Enjoy some fishing on your Luxury Charter Yacht Vacation
Why not enjoy a little fishing on your crewed yacht charter? Some of the charter yachts offer fishing, so please check with us when you book. Deep-sea fishing from your yacht can be incredibly entertaining and rewarding — there’s nothing quite like the excitement of landing the “big one”!
Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying it for the first time, fishing during your charter adds another layer of fun to your time on the water. Here’s everything you need to know before you cast your line.
What Can You Catch in the Virgin Islands?
The Virgin Islands boast over 300 fish species in their pristine turquoise waters. Anglers can fish directly from the yacht’s stern using a hand line, fishing rod, or trolling lures while under sail.
In deeper waters, you’ll have a chance to catch sailfish, marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi, king mackerel, wahoo, jacks, and barracuda.
Around anchorages and shallower areas, expect snappers, groupers, triggerfish, Spanish mackerel, and bar-jacks, while bonefishing is especially popular on the flats near Anegada.
Catch and release is encouraged unless your crew confirms that your fish is safe to consume.
BVI Yacht Fishing Guide
Whether you want to troll offshore for mahi-mahi or try your luck bonefishing in Anegada’s shallows, the Virgin Islands are a dream destination for anglers. Below are important guidelines and local insights to help you make the most of your experience.
Whether you want to troll offshore for mahi-mahi or try your luck bonefishing in Anegada’s shallows, the Virgin Islands are a dream destination for anglers. Below are important guidelines and local insights to help you make the most of your experience, including permits, regulations, and best fishing locations.
1. Permits & Licensing
BVI Fishing Permits are required for all guests fishing in BVI waters. Your yacht crew or the Epic team can arrange these in advance.
USVI visitors may fish with the correct local permits, though regulations differ between territories.
Traveling with Gear: Most airlines allow rods and reels, but many guests prefer to use the yacht’s high-quality onboard equipment.
Local Rentals: Premium fishing gear can be rented at Richardson Rigging (Road Town) and BVI Watersports.
2. Regulations & Lobster Season Rules
BVI Lobster Catching: Restricted to BVI residents only — visitors cannot catch lobster in BVI waters.
USVI Lobster Catching: Allowed for visitors with proper permits.
Lobster Season: Closed August through October.
Catch Limits & Rules: Each territory enforces unique restrictions, and your crew will help ensure compliance.
3. Prime Fishing Locations
The Virgin Islands offer a variety of productive fishing grounds for every skill level.
Offshore: The North Drop between St. Thomas and Anegada is world-famous for blue marlin, tuna, and sailfish.
Inshore: Anglers often catch mahi-mahi, wahoo, and kingfish near reef edges and drop-offs.
Anegada Flats: Ideal for bonefishing, tarpon, and snook in the shallows.
Coastal Reefs: Great for light-tackle fun with snapper, grouper, and jacks — perfect for families and beginners.
4. Safe Species & Fish to Avoid
Most fish caught in the Virgin Islands are perfectly safe to enjoy, but a few reef species may contain ciguatera toxins.
Safe to Eat: Mahi-mahi, tuna, wahoo, snapper, and grouper are excellent table fish caught throughout the islands.
Avoid: Large reef fish such as barracuda, amberjack, and big parrotfish — these can carry ciguatera toxins that cause foodborne illness.
Your crew knows which catches are safe and will guide you on proper handling or release.
5. Equipment & Trolling Techniques
Most yachts in the Virgin Islands carry professional-grade fishing gear, ready for guests to enjoy both casual and sport fishing.
Trolling Gear: Crews often troll with outriggers, deep-diving plugs, and ballyhoo bait to attract mahi-mahi, wahoo, and tuna.
Light Tackle: Perfect for nearshore action and family fun, catching smaller fish like snapper and grouper.
Fly Fishing: Select yachts carry light fly gear for bonefish and tarpon on the flats around Anegada.
Ask your crew before your charter if fishing equipment will be aboard, or if local rental gear can be arranged through your yacht broker.
6. Catch & Release Guidelines
The Virgin Islands promote sustainable fishing practices to protect local species and reefs.
Catch & Release: Always handle fish with care — use barbless hooks when possible and avoid touching gills or removing protective slime.
Photos: Support the fish gently in the water for quick photos before release.
Respect the Environment: Never discard fishing line or hooks overboard, and follow your crew’s guidance on local conservation rules.
7. Ready to Go Fishing in the Virgin Islands?
Whether you’re after a thrilling offshore adventure or relaxed coastal fishing, our Epic team and your yacht crew will make it effortless.
We’ll help you arrange fishing permits, gear, and local guidance so all you need to do is cast the line and enjoy the moment.
Email us at [email protected] or call (954) 271-30015— our team is happy to answer any questions and match you with the perfect yacht for your Virgin Islands fishing adventure.
FAQs: Fishing on your Charter Yacht
Yes. All guests who plan to fish during a BVI yacht charter must have a valid BVI fishing permit. Our team can arrange permits in advance and ensure you comply with local regulations.
👉 For full details on permits, lobster season dates, and regulations, read our Complete BVI Yacht Fishing Guide
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Yes — fishing is a popular activity on BVI yacht charters, but you’ll need the right permits and to follow local rules. Your crew or the Epic Yacht Charters team can arrange BVI fishing licenses for guests, and they’ll guide you on equipment and safe fishing practices.
What can you catch? Pelagic species such as tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, marlin, and sailfish are always safe. Barracuda, jack, and some reef fish should be avoided due to ciguatera risk.
Where are the best fishing spots? The famous North Drop (marlin & tuna), Anegada waters (bonefish & permit), and the Sir Francis Drake Channel are prime locations.
👉 For a full guide with regulations, lobster season rules, equipment, and trolling techniques, read our BVI Yacht Fishing Guide
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Many yachts supply basic equipment, but avid anglers often bring their own rods and reels. Popular gear includes rigged lures, feather jigs, silver spoons, and sabiki rigs for baitfish.
👉 See full equipment recommendations in our Complete BVI Yacht Fishing Guide
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Pelagic species such as tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, marlin, and sailfish are always considered safe to catch. Some reef fish may carry ciguatera toxins, so our crew will guide you on safe species.
👉 For a full list of species, safe zones, and fishing tips, visit our Complete BVI Yacht Fishing Guide
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Top fishing areas include the North Drop (famous for marlin), Anegada waters for bonefish and permit, and Cooper Island drop-offs for yellowtail. Your crew will help choose the best spots for the season.
👉 Discover more prime fishing spots in our Complete BVI Yacht Fishing Guide
Email us: [email protected] Call us: (954) 271-3005 or LiveChat with us on our website and ask as many questions as you want. Thank you and wishing you Epic Adventures from Team Epic!
