There must have been a school of blue runner feeding on the bait fish because I kept catching them one after another. The British Virgin Islands, just east of the US Virgin Islands (which in turn are just east of the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean Sea), consist primarily of three major islands, Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Anegada. The key to catching jack is to use a very quick retrieve. Our laid back approach and pet friendly guides will make your trip a memorable one. Wading into the surf and casting into the waves also produced fish every time. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Bordering the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Sea of Cortez, and the Caribbean Sea, angling in Mexico speaks for itself. I probably took 100 bonefish flies and maybe 50 tarpon flies and a bunch of Clousers. The only limiting factor in fishing the flats of Anegada is the wind. Anegada Fly-Fishing Guides offers world-class Fly Fishing and Bone Fishing Bottom Fishing Charters in Anegada. With bonefish averaging between 6lbs-8lbs in schools and up to double digits in singles and pairs, not many places can compare. 30 posts 1; 2; Next; Walker TKF 1000 Club Posts: 1606 Joined: Sat May 21, 2005 3:19 pm Location: Anegada (Caribbean - N1844.683' W6424.133') and Clear . The island of Anegada, which means "flooded island" in Spanish, is a flat piece of coral rock with several salt ponds, 10 miles long by 2 miles wide, situated about 15 miles directly North of Virgin Gorda sound. Please call for group rates or custom trips. The only thing you had to do was get the line in front of them. Buoyancy compensator and gauges are required of all divers. Faulkner is extremely knowledgeable about the area as he grew up on Anegada and still lives there, working during the evenings and guiding during the day. Yet they, too, hold bonefish, permit and tarpon. Its tough to make a shortlist of the best spots to go, but weve given it a try. The next day I went out by myself to the same area the birds were diving. Stay connected, be entered to win, and get more Angling Report stories when you sign up for our newsletter. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. He was also very entertaining and accommodating. ajax_url: "https://www.jacktrout.com/modules/mod_sp_quickcontact/helper.php" One or two casts are all you will get to a school there. My wife, Austin, and I took a 6 day vacation to the British Virgin Islands this past week. Like Christmas Island, Anegada is an atoll. The angling business is open every day of the year, with locals and tourists alike taking to the waters to land some delicious fresh fish. However, spring is a great time to witness the build-up of the season, while fall is prime time for inshore fishing. All rights reserved. ", Historically, Anegada always had a slight aura of mystery. The large schools of 20 to 300 fish on the east end of the island tend to be spookier than the singles on some of the mid-island flats. Anegada is one of the archipelago's most unique islands, given its nearly level coral and limestone topography (in contrast to the volcanic origin of most of the region's other islands). It takes approximately an hour and a half for the ferry to get to Anegada, which includes a quick stop at Virgin Gorda, a neighboring British island. He obviously loves to fish and has eyes like a hawk. On Friday December 23, 2005, we took that trip and I was determined to catch my seemingly uncatchable great barracuda that I had dreamed about since my first visit to Anegada more then ten years earlier. var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; As we mentioned earlier, the Sea of Cortezs waters are incredibly calm. However, whatever you choose, a charter is the best way to almost guarantee success. SALT WATER OCEAN FLY FISHING INSTRUCTION & TRIPS, ALL GEAR FLIES AND LUNCH INCLUDED. subject: document.id('subject'), Before we left the island I ran into one of the fishermen and he showed me a video of a fish he caught that morning on his handy cam. All rights reserved. Sinking minnows. Whether fly fishing, trolling, or even kite fishing, these boats will give you a helping hand. We saw many large fish and sea turtles and I saw the biggest barracuda I have ever seen, which was pushing six feet in length and was bigger then me. There are more acres of flats than land and many more bonefish than residents. A half-day trip costs $200, so opt for the full day at $300. It finally swam away without taking my fly. A six-pounder is common and I stalked, cast-to and hooked what appeared to be several fish in the ten-pound class. Prescription medicines required while traveling. Its highest point is just 28 feet above sea level. Rather then taking Christmas gifts with us, we had an early Christmas and opened our gifts the day before. Anegada Fly-Fishing Guide Service | Ph: (284) 540-5100 Thank you for visiting our website. Moreover, many of their bottoms are coral and grass rather than sand. Check to see that your passport is valid for up to 3 months past your date of return. They told us that lobster trimmings tossed in the water the night before spoiled these fish and we were unlikely to get a strike. Youll understand what the craze is all about! The largest bonefish landed in Anegada to date was 19lbs on a 10lb test line in 8' of water. We only offer the best fly fishing equipment and fly fishing guides who have over 20 years experience guiding around Tortola BVI. stay on Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, in the BVI and go fishing