Belize Mothership Trip Belize Permit Club – April 2025
The Belize Permit Club has established itself as one of the premier permit operations in southern Belize. With decades of experience on the flats, Wil Flack and “Magic” Mike Anderson bring unmatched knowledge and instinct for finding, targeting, and landing permit—from the waters around Hopkins to the outer atolls and reefs of the region. Their focused approach—fishing the most productive water, during the right tides, in the right places—has drawn dedicated permit and saltwater anglers from around the world.
Rather than emphasizing luxury, anglers fishing with Wil and Mike experience a driven, highly focused team committed to the pursuit of permit. When Wil’s Palometa Belize mothership/liveaboard program became available, WCA recognized the opportunity to offer anglers access to the very best permit water, paired with the unique experience of living on the water in true Belizean permit paradise.
Our journey began in Belize City, where we cleared customs and immigration before being transferred to the Old Belize Marina. There, we met our larger-than-life captain, Danny, and chef, Hannah, and boarded our home for the next 7 days and 8 nights: the Discover. This 50-foot catamaran featured five queen cabins and one full cabin, each with air conditioning and private bathroom facilities—providing every angler with single-occupancy comfort.
The layout encouraged both relaxation and socializing. A forward lounge offered a couch, two loungers, and a cocktail table, while the flybridge—aptly named the “Belikin Lounge”—featured a sofa and sun loungers, perfect for sunrise coffee or sunset cocktails. A spacious swim deck provided a refreshing escape after long days on the flats. That afternoon, we departed the marina to rendezvous with Wil and Mike along the Belize Barrier Reef outside Dangriga.
This mothership trip elevates the traditional lodge experience into something far more dynamic. With the Discover as our mobile base, we had unmatched access to remote, lightly pressured water across the Belize Barrier Reef—the second-largest coral reef system in the world. The ability to reposition based on tides, weather, and fish behavior allowed us to maximize time on productive water, often fishing when others were heading back to the mainland or lodge. Runs to the flats were short—sometimes just minutes—and encounters with other boats were rare, a significant advantage in today’s increasingly busy fly fishing world.
Our first two days were spent in the outer cayes near Dangriga. Conditions were ideal: good light, manageable wind, and favorable tides. We quickly found permit—both large singles and small schools cruising classic turtlegrass flats. Along the way, we encountered a few surprises, including oversized bonefish prowling outside mangrove cover. By the end of day one, the group had already achieved a Grand Slam, setting the tone for the days ahead.
Belize is home to three of the four atolls in the Western Hemisphere—Turneffe, Glover’s Reef, and Lighthouse Reef—and we had the rare opportunity to fish them all. Glover’s Reef, an oval-shaped atoll stretching roughly 20 miles long, was a highlight. This atoll, scattered with hundreds of patch reefs and pinnacles, was teeming with life. Permit thrived along reef edges where tidal currents pushed food into feeding zones, offering consistent opportunities.
From there, we moved to Lighthouse Reef, home to the famed Great Blue Hole and some of the most pristine flats in the Caribbean. Conditions remained excellent, and we encountered an impressive diversity of permit—from large cruising singles to active schools. Tarpon also made appearances, adding another dimension to the fishing. One standout moment came when WCA client Robb Scott completed a Grand Slam in these waters.
Our final stop was Turneffe Atoll, the largest in Belize. Despite hosting several lodges, the mobility of the mothership allowed us to avoid pressure and focus on less accessible areas. Turneffe’s expansive lagoon serves as a nursery for much of the region’s marine life, supporting healthy populations of permit, tarpon, and bonefish. We were fortunate to encounter early-season tarpon, providing explosive eats and unforgettable aerial displays to close out the trip.
This experience reinforced why Belize remains one of the world’s premier saltwater fly fishing destinations. The combination of world-class fisheries, the mobility of a mothership and the expertise of two of the best guides in Belize creates an unmatched opportunity. For anglers seeking remote water, minimal pressure, and maximum time in permit-rich environments, this trip delivers on every level.
Michael Dawkins
WorldCast Anglers President
April 26th – May 4th, 2025
Lighthouse Atoll, Belize
