BVI Yacht Fishing Guide: Regulations, Species, Best Spots & Safety Tips

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BVI Yacht Fishing Guide: Regulations, Species, Best Spots & Safety Tips

Category: Fishing
Guests holding a freshly caught mahi mahi on a BVI yacht fishing charter.
Guests proudly show off a mahi mahi catch while fishing in the British Virgin Islands.

BVI Yacht Fishing Guide: Regulations, Species, Best Spots & Safety Tips

Planning to fish during your British Virgin Islands yacht charter? This complete guide covers everything you need to know — from permits and regulations to prime fishing spots, safe species, trolling techniques, and conservation practices — ensuring a safe and successful fishing experience on your charter.

1. Permits & Licensing

  • BVI Fishing Permits are required for all guests and can be arranged by your yacht crew or the Epic team.
  • USVI visitors may fish with the correct permits, but regulations differ between territories.
  • Airlines & Gear: Most airlines allow rods and reels, but advanced anglers often prefer to bring their own.
  • Local Rentals: Premium gear is available 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

  • North Drop: Famous worldwide for marlin and tuna (best May–October).
  • Anegada Waters: Excellent for bonefish and permit.
  • Sir Francis Drake Channel: Great for trolling.
  • Cooper Island Drop-Offs: Yellowtail and grouper.
  • USVI Reefs: Accessible for lobster catching with permits.
Sailfish hunting a bait ball underwater in the British Virgin Islands.
Sailfish chasing bait fish at one of the BVI’s famous offshore fishing grounds.

4. Safe Species & Fish to Avoid

Always Safe Pelagic Species:

  • Mahi Mahi
  • Ocean Mackerel
  • Marlin
  • Sailfish
  • Wahoo
  • Tuna
Angler holding a large kingfish on a yacht in the Virgin Islands.
Big game fishing in the Virgin Islands delivers exciting catches like kingfish.

Fish to Avoid (risk of ciguatera toxin):

  • Barracuda (all areas)
  • Jack (all areas)
  • Bottom-dwelling reef fish from restricted zones
  • Tip: When in doubt, stick to pelagic species. Your captain will advise on safe local catches.

5. Equipment & Trolling Techniques

Essential Equipment: Rigged lures, feather jigs, silver spoons, ribbed lures, fresh ballyhoo, and sabiki rigs for live bait.

Trolling Best Practices:

  • Match speed to conditions.
  • 2–3 knots near headlands and rocky outcrops.
  • 5–7 knots in open waters.
  • Best results in the morning.
  • Offshore trolling most productive while under sail.
Trolling fishing rods set up on the back of a yacht in the Virgin Islands.
Trolling rods ready for action on a luxury yacht charter.

6. Safety & Conservation

  • Some reef fish may carry ciguatera toxins — rely on your crew for safe species recommendations.
  • Always check weather conditions before offshore fishing.
  • Practice catch and release to support sustainable fishing.
  • Respect protected species and size restrictions in both the BVIs and USVIs.
  • Some yachts operate under a strict “catch and release” policy. Not all yachts offer fishing.
Large school of tropical reef fish swimming in the BVI.
Colorful reef fish highlight the rich marine life of the British Virgin Islands.

Ready to plan your BVI yacht fishing adventure?

Contact our team at +1-954-271-3005 to learn more about fishing permits, prime locations, and crewed charter experiences designed for anglers.

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