Fishing and Charters in Anguilla

As you sit on one of Anguilla's beaches, staring out at the sea with it's waters bluer than any you've ever seen before, you may find yourself yearning to get a closer look.  A day spent fishing is a great way to give into this urge.

Fishing

Fishing in Anguilla tends to be a commercial affair, and sport fishing in Anguilla is still in its infancy.  Still, if you'd like nothing more than to drop a line in Anguilla, it is a possibility.

Firstly, it is important to know that it is hard to find fishing equipment to rent in Anguilla.  The only place of note is Jim's Construction Rent-All (264-497-3318).  While some fishing charter services provide their guests with equipment, this is not true of all of them.  If you are an avid angler with an agenda, you may want to consider bringing your own supplies.  You can drop a line in shallow waters off of one of the island's beaches without a permit – in fact, all fishing can be done in Anguilla without a permit, spare spearfishing.  There are several fishing charters willing to take visitors out a little deeper, and commercial fishermen will sometimes take you out with them for a fee.  Both options can be more expensive than elsewhere in the Caribbean. 

Fly-fisherman can expect to reel in lady fish and snook, while deep sea anglers have been known to catch barracuda, dorado, grouper, kingfish, marlin, sailfish, and wahoo.

Fishing Charters

Gotcha! Garfield's Sea Tours provides a number of chartering services, including deep sea fishing.  There are six boats in the Garfield Fleet, all equipped with top-of-the-line navigational and safety equipment.  Half and whole day charters are available, and an expert fishing guide will accompany guests out to sea.

No Fear Sea Tours is another chartering company of which fishing tours are one of its many offerings.  Trips are tailored to meet your specific needs, but all include complimentary drinks and knowledgeable captains.  There are three boats in the fleet: No Fear, No Fear Too, and No Fear III.  The boats range in size from 33 to 38 feet long, and can carry 12 passengers each. 

Shoal Bay Scuba , a chartering company that typically offers diving and water sports charters, recently added fishing tours to their repertoire.  The Thomas B, a fully-equipped Panga Classic, makes daily fishing trips between the hours of 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., and each trip is custom made for each group of visitors.

Anguilla's most unique fishing trips take place aboard glass bottom boats, where guests can view the ocean through the floor of the vessel as they are seeking out the catch of the day. Junior's Glass Bottom Boat and Mike's Glass Bottom Boat are two of the most popular choices. 

Anguilla also has a number of private boat owners who take visitors out on fishing trips upon request.  Bevis Rogers , Ed Carty , and Shaun Liburdi are a few of the island's most notable captains.  They offer trips from between $300 and $450(USD) for a half day, and around $600(USD) for a full day.

Fishing and chartering in Anguilla are not the easiest pastimes to pursue, but if you are passionate about fishing, it can be done, and is worth the work.  Once you get out on the water, you'll be happy you did.