and sundry Shop; The Exclusive “Scientific Angler Mastery Series” Fly Shop in Belize; Bar and Restaurant.

The Great-Room in each villa is on the second floor. To access the great-room, guests ascend a dramatic plank staircase and pass through a mahogany door. All the Great-Rooms have high cathedral ceilings with polished Belizean hardwoods. In the Great-Room, there is a dining area (comfortably seating 6 for dinner), a full kitchen with all the appliances and gadgets, and a large open living area. This large open room has great views of the Caribbean, the beach, and the barrier reef.

French doors lead from the Great-Room to the 250 square foot covered verandah on the second floor. The verandahs are furnished with sofas or hammocks offering a great place to enjoy the sea breeze, the sunrise, or the sunset. The ground floor also has a covered verandah with private entrances to both downstairs suites with views of the beach, the Caribbean Sea, and the Barrier Reef. It’s no wonder that the verandahs become a favorite spot for El Pescador Villa guests.

Each two-story El Pescador Villa has 3 bedrooms, one on the second story and two on the ground floor. Each bedroom has an excellent view of the Caribbean. These master suites are fully self-contained with luxurious bathrooms, featuring his and hers hand-made ceramic sinks and matching tiles, excellent showers, spacious closets, and fluffy towels. The suites are configured to “lock-off”, enabling guests to have 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms and enjoy their own private unit. In other words, it’s possible to have the entire villa as a home-away-from-home, or request only a single suite.

 Villa Upgrades for US$ 300 + tax

• 1 room → 1-bedroom villa
• 2 rooms → 2-bedroom villa 
• 3 rooms → 3-bedroom villa
• Rates are in total, not per person, subject to availability

There is a 3 Night minimum stay at El Pescador, Ambergris Cay. Most fisherman stay at least a week. Complete Dive and Ecotourism Packages are also available. Please call for more information.

Fishing Packages Include: The number of nights lodging and days fishing specified in your package, round-trip air, land and sea transfers between Belize City and El Pescador, hotel tax, sales tax where applicable; hors d’oeuvres; 3 meals per day, local Belizean beverages including local beer, soda and rum, complimentary use of all amenities (pools, Internet, kayaks, bikes, etc.) and a welcome drink.

Not Included: Imported beverages, liquors such as Scotch or Cranberry juice, Fishing license, Park fees (if applicable), fishing gear (may be borrowed based on availability), diving gear (may be rented), gratuities.

Reservation Policy: A non-refundable deposit of 50% per person is necessary to secure a reservation, after receiving your deposit, we will provide you with a complete list of tackle and clothing to bring.

El Pescador’s fishing program is based around a healthy resident tarpon population (10 – 90 pounds) that can be found in 3-5 feet of water virtually 12 months of the year. There are few angling experiences that can rival the excitement of stalking tarpon on the clear, shallow flats located 45 minutes by boat from El Pescador. When conditions are right you might see hundreds of tarpon on the flats and jump several in a day. In late summer (July, August & September) the tarpon migration practically doubles the tarpon population at El Pescador and larger tarpon, well over 100 pounds, are available on the flats and on the reef.

In addition to the some of most productive year-round tarpon flats in the world, El Pescador has excellent fishing for bonefish and permit on protected flats closer to the lodge, and along the mangrove edges in the lee of the wind. The bonefish typically average 1-3 pounds, but larger bonefish (up to 5-6 pounds) are available. Most of the permit are less than 15 lbs and are frequently sighted in schools, however, larger permit (up to 30 pounds) typically show up during the tarpon migration.

Snook are available in the lagoons and mangrove-lined creeks, but not abundant. Also prevalent in the lagoons, on the flats, or out on the reef (in season) are Jack crevalle, barracuda, sailfish, dolphin, tuna, king mackerel, grouper, snapper, big-eyed jacks, wahoo, sharks of all sizes, and scrappy ladyfish. For fishermen who want to fish offshore or the Belize barrier reef, El Pescador has several larger (38-52 foot) boats available for charter.

El Pescador prides itself on having a staff with some of the most experienced guides in Belize; many have been guiding at El Pescador for over 20 years! The guides have extensive knowledge of this fishery that comes from a lifetime dedicated to learning where the fish are and how they behave. El Pescador guides are also excellent technical fishermen and experts at efficiently and safely handling the 23-foot Mexican super-pangas flats boats you’ll be fishing from.

The El Pescador lodge building is comprised of the dining room, bar, fly shop (the only Scientific Anglers Mastery Series Shop in Belize), and 13 guest rooms. The accommodations at El Pescador are comfortable and spacious, not fancy. Each room has a ceiling fan, air conditioning, private bath with two sinks and a hot shower, and has a view of water. El Pescador introduced their luxury accommodations with a collection of 8, one, two, or three bedroom villas (click here for more information on the El Pescador Villas).

Guests at El Pescador or El Pescador Villas have access to a wide variety of amenities for your enjoyment after a great day of fly-fishing, snorkeling the reef, or inland adventure. The experienced staff at El Pescador, will be happy to help you arrange help you arrange any number of activities. At El Pescador the amenities include a restaurant, a bar, 3 fresh water swimming pools, massage services, exercise room, complimentary kayaks and bicycles, fishing instructor / host, SCUBA diving instructor, concierge, WI-FI, tour office, gift and sundry shop, and the only Scientific Angler Mastery Series Fly Shop in Belize. An attractive white sand beach stretches for miles in front of the lodge. Swimming off the El Pescador dock is preferable to wading because of the amount of seaweed that gets washed ashore.

El Pescador’s restaurant specializes in native Caribbean cuisine made with fresh local produce and seafood. The meals are “family style” and each evening El Pescador either features two entrees or a buffet at dinner. Evening meals are served on the outdoor deck or in the dining room and El Pescador encourages everyone to dine together in the evening.

Pescador also offers a variety of non-fishing activities that range from snorkeling to Scuba diving to almost a dozen Eco-tour options, like one day and over night sightseeing trips to ancient Mayan ruins located on main land Belize. The town of San Pedro is 10 minutes away by boat and is comprised of several hotels and bars and can be an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon or evening. Please call or email for more information on the non-fishing activities.

As you can see from the information provided, Angler Adventures has considerable experience making arrangements to Belize. We can assure you the lowest airfares to Belize City, round-trip including customs fees and tax.

 Villa Upgrades for US$ 300 + tax

• 1 room → 1-bedroom villa
• 2 rooms → 2-bedroom villa 
• 3 rooms → 3-bedroom villa
• Rates are in total, not per person, subject to availability

There is a 3 Night minimum stay at El Pescador, Ambergris Cay. Most fisherman stay at least a week. Complete Dive and Ecotourism Packages are also available. Please call for more information.

Fishing Packages Include: The number of nights lodging and days fishing specified in your package, round-trip air, land and sea transfers between Belize City and El Pescador, hotel tax, sales tax where applicable; hors d’oeuvres; 3 meals per day, local Belizean beverages including local beer, soda and rum, complimentary use of all amenities (pools, Internet, kayaks, bikes, etc.) and a welcome drink.

Not Included: Imported beverages, liquors such as Scotch or Cranberry juice, Fishing license, Park fees (if applicable), fishing gear (may be borrowed based on availability), diving gear (may be rented), gratuities.

Reservation Policy: A non-refundable deposit of 50% per person is necessary to secure a reservation, after receiving your deposit, we will provide you with a complete list of tackle and clothing to bring.