Fishing Charters
Imagine the thrill of going out on a fishing charter while vacationing on St. Croix. You see the captain sizing up a cluster of seabirds on the horizon. You see the birds too, and as you get closer, you see them splashing in the water. Are the birds circling bonitos and jacks that have been pushed to the surface by…Marlin, Sailfish or Tuna? These gamefish, along with Dolphin Fish (Mahi-Mahi) and Wahoo are what you might hope to catch while offshore fishing. And if it’s inshore fishing that interest you, then you can try your luck getting a bite and reeling in some Kingfish, Barracuda, Bonito, Jacks or Yellowtail Snapper.
Some 21 world records in fishing have been set in recent years in the Virgin Islands; evidence of the amazing experiences that are in store for anglers! Take an offshore fishing charter and test your luck at catching a marlin, or enjoy a few hours of inshore fishing for snook and bonefish.
You might be wondering when the best time of the year is to come to St. Croix to fish! Some species are around all year, and others have peak seasons. Fishing charter operators and captains are knowledgeable about the islands’ waters and seasons. They can provide information on what you might find on the end of your line when you go fishing with them during your St. Croix vacation.
Fishing charters in St. Croix include inshore, offshore, and marlin trips. Most operators offer trips lasting: 4 hours, typically between 8 a.m. and noon, or 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.; 6 hours; 8 hours; and Marlin trips 10–12 hours. Shorter trips are generally inshore fishing only. Boat capacity of 3 to 6 passengers is common. Rates for fishing charters varies depending on length of trip, size of boat, inclusion of fuel in the rate versus fuel being a surcharge, and differences in services and equipment provided. Fishing charters generally have the details of their trips listed on their websites or can provide the information by email or telephone upon request. Explore your options, book a fishing trip, and have a great time!
Did you hope to bring home dinner from your fishing trip? Guests can generally request some of their catch, for example, up to 20 lbs; the remainder stays with the boat. If you are interested in taking some of your catch back to your vacation rental to cook up for dinner, be sure to ask about it. If you are staying in a hotel, you can ask the captain for suggestions of restaurants close to the marina that will cook your catch for you!
If you are an avid fisher, you might consider planning your vacation to St. Croix around a fishing tournament, to be a spectator, or to participate! Some fishing charters are available for tournaments. A sample of tournaments includes the Golden Hook Challenge (February), Dolphin Tournament (March), Guy/Gal Reel Challenge (September), and Wahoooo Tournament (November).
For more information on fish species caught around the Virgin Islands, including location, season, and bait, visit the Virgin Islands Fishing Guide and for regulations, visit VI Fishing Regulations.
