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Tarpon Caye Lodge

15 Miles from Placencia Village in the Central Coast of Belize on the island of Tarpum Caye

--- 3 Hour Commercial Flight from DFW or Miami to Belize City


Just when we think we have a firm grasp of every fishery in Belize, we discover a new opportunity that never ceases to confirm my feeling that this quaint little Caribbean getaway offers the most diverse and user-friendly saltwater flats fishing to be found. The exotic cayes, reefs, and mangrove-lined lagoons are never ending on a map, and the fishing, diving, and exploring opportunities are equally as endless. Tenured operations as well as fledgling lodges though out this angler's paradise continue to provide consistent quality fishing despite the recent tourist and fly-fisher invasion.

The country of Belize is located on the eastern coast of Central America. The Caribbean Sea binds it to the east, Mexico to the north and northwest, and Guatemala to the west and southwest. Numerous islands as well as the world's second longest barrier reef fringe the flat and swampy coastline, while the inland terrain rises gradually below the peaks of the Maya Mountains. The official language is English, which is spoken by nearly the entire population. Spanish is the native tongue of nearly 40% of the population and is spoken by 20% of the population as a second language, while the Amerindian tribes still speak their original native languages. Formerly known as British Honduras, Belize has maintained the English culture, institutions, and national language; making travel and understanding this unique country very easy, friendly, and safe for tourists… And Belize is only three hours direct from the Dallas / Ft. Worth International Airport!

We like Belize because of the vast array of consistent multi-species fly-fishing that can be accomplished the majority of the year. Without question there are more shots for Permit (if you dare), more Tarpon than you can imagine, and hundreds of chances for smaller schooling Bones than anywhere else in the Caribbean. It's the numerous smaller bonefish that are the allure for the beginner flats angler, speeding up the learning process. It's the opportunities for the fabled "Grand Slam" (bonefish, permit, and tarpon in one day) that attracts so many experienced fly-rodders to Belize. No matter the species you are after, they can be found throughout the country in ever-present numbers.


Tarpon Caye Lodge is located approximately 15 miles of the coast of Placencia, Belize on a tiny Mangrove lined lagoon named Tarpum Caye. The lodge is only forty minutes by boat from the Placencia airport. This very remote island is in the middle of the best permit flats we have yet to discover with very little fishing pressure. Tarpon Caye Lodge is one of the few remaining "old school" Caribbean fishing lodges with long days on the water and a laid back atmosphere geared around your schedule and preferences. If you are interested in an informal and fishing intensive vacation to an extremely remote Caribbean island, you should definitely put Tarpon Caye Lodge on your list.


Host and head guide, Charles Leslie, specializes in fly-fishing and has over 30 years experience. Charlie has been featured on ESPN and in numerous guidebooks. Mr. Leslie and his guides, Charles Cabral and Bruce Leslie, "hunt" for fish like few others. It is refreshing to find guides dedicated to fish the tides rather than an 8-4 day. With these top fly fishing guides at your side, even the average caster can go for the elusive permit and expect success.

Upon arrival at the lodge, Charlie Leslie will discuss your angling wishes. It could be to target permit, tailing bonefish, big tarpon in the lagoon or maybe hunting down all three! It's up to you. Charlie will insure your visit to Tarpum Caye is a memorable one and tailored to your individual angling interests. If you choose, your typical fishing day may begin as the generator starts up at 4 am, just before the sun rises off the barrier reef to the east. The coffee starts brewing while fresh fruit, toast and jam are waiting on the table to satisfy you until breakfast later in the morning.

Immediately outside the back door is the famous Tarpum lagoon, where guests usually will begin the day fishing for rolling tarpon. You'll have opportunities for permit and bonefish any given day according to the optimum tide for each species, while there is also a good variety of other gamefish, including jacks, barracuda, mackerel and other species. The informal yet professional nature of the Tarpon Caye lodge operation allows for excellent flexibility. The Tarpon Caye guide staff doesn't punch time clocks. Whether you are the hard-core angler wanting to put in a 10-hour day on the flats seeking permit, or simply looking for a mixed bag, Tarpon Caye Lodge is right for you.

