Copal Tree Lodge

Fishing at Copal Tree Lodge

Copal Tree Lodge's location above the Rio Grande River provides exceptional access to Belize's diverse saltwater fishery. From river and mangrove fishing for tarpon and snook to flats fishing for permit and trips to the Sapodilla Cayes for bonefish, anglers enjoy incredible variety.

The Waters

• Rio Grande River – Tarpon and snook
• Mangroves – Tarpon and snook
• Flats – Permit fishing
• Sapodilla Cayes – Bonefish on white sand beaches (weather permitting)

Most fishing takes place in protected marine reserves and national parks.

Target Species

Anglers can expect to target:

• Permit (Trachinotus falcatus) – Flats fishing
• Bonefish (Albula vulpes) – Sapodilla Cayes white sand beaches
• Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) – River and mangroves
• Snook (Centropomus undecimalis) – River and mangroves
• Snapper – Various species throughout
• Barracuda – Aggressive flats predators
• Grouper – Reef and structure fishing

Recommended Tackle
Anglers should come prepared with rods ranging from 7-10 weight, matching reels and lines, to effectively target these species.

Daily Fishing SchedulePrior to your first fishing day, your guide meets with you before dinner in the main lodge to review your fishing adventure. He'll discuss departure time and location, required gear, and possibilities and expectations for the day. Each evening, you'll fill out a form requesting your morning wake-up and in-room coffee service (optional), breakfast, lunch, and beverage choices.

Copal Tree Lodge

Copal Tree Lodge offers multiple suite options, from Jungle Queen and Jungle King Suites to Ridge Suites with views from the Maya Mountains to the Caribbean Sea.

Jungle Queen Suites
Surrounded by beautiful views:

• Two queen beds
• Tall ceilings
• Full-length windows
• Spacious rooms

Jungle King Suites
Nestled amid lush tropical foliage, designed by Jeffery Allan Marks:

• California king beds
• Tall ceilings
• Full-length windows
• Freshly cut tropical flowers
• Locally made artisanal soap
• Spacious rooms with attention to every detail

Ridge Suites
Stunning views from Maya Mountains to Caribbean Sea:

• 750 square feet
• California king bed
• Daybeds
• Private porch
• Outdoor soaking tubs
• Access to 40-foot infinity pool
• Spacious decks
• Poolside drinks service on request

Dining
The Copal Tree team provides an extraordinary level of dining each day with menus highlighting locally sourced ingredients and the flavor profile unique to Belize.

Daily Culinary Experience:

• Coffee or tea wake-up service (upon request)
• Breakfast from standard menu
• Lunch from standard menu
• Daily afternoon snacks
• Dinner with new menu created nightly based on fresh produce and ingredient availability

Non-Angling Activities
Copal Tree offers exceptional activities beyond fishing:

• Canoe/kayak the Rio Grande
• Guided jungle tours
• Onsite hiking
• Mountain biking
• Onsite farm tours
• Bird watching
• Cooking classes
• Horseback riding
• Spa services with holistic treatments (book 24 hours in advance)

Included Amenities

• Nightly turndown service
• Personal laundry services
• Use of gym
• Complimentary self-guided kayaking/canoeing, mountain biking, onsite hiking, and farm tours

Travel to Copal Tree Lodge

International Airport
Belize International Airport (BZE), Belize City

The Airport
Belize International is a small airport—easy to get through customs and transfer to your Punta Gorda flight.

Flight to Punta Gorda

• Breathtaking 1-hour flight down the Belize coast
• Couple of short stops along the way
• Punta Gorda is the last stop in southern Belize
• Getting here is part of the adventure!

Lodge Transfer
As you land at Punta Gorda, a Copal Tree Lodge guide will be waiting to pick you up in the open-air Land Cruiser. In only 20 minutes, you'll be pulling up to the Main Lodge!

Roundtrip TransfersComplimentary transfers between Main Lodge and Punta Gorda airstrip included.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival

• Fly to Belize City (BZE)
• Clear customs and immigration
• Connect to Punta Gorda flight (1 hour down the coast)
• Meet Copal Tree guide at Punta Gorda airstrip
• Open-air Land Cruiser transfer to lodge (20 minutes)
• Settle into your suite
• Pre-fishing meeting with guide before dinner
• Welcome dinner at Main Lodge
• Fill out preferences form for morning service

Fishing Days

• Optional in-room coffee/tea wake-up service
• Breakfast from standard menu
• Depart for guided saltwater fishing
• Fish river, mangroves, flats, or Sapodilla Cayes depending on conditions
• Target tarpon, snook, permit, bonefish, snapper, barracuda, grouper
• Lunch on the water (custom packed to your preferences)
• Continue fishing through optimal conditions
• Return to lodge
• Daily afternoon snacks available
• Dinner featuring new nightly menu
• Evening preferences form for next day
• Evening activities: spa (book ahead), kayaking, hiking, pool, or leisure

Departure Day

• Final breakfast
• Transfer to Punta Gorda airstrip (20 minutes)
• Connect to Belize City and homeward flights

Package Rates

Contact Front Range Anglers for current rates and availability.

