As a result of increasing demand for Caribbean fishing trips, there are many big game fishing charters in the British Virgin Islands that allow visitors to explore the islands’ waters. The waters surrounding the British Virgin Islands are very popular with recreational anglers around the world. This is because the islands offer different types of fishing, clear waters that stretch for miles off land and diverse fish species. These are the attributes that make fishing in the islands a thrilling experience.
Top Catches in the British Virgin Islands
Local fishermen, fishing guides and boat captains in the British Virgin Islands have seen an impressive variety of fish in the waters surrounding the islands. Depending on where you go, you will see different types of fish. However, for offshore deep-sea fishing, some of the popular species are blackfin tuna, blue marlin, mahi mahi, sailfish, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna.
Blackfin Tuna
The Blackfin Tuna is a widespread species that is found throughout the western Atlantic Ocean. It is a smaller tuna that grows to just over three feet in length and weighs up to 45 pounds. Their diet is basic and primarily consists of fish and crustaceans. The finlets of the Blackfin Tuna are bronze and black and they do not have any of the yellow hues found on other tuna species.
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin are found in specific areas of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is a fascinating and aggressive fish that often makes anglers sweat and fight. It is the largest member of the billfish family, that is easily identifiable by its long, pointed bill and flexible pectoral fin. The Blue Marlin, which can weigh as much as 400 pounds, is a beautiful shade of cobalt blue with vertical stripes on its side and a whitish belly.
Mahi Mahi
The Mahi Mahi is a favourite among deep sea fishermen in the Caribbean. Also known as dorado or dolphin by Caribbean locals, it is a beautiful fish with hues of gold, blue and green about its body. The species is one of the most beloved seafood options in the Caribbean because they are plentiful and delicious. Mahi Mahi are found in the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The average size is three feet, and the average weight is 15 to 29 pounds.
Sailfish
The Atlantic Sailfish is a stunning fish with a characteristic dorsal fin. It is one of the most popular game fish in the Caribbean and is found in parts of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It has been said that the Atlantic Sailfish is the fastest fish in world because it can reach speeds of 68 miles per hour when leaping out of the water. Atlantic Sailfish are solid or striped blue or gray or in colour, however, they can change colour when hunting.
Wahoo
The Wahoo is a sleek and slender fish with zebra-like stripes that resembles a barracuda. Because of its streamlined shape, the wahoo is an effective hunter that can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. The wahoo has a diverse diet that consists of several varieties of fish including jacks, flying fish and squid. They are plentiful in Caribbean and are found throughout the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
Yellowfin Tuna
The Yellowfin Tuna is one of the larger species of tuna. The fish migrate throughout the year, but they can be fond in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. It is a large fish that ranges from two to seven feet in length and up to 450 pounds. Yellowfin Tuna are fast swimmers and can travel at speeds of up to 50 miles an hour. The fish is easy to spot because of bright yellow colouring on its sides, tail, dorsal fin, and back fin.
Big Game Fishing Charters in the British Virgin Islands
To fully enjoy a fishing expedition in the British Virgin Islands, you must find the right charter company. Professional fishing charters understand the importance of high-quality fishing equipment, which is a requirement for hunting large, powerful fish in the open water.
Because of the close proximity to the United States Virgin Islands, there are many charters which offer tours in the waters surrounding both countries. However, if you are in the BVI, you can find a couple options located in the islands. Here are some of the big game fishing charters in the British Virgin Islands.
Virgin Gorda Fishing Charters BVI
Virgin Gorda Fishing Charters is one of the fishing charters in the islands. Based in Virgin Gorda, they offer guided fishing excursions in and around the British Virgin Islands.
Contact:
Website: Virgin Gorda Fishing Charters BVI
Address: Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Telephone: 1-305-985-0024
Salt Shaker BVI Fishing Charters
Salt Shaker is an established boat company that offers island hopping, water taxi services and fishing charters in the British Virgin Islands. Located in Tortola, they offer inshore fishing as well as deep sea fishing charters.
