Anglers will have a terrific time testing their skills and trying their luck while fishing on vacation in St. John! Go offshore in pursuit of Marlin, Dolphin Fish (Mahi-Mahi), Wahoo and Tuna. Or try inshore fishing and see whether you can get some Kingfish, Barracuda, Jacks or Yellowtail Snapper to bite!
Wondering if your big catch, the one you will be talking about for years to come, will be in season at the time of year you are planning your visit to St. John. The quick answer is that some species are around all year and others have peak seasons. Experienced fishing charter operators and captains in the area know 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. John vacation.
Fly Fishing Charters
Join Captain Dustin Harrison aboard our 20-foot Jones Brothers for a half day or full day of fly fishing and/or light-tackle inshore fishing. Capt. Dustin has been fly fishing in the Virgin Islands for many years and has been a guide and captain for the past 10 years. He specializes in bonefish and tarpon on the fly, but you may catch other species as well, such as snook, jacks, bonita, barracudas, or sharks. You are welcome to bring your own fly rod(s), or you can use one of ours. We look forward to fishing with you!
Water activityFishing charters on St. John offer trips that will excite everyone, from the seasoned pro to the novice. They include inshore, offshore, and marlin trips. Most operators offer trips lasting: ½ day (4 hours, typically between 8 a.m. and noon or 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.); ¾ of a day (6 hours); full day (8 hours); and Marlin trips (10 hours, usually 7:30 a.m. to dusk). Short trips are generally for inshore fishing only. Boat capacity of 4 to 6 passengers is common. Rates for fishing charters vary 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 and can provide the information by email or telephone upon request. Explore your options, book a fishing trip and have a great time
Are you looking forward to eating your catch? Guests can typically request some of their catch, for example, up to 20 lbs; the remainder stays with the boat. If you are interested in keeping some of your catch to take back to your vacation villa to cook for dinner, be sure to ask about it. If you are staying in a hotel, ask the captain for suggestions of restaurants on the island that will cook your catch for you!
If you are really a fishing enthusiast, you might consider planning your vacation to St. John around a fishing tournament, to be a spectator or to participate! Some fishing charters are available for tournaments. You’ll find various tournament options on neighboring St. Thomas; there aren’t any hosted on St. John. Here is a sample: Couples Tournament (February), Dolphin Derby (April), and the USVI Open/Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament (August).
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.
