Practically any beach is good to fish from. Specially if there are rocks off to the sides. Time of day and tides matters a lot so keep an eye on that. Be sure to stay away from swimming areas. Within the national park it is catch and release only.

You can catch anywhere from Tarpon to Bonefish to Sharks to Rays to Snappers to 'Cudas..... and the list goes on. Know what I mean?

Tight lines!

I would like someone to fish with, give me an email at [email protected] I am new to the Island and live on the north end
Tom Proell

So, you're allowed to fish from shore? I've never seen anybody do it on STT. I don't want to get in any trouble. Need a license? What kind of bait?

Connie,
In STT, going out to the points of bays usually are popular. Peterbourg, etc. No license is needed! Bait- usually we use squid, buy it frozen in a box. You can use a rod or even just a hand line. Whatever you like! Just make sure you don't catch an EEL!!!! (tu)

What's wrong with the eels down there?

LOL! Believe me, you don't want to catch an eel! Nothing wrong with them, just not a good scene trying to get them back off the line! There is no way to hold them! VERY slippery! BITE!

You can fish from shore anywhere that is not a marked swim zone without any trouble. There are a few fish you can't keep, Nassau grouper, Goliath grouper are two I know off hand you can't keep. You don't need a license. And eels are really really tough to get off a line! They tend to squirm and get themselves all wrapped up in the line...not fun. I also use frozen squid for bait (you can get a small package from most any grocery store).

Is there somewhere to rent supplies? I would like to go fishing while there but don't want to haul everything with me.

You can rent stuff from Ocean Runner. They are just a few steps off the ferry dock. Walk down the beach and take the little stone walk way just Past High Tide. They are right up there in a little office. Their phone number is 693-8809 and website www.oceanrunnerusvi.com You can also buy fishing gear there. I think you can get a handline reel (cuban yo-yo sometimes called) for $5 and a bunch of line for $10, rods, reels for rent and purchase.

On St. John I have seen people fishing from the rocks at Haulover Bay and at Leinster Bay (just off the rock wall by the road, wading out in the water a bit - the water is shallow for a ways out from the shore/road).

As far as regulations: "In National Park waters; fishing is allowed outside of swim areas, but not in Trunk Bay and Jumbie Bay on St. John. It is illegal to use or possess spear fishing equipment anywhere within National Park boundaries. Fishing is prohibited at the following locations/times: A. Between 8am and 5pm at NPS Red Hook Dock and NPS Cruz Bay Finger Pier and bulkhead. B. Within all designated boat exclusion areas." You can find some others on this site at, try the Fishing Regulations page.

Connie - fishing from shore & rocks is fairly popular here with residents. Usually its early in the morning or late afternoon and on St. Thomas it is often at off the beaten path beaches/spots like Mandahl Bay, Fortuna Bay, Peterborg Point, Brewers Bay - these reasons are likely why you haven't noticed it. One exception to the off the beaten path note is Magens Bay. A few people fish there in the early evening from the rocks on the right side when facing the water. Do note that some beaches on St. Thomas are part of protected marine areas, for example Secret Harbor.

Octisforme - StJohnJulie's recommendations are for St. John as far as renting gear. For St. Thomas, don't know of any spots that rent gear but you can buy gear at Neptune Fishing Supplies. K-mart also has gear, k-mart quality stuff, and they have hand-line reels there too. Having some type of glove and long-nose pliers is helpful, some fish have spiky scales and if you catch an eel as others mentioned they are tough to get a hold of and off your line.

There is some additional fishing information on this site; type of fish, season, bait...try Fishing Guide.

--Islander

Great information Islander! Thanks for bringing it to our attention! (tu)