Belize

Belize – Copal Tree Lodge

THE FISHING

Anglers considering a trip to the Copal Tree Lodge need to understand a couple of very important aspects of the fishery before deciding to book. First and foremost, the Punta Gorda area is a permit destination. While there is some decent tarpon and snook fishing to be had at certain times of the year, Copal Tree Lodge is really appropriate for anglers who are looking for a dedicated trip that focuses almost exclusively on permit. There is some bonefishing available out at the Sapodillos Cayes but this is a 2.5 hour boat ride each way and if it’s at all windy, it can be a very long, wet and kidney rattling journey.

The other important element to this location is that because it’s primarily a permit destination, this means that Copal Tree is really not an appropriate facility for beginners or those new to the sport of saltwater fly fishing. Having at least a couple of saltwater trips under your belt is almost a prerequisite to booking a trip to chase permit at Copal Tree Lodge, otherwise you just won’t get out of this location the very best of what the area and lodge have to offer. However, for those who do have some saltwater fly fishing experience and want to spend their trip targeting permit and learning about fly fishing for permit, there are not many better lodges and locations.

Each morning anglers will board their skiffs run the Rio Grande from the lodge out to the mouth of the river where the river meets the ocean. From there it’s just a 20 minute run up to the Port Honduras Marine Reserve, where a lot of the permit fishing takes place. The Port Honduras Marine Reserve, with its mangrove coast, clear rivers, hundreds of protective cayes, and the Barrier Reef, forms one of the most important fish nurseries in the Caribbean.

The permit flats in this part of Belize are hard packed tidal coral flats that are generally smaller than those found further north. What we like about these flats is that they are probably the cleanest flats in the country. What we mean by “clean” is that the flats in this part of Belize are free of coral and other natural debris, when compared to the permit flats found further north. This translates in to fewer break offs which means more permit landed.

Because the flats in this part of Belize are smaller than those found elsewhere in the country, the majority of the fishing for permit will take place from the skiff, however, there are places where guests can wade to fish and these flats are usually hard packed and offer good solid footing. Guests can expect to cast to tailing permit daily in about 1-3 feet of water. The average fish will run between 8-12 pounds with larger fish seen and cast to weekly. A 20 + permit is by no means uncommon in the PG area.

If the weather cooperates, guests also have the option to head up to the Paynes Creek National Park, to fish the Punta Ycacos Lagoon. Ycacos, as it’s known, is a wonderful series of interconnected tidal lagoons that permit enter to feed on the myriad of crustaceans that call Ycacos home.

There are also some creeks and rivers on the mainland that hold tarpon and snook and these pristine mangrove waterways can be very productive. But, these species should be seen as an added bonus to the trip and not something that can be counted on with any degree of consistency.

BOATS AND EQUIPMENT

The skiffs are 23 foot Mexican style pangas with 60-75 horse powered four stroke engines. The skiffs have poling platforms for the guides and generous casting platforms at the front of the boat, along with rod holders and a good amount of storage space.

GETTING THERE

Guests will fly into Belize City, where they will be met by our Belize International Airport assistant Lilly. Lilly will escort you over to our domestic air carrier for the 55 minute flight south to Punta Gorda. After de boarding the plane in Punta Gorda (PG) and collecting your luggage, you’ll be met by a Copal Tree Lodge driver, who will take you directly to the lodge.

Slipstream is a full service travel company that can handle a variety of services relating to your trip. For assistance, please contact us directly at 1 866 644-7703.

RATES FOR 2024

Because of the number of options with different accommodations and seasons, Copal Tree pricing is done on an individual basis.

Please contact our office for customized pricing and availability.  

  • BZE - Belize City
  • November through July
  • Permit and limited tarpon/snook
  • 10 anglers per week guests
  • Wifi: Yes
  • Language: English/Spanish
  • Physicality: Low
  • CC Payment at Facility : Yes
Belize

Belize – Copal Tree Lodge

Tour Location

LOCATION

Copal Tree Lodge is located in the Toledo district of Southern Belize, roughly 15 miles outside the town of Punta Gorda (PG).

PRIMARY SPECIES

Permit and limited tarpon/snook

SEASON OF OPERATION

November through July

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE LOGISTICS

There are no fixed arrival and departure days when fishing Copal Tree Lodge

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Copal Tree Lodge has 16 private suites offering the best in luxury and comfort. A testament to Belize’s natural beauty and craftsmanship, nearly every detail, from the woodwork to the tiles to the artwork, is sourced from local artisans. Whether you’re relaxing on one of the canopy beds or lounging on your own private veranda, you will experience the magic of the jungle within the comfort of your room.

There are three levels of suites at Copal Tree, along with a 3 bedroom family villa. The amenities found within the suites are about as good as we have seen anywhere, making this lodge an excellent option for anglers who want to bring non anglers with them. Standard amenities found within the suites include, a private veranda for relaxing, in-room sitting area, crisp, air-dried bedding, a spacious bathroom with private walk-in showers with floor-to-ceiling jungle views, air conditioning, complimentary laundry services, in-room safes, small fridges (upon request), bathrobes and complimentary wifi.

DESTINATION CAPACITY

10 anglers per week
Belize

Belize – Copal Tree Lodge

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Belize

Belize – Copal Tree Lodge

INCLUDED IN PRICE

  • Round trip airfare from Belize City to Punta Gorda
  • Round trip shuttle service from the Punta Gorda Airstrip to the lodge on arrival and departure days
  • Lodging each night
  • Use of gym
  • All meals. Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, including snack after fishing
  • Guided fishing

NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE

  • Gratuities to staff and guides
  • Fishing gear
  • Alcohol

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

For American, Canadian, and E.U. citizens, all that is required for entrance to Belize is a valid passport. If you plan to spend more than a month in Belize, you will have to request an extension from the Immigration Office. Guests from China, Colombia, Cuba, India, South Africa, and Taiwan require a visa for entrance to Belize. Visa information can be obtained from the Belize Immigration and Nationality Department, Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize, Central America. (Telephone 011-501-8-22423 or fax 011-501-8-22662)