Sint Willibrordus Fishing Charters
Sint Willibrordus fishing charters head straight into the Caribbean Sea for wahoo, mahi-mahi, tuna, billfish, and reef species like snapper, grouper, and barracuda
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Sint Willibrordus, CW Fishing Guide
Sint Willibrordus sits on Curaçao’s rugged western coastline, just north of the famous flamingo salt pans and close to PortoMari and Daaibooi bays. The deep Caribbean waters drop off quickly here, which means anglers don’t need long runs—big game fishing can start within a mile or two of leaving the dock. Charters often launch from nearby Santa Martha Bay or the smaller beach harbors, with boats ranging from center consoles to larger sportfishers equipped for offshore trolling.
Half-day trips usually stay within 5–10 miles of shore, targeting wahoo, mahi, blackfin tuna, and barracuda. Full-day runs push farther offshore or along the drop-offs for marlin, yellowfin tuna, and sailfish, depending on the season. Reef fishing is also an option, with bottom fishing around ledges, wrecks, and coral heads producing snapper, grouper, and jacks. Many charters will mix trolling with reef action, giving anglers a shot at both pelagics and table fish in a single day.
Seasonal patterns are tied to pelagic migrations. Wahoo run strongest from late fall through winter, while mahi and sailfish are thick in spring. Yellowfin tuna action picks up in summer, often found farther offshore around floating debris or bird activity. Marlin can be hooked year-round but are most consistent in late summer and early fall. Reef species remain steady through all seasons, making bottom fishing a reliable fallback when offshore conditions are rough.
Techniques vary with the target. Offshore charters troll skirted ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and lures for mahi, wahoo, and billfish. Live baiting around FADs (fish aggregating devices) is common for tuna. Bottom fishing uses cut bait and jigs to work deep reefs and ledges, while light tackle anglers chase barracuda and jacks closer to shore. Because of Curaçao’s steep drop-offs, boats spend little time running and more time with lines in the water—a big advantage compared to other Caribbean islands.
Nearby bays like Santa Martha and PortoMari also provide calm water launching options, while the island’s west end offers more solitude and less boat traffic than Willemstad. With direct access to bluewater and reliable reef structure, Sint Willibrordus delivers the classic Curaçao mix of trolling offshore and bottom fishing close to home
Fishing Seasons in Sint Willibrordus
Spring (March–May)
Spring brings some of the best mahi fishing of the year off Sint Willibrordus, with schools gathering along current lines and debris fields. Sailfish also move through in stronger numbers, often striking skirted ballyhoo trolled along the drop-offs. Wahoo remain possible, though their peak is past, while reef species like snapper and grouper provide consistent action. Calm seas make this a great time for mixed trips, combining offshore trolling with bottom fishing near ledges.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is tuna season, with yellowfin and blackfin showing up offshore. Many captains look for flocks of birds or floating debris and troll lures or live bait around them. Marlin activity also picks up in late summer, with both blue and white marlin hooked off the deep drop-offs. Reef action continues to be strong, with grouper and jacks responding well to vertical jigs. Calm conditions are common, allowing longer offshore runs westward for dedicated pelagic hunts.
Fall (September–November)
Fall is prime marlin and wahoo time. Blue marlin patrol the offshore waters, while wahoo school along the drop-offs and reef edges, striking high-speed trolled lures and rigged ballyhoo. Tuna are still around, though less concentrated than in summer. Reef fishing remains steady, with bottom rigs producing snapper and grouper. Weather can bring passing squalls, but the bite often stays strong, making fall one of the most exciting times for variety.
Winter (December–February)
Winter cools things slightly, but it’s peak season for wahoo. High-speed trolling over deep ledges just a few miles off Sint Willibrordus produces big fish, often mixed with barracuda. Sailfish also show up in good numbers offshore, especially on full-day trips. Reef fishing continues to deliver, with snapper and grouper holding tight to structure. Northerly swells are possible, but Curaçao’s west side offers some protection, and captains often adjust to keep anglers on fish.
Gamefish in Sint Willibrordus
- Wahoo – 15–60 lbs. Found along drop-offs in fall and winter, best on high-speed trolling rigs.
- Mahi-Mahi – 10–30 lbs. Strongest in spring, taken trolling ballyhoo or casting lures around floating debris.
- Yellowfin Tuna – 20–80 lbs. Summer offshore target, found under birds or debris fields, best with live bait or trolling.
- Blackfin Tuna – 5–20 lbs. Year-round, with peak in summer; taken on small trolling lures and live sardines.
- Blue Marlin – 100–400 lbs. Hooked offshore in late summer and fall, taken trolling large skirted baits.
- Sailfish – 40–80 lbs. Strongest in spring and winter, caught trolling ballyhoo and lures along drop-offs.
- Snapper – 2–10 lbs. Common on reefs and ledges year-round, best on cut bait and bottom rigs
- Grouper – 10–40 lbs. Found around deep reef structure, taken on live bait and vertical jigs.
Sint Willibrordus Fishing FAQs
Where do charters near Sint Willibrordus depart from?
Most trips launch from Santa Martha Bay or PortoMari, both within a short drive of Sint Willibrordus, with quick access to the Caribbean drop-offs.
What types of trips are common here?
Half-day trips usually troll close offshore for mahi, wahoo, and tuna. Full-day trips allow a mix of offshore pelagics and reef bottom fishing.
Do I need a license to fish in Curaçao?
No personal fishing license is required when fishing with a licensed charter operator in Curaçao
When is the best time to fish Sint Willibrordus?
Fall and winter are peak for wahoo, summer is best for tuna and marlin, and spring delivers excellent mahi and sailfish action. Reef fishing is productive year-round.
What techniques do charters use here?
Trolling is standard offshore, using skirted lures, ballyhoo, and plugs. Reef fishing relies on cut bait, jigs, and live bait rigs.
How close is the fishing to shore?
The island drops off quickly, so big game fishing starts within 1–2 miles of the coast. This means less travel time and more time fishing.
What species are common on reef trips?
Snapper, grouper, barracuda, and jacks are consistent targets around coral heads, wrecks, and ledges.
How many anglers can fish on a charter?
Smaller center consoles take 2–4 anglers, while larger sportfishers can carry 6 or more comfortably.
Are mixed reef and offshore trips available?
Yes, many charters combine morning trolling for pelagics with afternoon bottom fishing on reefs, giving anglers both action and variety.