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Turneffe Atoll is the largest of four coral atolls in the western
hemisphere, is noted for its variety of saltwater fishing. The
availability of bonefish, permit and tarpon make Turneffe Flats one
of the rare spots in the world offering a legitimate shot at a GRAND
SLAM. Turneffe also offers an opportunity to fish for other saltwater
species.
Bonefishing
Bonefishing at Turneffe Flats offers something for anglers of all
levels of experience. Novice saltwater anglers see hundreds of fish
per day providing a great opportunity to learn the basics of flats
fishing. Experienced saltwater anglers find plenty of challenging
fishing, particularly fishing to smaller schools and larger singles.
The ocean side
flats are 5 to 20 minutes from the lodge and are some of the most
picturesque flats found anywhere. While wading Turneffe's flats,
you will cast to large schools of bonefish averaging 3-4 pounds,
with some larger fish up to 12 pounds.
The ocean side
flats also offer the opportunity to pursue small schools, singles,
and doubles generally larger fish. This fishing requires casting
accuracy and provides the added challenge many seasoned saltwater
anglers relish.
Bonefish are
present in equal numbers throughout the year. Bonefish on Turneffe's
ocean side flats stay on these flats most of the time, differentiating
them from bonefish in other areas, such as the Florida Keys. These
are very lush flats full of crabs, shrimp and other bonefish foods.
As a result, these fish can become selective. This can make for
challenging fishing and the right tackle, flies, presentation and
fishing techniques are all important.
Bonefish also
inhabit the mangrove-lined lagoons and flats on the interior of
the Atoll. These bonefish are generally larger and take flies more
readily than the ocean side fish; although they tend to be on the
move, making casting accuracy more crucial. Fishing for these fish
is mostly done from the bow of our 16' Dolphin Superskiffs.
There is a wadeable
flat immediately in front of the lodge, allowing you extra fishing
in the early morning or evening.
Dick Brown,
author of Fly Fishing for Bonefish, has named Turneffe Flats one
of "The World's Best for Bonefish".
Permit
Permit fishing at Turneffe Flats is exceptional and many anglers
come with sight-fishing for these challenging fish as their primary
objective. Permit are found on the flats and bars throughout Turneffe
with most permit fishing done from a poled skiff.
You can expect
plenty of shots at 10 to 20 lb. permit with some fish in the 30
to 40 lb. class. Permit fishing at Turneffe may afford you more
shots than other destinations, but they are always challenging!
Tarpon
Tarpon inhabit the creeks, channels and lagoons of the Atoll. Most
tarpon jumped are 60-90 pounds, with some fish in the 100-150 pound
range and occasional monsters approaching 200 pounds. Most of their
tarpon fishing is done to rolling fish.
Tarpon fishing
is quite seasonal as tarpon are migratory. Tarpon numbers begin
to increase in April or May and drop off in September or October
with peak tarpon months being June, July, and August. There are
a few "resident" tarpon around Turneffe throughout the
year.
Other Species
The interior of the Turneffe Atoll offers miles of mangrove-lined
bays, creeks and lagoons to fish for various snappers,
jacks and barracuda with poppers or Clouser minnows.
This can be some very exciting saltwater fishing with either a fly
rod or spinning gear.
Barracuda are
an underrated and acrobatic game fish inhabiting the reefs at Turneffe
in large numbers. Some anglers prefer to troll a fly for them, but
they can also be taken by sight casting on the flats or by casting
poppers into the deeper holes along the reef.
Along the reef,
wading anglers can take snappers and jacks by casting deceiver patterns
or poppers into the surf. Spending some time during your stay at
Turneffe "chasing" other species is always fun and usually
rewarding.
Fishing
Skiffs
Turneffe Flats fishes from 16' Dolphin Superskiffs custom built
in the U.S. These are comfortable skiffs with a large casting deck
and rod holders. All skiffs are equipped with VHF radios and safety
gear.
Daily Fishing
Schedule
Their fishing schedule is as flexible as possible. A standard day's
fishing is about 8 hours. Generally the fishing day begins after
breakfast and ends around 5:00 P.M. Every guest is asked to be back
to the lodge well before dark for safety purposes.
Each day you
will have the option to take a nice packed lunch or return to the
lodge for the noon meal. Lodge management will coordinate your day's
fishing the prior evening.
Early morning
fishing, particularly for tarpon, can be very good. Arrangements
to go tarpon fishing before breakfast are easily made.
Catch and
Release
Turneffe Flats believes strongly in protecting the fishery at Turneffe.
With rare exception, all fish at Turneffe Flats are released.
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Turneffe
Flats 
