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Peggy & Gary Kokaisel

Dear Charlie and Staff,
We just wanted to Thank you for the great time we all had at Tarpon Caye Lodge with you for the week. We're still laughing at some of the stuff everyone did and said, and I have a picture of Gary wiping the tears from his eyes, he was laughing so hard he cried the last night we were there and he was sitting at the picnic table with you guys!

Peggy & Gary K.

Linda Schriner

Greg K. (Dec. '06)

I wanted to thank Marlon for his patience and good spirit during our day of fishing with him. My son, Matt, and I had a chance to try several types of fishing as we chased them down between the rain! Our trip out to Tarpon Caye was a great way to get a look at the fishing camp and learn the possibilities.
Although my fly fishing is terrible, I've come to appreciate the sport and will want to invest more time in becoming better. Thank you again Marlon and I hope all is well.

Greg K.

Scott Nobbe

Ewing Philbin

Eric C. April 2024 Trip
Charlie,
What a week. I feel compelled to tell you you what a fantastic time I had at Tarpon Caye last week. First of all your Guides and Staff are top notch. The Guiding was second to none, insightful, educational, entertaining and energetic. The Food: OUTSTANDING. The Accommodations:
Perfect. The fishing: nothing shy of spectacular (even if I never got a picture of that big Permit, and pulled the fly away from the big Tarpon).
My expectations were exceeded. Thank you.

Marlon, Thanks for getting me into my first Permit...you are a hell of a guide.

Charles Cabral, Hope the rod serves you well and you too are one hell of a guide.
Mel, Can you send Box lunches to my office in Madison Wisconsin?
I plan to see you all again soon.
Sincerest regards,

Eric C.

Wyn Evans & Wife - Day Trip with guide, Marlon Leslie (Nov. 24, 05)
My wife and I had a terrific time on Wednesday. When it comes down to it, most guides are competent, but what really sets one guide apart from another is how much they enjoy their work. You run into too many guides where you get the feeling that they are just doing their job and the thrill of the sport is a thing of the past. Or they are just meat hunters and all they are interested in is bagging a lot of game or fish. Marlon had none of these tendencies; he was just a lot of fun to fish with, and that is really what it is all about. Wednesday was one of the best fishing experiences I have had, mostly because of Marlons expertise and enthusiasm for the sport.

Wyn Evans

Fraser Heston, second visit to Tarpon Caye Lodge:

I am an experienced fly fisherman, both salt and freshwater, and have fished for bonefish, tarpon and permit at several great lodges in the Bahamas, Florida, the Yucatan, and Christmas Island, among other destinations. I have now had the pleasure of fishing with Charles Leslie and his guides at Tarpon Caye Kingfisher Lodge, off Placencia, Belize, on two separate trips, in 2024 and 2024. I can say unequivocally that it is one of the best fishing experiences of my life. Tarpon Caye is unique in several respects. It is situated right in the middle of some of the worlds most prolific and relatively untouched permit and tarpon fishing grounds. The permit flats are only a stones throw (literally) from the lodge two of which you can actually walk to. It also lies several miles off-shore, unlike most of the other lodges which are at least a one-hour boat ride away from this remarkable water. Instead of a one-hour bash to windward you have a leisurely glide of five minutes with a cup of coffee in your hand to the Home Flat, where you will have an excellent chance of seeing several permit tailing on most mornings. And the permit fishing is remarkable. Given that these are extremely difficult fish to catch, and success is often measured in terms of fish seen, or number of shots taken by casting a fly at one, if you are a competent caster and possess a good fly rod and a hand full of crab flies, you probably have a better chance of hooking one here than you do in many other places. It is not unusual to sight as many a sixty (60!) fish on a flat at any given time. Taking ten or twelve legitimate shots at fish in a morning is normal, and sometimes as many as twenty tailing or cruising fish present themselves within casting range in a day. Many of them are quite large as well, going twenty pounds or more, though the biggest I have caught was about twelve, which seems to be about the average, and is plenty to handle on a nine weight rod.

