Belize Fishing Calendar
San Pedro offers fishing opportunities all year. The best target depends on the month, but also on tide, wind, cloud cover and what the water is doing that day.
Start With the Species, Then Check the Conditions
A calendar helps you choose a general window. It cannot promise the fish, tide or weather you will get on a specific day. Captain Nato uses the season as a starting point and adjusts the trip to the conditions.
Bonefish
Bonefish are the most dependable flats target across the calendar. They are still sensitive to wind, visibility and tide, so “year-round” does not mean guaranteed.
Good choice when your dates are fixed and you want a classic Belize flats experience.
Permit
Permit fishing is especially good through the dry-season months. Rising water can help create feeding opportunities, but permit remain demanding in any season.
Build the trip around permit first if this is your priority fish.
Baby Tarpon & Snook
North winds and cold fronts can push tides lower, exposing baby tarpon and snook in shallower water. Around San Pedro, baby tarpon commonly range from about 5–25 lb.
Larger tarpon may appear in channels or on flats, but they are never an automatic target.
At-a-Glance Seasonal Calendar
Dark markers show the clearest locally confirmed window. Aqua shows a possible or useful target, not a catch guarantee.
| Month | Bonefish | Permit | Baby Tarpon | Snook | Reef Fishing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | |||||
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| September | |||||
| October | |||||
| November | |||||
| December |
Month-by-Month Planning Notes
Use these notes for trip planning, not as promises about a particular fishing day.
January
Cold fronts can lower the tides and expose baby tarpon and snook in shallow, protected water. Wind can change the plan quickly.
February
One of the useful crossover months: permit season begins while the October–February baby-tarpon and snook window is still active.
March
Dry-season conditions support permit and bonefish plans. The day still depends on wind, light and the timing of the tide.
April
A strong flats-fishing month within the permit window. Clear visibility and a good tide matter more than a generic promise of calm weather.
May
Warm dry-season fishing keeps permit high on the target list, with year-round bonefish providing another flats opportunity.
June
The rainy season may begin, but passing showers do not automatically hurt fishing. Storm systems and long overcast periods are different.
July
Permit remains within its main window. Tarpon can be a possible target when local conditions and fish location line up.
August
The confirmed February–August permit window reaches its later stage. Tropical-weather monitoring becomes increasingly important.
September
Bonefish remain available and tarpon may be targeted when conditions allow. Weather systems can affect both safety and visibility.
October
The lower-tide baby-tarpon and snook window begins as north winds and cold fronts start influencing local water levels.
November
Shallow protected areas can become important for tarpon and snook. A strong front may also create wind that changes or postpones the trip.
December
Lower seasonal tides can favor baby tarpon and snook. Captain Nato does not promote night fishing around San Pedro.
Tide Can Matter More Than the Month
- Rising water can create permit opportunities.
- Falling water can favor bonefish, tarpon and snook.
- Large tide movement can concentrate feeding activity.
- Your guide adjusts location as water levels change.
Weather Changes the Target
- Passing rain does not automatically cancel fishing.
- Clouds can make sight fishing for permit and bonefish difficult.
- Sheltered mangrove water may offer tarpon, snook or jacks.
- Winds over roughly 24 knots, unsafe seas or tropical storms may require rescheduling.
Fly or Spinning Gear?
Tarpon, bonefish and other targets can be fished with either fly or spinning tackle. Tell us your experience and preference before the trip so the right gear and plan are ready.
Check Fishing Rules Too
Species seasons, size limits, protected fish and license requirements are separate from the best fishing window. Review current rules before planning to retain any catch.
Match Your Dates to the Right Target
Send Captain Nato your travel dates, preferred species, fishing method and group size. We’ll give you an honest recommendation based on the season and available trip dates.