Sport Fishing in the Caribbean

Warm, clear, fertile waters and oh-so-smooth sailing conditions ensure the Caribbean region offers the best deep sea fishing in the world.

Sport fishing (deep sea fishing or offshore fishing) enthusiasts have been raving about the Caribbeanfor centuries since the early days of colonial settlement when Europeans realised the abundant riches  of the sea. Fishing in deep seasis exciting and anyone who has battled with a big fish on open waters knows just how thrilling and exhilarating sport fishing can be. 

Today, the Caribbean still represents some of the best deep sea fishing you’ll find anywhere with the variety of the waters much of the appeal.Whether bottom fishing for grouper and snapper, trolling for kingfish, or offshore fishing for blue marlin and black fin tuna, a day of deep sea fishing can be an adventurous and adrenaline pumping experience. Even experienced anglers learn a new trick or two out on epic Caribbean seas. 

Deep sea fishing takes place in waters at least 30 feet deep: a fishing activity that typically reels in huge catches like sharks, marlin, tuna, and swordfish. Before heading out for a Caribbean deep sea fishing trip, research the location and make sure that the species you wish to catch are in season. Seek an expert guide who know the waters very well as they will also be take you a fishing spot they know first hand where native fish species remain in good supply. 

Many of the Caribbean islands are incentivising fishing trips as a way to reduce the large number of invasive lion fish - a predatory species. Catching these fish may help rebalance the local environment as their sheer numbers are taking a toll on the region's coral reefs. Fishing fanatics looking for something a little different may find thehunt in these regions of the Caribbean worthwhile:

-Castries, St Lucia
-Grand Anse, Grenada
- Grand Bahama, The Bahamas
-Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos
- Negril, Jamaica
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The crystal-clear, sparkling waters that surround the Caribbean islands draw plenty of fishing fans who arrive with their gear on a quest to reel in that elusive big catch. The large sport fish of the Caribbean’s deeper waters attract sportsmen from around the world. Deep sea and game fishermen are wowed by the sheer volume of the billfish, marlin, wahoo, kingfish, swordfish, yellowfin tuna, and sailfish found in the Caribbean. There are many varieties of these deep water species just off the shores where the sea floor drops, so fishing can take place as close to a quarter of a mile from the islands. Large fish like sailfish and tuna migrate throughout the year and it pays to plan to your fishing trip accordingly.

Deep-sea charters begin at about $400 for a half day of fishing with a full day running to around $1,000. Guides will help the unfamiliar find the fish they want to catch and provide extremely useful local insight.

While Puerto Rico is known as the fishing capital of the Caribbean, it's far from the only hot spot - for example the Virgin Islands take some beating for deep-sea fishing.The islands play host to many local tournaments and have also been home to several world records, including eight for blue marlin.

The Dominican Republic and Bahamas also offer a wide range of different fishing experiences while Barbados is a good place for both deep sea and coastal fishing - you may not have a goal of reeling in a trophy winning marlin but just  want to have some fun. In which case, you can't go wrong with a day spent fishing in the Cayman Islands (Little Cayman), Turks and Caicos Islands (Providenciales) and St Lucia (Soufriere). All the coasts of Aruba are great deep fishing grounds, especially for blue marlin, white marlin and sailfish, and the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is good for tarpon The Dominican Republic offers plenty of blue and white marlin in the Punta Cana area, and also sailfish and wahoo. For an abundance of swordfish try night fishing around the French Island of Guadeloupe.  

What to catch-   Tuna (Blackfin, Yellowfin, Skipjack, Big Eye)- Dorado (aka Mahi Mahi, Dolfin)- Wahoo, Marlin (Blue, White)- Sailfish- Grouper- Trigger fish- Sharks

Tips 1. Watch the birdies Seagulls that are feasting on small bait-type fishes, there are probably larger game-type fish below the surface of the water.

2. Stop, Snook and Listen! Fishing for snooks is quite similar as fishing for bass. Snooks like to be around ledges, posts and rocks.

3. Crabs for a full moon During full moons, use soft crab imitations as bait. That’s the time when crabs shed their shells and stripers come looking for them.

4. If you’re looking for tunas, find the dolphins Yellowfin tuna are usually found schooling with dolphins. So if you see a group of dolphins, chances are there are some tuna in the area.

5. Catch and releaseto preserve the fishing stock, and abide by any seasonal fishing restrictions that may be in place.