The Caribbean offers some of the best fishing in the world, turning the region into a dream destination for anyone who enjoys the thrill of landing a big fish—or the adventure of the one that got away.
Winter, from December to February, is the prime time for deep-sea fishing, while spring is ideal for reef fishing. Wherever you decide to go, it’s important to be aware of local fishing regulations.
Hiring a boat and/or guide is the best way to navigate these sometimes complex rules. Locals are experts when it comes to finding the best fishing spots. Most islands also prioritize conservation, with a catch-and-release policy being common. Here are some of the top locations in the Caribbean to reel in unforgettable catches.
Puerto Rico
Isla Verde, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico, with the deepest part of the Atlantic Ocean only 75 miles away, is known for its deep-sea fishing. Popular ports like San Juan and Fajardo are home to numerous charter boats ready to take you out on an exciting fishing adventure.
Puerto Rico, along with the Dominican Republic and St. Lucia, is a prime destination for those chasing a sport fishing “Grand Slam”—catching marlin, sailfish, and tuna in a single day.
The wahoo and mahi-mahi are the top contenders for big catches in these deeper waters. For calmer inshore fishing, you can reel in species like bonefish and tarpon. The island’s many small islands and coves, along with mangrove forests and coral reefs, offer ideal habitats for a wide range of fish species.
Belize
Caye Caulker, Belize
Belize is known for its exceptional flats fishing. Anglers targeting bonefish, tarpon, and even barracuda will find the mangrove-lined coastal lagoons the ideal home for these species.
Out at sea, the big targets include marlin, sailfish, and tuna. The Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world, offers plentiful opportunities to fish for grouper, snapper, and jacks. From Caye Caulker, one of the Caribbean's hidden gems, it’s possible to fish in both the tidal flats and deep blue waters within minutes.
Barbados
Barbados
Dear Lykkers! Barbados, known for its white sand beaches and British-style charm, is also one of the top Caribbean islands for fishing. Located on the eastern edge of the Caribbean, Barbados is exposed to the Atlantic Ocean, while its west coast is sheltered by a coral reef.
This combination of rough Atlantic waters and calmer Caribbean waters provides a rich fishing environment, home to up to 500 species of fish. Popular catches include barracuda (available year-round), marlin, mahi-mahi, sailfish, and wahoo.
For those who prefer surf fishing, the island’s beaches offer a fantastic opportunity. While flats fishing isn’t as common, the surf-casting along steep inshore drop-offs provides a thrilling challenge.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia
St. Lucia is another popular Caribbean destination for fishing, with several charter companies offering boats from Vigie port in Castries. The island’s offshore waters, with the seafloor dropping to over 1,000 feet just a mile from shore, offer excellent fishing for marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi.
St. Kitts
St. Kitts
St. Kitts boasts a healthy population of reef fish, thanks to strong conservation efforts. Inshore fishing in the many salt pond lagoons is popular, with tarpon being a main target.
Out at sea, the deeper waters hide tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and kingfish, and these waters are just half a mile offshore. St. Kitts and its sister island, Nevis, offer some of the least crowded fishing experiences in the Caribbean.
Jamaica
Jamaica
Jamaica has a well-established reputation for fishing, supported by prestigious tournaments like the Port Antonio Marlin Tournament. Blue marlins, with a record catch of nearly 600 pounds, are a popular target, as are sailfish and swordfish.
Due to overfishing, inshore fishing has become less fruitful, but charter boats still provide the best opportunities to catch species such as bonefish and grouper.
Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman
With the Cayman Trench dropping to 20,000 feet just off its shores, Grand Cayman offers some of the best deep-sea fishing in the Caribbean. Expect to catch wahoo, barracuda, tuna, mahi-mahi, and even blue marlin, with the local record at 250 pounds.
The island’s reefs are perfect for catching species like yellowtail and snapper, but make sure to practice catch-and-release to preserve the marine ecosystem.
Tobago
Tobago
Tobago may have fewer charter boats than Trinidad, but it’s still a prime destination for fishing. With a record marlin weighing over 1,000 pounds, deep-sea fishing here is thrilling. Many local boats cater to snorkelers, offering casual fishing trips with an emphasis on variety.
Close to shore, bonito and king mackerel are easy to catch, and bottom fishing, called "banking," provides a unique way to reel in your catch.
Cozumel
Cozumel, Mexico
Charter boats out of Cozumel seek marlins, mahi-mahi, sailfish, wahoo, and barracuda. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, bottom fishing in search of red snapper and reef fish is also popular.
The island’s northern lagoons are perfect for flats fishing, with bonefish being a common target. Local advice is always recommended to ensure a successful and safe fishing experience.
St. Maarten
St. Maarten
Split between France and the Netherlands, St. Maarten offers impressive fishing opportunities. The island’s record blue marlin weighs nearly 900 pounds. Charter boats often target wahoo, mahi-mahi, and tuna, but you may also hook barracuda, Spanish mackerel, or kingfish.
Tempted to try your hand at fishing in the Caribbean? Browse available itineraries and find the perfect Caribbean cruise for your next fishing adventure.
