Fishing in the Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands: Fishing Guide

Numerous world records in fishing have actually been set in the Virgin Islands consisting of the still-standing IGFA Women's 'All-Tackle' world record for blue marlin; a 1073 pounder attracted by Annette Maudi Dallimor on July 6, 1982. These historical catches, some 21 records for many years, are a testimony to the fantastic fishing opportunities that exist in the Virgin Islands for anglers of any ages and experience levels.

Fishing Tackle in the Virgin Islands

You will discover general details about fishing grounds in the Virgin Islands, fish types, competitions and fishing clubs in this area. For fishing charters and journeys please select the island you will be vacationing on: St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John.

Fishing Grounds

The Virgin Islands are perched at the edge of the six mile deep Puerto Rico Trench, an area understood for having a few of the hardiest game fish worldwide. 2 well understood fishing locations off of St. Thomas are the North Drop, about 20 miles north of St. Thomas; and the South Drop, 8 miles south of St. Thomas. St. Croix is surrounded by a drop which is.5 to 4 miles north or south. Migrating schools of little fish gather in these areas, and this draws in bigger pelagics such as billfish, Tuna, Wahoo and Dolphin fish (Mahi-Mahi). "Working the drop" consists of trolling backward and forward throughout the 50-100 fathom depth contour.



Fishing Tackle

Timeless flats fishing are a rarity in the Virgin Islands; though exceptions such as the Leinster Bay area on St. John do exist. On St. Croix, which has a narrow under-water rack off its coasts; fishing from little boats extremely close to the coastline can be very satisfying. Some recreational fishers have success fishing from shore despite troubles due to windy conditions, deep drop offs and coral snags.

Offshore Video game Fishing

Offshore video game fish consist of Blue and White Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna and Wahoo among others. The majority of these video game fish strike with little caution and they are all understood to provide rather a fight. Marlin will defend hours and are said to become more aggressive the week prior to and after the full moon. Tuna are also strong fish. Wahoo are known to assault bait ferociously and after that swim away from the boat; they can race approximately 50 miles an hour!



Wholesale Fishing Tackle

Inshore Game Fishing

Inshore game fishing is the essential of leisure fishing for visitors and locals alike and is a custom in the Virgin Islands. Inshore video game fish include Barracuda, Bonefish, Kingfish, Mackerel, Snook and Tarpon. Approaches for inshore fishing consist of fly rod, top water bait and trolling. Bonefish are a bit harder to catch as they hide around corals making for a simple snag of your hook/line.

The main target of shallow water fishing and flat fishing in the Virgin Islands consist of Barracuda, Jacks and License. Bonefish and Tarpon are likewise popular catches in shallow waters, but they are catch and release only. Snook are caught occasionally.

Laws

Fishing in the U.S. Virgin Islands is regulated by both territorial and federal restrictions concerning fishing licenses, secured locations where fishing is minimal or not permitted, protected species, size restrictions, capture restrictions and other rules that seek to handle fisheries and safeguard their sustainability. Go to Leisure Fishing Regulations for additional information.

Fishing Occasions

Devoted fishers remember; there are a number of fishing competitions in the Virgin Islands throughout the year! Come participate in the enjoyable as a spectator or as an individual!