Fishing in Curacao
Fishing in Curaçao covers everything from trolling offshore for big pelagics to casting light tackle along the island’s reefs, mangroves, and sheltered bays.
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Curacao Fishing Guide
Curaçao sits in the southern Caribbean just north of Venezuela, with warm clear waters and a diverse fishery that’s active year-round. Offshore, deep water lies close to shore, so charter captains can target big game species without long runs. Many boats leave from Willemstad and surrounding marinas, offering half-day and full-day deep sea trips that go after wahoo, mahi mahi, tuna, and blue marlin. Inshore, the island’s fringing reefs hold snapper, grouper, barracuda, and jacks, while the protected mangrove lagoons and bays are great for light tackle and fly fishing. Shore anglers work rocky points, piers, and sandy beaches for smaller jacks, snook, and bonefish in certain areas.
Fishing charters in Curaçao range from center consoles for inshore trips to sportfishing yachts equipped for multi-line trolling offshore. Most trips include tackle, bait, and guidance from captains who know the currents and seasonal fish movements. Common techniques include trolling with rigged baits and lures, vertical jigging over reefs, live bait fishing, and popping for surface feeders. Fly anglers can target bonefish and tarpon in the shallows when conditions line up.
The fishing season here is steady, but certain times bring peak action. Winter often sees strong wahoo fishing, spring brings more tuna, summer is prime for blue marlin, and fall can produce a mix of pelagics and reef fish. The climate is dry and sunny compared to many Caribbean islands, so weather disruptions are rare. Curaçao’s fishery is supported by easy access to both the Caribbean Sea and deeper offshore grounds, making it popular for visiting anglers who want variety without long travel times between spots.
Fishing Seasons in Curacao
Spring
From March to May, tuna and mahi mahi activity increases offshore, with consistent wahoo catches still possible early in the season. Inshore waters warm up, triggering more snapper and grouper action on reefs. Bonefish and tarpon become more active in the shallows during stable weather patterns.
Summer
June through August is peak blue marlin season, with some of the biggest fish of the year caught on trolling spreads offshore. Tuna and mahi mahi remain steady, and calm seas make it ideal for longer runs to offshore banks. Inshore fishing is strong early and late in the day for snapper, barracuda, and jacks.
Fall
From September to November, pelagic action continues with mahi mahi and tuna, while wahoo start to reappear in greater numbers. Reef fishing holds steady with grouper and snapper responding well to live bait. Bonefish and tarpon are possible in select flats and bays.
Winter
December through February is prime wahoo season, with fast action close to shore. Offshore also produces tuna and occasional marlin. Inshore reef fishing is reliable, with cooler water bringing in more baitfish and predators along the island’s drop-offs.
Top Fishing Regions in Curacao
- Willemstad – Main departure point for charters with quick access to offshore pelagics and nearby reefs.
- Spanish Water – Inshore hotspot with mangroves, channels, and sheltered bays for light tackle and fly fishing.
- Playa Lagun – Known for reef fishing and shore casting for snapper, grouper, and jacks.
- Westpunt – Offers access to deep water close to shore, good for trolling wahoo and marlin.
- Klein Curaçao – Small island southeast of Curaçao with excellent offshore fishing and reef action.
- Santa Martha Bay – Sheltered inshore area with structure holding snapper, barracuda, and jacks.
Top Gamefish in the Curacao
- Blue Marlin – 150 to 600+ lbs. Found offshore during summer, targeted by trolling lures and rigged baits.
- White Marlin – 50 to 90 lbs. Seen offshore in warmer months, caught trolling small lures and ballyhoo.
- Wahoo – 20 to 80 lbs. Peak in winter, caught trolling high-speed lures near drop-offs.
- Mahi Mahi – 10 to 40 lbs. Found offshore year-round, peak in spring and fall, caught trolling or casting lures.
- Yellowfin Tuna – 20 to 150 lbs. Offshore year-round, best in spring, targeted with trolling and chunking
- Barracuda – 5 to 30 lbs. Inshore and near reefs year-round, caught with lures and live bait.
- Grouper – 5 to 50 lbs. On reefs and deep structure, targeted with bottom fishing and jigs.
- Snapper – 2 to 20 lbs. Around reefs and wrecks, caught with live bait or cut bait.
- Bonefish – 2 to 6 lbs. Found in select flats, targeted with fly or light tackle.
Curacao Fishing FAQs
Do I need a fishing license in Curaçao?
Most visiting anglers fishing with licensed charters do not need a personal fishing license, but shore and independent anglers should check local rules.
What is the best time of year to fish in Curaçao?
Fishing is good year-round, but winter is best for wahoo, summer for blue marlin, and spring for tuna and mahi mahi.
Where do most fishing charters depart from in Curaçao?
Most charters leave from Willemstad and nearby marinas, with quick runs to both offshore and reef fishing grounds.
What types of fishing trips are available?
Curaçao offers deep sea trolling, reef fishing, inshore light tackle trips, and occasional fly fishing excursions in sheltered bays.
How much does a fishing charter cost in Curaçao?
Half-day trips typically range from moderate to high depending on boat size, while full-day offshore trips cost more due to fuel and distance.
Is shore fishing possible in Curaçao?
Yes, rocky points, beaches, and piers can produce jacks, barracuda, and small snappers, especially in early morning or late afternoon.
What gear is commonly used in Curaçao?
Offshore gear includes trolling rods with 30- to 80-pound setups, while inshore anglers use lighter spinning tackle, jigs, and live bait rigs.
Are fishing trips family-friendly?
Many inshore and reef trips are suitable for families, especially half-day charters in calmer waters.
What regulations should I know about?
Catch limits and protected species rules apply, and certain areas may have no-fishing zones to protect marine life.