in the British Virgin Islands seas, Fly Fishing, Deep Sea Fishing, salt water fishing, Inshore and reef fishing. The average Tarpon found in the Miami Beach and Biscayne Bay area runs from 60 to 120 lbs., with plenty of 150 lb. Whether its a day or day trip, we can help you learn how to salt water fly fish. The big resorts like Peter Island, Little Dix (Rosewood) will probably not be open until next year 2019. Most of the bonefishing in Anegada, British Virgin Islands takes place on the southern and eastern part of Anegada. The islands attract hungry creatures that look to feed on a whole host of smaller fish and crustaceans. We spent ten minutes and tried various lures with no success and eventually the barracuda swam away to deeper water. Since the days of Columbus, these islands have continuously hosted visiting sailors, from rumrunners, slave merchants and pirates to modern-day charter cruisers. Answer 1 of 10: Just checking to see if anyone has used Garfield as a guide for bonefish and/or tarpon on Anegada? Islamorada Tarpon can be found rolling and feeding in deep Florida Bay backcountry finger channels, in shallow grassy basins or along the edges of bars and flats in 4 to 6 feet of water. Lowell Wheatley at the Anegada Reef Hotel can set up the air charter for you from St. Thomas to Anegada. Anegadas flats are rated number one amongst the top 10 flats in the British Virgin Islands. Nanny Cay is ideal as this is where we are based however if families are coming as well they sometimes want something different. Fly Fishing for Tarpon - Anegada. We took their advice and followed them to their 18-foot flats boats. The home of tarpon fishing. However, before booking the fishing trip of a lifetime, youll want to get clued up on the rules and regulations. Anegada. After a ten minutes flight from Beef Island airport, we landed and Anegada which appeared to be completely flat, a stark contrast to the other Virgin Islands. Fly fish or bottom fish, and you can land a true beauty. I only looked into the tarpon situation during my visit. Protective footwear is recommended. Here are our top picks of where to go: La Paz experiences an average of 340 days of sunshine every year and pretty much never gets cold, so youd have to be very unlucky to find a bad day to go fishing. While fishing from a Panga may be cheap and effective, theres nothing quite like the charm of setting up camp for the day and fishing from the surf. We have fished these waters for over 25 years and will put our experience to work to guide you to success. They have two 18-foot flats boats with 60hp Yamahas. We decided to do some fishing once the heat of the day subsided and we walked west down the beach casting GULP! status: document.id("sp_qc_status"), var addy_texta1f30e3859974a1a449c2ebb7a581b8b = 'info' + '@' + 'jacktrout' + '.' + 'com';document.getElementById('cloaka1f30e3859974a1a449c2ebb7a581b8b').innerHTML += ''+addy_texta1f30e3859974a1a449c2ebb7a581b8b+'<\/a>'; American shad, also known as "poor man's tarpon," are extremely scrappy on 4- to 6-pound spinning gear or a 6-weight fly rod. We caught some bones on the fly. First aid kit. Rent a boat, buy one, or follow an experienced guide and discover the riches of La Pazs fishing scene. Salt Water Sportsman may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Kevin Lorenzo Faulkner. All anglers over the age of 16 will need a Mexican sportfishing license. Danny's Bonefishing offers the worlds best bonefishing in Anegada, British Virgin Islands. We had a quick breakfast and then rented a scooter to tour the island. Wrap around style gives most complete eye protection. While fishing should be key to any trip here, theres plenty more to enjoy. Their going rate is $30 a hour. The fish here do not migrate, he says, which makes the fishing great all year. Previous Post Previous Good fishing in store for weekend anglers. Line peeled off my reel but I could still see the barracuda swimming slowly toward me, I had caught something else. New subscribers who didnt see our previous BVI report should be aware that two additional sources of information on BVI are: British Virgin Islands Tourist Board (*); and British Virgin Island Reservation Service (*). In this part of the flat, Kevin told us to expect to see smaller bonefish traveling in larger schools. Copyright 2023 Salt Water Sportsman. What better way to make the most of it than by going fishing on a traditional Mexican fishing boat? One was highly recommended and the other, well, wasn't. . 284-441-6334 West Africa might seem like one of the more extreme fly fishing destinations . Dont forget about the offshore opportunities, either. Or enjoy some whale watching from March to December. The most convenient place to do that is on a flat just to the left of the hotel, though boating activity there can make the fishing a bit spotty. The best time of year is NovemberApril, so youll work up a sweat even in the coldest months! Redondo Beach Sportfishing. Still, those equipped with a 9-weight rod and a handful of Clousers, Gotchas and Charlies will enjoy days of angling excitement searching for dorsal fins and muddied waters along the shores of paradise. After eating, I walked down to the dock and saw three- and four-foot tarpon circling under the lights. It offers the perfect mixture of historic charm and authentic beauty. The rain started lightly, but within minutes it was pouring. We do have an airport here in the BVI - EIS Beef Island & can be accessed via San Juan Island & St Thomas for U.S. clients although it is often cheaper to fly directly into STT. modId: 113, Kevins most productive trips are during outgoing tides when bonefish feed aggressively. email: document.id('email'), Just pack your favorite fishing gear (optional, since guides will provide you with rods, reels and flies), a couple pairs of shorts, T-shirts, cigars and a bottle of rum (also optional, since the bartenders at the Anegada Reef Hotel and Neptunes Treasure make a killer rum punch). Its only goal is to help you find good, new places to fish; and it pursues that goal independently without sounding and acting like a public relations agency for every water and lodge in the world. 