The British Virgin Islands are known to many as one of the best sailing, scuba diving/snorkeling and fishing spots in the Caribbean. There are many charter services located on three of the four main islands. Jost Van Dyke does not have any. All of them have local experienced captains who know these waters and know where the fish are. They are just waiting to take you out on the water. They offer three main fishing charters; inshore, deep-sea and bonefishing on the flats.
Inshore fishing is perfect for families and for those prone to the seasickness when you will get in the open waters. It is much calmer inshore. There are many reefs and wrecks that attract fish, small ones and the bigger ones we are hoping to snag that are looking for a meal. On an inshore fishing trip, fish targetted may include barracuda, bonito, jacks, kingfish, mackerel, snapper, grouper and more.
The deep sea waters offer some of the best trophy fishing in the world. Just 18 miles off St. Thomas USVI is what is known as the North Drop. It is part of the Puerto Rico Trench and drops to 29,000 ft.. This depth and the upwelling currents push plankton and small baitfish towards the surface, attracting bigger fish like the blue marlin. From June to October, when these beasts are spawning, it is known by anglers worldwide as “Capital” marlin fishing grounds. South of St. Thomas is the South Drop. It is only about 10 miles from shore and is not as deep, only 12,000 ft. deep, but it attracts the same big billfish and other trophy fish as the North Drop. Along with the blue marlin, you might hook up with white marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, wahoo or a yellowfin or blackfin tuna. During night fishing trips for snapper and grouper, you might also encounter some true monsters of the deep; swordfish, mako shark and thresher sharks.
Bonefishing is found all over the islands. These elusive, hard-hitting fish put up a real fight and are so fun to reel in, but they are sometimes tough to find. This is where an experienced guide comes in handy. You can go into the flats on your own but to get the best chances to hook onto these a fish guide with a skiff boat is vital. Using the boats, you can spot the fish easier and get to them quieter and with less effort than on foot. While you can catch them in the flats of Tortola, Beef Island, Virgin Gorda, and other spots, the premier spot in the BVI’s, if not the world for bonefishing, is Anegada. It is known as one of the world’s best sites for hooking one of these world-class fighters. There are miles of flats on the island that attracts not only the bonefish but also the aggressive permit and the exhilarating tarpon. There is one unique service offered by one charter for this sport. They drive you by jeep to the flats and guide you in fishing the waters. It is a cheaper alternative to a guided boat.
The BVIs is an archipelago of 60 islands with four main islands; Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. Each of these islands has its own flair and things to do. The BVI’s are located just east of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. In fact, there is a ferry system from St.Thomas to Tortola that shuttles back and forth 12 times a day, or you could just hop on a seaplane and be in Tortola in minutes.
The BVI’s are also known as ‘Nature’s Little Secrets’ because they have so much to offer visitors of these islands. There are The Baths, a beautiful spot of enormous boulders on the beach that host crystal clear pools and grottoes, the pristine white sands of the secluded beaches of White Bay, the nature trails with breathtaking views at Gorda Peak and Sage Mountain National Parks and the parties and party-like atmosphere of Norman Island and Jost Van Dyke. The BVI’s have something for everyone.
There are many popular beaches where you can swim and sunbathe or rent paddleboards, kayaks and jet skis. There are perfect conditions for kiteboarding in Anegada and “Surfs Up” on the north shore of Tortola. The islands have numerous reefs and wrecks that are perfect for snorkelers and scuba diving alike. Sailing is the best way to experience all of the islands. The gentle tradewinds coupled with short hops from coves, cays and islands make sailing a way of life here.
With the North and South Drops just miles offshore, the BVI’s are blue marlin central. World records are being caught in these waters. No matter which fishing excursion you choose, charters are waiting to take you, your mates or your family out on the water for an experience you won’t forget. The BVI’s might be ‘Nature’s Little Secret,’ but the secret has been out and is widely known by anglers worldwide that there are fish in the waters of the British Virgin Waters, Record-breaking fish!!