If listening to the ‘ZING’ of the road all of a sudden getting pulled under makes your coronary heart putter, if incessantly altering bait on the hook each hour doesn’t bore you however brings pleasure to your coronary heart, this place ought to be in your bucket listing. It’s Saint Lucia, the world’s hottest vacation spot for fishing.
Located in the far eastern Caribbean Sea, head south of Martinique and you’ll discover the volcanic island country of Saint Lucia. A fast Google search will conjure up pictures of unworldly black sand seashores, and the one drive-in volcano on this planet, La Soufrière. However you possibly can’t see footage of Saint Lucia with out coming upon the iconic Pitons. These twin mountain formations relaxation on the shoreline, like beacons for the phantom onlooker. And whereas these volcanic spires entice many guests, down at sea-level, anglers from all around the world flock to this island to expertise the top of fishing.
Image: Solid off from Sandals Regency La Toc in Saint Lucia the place the Caribbean waters are calling. A number of the greatest fishing vibes within the islands are proper right here, ready for you.
Sportfishing fans visiting Saint Lucia usually catch massive recreation fish like White Marlin, Blue Marlin, Sailfish, and different billfish. Different common catches embody Dorado (Mahi-Mahi), Wahoo, King Mackerel (Kingfish), Blackfin, and Yellowfin Tuna.
Nearer to shore, Saint Lucia additionally has nice inshore and reef fishing, the place anglers can catch Herring, Catfish, Tilapia, Snapper, Jacks, Barracuda, Grouper, and extra.
Fishing runs deep on this nation, as it’s a enormous a part of Saint Lucian tradition. So not solely are there a ton of fish, however a ton of consultants that may present you precisely the place to drop your line.
Methods to fish in Saint Lucia
When you’ve got but to fish within the Caribbean, you should expertise it in Saint Lucia, it’s among the best fishing locations among the many islands. Though comparatively small, Saint Lucia has probably the most excellent setting for fishing. A type of Goldilocks mixture of simply the correct circumstances has induced massive recreation fish to thrive close to the shoreline.
Comparatively near shore there are a number of the deepest waters within the Caribbean. That is due to sharp drop-offs, when the seafloor all of a sudden drops steeply. Giant fish congregate amongst these drop-offs, so fishermen can catch massive recreation fish with out having to go removed from shore. And due to the tropical local weather, anglers can fish three hundred and sixty five days a 12 months.
That’s proper. You may have a tremendous fishing expertise everytime you select to go to Saint Lucia.
Surf and rock fishing
Picture credit score: Robert F. Leahy/Shutterstock.com
Alongside the underwater drop-off solely two miles off the shoreline, pelagic fish collect. Anglers can catch fish from the shoreline with out getting their ft moist or stepping foot into a ship. Soufrière is someplace you possibly can go to alongside Saint Lucia’s southwest shore. The city pier that juts out into Soufrière Bay is a superb place for catching Tuna, Barracuda, Snapper, and Grouper. So, if rock fishing is your excellent, undoubtedly verify this place out. You possible received’t be upset!
One other hotspot for rock fishing is at Rodney Bay, on Saint Lucia’s northwest shore. Beneath these rocks on the bay’s southern shore, you possibly can catch snapper and yellowtail. You may keep at an all-inclusive resort near Rodney Bay, and also you received’t need to journey a far distance to go rock fishing. The cooks on the eating places may even be capable of put together the catch of the day as your dinner later that night!
Pack a sandwich, meet some individuals, and luxuriate in that ocean breeze.
Reef fishing
Picture credit score: Ashley-Belle Burns/Shutterstock.com
In case you’re itching to get off land and away from all of it, like Jack from the Titanic in search of the following journey, reef fishing is a superb alternative (and also you most likely received’t hit an iceberg on the finish). Beneath the floor of Saint Lucia’s western shoreline are huge, colourful reefs, teeming with marine life like Grouper, Snapper, Barracuda, Grunts, and extra. Many of those fringing reefs can solely be reached by boat, so it’s best to rent a reef fishing constitution. In case you want to take your individual fishing boat, hiring a neighborhood information is good. They’ll present you precisely the place one of the best reef fishing is, so the journey can be extra price your time. And hey, what a greater manner so that you can get to know the group.
