Chartering a fishing boat can be a fun activity during your stay in Barbados

As on many Caribbean islands, fishing is more than just a popular pastime in Barbados. It's also a way of life, from the fishermen who make their living bringing in the fresh catch of the day, to those who come each year to take part in tournaments. And of course, there are the visitors who simply want to spend some time fishing while on vacation.

Though perhaps best-known for the abundance of flying fish in the sea surrounding the island, Barbados takes great pride in the deep sea fishing just off its shores, where the right person can catch marlin weighing more than 500 pounds. Anglers seeking a slightly less hefty catch also have plenty of options in these warm waters, which are ideal for tuna, wahoo, dolphin fish (also called"dorado"), and barracuda.

Timing is Everything

In the seas around Barbados, the barracuda is the easiest fish to catch, and the yellowfin tuna is the rarest. However, certain fish are found only during certain times of year. For example, sailfish and marlin, particularly white marlin, are rare, if not altogether impossible to catch from July through September. On the other hand, they are fairly easy to find from January through April.

The easiest way to find out what you can fish when you're on the island of Barbados is to learn what the Barbados Game Fishing Association has to say. The association's Web site (www.barbadosgamefishing.com) includes all the information you need to hook the fish you're looking for, as well as charter a boat or find a captain to help you find your catch of the day.

Charter Operations

Many boats can be contracted out either individually, through the Barbados Game Fishing Association, or through other companies. Some of the largest private charter companies are Fishing Charters Barbados, Inc., Blue Marlin Charters, and Cannon Charters.

Fishing Charters Barbados offers many styles of fishing trips, from deep sea charters to nightfishing trips. Meanwhile, Blue Marlin Charters specializes in deep sea trips in 4 or 8 hour journeys and offers lessons along the way. Cannon Charters is family owned and operated, and their ship is available for more than just fishing trips.

Chartering with an individual may sound like the best bet, and ships have colorful names like the Honey Bea III and Idyll Time. Seeking out the best ship for you can be as easy as calling a few charters and seeing what they have to offer.

Tournaments

Barbados is also home to many tournaments year round, including the International Game Fishing Tournament.

Google Eye Tournaments run from July through September. In October and November, fishermen take aim at barracuda. Wahoo should watch out from November through January. In February, the deep sea action picks up and culminates in the 3-day BGFA International tournament at the end of April.

It's easy to find ways to take part in the game fishing you'll find in the seas surrounding Barbados. This popular pastime has more to offer than you might expect.

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