Charlie also has an unusual method for catching permit, taking advantage of his advantageous location to these shallow pancake-flats which arise abruptly from deep water. Because of his location, he is able to fish the tides in ways which most lodges are not, or will not. Charlie waits until the exact opportune time (usually a rising tide) to find these elusive fish on the flats in feeding mode, fishing for other species or simply returning to the lodge for lunch and a siesta until the tide changes. Often, Charlie will take a boat-tender along, an assistant-guide who will bring the boat along behind you as you and Charlie or one of his excellent guides fish the flats on foot. Charlie also has a remarkable sixth sense about permit, and is able to talk you through what is otherwise a daunting prospect of actually casting to, enticing, hooking, fighting and landing a permit. If the permit cuts across the reef for deep water, you have only to hop in the boat and fight the fish to (one hopes) a standstill in obstruction free water, increasing your chances of putting one in the boat, and releasing it unharmed, enormously.
There are other excellent species to fish for, including bonefish and, primarily, tarpon, which roll in the lagoon on the very backside of Tarpon Caye, fifty yards from the lodge, and give the island its name. You can fish for tarpon right up until dark, and beyond, if you have the stamina for it, and Charlie has developed several effective techniques, including some very effective flies for these remarkable large game-fish. He also has a fly-tying vise and ties local patterns he has developed which are deadly for permit, or you can tie your own.
Finally, the accommodations are delightful. Though I would describe Tarpon Caye as a fishermans lodge, for serious fishermen (there being not much else to do besides snorkeling) the lodging is very pleasant in simple cabanas on stilts, right on or over the water, with shaded porches enjoying lovely views of the home flats where you can literally watch fish tailing fifty feet from your hammock. And go out and catch them. Showers are hot (freshwater is adequate, gathered from rainfall-catching cisterns) toilets work and are clean, the rooms are cleaned daily, electricity is dependable, and beds are comfortable. Food often prepared by Charlie, an experienced chef and restaurant owner is excellent local and traditional cuisine; huge egg & bacon breakfasts, fresh vegetables, seafood, lobster, conch, or whatever you have caught that day and want to eat.
There is an open bar and Charlie can pretty much produce anything in the way of food or drink that you could wish for. I had a hankering for margaritas when I was last there, and within twelve hours, a bottle of tequila, limes, triple-sec, ice and a blender was made to appear Jimmy Buffet himself could ask for no more!
Lastly, Charlie and his entire staff, guides and family are delightful people, a pleasure to spend a few days fishing with. You feel more like a favored guest in a Belizean home than just another client. I would not hesitate to recommend Tarpon Caye Lodge to any keen fisherman.

Sincerely,

Fraser C. Heston

Richard Neiley: To any fishing enthusiast:
I've fished with Charlie for eight years and he has my unqualified recommendation as both a superb guide and fishing resort operator. These comments are coming from someone who is an ardent but not expert fisherman and also not a fly fisherman. However I would enthusiastically give Charlie a top rating for both the expert and amateur and any one in-between.
First of all, Charlie is fun to be with and is someone who has spent his whole life fishing these waters. He loves what he's doing, is willing to share his knowledge as well as teach and works at being a true professional. He brings his experiences of 50 years to the boat, adding to his ability to put his customers onto fish. It is a little hard to put into words, but it is a more intimate style of fishing than the norm and to me, a much more complete and satisfying experience.
Second, is the new fishing camp on Tarpon Caye. Before we arrived this year, I was apprehensive about "camping out" on a caye; no water, toilet, bugs, etc. What we found was a complete self-contained fishing camp and 100% first class. As contrasted to staying in Placencia, you are right on the fishing grounds everyday. It saves many hours of boat rides to and from town. But even better, the two cabanas, the clubhouse for cooking and eating combined with the fantastic waterfront setting can't be beaten along with running water facilities and an electric system. If you fish with Charlie, stay out there.
Third are the fishing opportunities. There is really something for everyone. Southern Belize waters are truly unspoiled and the variety and availability seems unlimited. Outside the great reef, are the bigger fish and a chance to catch tuna which surround a whale shark. Inside, trolling you never know what will turn up next. The flats, which go for miles, are consistently rated world class by Saltwater Sportsman magazine. This is where Charlie excels for fly fisherman. Tarpon are resident not more the five minutes from the camp and also can be found along with snook and cubera snapper in the lagoon behind Placencia. Finally a day on the Monkey River offer a trip into a jungle world with an infinite variety of birds and monkeys howling in the background as you fish for tarpon and snook.
If you gather I've enjoyed my eight years fishing with Charlie, you are correct. It is not like charter or guide fishing in the U.S. You need to bring all the equipment you expect to use and also expect to be more involved in each phase of whatever your target of the day may be. For me that's the extra bonus that makes fishing with Charlie so much fun. If anyone has questions, I'd be glad to answer via Email at