Deep-sea fishing
Picture credit score: lunamarina/Shutterstock.com
Removed from the coast, many thrill-seeking anglers head out for deep-sea fishing. Escaping out to the ocean, discovering the perfect spot to set traces, rigorously monitoring navigation, and most clearly, catching some actually massive fish are what entice fishermen to the deep-sea.
As we talked about earlier than, the steep drop-offs surrounding Saint Lucia create an ideal habitat for giant, deep-sea fish to congregate comparatively near shore. This makes the island a deep-sea fishing mecca for anglers from all around the world. You may catch massive recreation fish like Billfish, together with White Marlin, Blue Marlin, and Sailfish, a well-liked objective for deep-sea anglers visiting Saint Lucia. Different massive sport fish like Wahoo, Dorado, and Tuna are usually noticed in these waters, too.
Simply don’t overlook to take an image. Your family and friends received’t consider it.
Easy methods to fish in Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia has the proper environmental substances, like once you combine a Saint Lucian dish of inexperienced fig and saltfish. It’s magic. An abundance of recreation fish lurking under the steep drop-offs, idyllic tropical climate; it’s what makes fishing in Saint Lucia prime notch. However earlier than you begin fascinated by how good the fish goes to style, you should first determine the way you’re going to fish in Saint Lucia. Whether or not you determine to take your individual boat out, or rent a non-public fishing constitution, it’s sure to be a good time!
Fishing with your individual boat
In case you determine to take your individual boat to Saint Lucia, there are two docking choices: Rodney Bay and Marigot Bay. Costs differ in response to the dimensions of the boat and the variety of nights you want to dock within the marina. If you wish to fish with your individual boat however are unfamiliar with the world, you possibly can ask native fishermen, or inquire on the resort you’re staying in for perception on one of the best locations to fish. You can too rent a neighborhood information to return with you in your fishing journey.
Hiring a fishing constitution
You may take pleasure in some world-class sport fishing in Saint Lucia.
With an abundance of fish to catch comes a wide range of personal charters providing fishing excursions throughout Saint Lucia. There are firms that provide shore and shallow reef fishing, backside fishing, and deep-sea fishing charters.
Utilizing a non-public constitution is a superb concept if you wish to make sure you’re utilizing your time (and cash) properly. Skippers are consultants on fishing within the space. They’ll know precisely the place you might want to go to make your catch relying on the time of 12 months you go to and the time of day, you’re out fishing. And once you’re on a small-group fishing tour, you possibly can anticipate to get private consideration, in case you’re a novice or skilled.
Constitution costs differ relying on the kind of fishing, and whether or not you go for a half day or full day tour. For half days, tour costs are normally round $120 USD/particular person, and for full days, tour costs are round $200 USD/particular person. Journeys typically embody every thing you want, comparable to gear, bait, licenses, drinks, and typically lunch.
Professional tip: Island Routes gives some wonderful deep sea fishing excursions in Saint Lucia. Ensure that to ebook prematurely to make sure availability!
Saint Lucia fishing laws
Picture credit score: Al McGlashan/Shutterstock.com
Fishing is a cultural staple in Saint Lucia. The federal government has legal guidelines and laws in place to guard the native marine life and assist the livelihoods of the locals. Earlier than heading out to the open blue for battle, you ought to be conscious of those laws in Saint Lucia.
There’s a catch-and-release coverage for guests for many kinds of fish across the island. This enables for extra fish to stay and reproduce within the ecosystem, so fishing can proceed to maintain future generations. Additionally, anglers do want a fishing license to fish from a vessel, however that value is normally included within the value of fishing charters. Nevertheless, you do not want a fishing license to fish from shore. That’s proper. No license, no drawback.