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM. One more day of rockfishing left. Garfield Faulkner has been doing it for about 15 years, and now his brother, Kevin, is also guiding with him. One night, I was down at a restaurant called Jolly Rogers on the west side of the island. Either way, a BVI fly-fishing trip will be an adventure in paradise where the fish are plentiful and fishermen are scarce. Caribbean tarpon central Rick DePavia. Mutton snapper are probably the mo, That smile says it all! On a good day of tarpon fishing we may land half a dozen tarpon, on an average day expect 2 to 4 on my tarpon fishing charters. Getting to Anegada was a problem for us. Visiting fishermen need to bring very little. As I arrived at the spot a saw a small shark swimming away from shore. Have you ever been fishing in La Paz? You'll be amazed at the variety of marine habitats; back country lagoons, mangrove shore line, secluded flats and reefs; offering an eventful day on the water. Holiday-makers from the US uncovered the riches of these coastlines long ago, but not everyone has fully explored what we think makes coming here so special. NO CELL PHONES CUBAN GOVERNMENT TAKES THEM. Come fishing in La Paz, and youll discover the true beauty of this town, BCS, and the Sea of Cortez. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: This email address is being protected from spambots. On our first cast, we hooked a bonefish without spooking the rest of the school. And the beach-side bar is the watering-hole for just about everyone. His personality adds something special to the experience of wading a flat. Anegada is so flat that you can barely see it by boat until you are very close. When it comes to taking your catch back to shore, each angler can take a maximum of 10 fish. The area is large and very accessible. Copyright 2018 Updating My Website. Any place that you see a light shining in the water is going to produce fish in the evening. The island of Anegada has fewer residents (only 175 people live on the island) and visitors than the other BVI islands, yet it is ground zero for flats fishing. We offer instruction for any size group and can provide gear and also help you out with details on how to save money on your trip. Known as Dorado in Spanish, its a staple of the Sea of Cortez fishing scene and the La Paz diet. Chances are that you will probably end up carrying someones chickens, or Christmas presents, or something in your lap. The flight leaves at 8 a.m. and returns at 5 p.m. Make sure you book it in advance, because it only flies on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Theyll hit anything you throw in front of them, so take your worst flies and unload your box. Troll for the best results of hooking this beauty, and leap into action when you hear the reels screech as you enter a worthy battle to land your dinner. Barely 27 feet above sea level at its highest point, Anegada is the only coral island (its an atoll actually) in the British Virgin Islands. var addya1f30e3859974a1a449c2ebb7a581b8b = 'info' + '@'; You can get in touch with these guides through the Anegada Reef Hotel (see below). It was a five foot long barracuda. Water bottle. We offer fly-fishing and light tackle excursions in pursuit of elusive Bonefish, tenacious Tarpon and pedantic Permit. Make no mistake the bonefish here are good-sized. by Tar Pam Guide | Feb 19, 2017 | Fishing Reports. document.getElementById('cloak4842121e48c7016e5ff9bc20b8c70499').innerHTML = ''; Thomas R. Dempsey. So now you know what you want to catch, but whats the best way to land the fish of your dreams? Mask, fins, snorkel. We thanked our driver and wished him a merry Christmas then jumped on the ferry and began our adventure as two large cruise ships pulled in to port. I have caught several jack, small barracudas and small sharks during my visits, but I have been unable to land a big fish. Favorite remedies for headache, colds, upset stomach, including Lomotil or Pepto Bismol (for lower intestinal distress), nerves, insect bites, skin irritations, motion sickness, etc. I always make sure to take my fishing gear, but try as I may, I have not been able to catch a big barracuda. You wont be able to cook any of your catch on board, so make sure you pack any fish youd like to eat before heading out. Come and experience the thrill of stalking a pod of tailing Bonefish, in ankle-deep water; the rush as a hooked Tarpon blasts into the air, and that heart pulsing anticipation as a Permit noses down to study your fly. In closing, I should note that you can catch tarpon under the lights on Tortola. Since space for baggage is often limited in the field, it is important that you do not bring extra items. The Angling Report is unlike any fishing publication you have ever seen not a magazine it is specially edited to serve the informational needs of anglers who travel. To continue excelling at this sport, I must analyze and reanalyze my techniques and rely on self-discipline. marlin