Anglers return from early morning fishing (approx.8 am) for breakfast, which normally includes fresh eggs made to order, bacon or ham, toast, local fruit, fresh juice and perhaps fry jacks or pancakes. After fishing the morning tide, guests return to the lodge around 1 pm for a wonderfully prepared lunch, usually featuring fresh seafood or a tasty salad with other local Belizean dishes or you have the option to take a packed lunch. After lunch and a "siesta", guests return refreshed and ready to fish until approximately 4 pm or until dark. Tides and weather patterns are key factors that Charlie considers prior to planning your day's fishing.

The flats vary in composition from white sand, to coral patches to eel grass covered areas. All the flats around Tarpum Cay have firm bottoms which make for easy wading. Anglers may choose to cast from the boat as your guide poles the flats and "hop out" of the boat to get a better casting position to catch a permit or bone. Fishing boats are standard Mexican pangas, and are equipped with casting decks and new Honda 4-stroke motors which are quiet and clean running. In addition to your head guide, each boat is also staffed by a boat tender / assistant who handles the boat while you are off stalking fish; maximizing fishing time and efficiency.

Tarpum Caye has a deep lagoon on the west side of the cay where tarpon can be seen rolling and cruising. The lagoon is protected by tall red mangrove trees and windy conditions in the lagoon are seldom a problem. The area around Tarpum Caye is covered with hundreds of square miles of flats and is known as the "Permit Capital" of the world. The surrounding flats go from 6 inches on top and can drop to 75-100 foot of water on the edges, which makes them a perfect habitat for permit which like a quick escape to deep water. Permit can be found on these flats in good numbers, and with tarpon in the lagoon, and bonefish on the western flats you have a perfect opportunity for the "Grand Slam".


Tarpon Caye Lodge is a simple yet comfortable facility designed to accommodate the adventurous and serious angler. The lodge currently has three cabanas which can house two anglers in each unit for a total capacity of six guests. There is also a clubhouse which also serves as the kitchen and dinning area. The entire lodge facility is equipped with 110V and also 12V electricity for lighting in the cabana when the generator is shut off late in the evening. The lodge is equipped with full running fresh water to all buildings. Simple and clean, the elevated wooden cabanas are raised up above the island allowing the winds of the Caribbean to keep things comfortable and cool. Each building has two twin beds with good quality mattresses that insure a good night's rest. Each cabana also has its own porch, private bath, toilet, shower and sink with fresh running water.

Dinners at the lodge usually consist of generous portions of fresh seafood including lobster, conch, shrimp or freshly caught fish. Local Belizean fare such as chicken and pork with local vegetables are also on the menu. The resident cook Melanie would be happy to prepare your favorite dish, just ask! Try the fried plantains! Ice-cold Belikin beers are in the fridge & iced filled cooler, while cold bottled water and sodas are always available. Tarpon Caye also has a stocked bar and special liquor orders can be arranged by ordering ahead.


6 Anglers in Three Double Occupancy Cabanas


Guests at Tarpon Caye fly into the capital of Belize, Belize City. Belize City is serviced by both American and Continental Airlines from most major U.S. cities. Once in Belize City, guests fly south with Maya Air or Tropic Air in a comfortable and safe Cessna Caravan aircraft for approximately 35 minutes to the small fishing village of Placencia. Upon arrival in Placencia, guests are then met and transferred by van to the water for the boat ride to the island. Tarpon Caye Lodge / Fish Camp sits on a mangrove caye just 15 miles east of Placencia, Belize and is 40 minutes away from the Placencia airstrip by transfer boat.


Day 1
Guests travel to Belize City, where upon arrival are met and escorted by Tarpon Caye's meet and greet service that will assist with checking in with connecting flights to Placencia. Guests arriving Belize City in the early afternoon, will take a Maya or Tropic Air charter to Placencia (approx. 30 minutes) from Belize City. A ground transfer will bring you to the boat dock and then the Tarpon Caye Lodge / Kingfisher Adventures transfer boat brings you to the Lodge in time to get settled in and put some tackle together.
Based upon arrival time in Placencia, anglers may have some time to fish the afternoon if possible.

Day 2-?
Fishing Days! Numerous factors influence the fishing schedule as well, however
if fishing a quarter moon week, anglers will have coffee and toast at 4:00AM and hit the flats for the first incoming tide around 5:00AM till approximately 8:00AM with typical conditions. Anglers return to the camp for a full breakfast and may return to the lagoon or the flats to find some rolling tarpon or bonefish. After the mid-morning fish, anglers usually head back to the camp for lunch a siesta before returning again to fish for tarpon and / or bonefish. The second incoming tide of the day will dictate what time anglers fish for permit in the afternoon. The fishing schedule is dictated by the tides and conditions for your week.

