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I'm sure this has been asked before, but I was wondering if anyone could tell me some of the specific regulations about fishing from shore or surf casting on St. John. We had a great time in Sanibel, FL a couple years ago walking out a bit into the water (and away from swimmers, of course) and fishing. Does anyone do this on St. John? Where are the good spots, if any? What do you use? Thanks for any advice.
CK
Catch and release only within park waters. No fishing in swimming areas. Early morning or late afternoon works good. Best if you now the tides. Fresh live bait works wonders if you have it. If not, saltwater plugs and spoons in the smaller sizes are a good start. Good luck!
From the National Park Website - www.nps.gov
"Fishing is allowed outside of swim areas, but not in Trunk Bay and Jumbie Bay. Spear guns are prohibited anywhere in Park waters.
Caribbean spiny lobster catch is limited to two per person per day and the carapace (area between head and tail) must be at least 3.5". Whelk season is October 1-March 30. Whelk must be larger than 2.5" and take is limited to 1 gallon per person per day. Conch season is October 1- June 30. Conch must be 9" long and take is limited to two per person per day. "
Pia
CK...i know what you mean about Sanibel. This will be our 12th year going to Sanibel. I don't think there's anywhere else in the world that is as great as fishing there. We've done it for so long. Last year we didn't bring our fishing gear to St. Thomas because we knew we'd be so busy with snorkeling. Plus, I have no idea what we're fishing for or what bait to use. We're novices at that in St. Thomas.
Great to know somebody loves the fishing in Sanibel as much as we do.
Ciguatera can be a problem here so eating fish caught from shore is risky unless you're very familiar with fishing in this area.
