Are You Ready to Achieve a Fly-Fishing Grand Slam in Southern Belize?

Belize Laru Beya Resort Placencia Peninsula

If you’re a sports trivia fan, you may wonder where the phrase “grand slam” originated. Major League Baseball takes credit, say sports historians, but in fact, the credit actually belongs to the 18th-century card games whist and bridge where both games proclaim grand slam winners as anyone who takes all tricks when playing a single hand.

Not to be outdone, the sport of fly fishing also became the beneficiary of this lofty designation, and you would find it hard to find an area more invested in grand slams than Belize, where fishermen are required to catch three specific fish—a bonefish, permit and tarpon—within a 24-hour period.

Why were these three species chosen for this competition?

Known for the incredible speed with which they zip through waters, bonefish are found in shallow, mangrove-lined flats that attract anglers eager to snap up super-fast bonefish.
If you’re up for pursuing the hardest fish to catch before you go after the other two, begin your challenge by searching for permit. They have excellent eyesight and they’re described as cunning.
Tarpon is the third member of this elite trio, and their habitats are diverse. Pursue this large, powerful fish by scouring lagoons, jungle rivers, and deep channels to snag your third catch.

When’s the best time to pursue all three?

While veteran anglers insist that the best time pursue a grand slam is between the months of May and early September—-months vacationers are most likely to take summer breaks—there are two factors that are equally important: Consistent wind patterns that benefit folks fishing flats, and times of year when weather is ideal. Outer islands and the barrier reef are great environments for all three, by the way.

Want to make your grand slam official? Follow International Game Fish Association (IGFA) angling rules by gathering documentation, photos, or witness verification to register your three fish with the IGFA Slam & Trophy Clubs. Keep this in mind: All three fish are covered by catch-and-release laws in Belize so be prepared to return them to the ocean once you document them.

Package your stay for the best experience

Book lodgings at Laru Beya Resort and proximity to the reef and other prime fishing spots will be at your fingertips. Resort management and staff have a special place in their hearts for avid anglers, and the property’s all-inclusive package frees you to spend the entirety of your stay engaged in pursuit of your goal.

If you’d like to save money while pursuing your grand slam dream, tap into Laru Beya’s current specials, and convey your desire to peruse the resort’s fishing options. Maximize the time required to qualify for your own grand slam victory, take lots of photos and pursue that documentation as you reach your goal, so friends don’t accuse you of concocting a fanciful fishing tale!