The above schedule suggests what the fishing program is during a trip slated around a quarter moon.

Departure Day
No fishing planned for the day. After breakfast guests are transported by boat back to the Placencia airport for the short commute back to Belize City and on to the United States.



The country of Belize has defined seasons that potential guests should understand before booking their trip. Belize has a subtropical climate that is uniformly hot and humid, although it is tempered by the trade winds. The dry season is from February to March with another brief spell during August, while the hurricane season is from late July to October. Temperatures during the summer months can become extremely warm, and anglers who are bothered by heat should consider a spring or fall trip. Although a nice onshore breeze moderates nighttime temperatures, there is no air-conditioning at Tarpon Caye Lodge. Rainstorms are possible at any time and usually occur in the afternoon, hopefully after the fishing day is done.

The most important thing to remember when planning your Tarpon Caye trip is to take into consideration the lunar calendar, and thus the tide chart for your prospective itinerary. Permit take advantage of a moving tide and a flooded flat as their best opportunity to feed. If your calendar is flexible, try and plan your trip with a quarter moon in the middle of your stay. A quarter moon brings two strong tides a day and offers the best chance and most opportunities for finding Permit on the flats. Anglers fishing a quarter moon typically fish the first incoming Permit tide from approximately 5:00AM to 8:00AM and then again from around 4:00PM till dusk. During middle of the day anglers have plenty of opportunities to chase Tarpon and Bonefish between Permit tides.

Ask us for details and recommendations.


Fishing is the primary activity at Tarpon Caye Lodge. However, it may be possible to arrange a dive-master to make the trip out from Placencia for those interested in diving or snorkeling the reef. The snorkeling in the area is phenomenal, and snorkeling gear can be provided free of charge. The lodge also maintains a pair of modern sea kayaks for those looking for a little exercise. Depending upon the season, numerous TailWaters guests have had tons of fun and excellent success diving for lobsters. Make sure to bring your swimsuit!


2009 High Season Rates (NOVEMBER - MAY)

(Based on Shared Room / Guide)
7 Night/ 6 Day........... ................$3,075.00

6 Night/ 5 Day........... ................$2,838.00

5 Night/ 4 Day ...........................$2,528.00

4 Night/ 3 Day............................$2,296.00

(Based on Single Room / Private Guide)
7 Night/ 6 Day........... ................$4,184.00

6 Night/ 5 Day........... ................$3,848.00

5 Night/ 4 Day ...........................$3,537.00

4 Night/ 3 Day............................$3,228.00


2009 Low Season Rates (JUNE - OCTOBER)

(Based on Shared Room / Guide)
7 Night/ 6 Day............................$2,460.00

6 Night/ 5 Day............................$2,270.00

5 Night/ 4 Day ...........................$2,020.00

4 Night/ 3 Day ............................$1,837.00

(Based on Single Room / Private Guide)
7 Night/ 6 Day........... ................$3,346.00

6 Night/ 5 Day........... ................$3,078.00

5 Night/ 4 Day ...........................$2,829.00

4 Night/ 3 Day............................$2,552.00

Non-fishing itineraries are available upon request.


Meet and Greet at Belize International Airport; Ground and boat transfers from Placencia airstrip to Tarpum Caye; All meals and non-alcoholic beverages (sodas); All Alcoholic Beverages (Rum & Beer); Guide and boat daily for two anglers per boat; Accommodations; Snorkel Gear and Sea Kayaks; Internet Access; All Applicable Sales Taxes


Airfare to Belize City from the US; Airfare from Belize City to Placencia (approximately $140 US round trip, subject to change); Gratuities; Any additional tours/sightseeing days; $35 (US) or $70 (BZ) Belize Departure Tax


A refundable 50% deposit is required to secure all reservations. Final balance is due 90 days prior to departure. All fees are refundable up to ninety (90) days prior to departure minus a 10% cancellation fee. Within 90 days of departure, all funds are non-refundable unless a replacement client is found. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation/refund/responsibility clauses.

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