Contact:
Website: Salt Shaker BVI Fishing Charters
Address: East End, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Email: hello@saltshakerbvi.com
Telephone: 1-284-340-0643
Here are some of the deep sea fishing charters in the United States Virgin Islands:
Ocean Surfari Charters: St. Thomas, USVI | Website
Reel Livin Charters: St. Thomas, USVI | Website
Just Fish St. John: St. John, USVI | Website
Double Header Sportfishing: St. Thomas, USVI | Website
Rockhoppin’ Adventures: St. John, USVI | Website
Sonic Charters St. Thomas: St. Thomas, USVI | Website
Fishing St. Croix: St. Croix, USVI | Website
USVI Deep Sea Fishing Charters: St. Croix, USVI | Website
Fishwater Charters VI: St. Croix, USVI | Website
Offshore Adventure: St. John, USVI | Website
Deep Sea Fishing Spots in the British Virgin Islands
Although the waters around the BVI are ideal for fishing, there are some areas that are the proverbial sweet spots for fish. The boat charter guides will know about these spots and maybe others that are not common knowledge. Here are some of the top deep sea fishing spots in the BVI:
North Drop
The North Drop is the most famous fishing spot in the BVI. The area gets its name from its dramatic seabed that suddenly drops from 300ft to 2000ft without warning. The North Drop is the blue marlin capital of the Caribbean and the one place where you are guaranteed to see these powerful fish in action.
South Drop
The South Drop, another popular fishing spot is close to St. Thomas in the USVI. This area also features a seabed that drops dramatically, but this time to 12,000 feet. It an area where large game fish frequent, and anglers will be happy to see the popular giants as well as other species such as snappers and groupers.
North of Tortola
Although the waters north of Tortola are not as popular as the North Drop and South Drop, it is an area where beginner anglers are sure to catch something. The waters are not too deep – ranging between 30 and 100 feet. Fishermen can expect to see is a healthy variety of fish in this area.
BVI Offshore Sportfishing Rules and Regulations
All visitors to the islands who will be embarking on recreational fishing activities must obran a licence to fish. The Pleasure Fishing Licence is valid for 30 days and the application fee is $45.
For more information about applying for Acquiring a Pleasure Fishing Licence on the Government of the Virgin Islands licence visit the official government website.
FAQs
Here are a few frequently asked questions about deep sea fishing in the British Virgin Islands:
Where can I find mahi mahi in the British Virgin Islands?
Mahi mahi are found in the waters surrounding the British Virgin Islands including the North Drop and South Drop.
Are there sharks in the British Virgin Islands?
Yes, there are various species of sharks in the British Virgin Islands. Species include the Caribbean reef shark, blacktip shark, tiger shark, ocean whitetip and the hammerhead shark.
Is spearfishing legal in the British Virgin Islands?
No. Spearfishing is not allowed in the British Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands Fisheries Act, 1997 section 50 (1) prohibits the use of spearguns in the islands.
What is the best time to go fishing in the British Virgin Islands?
BVI is open for fishing all year round, but the best time to go fishing is between May to October.
Are there any areas where fishing is prohibited in the British Virgin Islands?
Yes. According to the Virgin Islands Fisheries Regulations, 2003 Section 51 (5), fishing is not allowed in the following areas:
- Horseshoe Reef;
- Hans Creek, Beef Island;
- Beef Island Channel;
- South Sound, Virgin Gorda;
- Taylor Bay, Virgin Gorda;
- The Sound, Salt Island;
- The Sound (which includes Wedgeo Bay) Ginger Island;
- Dead Chest;
- Big Reef, Peter Island;
- Green Cay, Jost Van Dyke;
- Money Bay, Norman Island;
- Santa Monica Rock, South West off Norman Island;
- North Bay, Guana Island; and
- Frenchman’s Cay
Further Reading
For more information about fishing in the British Virgin Islands, please visit the following links:
Oil Nut Bay: Sport Fishing in the British Virgin Islands
The Moorings: What to Know About Fishing in the BVI
Yacht Warriors: BVI Fishing Tips: Here’s Where to Find the Fish
Guidesly: Freshwater Fish & Saltwater Fish of North America
A British Virgin Islands Vacation: Fishing in the British Virgin Islands (BVI)
Catamarans: How to Fish in the British Virgin Islands
Government of the Virgin Islands: Speargun Fishing Is Strictly Prohibited
Image: The British Virgin Islands
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