Fishing at the Caribbean Islands
By Anna Lynn Sibal
Many people go to the islands of the Caribbean for a holiday to be able to kick back and relax at the beach and to forget about all the things that worry them at home. Once at the beach, these holiday-goers can just lie on a towel on the sand and get baked by the glorious tropical sun. They can also make the most out of the crystal-clear, emerald-and-sapphire waters of the sea by swimming, snorkeling, diving and engaging in various water sports.
But swimming, sun-worshipping and other beachside activities are not the only reasons why many tourists spend their holidays at the Caribbean. In fact, there are a great number of holiday-goers who go to the islands just to go fishing. Fishing is great at the Caribbean; it was actually declared by many premier travel guides that the best place in the world to go fishing is the islands of the Caribbean.
The Joy of Fishing at the Caribbean
Why is fishing considered to be the best at the Caribbean?
That could be credited to the unique geographical formation of the islands of the Caribbean. The underwater landscapes of the Caribbean Islands is so varied that it favors and nurtures the growth of different kinds of fish. There are fish that thrive in the shallows while there are fish that prefer the sanctuary of the coral reefs. There are also big fish that are found in the deep sea of the shores of the islands.
Shallow fishing is the most sought-after form of fishing at the Caribbean. It is also the least expensive to do because it could be done right at the beach or from a pier. The fish in the shallow waters of the Caribbean bite easily, but they fight well. Most common catches include tarpon, wahoo, pompano, barracuda and bonefish.
Coral fishing is also done at the Caribbean, but not as popular as shallow fishing or deep fishing. The fish living in the corals are more fun observed than caught because of their vivid colors and their lively behavior. Schools of groupers are often found among coral reefs.
Deep sea fishing provides the most challenge for both amateur and expert anglers alike. Many of these fishermen have their own boats, but there are numerous companies in the Caribbean that charter fishing voyages. At the open sea, an angler can have the chance of baiting blue and white marlin, kingfish, swordfish, yellowfin tuna, sailfish and even shark.
How to Get the Most Out of a Caribbean Fishing Trip
If fishing is going to make up a huge part of one’s Caribbean holiday, extra planning should be done. Fishing from the pier is relatively inexpensive, but if you are thinking of renting or chartering a boat, you have to be prepared for the extra expenses you may occur. If you are an experienced sailor but you do not have your own boat, you can rent a bareboat and crew it yourself. If you do not have a lot of experience with working a boat and you do not mind spending extra, you should get a crewed boat for your fishing trip.
Another thing you need to consider is the season. In some islands in the Caribbean, fishing can be done all throughout the year. In other islands, fishing is best done during the first half of the year.
You will also need to consider fishing policies on the particular island you are visiting. Some island charters require fishing permits. There are also others who impose a catch-and-release policy.
But no matter how much preparation that you do for your fishing trip at the Caribbean, the one thing that you should not forget to is to have fun during your trip. It is not that difficult to do, because fishing is never a disappointment in the islands of the Caribbean.
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