Fishing and Charters 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, the waters surrounding the island are teeming with anglers.

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 less hefty catch also have plenty of options in these warm waters, which are ideal for tuna, wahoo, dolphin fish (also called "dorado"), Atlantic blue marlin, white marlin, swordfish, Atlantic sailfish, and barracuda.

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.  Barbados' official fishing season runs from December to April.

Less than a mile off the coast of Barbados, waters are as deep as 400 feet, meaning anglers can save travel time when they go out for a deep sea fishing trip.  There is a greater chance of catching a large number of fish off the south coast where the waters are choppier.  The west coast tends to have calmer waters, making it the ideal place to fish for beginners who haven't spent much time on the water. 

In shore fishing trips are possible as well, and especially popular with those traveling with young children.  Waters close to shore can go as deep as 70 feet, and trolling and bottom fishing can be done in these areas. 

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.

Fishing Charters

Many boats can be contracted out either individually, through the Barbados Game Fishing Association, or through charter companies.

Award-winning and record-setting charters have a proven track record when it comes to making the big catch. Barbados Fishing Trip's 38-foot Bertram Sports Fisherman "Challenge" holds the Barbados record for having caught the largest blue marlin - a 910 pounder! The boat has three fishing chairs, five trolled lines, and accommodations to comfortably transport six passengers. Drinks and snacks are included on all charters, and lunch is served during eight hour trips.

Cannon Charters is family owned and operated, and their ship, the 42-foot Hatteras, is fully loaded with Penn International gold reels. Shared trips as well as private half and whole day charters are available, and include bait and tackle.

Fishing Charters Barbados, Inc. offers many styles of fishing trips, from deep sea charters to night fishing trips.  There are two boats in the fleet, the Blue Marlin and the Blue Jay, and each comes tournament rigged with 6/0s, 9/0s, and 50TW International reels. Drinks are included in the price.

High Seas Barbados is another charter company with boats known for their  trophy-winning catches. There are two boats in the fleet, the 39-foot "High Seas" and 40-foot "Ocean Hunter." Fishing trips are tailored to each groups needs, to relaxing family days to aggressive, intense deep sea fishing.

Hands-on anglers who like to help with the entire fishing process will enjoy a trip with IOU Charters, which encourages participation in everything from steering the boat to re-baiting the lines. The 42-foot Sports Fisherman is a comfortable vessel, including a large sundeck and cock pit. Guests also have the option of purchasing a "Fish 'n' Swim" package, in which fishing is done for the first half of the trip, and snorkeling for the second.

If you're traveling on a budget, contact Predator Sportfishing. This charter company prides itself on providing guests with the most competitively priced fishing trips on the island. Prices range from $400(USD) for four hours, $550 (USD) for 6 hours and $750(USD) for a full, eight hour day, and include hotel pick up, tackle, bait, drinks, and snacks.

It is also possible to enlist the help of a private boat owner. These captains are usually fishermen by trade, and are great resources to have on hand during a day of fishing. Some of these private owners have contact information listed in the chart below (see Billfisher II, Honey Bea III), but still more you can find by chance. Simply head to the harbor and start asking around.

It's easy to find ways to take part in sport fishing in the seas surrounding Barbados. This popular pastime has more to offer than you might expect, from intense big game, deep sea trips to relaxing bottom fishing just off the shore.

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