Turneffe Help

[dblspey]

I am planning my first trip to Turneffe in June and can't decide whether to stay at Turneffe Flats or Turneffe Island Resort. I'd really appreciate it if folks could let me know which place has the better guides, accommodations, amenities for non-fishing spouses, and, of course, fishing (although based on their proximity I assume the fishing is pretty comparable). If it makes any difference, I'm more interested in tarpon and permit than bonefish (I've caught plenty of bonefish in my life, a few tarpon, and 0 permit).

Thanks much!

[backwater]

Hello:

I would book at Turneffe Flats, I loved it and would go back in a second. The fishing operation is, IMHO, much better. The other lodge seems a little more diving oriented. While I was at TF, there were organized activities for spouses, snorkling, cooking, shelling, etc. I fished alone with my guide, Dion, and I caught 5 permit during the week, with one at 38lbs. Everyone at the lodge had an amazing week. I think all but one landed a permit. If you have the chance, try to fish without a partner. When you see permit the last thing you want to do is have to share with someone else. No matter how good it is, there are a limited number of shots to be had. Anyway, I used antron Merkin crabs in #4 (by far the best choice, bring at least a half dozen) and I used 16# flouro tapered leaders (go with these leaders for permit). I used a 9wt Xi2 rod loaded with a 10wt line. I thought it worked great. Anyway, TF gets my vote. Have fun!

[dblspey]

Thanks for the info! I've heard the same thing about Turneffe Island from a couple of other sources but none of it seems to be first hand. Have you been to Turneffe Island? Also, have you heard bad things about Turneffe Island or is it just that the guides at Flats are world class and the ones at Turneffe Island aren't quite at that level? My wife would rather go to Turneffe Island because of the amenities and I want to make sure that I won't have a bad fishing experience if that is the direction we go.

Thanks again!

[backwater]

Hello: No, I haven't been to Turneffe Island and I haven't heard anything bad about them. My guide told me that they're busy but that most of their better guides have moved over to Turneffe Flats. Also that they're more into diving. Not sure which would have better lodging or more non-fishing activities. I have to believe that the fishing operation is better at TF.