Charter Fishing the Caribbean

The Caribbean is one of the most complete saltwater fisheries on earth, offering bluewater pelagics, coral reef species, and world-class flats within short runs of nearly every island. The defining feature is depth — the seafloor drops from shallow reef to thousands of feet within a few miles, putting marlin and tuna within easy reach of small charter vessels.

Most island fisheries are structured the same way: inshore reef and flats fishing on one side, and deepwater trolling on the other. The leeward coasts, shielded from prevailing trade winds, usually hold calmer waters for half-day trips and reef work. Windward sides drop quickly into deep bluewater, perfect for full-day offshore runs. The result is a system where captains can fish for wahoo and mahi in the morning, then switch to bottom fishing or bonefish by afternoon.
From the Bahamas south to Aruba, offshore drop-offs mark the edges of the Caribbean Plate. Blue marlin are caught year-round, but the best bite follows warm current movements — generally March through September in the northern islands and later in the year farther south. White marlin and sailfish mix in along edges and seamounts. Yellowfin and blackfin tuna feed around FADs, shelf breaks, and down-current ledges. Wahoo are strongest during cooler months, often taken high-speed trolling along reef lines between 150 and 500 feet.

Inshore, reef structure provides steady action. Snapper, grouper, and barracuda are consistent targets, while shallow grass and sand flats hold bonefish, permit, and tarpon. The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Cuba’s Jardines de la Reina, and the flats around Belize are the most recognized bonefish and permit waters. In contrast, the southern and eastern islands — such as St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, and Trinidad — lean heavily toward pelagic charters, with deep water sitting within minutes of the docks.

Trip styles vary by island. Half-day trips generally focus on reef species or nearshore trolling for wahoo, king mackerel, and mahi. Full-day charters head offshore to target marlin and tuna along the shelf edge, often within 10–15 nautical miles. Most boats troll 5–7 lines with skirted lures, rigged ballyhoo, or cedar plugs depending on local bait availability. Deep-dropping for snapper and grouper with electric reels is common when current slackens or wind limits trolling.

Seasonally, trade winds drive both fishing and sea state. Winter offers calmer days in the southern Caribbean but stronger winds north of Puerto Rico. Spring through early autumn delivers stable weather and prime pelagic runs throughout the chain. Hurricanes are a consideration in late summer and early fall, but even then, sheltered leeward sides often remain fishable.
Across the region, every harbor has a different rhythm — but the fundamentals stay the same: warm water, quick access to depth, and fish-rich structure that produces consistently year-round.