Anyone have any experience fishing there that is willing to share what you know?
Planning for a mid-March trip so wondering about potential opportunities, species in season, etc.
Thoughts?
Many years ago, world class Marlin fishing. Upper-food-chain fish such as groupers, snappers, kingfish, barracuda, etc., tend to be chancy around St. Thomas concerning ciguatera.
St John is not really a fishing destination. There aren't many charters available and my experience with inshore was rugged.. as in the the bottom you are walking on while wading. Volcanic rock, striated limestone, and dead coral heads. That said, there are a couple spots where you can walk in that are not nearly as treacherous.
Leaving fishing out of the equation, St John is an outstanding vacation destination. The people are friendly. English spoken. Excellent accommodations. We rented one of the large private villas on the backside of the island up in the hills. Also, rented a Jeep from the owner. Very safe.
You go to one beach and think it's the best you've ever been to.. then you find the next one that's even better.. and the next.. and the next..
The saying is, when you're on St Thomas waiting for the ferry to St John, you're only 20 minutes from Paradise.
Thanks for the input folks.
Though it doesn't appear to be much of a fishing destination the fact that they have tarpon made me think I might be able to check one species off my bucket list.
Well, it's not March yet, so maybe this will help:
It's been 26 years since I was there, so take this with a grain of salt. While I didn't fish, I did four dives over two days from the island. There were plenty of reef fish to be seen not all that far from shore. Easy to rent a kayak, paddle out and have at it. As well, while snorkeling by the rocky edges at the end of beaches, I observed a lot of fish. Trophy tarpon, nah. But enough numbers and of a size that I was wishing I'd brought a rod/reel and a small selection of lures. Think bass gear, not Pike or Musky.
Scott
I guess it depends on your expectations and what is defined as fishing. didn't go to St. John but went out to Virgin Gorda for vacation. travel agent told me that there was no real fishing charters etc. we stayed at the Bitter End Yacht Club and the daily rate included a sail boat or a motor boat.
when I got there I ran into a fellow who caught little grass crabs and some type of small fish every morning. went out and had a ball on all kinds of fish inside the reef. told me he does it every year him and the wife come there. he said you just got to do it yourself .