Turneffe Flats Lodge, Belize
Feb 21 thru 28, 2009

HOSTED BY: Capt. Jimmy Stockton

This is a full week of fishing at the Turneffe Flats Lodge from Sat. 21st. to Sat. 28th. The price is $4115.11 plus airfare per person. Please make your reservations now as this trip will probably sellout quickly. We have room for 10 to 16 anglers.

LOCATION
Turneffe Atoll, Belize

AREA
Central America (Caribbean)

WATER TYPE
Saltwater

GENERAL INFORMATION
Those considering a trip to Turneffe Atoll and Turneffe Flats should know that this is one of our very favorite destinations here at Black Fly Outfitter! It is one of our top three destinations as far as bookings, and one that we endorse on every single levels - from guides and equipment, to accommodation and food. Simply put, Turneffe Flats does everything right.

Belize’s secluded Turneffe Atoll has long been recognized as one of the Caribbean’s premier flats fishing destinations. The largest atoll in the Western Hemisphere, Turneffe offers a fantastic variety of saltwater fishing as well as a diverse number of activities for non-anglers and divers looking for a relaxing tropical vacation. The availability and close proximity of bonefish, permit, and tarpon make this fishery one of the rare spots in the world that offers a legitimate shot at a grand slam any day of the year. Built in the center of what is the largest and most biologically diverse atoll in the Caribbean, this secluded operation specializes in superior service and quality fly fishing for a limited number of guests. The lodge is ideally located to take advantage of Turneffe Atoll’s 250 square miles of flats, reefs, lagoons, and astonishingly rich marine habitats.

Imagine waking up each morning in an air-conditioned beachfront cabin completely surrounded by a magnificent tropical seascape of white sand beaches, pristine bonefish flats, lush mangroves, and surf breaking over the reef for miles in either direction. Each morning you can enjoy a spectacular sunrise from your verandah, and each night the stars look close enough to touch. One of the greatest assets of this operation is a large, wadeable “home” flat located immediately in front of the lodge. This large flat allows guests additional fishing opportunities and the chance to wade on their own in the early morning or evening. How good is the quality of the fishing and the overall operation? Let’s put it this way … when guides, outfitters, and fly shop owners from the states take their saltwater vacations, this is the place where many of them come! Turneffe Flats has long been a favorite of industry “insiders” and guides from throughout North America. The diversity of the saltwater flats fishing easily sets this operation apart from other destinations, and the year-round possibilities of catching bonefish, permit, and tarpon on any given day makes Turneffe Flats one of the Caribbean’s best bets for the elusive flats grand slam.

THE FISHING
Bonefishing is the mainstay of the fishing on Turneffe, and the atoll has miles of crystal-clear, wadeable flats. The atoll’s ocean-side flats, only five to fifteen minutes from the lodge, are some of the most picturesque flats found anywhere in this part of Central America. Anglers can sight-fish to large schools of tailing bonefish at all hours of the day. There are also smaller schools of medium-sized bones, and occasional large “cruisers” in the six to ten-pound range. The bonefishing is consistently good throughout the year and offers something for anglers of all experience levels. Novice saltwater anglers can expect to see hundreds of bonefish over the course of a week, a scenario that provides a great opportunity to learn the intricacies and nuances of flats fishing. Experienced saltwater anglers will find plenty of challenging fishing and opportunities to cast to large bonefish. Aside from the large ocean-side flats, bonefish also inhabit the mangrove-lined lagoons and flats in the interior of the atoll. While these fish are generally larger and at times take a fly more readily, the fact that they are constantly on the move makes casting accuracy important. The fishing in the interior of the atoll is mostly done from the bow of the lodge’s 16' Dolphin Superskiffs.

As far as permit fishing goes, the atoll is home to an exceptional population of these elusive and difficult fish. Turneffe is one of a select group of saltwater destinations where you can experience the excitement of flats fishing for tailing permit throughout the year, either from a skiff while wading the ocean-side flats. Anglers serious about chasing these fish can expect numerous shots at 10 to 20-pound permit and occasional shots at fish in the 30 to 40-pound class. Anglers wishing to fish for the “Silver King” can catch small, resident tarpon that inhabit the creeks, channels and lagoons of the atoll throughout the year. The fishing for the larger, migratory tarpon begins in April and continues through mid-October. June, July, and August are generally the best months for tarpon fishing, as this is the season when most of the migratory fish in the 70 to 150-pound range are passing through. Each season, the lodge sees a few monsters in the 150 to 200-pound range!

ACCOMMODATIONS
Individual, air-conditioned guest rooms are located on the beach, and all offer panoramic views of Turneffe's nearby coral reef. All of the rooms are furnished with one queen-size bed and one extra-long single bed. Each room has a large private bath with two sinks and a shower.