Richard Neiley

Neil Graham:
I have been fishing with Charlie the past six years and have enjoyed each and every trip. The fact that it's been six trips in six years speaks a lot for Charlie's expertise.
Charlie is the owner of Kingfisher' Tarpon Caye Lodge which entails more responsibilities. However, it's very clear to me that his first love is guiding. When I think of a guide in strange waters to me I think of a number of aspects. First is safety which includes a number of elements, which are the boat and equipment and knowledge of the waters and tides and navigational expertise. He is top notch and knows the waters like the back of his hand. I only remember one instance of the motor breaking down which he fixed with the tools on board in no time.
Second, is fishing expertise which includes knowing where the fish are and at what times and tides, what rods and lures to use, knot-tying, identification of fish species and helpful hints on how to fish the specie in question. His first love is permit and he gets as excited as us when there's a hookup and subsequent netting. We definitely would still be looking for our first permit without his expertise in finding them, getting us into position to cast and coaching us on their capture.
Beyond my expectations are his knowledge of plants and birds which he shares with us, especially when we fish the Monkey River. He also has concern for the fishery and ecology. No undersized fish come aboard and of course we catch and release the grand slam species. No damage is done to any caye and nothing goes overboard to spoil the ecology. More to the owner than the guide, Charlie has built cabanas on Tarpon Caye. Without seeing them, I was concerned for the quality, pests and animals. There are no pests or animals and Charlie has done a good job on construction with showers and toilet facilities. The food served on the caye is excellent. We have asked to go directly from the airport to the caye on our next trip. There's nothing like casting for tarpon when you are two minutes from the dock.
Obviously I feel Charlie is a top guide and hard to be equaled in Placencia. While I'm at it, I'd like to say that the people in Placencia are very friendly, eager to help tourists and a pleasure to talk with. I'm looking forward to many more fishing trips with Charlie. I would be happy to answer any questions via email at

Neil Graham

Neil Graham's Second Testimonial From 2024 Trip:
Guess I'm spoiled by your guiding and the amount of fish we get there. I really recommend the Kingfisher experience. It all starts with our guide and owner, Charlie. He knows the waters like the back of his hand and he loves to see us catch fish. I believe he gets more excited than we do when we get a permit or a tarpon. We concentrate on the grand slam with permit first, then tarpon and bones. Charlie gets us multiple opportunities at them all. When the tide is not right for them, he gets into trolling for numerous types of fish like king mac's, jack crevalle, barracuda, yellow tail snappers. etc. He supplies all our food and refreshments and does an excellent job. On Tarpon Cay he has a cook that provides us with very nice meals and snacks. The fishing camp is fairly new with fresh water showers, flush toilets, and great sleeping with the waves lapping around your cabana. I have fished a lot of places in our world and if I had to pick one, it would be Kingfisher Adventures.

Neil Graham

Dave Pratt:
Generally, I think Charles was the best, most professional guide I've ever worked with, I liked particularly the way he explained what we were doing and why, relative to the tides and wind. He was the best I've seen at placing me where I could make a cast to the fish- the guys I've worked with in the Bahamas seem disappointed that I can't cast 60' into a quartering wind, and adapted to my left hand cast without having to think about it. He has a passion and affinity for the Permit that is really impressive.

Dave Pratt

Article by Mark Hatter for the Fishing In Saltwater Magazine
In sharp contrast to EPPG in southern Belize, Tarpon Caye Lodge (TCL), located 15 miles off the coast of central Belize east of Placentia, offers fly fishers a completely different experience. As one might envision, being remotely centered on a small mangrove caye smack in the middle of the vast lagoon between the mainland and the barrier reef, resort-like amenities are not expected (since the publication of this article TCL has upgraded its facilities). What can be expected, however, is fantastic fishing that is literally minutes away from the boat dock as well as incredible cuisine!