One of the best time to fish in Saint Lucia
Picture credit score: paul prescott/Shutterstock.com
As we talked about above, Saint Lucia’s local weather stays comparatively temperate all year long. There are, nevertheless, two seasons: moist and dry. The best time to visit Saint Lucia is dependent upon if you wish to keep away from rain or crowds. In case you’re hoping to catch a particular kind of fish, the various totally different fish species have various peak durations, however you possibly can catch most all year long.
Bonus: Saint Lucia sightseeing – different island must-sees
Whilst you’ll have the time of your life fishing in Saint Lucia, you received’t wish to miss the remainder of what the island has to supply. Saint Lucia options pure wonders that put this vacation spot on the map.
Hike the Pitons
Picture credit score: AlexShalamov/Shutterstock.com
Undoubtedly probably the most picturesque landmark, The Pitons in Saint Lucia are made up of two mountains – Gros Piton and Petit Piton. Practically 3,000 ft above sea stage, the inexperienced slopes of Gros Piton are extensively explored. Petit Piton is, nevertheless, steeper, tougher to climb, and might solely be explored accompanied by particular guides. Gros Piton has marked trails, a much less treacherous panorama, and is usually safer than Petit Piton. As soon as on the peak, put together for a breathtaking view.
Discover Pigeon Island
Image: Vibrant sundown on the all inclusive, Sandals Grande St. Lucian, on Pigeon Island Seaside.
In search of extra beautiful views? Positioned on the north finish, Pigeon Island is one of many Caribbean’s most historic landmarks. The island was as soon as separate from the nation, till in 1972 when a man-made causeway was constructed to attach the 2. An curiosity for all sorts of vacationers, you may get a historical past lesson about earlier inhabitants, together with a pirate with a wood leg. You can too discover 18th-century navy ruins, together with a hike to Fort Rodney, a relic of the American Revolutionary Warfare. The fort is on the prime of a hill and surrounded by beautiful, unobstructed views. The hike up and down takes about 50 minutes, so don’t overlook to put on snug footwear and produce some water!
Professional tip: Pigeon Island is situated on a brief stroll from the award-winning all-inclusive resort Sandals Grande St. Lucian. The view on Pigeon Island from its pier restaurant is just beautiful, making it the perfect place for a romantic dinner. One of the best half: once you’re a visitor at this resort, all meals and (alcoholic) drinks at this restaurant are included and limitless!
Drive by way of the volcano La Soufrière
Picture credit score: Benus C Mathurin/Shutterstock.com
These visiting the island can uncover the world’s solely drive-in volcano, La Soufrière, situated close to Soufrière on the southwest aspect of the island. Final lively within the 1700s, La Soufrière is a dormant volcano that produced a collection of surrounding geothermal springs. You may drive proper as much as the sting of the springs and consider them from a protected distance.
Positioned on the volcano is Sulphur Springs; a towering waterfall and pure mud baths, believed to have medicinal properties. You may bathe within the mud swimming pools, hovering round 110°F, and after can rinse off below the 50 foot tall waterfall.
Additionally learn: 40 Amazing Things To Do In Saint Lucia to search out out what else is on provide on this stunning island!
Planning your Saint Lucia fishing journey
A marvel of Caribbean pleasure, Saint Lucia has a wealthy historical past and gives journey on the bottom or out on the ocean. The underwater ecosystem surrounding Saint Lucia makes it probably the most excellent island for fishing. For a enjoyable fishing journey that’s certain to be a catch, take a look at Island Routes’ fishing excursions.
After a day on the water, deliver your catch again to Sandals Grande St. Lucian. Our cooks will season it island-style and serve it up contemporary, only for you!
In case you’re staying at any of the three Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia, you possibly can even have the chef put together your catch for you. Positioned in a number of stunning areas, this luxurious all-inclusive resort supplies 5-star facilities, together with worldwide gourmand eating places, limitless land and water sports activities, and spas. The one battle you’ll be combating can be out on the fishing boat!
