Siargao Del Fishing Charters

Siargao, famous for its surf, is also one of the Philippines’ most promising sportfishing frontiers. Located in Surigao del Norte on Mindanao’s Pacific side, the island faces deep bluewater almost immediately beyond the reef. Charters here are mostly small local bangkas and converted sportfishing boats running out of General Luna or Dapa, with options ranging from inshore reef trips to multi-day offshore expeditions. Half-day charters typically work nearby reefs and island channels for trevally, snapper, grouper, and mackerel. Full-day runs head into the Philippine Deep, where yellowfin tuna, sailfish, dorado, and marlin hunt along current lines.

The fishery is defined by steep drop-offs and productive current zones. Just a few miles off the eastern reef, depths plunge into the Philippine Trench, creating prime hunting grounds for tuna and billfish. Inside the reef, countless channels, coral heads, and lagoons offer steady action for reef species, giant trevally, and barracuda. Some captains run liveaboard-style trips south toward Dinagat or Bucas Grande, where fishing pressure is almost nonexistent.

Seasons are tied to weather and migration. Winter (December–February) brings the peak sailfish bite, often close offshore. Spring and summer (March–July) are prime for yellowfin tuna, mahi, and marlin in deeper waters. Fall (September–November) keeps tuna strong while trevally, grouper, and snapper bite aggressively on reefs. Reef fishing is reliable year-round, giving sheltered options even when seas are rough.

Techniques vary widely. Offshore trolling with skirted lures, rigged baits, and teasers is standard for billfish and mahi. Tuna are targeted by trolling, chunking, live baiting, and vertical jigging. Inshore, anglers drop cut or live bait to reef bottoms for snapper and grouper, cast poppers for GTs, or jig metals around drop-offs. With quick access to deep water and untouched reef structure, Siargao offers an authentic frontier-style fishery.