Charlie Leslie, owner/operator of TCL, grew up in Belize and has fished and guided throughout the country and other parts of Central America for more than 30 years. As a homegrown expert, his choice of lodge location was no surprise to me once I saw the real estate. Leslie picked the mangrove island of Tarpum (the Belizean spelling for tarpon) Caye to carve out his project in 2024. He had just completed the lodge to his satisfaction in the spring of 2024 when disaster struck in the form of a direct hit from Hurricane Iris in October the same year. Leslie lost virtually everything in the storm, including most of the trees on his island, but his strong will and steadfast belief that he has the best location in the world for permit compelled him to start over.
His mangroves are now recovering and Leslie has planted coconut palms around the lodge to improve the tropical island ambiance. In addition, all of his operational structures have long since been rebuilt. If you are looking for hard-core fishing, dont mind giving up the peripheral amenities offered by resort lodges and like a camp with a maximum of four anglers (now 6 anglers) per week, TCL is the lodge for you.
Anglers are paired up in one of two colorful guest bungalows that open wide to the east to take advantage of Mother Natures sea breeze each evening. The sea breeze not only keeps the bungalows surprisingly cool during the night, but also bug free. Hot and cold running water, a shower and flush toilet in a separate bathroom and interior lighting is provided via both 12V and 112V power generator systems (we now have a 23KW diesel generator capable of providing 24/7 110 electricity).
In the center of camp, Leslies dining hall is where magic happens. Leslies daughter-in- law is the chef and whips up some truly special meals formulated with lots of local influence. Homemade breads, tortillas, sauces and desserts accent conch steaks and other dishes. A word of caution though, unless you have a death wish, watches out for the raw whole habanera peppers offered as a condiment!
But anglers dont come to TCL to eat, they come to fish and this is where Leslies operation particularly excels. To begin with, Leslies namesake island indeed harbors a healthy resident population of tarpon in the 20 to 60 pound class. The tarpon fishing is like falling off a log; its too easy provided you follow Leslies exact instructions. The ever-present schools of anchovies and sprats in the small sheltered lagoon on the lee of the caye sustain the tarpon as well as snapper, jacks, and even bonefish. This fishing is bonus time on early mornings when the permit tides are not ideal.
In addition to tarpon, Leslies little island also has one of the best permit flats in the region within five minutes of his dock. Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Right next to the permit flat is a small bonefish flat. This is the first place Ive been where you can literally brush your teeth at the 4:30 wake-up, climb into the boat by 5 am, fish less than a mile from the lodge, bag a grand slam and be back to the dock by 6:30 for breakfast!
While there are exciting distractions such as tarpon and bonefish, the main attraction at TCL is clearly hunting permit. Surprisingly, the preferred method of hunting for TCL permit is not from a boat, but via wading on foot. And the flats that Leslie targets for permit are the most non-conventional Ive encountered. To understand the unusual aspect of the flats, its helpful to understand the area in wider geographic terms.
Belize has a formidable barrier reef that runs the length of the country averaging between 20 to 40 miles off the coast. A vast, deep lagoon lies between the reef and the shore and depths can exceed 150 feet. A few widely spaced mangrove cayes and numerous underwater ridges that rise up abruptly to just below the surface from the deep lagoon bottom characterize the region around Tarpum Caye.
It is not the flats surrounding the mangrove islands that are fished for permit like is done at EPPG, but the ridges and spurs that run for hundreds to thousands of yards near and off the tips of islands. What is so unusual about the ridges and spurs is their near vertical profile from the lagoon bottom and their very narrow width near the surface. In fact, many are so narrow that you can nearly cast from one side to the other.
The vista looking down the length of a ridge is spectacular as the water changes from indigo to azure, then mottled brown and green near the surface, then back to azure and finally indigo as you scan off the other side. During either side of the high tide, permit from the deeper drop-offs venture onto the tops of the ridges and spurs to feed. If you arrive at a flat about midway on the rising tide, you can often find plenty of fish cruising around in waist deep water just off the edge waiting for enough flooding to occur on top.
Suddenly, there is apparently a comfortable water depth and the permits begin moving to the crest of the flat in big singles and pairs and in large schools of smaller fish. Their tails and dorsal fins flash in hues of black chrome. Now, some of the finest, most exciting sight fishing in the world begins.
You are wise to listen and carefully follow Leslies instructions as you close in for a shot because his permit are like permit everywhere; nervous, to be sure, and decidedly intransigent. Schlink and I got plenty of opportunities to prove this time and time again. Regarding opportunities, Leslie says that his clients can expect an average of 20 shots over the course of a days fishing. Schlink and I each easily had this many shots each day during our trip.
One early morning tide it was my turn to walk with Leslie down the Tarpum Caye permit flat. In a 30-minute high intensity period, I had 15 shots at different schools, pairs or singles and many chances with some of the same fish! On the evening tide, Schlink had nearly the same experience. Alas, the crack-crazed, streetwise fish were on to our faux goods. Ah, the paradox of permit fishing!
But occasionally, either a fish becomes simple minded or the angler gets very lucky. In a 40-minute period around the high tide on our second day, Schlink and I managed to actually hook three fish. Schlink lost his first on a pulled hook, the second on a coral head when the permit made an uncharacteristic move by pulling a crazy Ivan back to the top of the flat after it had gone over the edge as expected. And, my fish? Well, lets just say that I needed to reflect with humility on my readings of Leftys book on knots.
TCL is a special place in that it can be fished even under poor conditions of visibility and wind because, by definition, the water depth atop the ridges on flooding tides requires permit to tail and fin as they feed. The water is simply too shallow for them to hide. Schlink and I had a couple days where we were able to fish a pair of tides: one at first light and one at last light. In both cases we had no difficulty finding fish or getting shots, even when the sea breeze kicked in at full force on the late tide.
Leslie is a student of the tides and will tell you it is pointless to be looking for permit if the tide is wrong. His clients fishing day begins or ends in relation to the tides and his exact predictions on fish movement are dead-on accurate. Realistically, there is about a four-hour window, two hours on either side of the tide, when the permit will feed on the flat. Outside the window and you are either filling in the gap with early morning or late evening tarpon fishing, bone fishing or taking a siesta. Accordingly, Leslie will consult with the anglers each evening to plan the fishing strategy for the following day.
* * *
To be sure, Belize is nothing less than a world-class permit destination. In addition, it is one of the few places in the Caribbean where achieving a grand slam becomes a real possibility. EPPG in southern Belize and TCL in central Belize are diversely different but have one thing in common: a paradox of permit in paradise!