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My Father in law wants to fish while on St John. He doesn't necessarily need to go out on a boat, but I am wondering if you need a fishing license and can he rent fishing gear so he doesn't have to drag it on the plane.
I was wondering the same thing. I googled The Parks Dept. USVI it looks like you do not need a license. However there might be some bays you can not fish in. And of course swimming areas are prohibited. I don't know about renting equipment, but I have something thats called an Ugly Stick. It's a folding fishing pole that fits in any luggage bag. It works great! It can be found at any sporting goods store.
Good Luck
Thanks Coconut beach. I was kinda surprised no one else replied......you'd think the folks that live there would fish once and a while...unless they all have big $$$$ and big boats!! I think (not sure) that Crabby's in Coral Bay rents fishing gear.
Check this site for basic restrictions
https://www.vinow.com/general_usvi/more_info/fishing/usvifishingregulations.php
Chris, Thanks for the thorough information!! Much appreciated!
Hello New England,
You might stop by the National Park Visitor Center, which is right in Cruz Bay just a couple minutes walk from the ferry dock and grab one of there little maps and have them tell/show you where the no fishing areas are and any other related info. The folks that fish from shore usually do so from the rocky sides of bays/coves; one bay I've seen folks fishing at a few times is Haulover - on the left side close to the point.
Crabby's doesn't rent fishing gear, they do sell a small kit with some line, floaters, hooks for around $35.
--Islander
Anyone have any more info on shore fishing in St. John since this last posting in November. I am leaving on Thursday moring - and plan to take a few rods with me, just in case. I am a fishing addict.
Fishing from shore on St. John is not as easy or as productive as you might expect.. You cannot fish inside the swim areas which take the most accessible areas out of play. These areas are also the ones where you see most of the schools of fish particularly Francis Bay. Although you see tons of fish when you snorkel, most are feed on the coral and will not take a lure. Coral feeding fish are not edible. I tried fishing for many years before I found out the I was not suppose to be fishing in the swim areas. I caught a a few fish such as blue runner (bar jack), lizard fish etc. The only edible fish I caught was a small Spanish mackerel. The best chance for catching fish is from boat with someone who knows where to go and what to use.
Good Luck!
