Fishing the BVI

[MGO]

I'm headed down to the BVI this April and bare boat chartering a power to island hop with the wife and kids and of course would like to wet a line while I'm down there. Has anyone fished in the BVI? I'm looking for any intell on location, techniques or gear that might help turn this little cruise into a productive fishing trip. Thanks

[cold waters]

I did the very same thing a year ago... well first of all start trying to get you fishing permit for the BVI now... this took me months to find the right number to call... jabarry-fahie@gov.vg I believe this is the individual who finally got it done for me...

there are NO tackle stores down there... I was all over the islands and was shocked at the complete lack of tackle stores... so bring what you think you will use and plenty of hooks, leaders and stuff for toothy critters...

[MGO]

Thanks, I'll get to work on the license now. Any tips on locations? I've read about the north drop and sea mount but haven't been able to find them on the chart the boat company sent. Any in shore stuff that was productive for you?

[jshields52]

The north drop is off of st. thomas so that's kind of out the window. When I went down there (it was about seven ago), I was able to find some Tarpon in quite a few places. There was a marina in tortola that had resident fish in it which would blow bait up occasionally around the docks and could be see around the lights at night. There were quite a few baitballs that were being actively worked as well in tight to the rocks around the dog islands. I was able to catch some smallish jack species and spanish mackerel in the harbors just by whipping a plug around from the mooring or trolling from the tender. There's some king mackerel in the current lines between the islands but it's a slower pick. I was certainly surprised by the sheer volume of tarpon in the area though.

[cold waters]

Tarpoon are EVERWHERE and there are some HUGE ones... I caught all sorts of fish from our morings or anchor every night... during the day moving the boat I would troll at times and picked up mainly spanish macs or cero macs...

the main fishing spots are pretty out of the way from your general cruising lanes... I was the only person who fished on the boat so i didnt bother making any real detours....

the BVI lic is cheap but from what I understand if you dont have it and they come asking they take it VERY seriously...

fishing in the USVI no permit necessary.

[codshark1]

I stayed on Tortola for a week last year and the year before. I was only fishing from the beach. I caught a bunch of ladyfish, which are very fun to catch. I hooked a real nice tarpon but was a bit undergunned and I never landed it. I also caught a large barracuda, a couple jacks, some very small grouper and a lizard fish. According to the government folks in BVI, you only need the license if you are fishing from a boat. As stated earlier, it is quite a hassel getting to the right person to help you with this. Try to get someone on the phone. Don't let them put you on hold ($$). The BVIs are so awesome, you will have fun even if you don't catch anything. Bring all your own tackle. I recommend a couple trolling plugs/lures, some metal jigs and a bunch of soft plastics. Have fun and hoist a couple of "pain killers" for me.

[bdanforth]

Last time I was there (9 years ago) I took the dingy from the Peter Island dock and headed to a small cove around the corner, away from the resort (I think it was west of the main dock). It was full of bait, pinned against the shore by a school of tarpon. I also saw large schools of surface feeding fish along the north shore of Tortola at the beaches west of the Bomba Shack. I think they were some type of mackerel or small tuna. Tough to fish from shore.

Lastly, I have heard Anegada is loaded with small bonefish. I will be down there too at the end of April and i hope to connect with a tarpon and some bones.

Does anyone have any suggestions on lures and tackle to bring?

[MGO]

Thanks, sounds like the inshore and near shore fishing is excellent. Good notes on tackle and spots. I'll have to see if the"Admiral" can be persuaded to make an offshore detour with promise of Dorado or Blackfin Tuna for dinner. Just a couple of weeks now.