What's Included:

• Accommodations in selected suite category
• Roundtrip transfers between Main Lodge and Punta Gorda airstrip
• Full breakfast (including coffee, tea, juices)
• Daily snacks
• Dinner
• Nightly turndown service
• Personal laundry services
• Use of gym
• Complimentary activities: self-guided kayaking/canoeing, mountain biking, onsite hiking, farm tour

Not Included:

• Mainland USA or international flights to Belize
• In-country flights to Punta Gorda
• VAT (Value Added Tax)
• Beer and sodas at the lodge
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• Belize exit fee ($40)
• Belizean fishing license
• Any incidentals purchased at Copal Tree
• Spa services (book 24 hours in advance)
• Premium activities (horse & buggy farm tour, cooking classes, rum distillery tour etc.)
• Travel and medical evacuation insurance (highly recommended)

Cancellation Policy

• At booking: 50% deposit due and payable
• 90 days before trip: Remainder plus VAT and taxes due
• Cancellation 90+ days out: Full refund less $100 fee (if replacement found)
• Cancellation within 90 days: No refund unless qualified replacement provided
• No refunds for weather, acts of God, or airline/travel issues

Travel Insurance
Front Range Anglers strongly recommends Medical Evacuation Insurance (Global Rescue) and Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance.

For insurance questions contact:Jessica Minard | 617.210.8106 | jminard@globalrescue.com

Connect with Our Belize Experts

Ready to experience jungle accommodations combined with exceptional saltwater fishing? Our Adventure Travel team can answer all your questions about Copal Tree Lodge, the diverse fishery, travel logistics, and what to expect at this exceptional destination.

Rob Kolanda – Adventure Travel Manager
Rob is a Front Range Anglers guide, Sage Elite Pro, and has extensive saltwater experience. He can provide detailed insights on Belize fishing tactics, fly selection for multiple species, and trip preparation.

John Brown – Adventure Travel Coordinator
John handles trip logistics and coordination, ensuring every detail of your Copal Tree adventure is handled seamlessly from booking through Belize transfers to departure.

What We Can Help With:

• Multi-species fly selection (tarpon, snook, permit, bonefish)
• Tackle recommendations for 7-10 weight range
• River vs. flats vs. Sapodilla Cayes fishing
• What to expect at Copal Tree Lodge
• Belize travel logistics
• Suite selection recommendations
• Non-angling activities for companions
• Pairing you with compatible trip partners
• Pre-trip preparation and packing consultation

Contact Us:
Email: rob@frontrangeanglers.com
Phone: 877-935-2975
Visit: 2344 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302

Stop by our Boulder fly shop to see saltwater gear, test cast rods for multiple species, and talk with our team about your Copal Tree Lodge adventure.

What to Bring to Copal Tree Lodge

Fishing Gear

Rods & Reels:

• 7-8 weight rod for bonefish and smaller species
• 9-10 weight rod for permit, tarpon, snook (primary)
• Floating tropical saltwater lines
• Intermediate or sinking lines for river/mangroves
• Large arbor reels with strong drags
• 200+ yards of backing

Leaders & Tippet:

• 9-12 foot leaders (variety of weights)
• Fluorocarbon tippet (10-20 lb range for various species)

Flies:

Tarpon & Snook (River/Mangroves):

• Large streamers, Toads, Cockroaches
• Black, purple, chartreuse colors
• Heavier patterns for current

Permit (Flats):

• Crab patterns (#2-1/0)

Bonefish (Sapodilla Cayes):

• Gotchas, Crazy Charlies (#4-8)
• Shrimp patterns

General:

• Clouser Minnows (various sizes)
• Poppers for surface action

Wading Gear:

• Flats boots or wading shoes (non-marking soles)

Clothing for Belize Jungle & Fishing

Sun Protection (Essential):

• Long-sleeve sun shirts (UPF-rated, multiple)
• Long fishing pants
• Wide-brim sun hat
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Polarized sunglasses (bring backup pair)
• Sunglasses retainer/strap
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+, reef-safe)
• Lip balm with SPF

On-Water Clothing:

• Quick-dry pants (long)
• Quick-dry shirts (long sleeve, multiple)
• Light rain jacket (packable)
• Light fleece for boat rides

Evening/Lodge Wear:

• Casual resort wear
• Light pants and collared shirts
• Comfortable sandals or shoes
• Swimsuit for pool/soaking tubs

Essential Accessories:

• Waterproof bag/dry bag for gear
• Stripping basket
• Fishing pliers
• Nail clippers or nippers
• Small flashlight
• Insulated water bottle
• Bug spray (jungle environment)

Personal Items

Documents:

• Valid passport (required for Belize)
• Return flight confirmation
• Cash for exit fee ($40), fishing license, gratuities, incidentals

Medications & First Aid:

• Personal medications
• Basic first aid items
• Toiletries (artisanal soap provided, but bring preferences)