Craig Hayes, owner of Turneffe Flats Lodge, has spent the last 40 years pioneering conservation efforts and catch-and-release practices, making Belize a top destination for anglers. In this episode, Craig shares the fascinating history of the lodge, innovative programs shaping the fishing industry, and tips for planning a successful tarpon trip. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, Craig’s insights and stories are not to be missed. Welcome back to Belize for another big one with Craig Hayes from tflats.com!
Show Notes with Craig Hayes on Turneff Flats Lodge. Hit play below! 
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(Read the Full Transcript at the bottom of this Blog Post)
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Episode Chapters with Craig Hayes on Turneffe Flats Lodge
1:26 – Craig shares how he got into fly fishing in the 1970s while living in the Black Hills of South Dakota, learning from a young boy who later became a manager an ER doctor, and then manager at Turneffe Flats.
5:09 – He highlights Turneffe Atoll as a prime location due to its less developed nature and diverse fishing opportunities, allowing anglers to catch various species like bonefish, permit, and tarpon. He also mentions that they offer rental programs for those who don’t have the necessary equipment.
11:09 -We dig into the conservation efforts of flats fishing in Belize. Craig shares positive findings from recent surveys of fishing guides, which indicate that the fish population, including bonefish, is thriving, with an increase in both the size and number of fish. He attributes much of this success to Belize’s 2009 Catch and Release Legislation, which protects species like bonefish, permit, and tarpon.
17:20 – Craig explains that the key to successfully passing this legislation was making a strong economic argument. They hired a fisheries economist who studied flats fishing in Belize. The study revealed that flats fishing had a significant financial impact. This data was presented to government officials, emphasizing the economic benefits of protecting certain fish species.
22:15 – He discusses the current situation in Belize, where there is significant development interest, particularly in tropical coastal areas. He expresses concern about the potential negative impact on flats fishing, an important part of Belize’s economy. Instead of addressing each development project individually, Craig advocates for a comprehensive approach to protect all flats in Belize.
24:28 – We reflect on their journey in the fishing and tourism industry, particularly focusing on their experiences since starting a fishing lodge in Belize. Craig and his wife have been involved in the business for 24 years. Craig recounts how he became interested in bonefishing after reading an article in Sports Illustrated, which inspired him and his friends to consider starting a bonefishing lodge in Belize, despite minimal tourism at the time.
29:00 – We talk about sustainable tourism and its implementation within Craig’s operation. Craig highlighted that their operation is completely off-grid, relying on an extensive solar system that generates 75% of their energy and a sophisticated water system that primarily uses stored rainwater.
31:04 – Craig expresses that Yvon Chouinard is his hero due to his approach to life, conservation, and business. Inspired by Yvon, Craig and his wife are planning to implement a purpose trust for their business, which will allocate the majority of its future disposable income to conservation efforts.
39:01 – Craig mentions two primary conservation groups: the Turneffe Atoll Trust, which has driven initiatives like catch and release practices, and the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association, known for its successful management of the Marine Reserve.
42:50 – Craig discusses the best times to visit Belize. He explains that bonefish and permit fishing are available year-round, depending on tides and weather. However, the prime time for migratory tarpon fishing is from mid-April through August.
46:03 – Craig elaborates on their journey, mentioning that they started with very minimal resources—a small Honda generator running only a few hours each night—but over 40 years, they managed to evolve and improve their situation significantly.
47:51 – We delve into the current fishing conditions and how climate change impacts their activities. Craig explains they’ve been experiencing an unusual heatwave in Belize, which has negatively affected the reef and the fish. Before this heatwave, fishing was excellent, but now they hope for rain and cooler weather to improve the situation.
51:08 – Craig mentions that besides their fishing programs, they offer high-quality eco-tours and a top-notch scuba diving program. These tours are designed to cater to families, with activities such as snorkeling and diving available for those who may not be as interested in fishing.
You can find Craig on Instagram @turneffeflats.
Facebook at Turneffe Flats
Visit their website at tflats.com.
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Read the Full Podcast Transcript Below
Conclusion with Craig Hayes on Turneffe Flats Lodge
Craig’s journey from learning to fish in South Dakota to managing the renowned Turneffe Flats Lodge in Belize underscores the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations. His insights into the economic and environmental impacts of flats fishing, along with the challenges posed by climate change and development, highlight the delicate balance between growth and conservation. I hope this episode inspires you to practice sustainable fly fishing.
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