San Pedro Fishing Charters
San Pedro fishing charters put anglers on the barrier reef, back lagoons, mangrove channels, and nearby flats for bonefish, permit, tarpon, snapper, grouper, and offshore pelagics.
Top Rated Charters in San Pedro
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San Pedro, BZ Fishing Guide
San Pedro sits on Ambergris Caye, right along Belize’s barrier reef, which means the fishing grounds are as close as it gets. Inshore trips target the lagoon side and mangrove creeks for tarpon, snook, and juvenile bonefish, while skiffs pole the shallow turtle grass and sandy flats for bonefish and permit. The reef itself is less than a mile from shore, so bottom fishing for snapper, grouper, and barracuda is often possible within minutes of leaving the dock. For offshore runs, boats push through the reef cuts and head 10–20 miles out to troll for mahi, tuna, wahoo, and even billfish in deep bluewater.
Charters typically launch right out of San Pedro Town, where most guides operate from small docks. Half-day trips keep things close with flats or reef action, while full-day runs allow a mix of reef and offshore or a Grand Slam pursuit across multiple flats. Run times are short—flats are often right behind the caye, and the reef is almost within sight. Trips to nearby cayes like Caye Caulker or Turneffe Atoll are also an option for anglers looking to combine fishing with island hopping.
Seasonally, San Pedro follows the same rhythms as the rest of Belize. Spring is peak permit time, with fish tailing on shallow flats and cruising edges. Summer brings the tarpon migration, with big silver kings mixing with lagoon residents. Fall has steady bonefish and snook action in the mangroves, and offshore trips still find wahoo and tuna. Winter cools the water and lights up the reef bite, with grouper and snapper loaded on coral heads and channels.
Techniques match the setting. Fly anglers stalk bonefish and permit with shrimp and crab imitations, or throw streamers at rolling tarpon. Spin fishermen use live sardines, mullet, or soft plastics in the lagoons, while reef fishing means vertical jigging, cut bait, and live bait rigs. Offshore, trolling with skirted lures, rigged ballyhoo, and diving plugs covers water for mahi, tuna, and wahoo. San Pedro is uniquely flexible—within one day, anglers can catch bonefish in ankle-deep water, fight a grouper on the reef, and troll offshore for pelagics.
Fishing Seasons in San Pedro
Spring (March–May)
Spring in San Pedro is all about permit. These fish school up on shallow flats and tail across sand and grass beds, giving fly and light tackle anglers prime shots. Bonefish remain steady across the lagoons, while tarpon start to appear in larger numbers as the water warms. Reef trips target snapper, grouper, and barracuda, with calm seas making for comfortable runs outside the reef. Many charters this season offer mixed trips—splitting time between flats and reef.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is tarpon season on Ambergris Caye. Migratory fish push through the lagoons and channels, joining resident juveniles. Early mornings and late evenings are best for rolling fish, with fly rods and heavy spinning tackle both effective. Permit are still in play, though they get pickier in the heat. Offshore, mahi, blackfin tuna, and wahoo are prime targets, with trolling being the go-to method. Calm seas make longer runs to Turneffe Atoll or Lighthouse Reef possible for dedicated anglers.
Fall (September–November)
Fall offers steady action with less fishing pressure. Snook and juvenile tarpon thrive in the mangrove channels, feeding on mullet and sardines pushed in by seasonal rains. Bonefish are consistent across the flats, making them a reliable target for half-day trips. Offshore runs still find wahoo and tuna, though weather can bring some chop. Many charters lean on mixed inshore/reef trips, with jigging and bottom fishing for snapper and grouper rounding out the catch.
Winter (December–February)
Winter is reef season. Cooler waters concentrate grouper and snapper around the barrier reef, where cut bait and jigs produce nonstop action. Permit are still around but less predictable, while bonefish stay strong in sheltered lagoons. Tarpon fishing slows, though resident juveniles can still be found in deeper channels. Northerly winds often push guides to the lagoon side for protected waters, but when seas allow, the reef bite is as steady as it gets.
Gamefish in Saan Pedro
- Permit – 10–25 lbs. Best in spring on shallow flats; targeted with live crabs or crab flies.
- Bonefish – 2–6 lbs. Abundant on sandy flats and grass beds year-round, taken on shrimp flies and light tackle.
- Tarpon – 20–120 lbs. Summer migration peaks in lagoons and channels, targeted with live mullet and streamer flies.
- Snook – 5–20 lbs. Found in mangrove channels and creek mouths, best in rainy season with live bait.
- Snapper – 2–15 lbs. Common on reef drop-offs, taken on jigs, live sardines, and cut bait.
- Grouper – 10–40 lbs. Hold on coral heads and ledges, best in winter with live bait and heavy tackle.
- Mahi-Mahi – 10–40 lbs. Offshore in summer, taken trolling ballyhoo and skirted lures.
- Wahoo – 20–50 lbs. Offshore in fall and winter, fast trolling deep lures produces strikes.
San Pedro Fishing FAQs
Where do San Pedro fishing charters depart from?
Almost all charters launch from docks in San Pedro Town, though some resorts have private pickups for guests.
What types of fishing trips are common in San Pedro?
Half-day flats trips for bonefish, permit, and tarpon are popular. Full-day trips often combine reef bottom fishing with offshore trolling or flats fishing.
Do I need a license to fish in Belize?
Yes, all anglers need a Belize fishing license. These can be purchased online or through local outfitters and lodges in San Pedro.
When is the best time to fish in San Pedro?
Spring and summer are best for flats fishing, with prime permit and tarpon. Winter is strongest for reef fishing with snapper and grouper.
What techniques do guides in San Pedro use?
Fly fishing and light tackle are standard on the flats. Reef trips rely on bait rigs, jigs, and live bait, while offshore charters troll lures and ballyhoo.
What species can I catch near the barrier reef?
The reef provides snapper, grouper, barracuda, jacks, and occasional permit. It’s one of the most consistent fisheries year-round.
How many people can fish on a San Pedro charter?
Flats skiffs usually take 2 anglers, while reef and offshore pangas or center consoles handle 4–6 anglers.
Are night fishing trips available in San Pedro?
Yes, some guides offer night trips in lagoons and channels targeting tarpon, snook, and snapper around mangrove edges.
How far offshore do San Pedro bluewater trips go?
Offshore charters typically run 10–20 miles past the reef into deep water for mahi, tuna, wahoo, and billfish.