The social center for Turneffe Flats is the spacious, air-conditioned main lodge. A pre-dinner gathering in the lodge for hors d'oeuvres and refreshments is customary, and the screened verandah is a wonderful place to enjoy the tropical evening with new and old friends. Meals at the lodge are a tasty combination of Belizean and American dishes served family-style. Fresh seafood, local produce, and home-baked pastries are standard fare. Three delicious meals per day are part of the lodge package, and each morning you will awaken to fresh coffee or tea served on your private verandah. The bar is well-stocked with premium liquor and offers a variety of wines as well as local Belikin beer.

CAPACITY
Capacity at Turneffe Flats is 12 anglers and 16 guests total.

LENGTH OF STAY
Standard package is a six day / seven night package (Saturday to Saturday.) Partial week packages are available with some restrictions. Please call Black Fly Outfitter for details.

SEASON
Year-round

PRIMARY SPECIES
Bonefish, tarpon, permit, barracuda, jacks, snapper, more.

BOATS AND EQUIPMENT OFFERED
Guides fish from 16-foot Dolphin super skiffs. The lodge offers top of the line rental gear and equipment from Sage, Abel and Patagonia, and sells small items such as flies, leaders, tippet and fly lines.

HOW TO GET THERE
International flights to Belize go through Miami, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and Charlotte. The major airlines that service Belize are American, Continental, US Air, Delta, and Taca. It is necessary to arrive into the Belize City International Airport (Phillip Goldson International) before 3:30 PM in order to make your boat connection to the Atoll. You will be met at the ariport by a representative from the lodge and transferred to the Princess Hotel docks to meet the shuttle boat bound for Turneffe.

NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES
For non-anglers, the offshore atolls of Belize are consistently rated among the “world’s best dive destinations.” With pristine coral reefs, abundant marine life, and warm Caribbean seas, it’s easy to see why. Turneffe Flats is ideally located to take advantage of Belize’s best diving, and three dives per day plus a weekly night dive are standard for a dive package. Dive vacations can also include a day trip to Lighthouse Reef to dive the famous Blue Hole, Half Moon Wall, and Long Caye. Small dive groups of four to eight are the norm at Turneffe Flats, and the program emphasizes personalized service and maximum flexibility. PADI & SDI Instruction is available on-site, and the lodge offers a wide range of courses including Discover programs and Advanced Diver Certification. For non-divers, they have also developed a snorkeling and adventure package that over time has evolved into a diversified marine ecotourism experience with multiple activities from which to choose. World-class snorkeling is a mainstay of this package with a number of different opportunities available. For wildlife enthusiasts, there have been over 60 bird species identified on the atoll, and looking for manatees and bottlenose dolphins is exciting and fun. Learn about the fascinating history of Turneffe and the people of Belize, from the Maya who fished and traded on the Atoll as far back as 400 A.D. to the pirates who used Turneffe as a favored hideout. Sign up for a Belizean cooking class or simply relax in a hammock under the coconut palms. The possibilities for this fantastic beach vacation are endless! The lodge’s “Atoll Adventure Guides” are informative and fun, and a 25-foot, twin-engine boat is at the lodge’s disposal, allowing you access to the atoll’s entire marine ecosystem. For non-anglers or those who simply want to mix things up, this is a very flexible package that is completely adapted to the desires of guests on a day-to-day basis.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
A valid passport is required for all visitors to Belize and must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the duration of your stay. Citizens of the U.S., the British Commonwealth, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the European Community are NOT required to have Visas.

WHAT’S INCLUDED
Fully guided daily fishing (two anglers per boat and one guide,) air conditioned double-occupancy lodging, round trip land and water transfers between Belize City and Turneffe, three meals per day, and coffee and tea each morning on your verandah.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
International flight to Belize City, bar tab, gratuities for guides and staff, items purchased at gift shop, diving, and non-fishing adventure packages. Applicable taxes are listed above.

DEPOSIT INFORMATION
A 50% deposit (per angler) of the total package cost for each trip is due within 10 days of booking to secure the reservation. Guides and dates cannot be held or reserved without a deposit. Black Fly Outfitter reserves the right to charge a handling fee of $100 per person for date changes after the initial reservation has been made. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Black Fly Outfitter can assist with the travel arrangements for all destinations that we offer! Contact Us for details on airfare, itineraries, and details.

OTHER INFORMATION
As the largest and most biologically diverse atoll in the Caribbean, the Turneffe Atoll is one of the most productive and sensitive marine ecosystems in the Western Hemisphere. Through “1% for THE PLANET”, Turneffe Flats commits 1% of their annual revenue to organizations promoting conservation and sustainability of coastal marine habitats such as the Turneffe Atoll.