Fishing – When, Where & How!

For many people, fishing is a typical part of summertime. Whether you’re spending a lazy afternoon by the ocean, enjoying a charming fishing trip with your family or fishing for business, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of reeling in a big one. If you’ve never been fishing before, it can seem a bit daunting. However, with a little patience and practice, anyone can learn how to catch fish.

Fishing Equipment

When planning to fish, it’s important to pack the right gear. The type of fish you’re hoping to catch will dictate the kind of equipment you need. 

• For instance, if you’re targeting small fries, you’ll need a lighter rod and reel. However, if you’re after something bigger, you’ll need something beefier that can handle the fight. 
• In terms of bait, live bait is usually best, but artificial lures can also be effective. The most important thing is to choose lures that are brightly coloured and have a lot of movement. This will help to attract the attention of fish in the area. 
• Don’t forget to pack plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent. The tropical sun is usually quite intense, and mosquitoes can indeed be a real nuisance. 

How to Catch Your First Fish

One of the most important things to understand about fishing is that there is more to it than just putting a worm on a hook and tossing it into the water. In order to be successful, you need to have an understanding of the habits and behaviour of fish. For example, different types of fish feed at different times of day, and they also prefer different types of bait. Once you have a general understanding, you can start to think about specific tactics for catching them. 

Here are some basic steps to follow:

1. It’s important to choose the right location. If you are not fishing in the ocean, then look for a spot where there is a deep pool with plenty of vegetation. This will increase your chances of finding fish. 
2. Make sure you have the proper equipment. A rod and reel are essential, along with some bait or lures. 
3. It’s important to be patient. Fish can be elusive, so it takes time and patience to finally get a bite. 
4. Once you’ve caught a fish, be careful when reeling it in. If you’re not careful, you can easily break the line or damage the fish. 

By following these steps, you can be sure to have a successful and fun fishing experience.

When to Fish

As anyone who has ever gone fishing knows, timing is everything. There are certain times of year when the fish are more active, and likely to bite. 

• Feb/March

In general, fish are most active when the water is warmer, therefore, February and March are typically good months for fishing. During these months, you’re most likely to find fish near the surface of the water, taking advantage of the warm temperatures.

• April/May

April and May are usually better months for experienced fishermen. The fish are most likely to bite during these months, however, the weather can be more unpredictable. 

• June/July

For those who want to catch a big fish, June and July are typically the best months for fishing. These are the months when the biggest fish are most active. Nonetheless, beginners may find it challenging to fish at this time due to the increased activity of the fish. 

By understanding when to fish, there are increased chances for success.

Where to Fish

The Caribbean Sea is home to some of the best fishing in the world, whether you’re looking for big game fish or tasty reef fish. Here are a few of the best places to fish:

Barbados: 

Barbados is well known for its excellent fishing. The island offers a wide range of opportunities, from deep-sea fishing to reef fishing. There are many charter companies that offer fishing trips, with the Barbados Tourism Authority providing a helpful guide to the best spots for fishing. The most popular catches include flying fish, marlin, kingfish, billfish, tuna, and swordfish. Barbados is also home to the Barbados Game Fishing Association (BGFA), which attracts fishermen from all over the world. In addition to sportfishing, there are also thriving commercial fisheries. Overall, it is a great destination for local fishermen and those seeking an enjoyable and productive trip.

Jamaica: 

Jamaica is an angler’s paradise, with a wide variety of big game fish to be found offshore and inshore. Marlin, tuna, and wahoo are common catches for those fishing in the tropical waters, and the island is also home to a large population of snapper, barracuda, and kingfish. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting started, Jamaica offers a wealth of opportunities for a memorable fishing trip.

Bahamas: 

The Bahamas is a paradise for anglers, with plentiful reefs and clear blue waters. Common catches include snapper, grouper, triggerfish, and barracuda. The best time to fish is early in the morning or late in the evening, when the fish are most active. The best bait to use depends on the type of fish you’re hoping to catch, but live bait is always a good choice. Shelled shrimp and small crabs are excellent choices for attracting snapper, while grouper prefer larger baitfish. No matter what you’re after, you’re sure to have a great time angling in the Bahamas.

Puerto Rico:

Puerto Rico is a fisherman’s paradise, with an abundance of both inshore and offshore species to target. Mahi-mahi, tuna, marlin, and sailfish are just some of the big game fish that can be found in the deep waters around Puerto Rico, making it a popular destination for anglers from all over the world. Inshore fishing is also excellent, with common catches including tarpon, bonefish, and snapper. The variety of fish available combined with the year round warm weather makes Puerto Rico an ideal destination for fishermen of all levels of experience.

St. Lucia:

For anglers in search of a trophy catch, St. Lucia is hard to beat. Offshore, anglers can expect to find blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, and wahoo. These fish are known for their fighting spirit, making them a challenge for even the most experienced fisherman. Inshore fishing is also excellent, where plenty of snapper, grouper, and barracuda can be found. The clear waters make for perfect conditions to catch these fish, with its beautiful scenery as an added bonus. Whether you’re an experienced or novice angler, St. Lucia is the perfect place to cast your line.

How to Make the Most Out of Your Fishing Experience

If you’re planning a trip to the Caribbean or simply casting your net for commercial purposes, there are a few things you can do to make sure you have the best experience possible.

1. Choose the right time of year 

The time of year you go fishing will greatly affect what kind of experience you have. If you want to catch certain types of fish, you’ll need to consider when they’re in season. For example, mahi-mahi are typically found in the Caribbean from April to August. 

2. Consider hiring a guide

If you’re new to fishing, it’s worth considering hiring a guide. A good guide will be familiar with the area and will be able to help you find the best fishing spots. They can also provide helpful tips and techniques that will improve your chances of catching fish. 

3. Be prepared for bad weather

Bad weather is always a possibility when you’re out on the open water. That’s why it’s important to be prepared for inclement weather conditions. Make sure you have enough food and water, and pack extra clothes in case you get wet. It’s also a good idea to have a first-aid kit onboard, just in case. 

4. Have realistic expectations 

It’s important to have realistic expectations when planning to fish. The reality is that no matter how prepared you are, there’s always a chance that you won’t catch anything at all. There are many variables that can affect your success, including the weather, the type of fish you’re targeting, and even your own skills as an angler. 

When handled correctly, fishing can be an incredible experience. By following these tips, you can make sure that your encounter is everything you hope it will be and even more!