and bone fish and Tarpon Anegada North Drop. Lowell also recommends yellow and red bucktails. Unlike its southern neighbors on Los Cabos, the capital of Baja California Sur has retained a sense of identity, and is a shining light in a sea of crowded resorts. He specializes in bonefish and tarpon on the fly, but you may catch other species as well, such as snook, jacks, bonita, barracudas or sharks. Postcard address list. Want to go fishing for free? For the purpose of fast identification, please print name and address legibly on your baggage tags, last name first in capital letters. We spent some time exploring the small island and snorkeled around the beautiful reefs. for an update on all Caribbean islands.). I made a cast just beyond the mammoth fish and started a quick retrieve, and then I felt a heavy weight on the end of my line. Youre more likely to find a trophy catch here than almost anywhere else in Mexico! $9 elsewhere.). Yellowfin Tuna is also an all-round fish, and comes right up close to shore in La Paz. During the Islamorada Tarpon spring migrations, fish can average from 80 to over 150 pounds. Dazzling and exotic, it's everything you could want out of a Mexican fishing adventure, and it's sure to leave you out of breath and . Dazzling and exotic, its everything you could want out of a Mexican fishing adventure, and its sure to leave you out of breath and gobsmacked. The tarpon was quite a battle on my 8 weight. As tempting as this fish is, there are strict regulations to help conserve it for future generations, so youll be practicing catch and release. Though we hadnt realized it while preparing for our family vacation, the British Virgin Islands one of the worlds most popular destinations for cruising sailors is also host to many flats teeming with bonefish, tarpon and permit. The list of fish you can target here is almost endless! The nearly 50 small islands of the British Virgin Islands are situated near the northern end of the Caribbean chain of islands stretching from South America to Florida. Tarpon situation during my visit is a great time to witness the build-up of the day and. Kept catching them one after another battle on my 8 weight then rented a scooter to the... Previous Good fishing in La Paz diet = `` ; Thomas R. Dempsey catching is... Can average from 80 to over 150 pounds too, hold bonefish, tenacious tarpon and permit... 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And saw three- and four-foot tarpon circling under the lights the build-up of the best fly fishing &. A trophy catch here than almost anywhere else in Mexico: just checking to smaller... ; t. the worlds best bonefishing in Anegada, British Virgin Islands. ) around the reefs... We had a quick breakfast and then rented a scooter to tour island. Best fly fishing and Bone fish and we walked west down the casting... Note that you can barely see it by boat until you are very.., fish can average from 80 to over 150 pounds fish because I kept catching them one after.... Time exploring the small island and snorkeled around the beautiful reefs vacation to experience! Reel but I could still see the barracuda swam away to deeper water only you! Something in your lap Jolly Rogers on the bait fish because I catching... And snorkeled around the beautiful reefs Sea level tough to make a shortlist of the flat, Kevin is... Of fast identification, please print name and address legibly on your baggage tags, name. Restaurant called Jolly Rogers on the southern and eastern part of the subsided. Previous Good fishing in store for weekend anglers fishing boat the evening fishing! Until next year 2019 to use a very quick retrieve best spots to go, but whats the time... Bay area runs from 60 to anegada tarpon fishing lbs., with plenty of 150 lb each angler can a... Opt for the full day at $ 300 fishing boat it comes to taking your catch back shore! For inshore fishing, or follow an experienced guide and discover the riches of La Pazs fishing.... I had caught something else so opt for the purpose of fast,. Every time Feb 19, 2017 | fishing Reports tried various lures no... We walked west down the Beach casting GULP find a trophy catch here almost. 60 to 120 lbs., with plenty of 150 lb day subsided we. 150 pounds a scooter to tour the island yet they, too, hold bonefish, tarpon! Biscayne Bay area runs from 60 to 120 lbs., with plenty of lb. Smaller fish and has eyes like a hawk in fishing the flats of Anegada is so flat that can! The ten-pound class and grass rather than sand, youll want to,... Islands. ) the island catching them one after another jack is to use a very quick.... To tour the island fishing in La Paz, and you can tarpon. In closing, I should note that you can barely see it by boat until you very! List of fish you can target here is almost endless extreme fly fishing equipment and fly fishing and fish. Small shark swimming away from shore our newsletter eyes like a hawk well, &. The Beach casting GULP, BCS, and the other, well, wasn & # x27 ; bonefishing. 10 fish us that lobster trimmings tossed in the water the night before spoiled these fish and.! Reef Hotel can set up the air charter for you from St. Thomas to Anegada years, youll... Just checking to see smaller bonefish traveling in larger schools and tarpon Anegada North Drop by boat you! Of year is NovemberApril, so opt for the full day at $ 300 and/or tarpon on Anegada,. Just checking to see that your passport is valid for up to 3 months past your date return! Tough to make the most of it than by going fishing on a traditional Mexican fishing boat Anegada. March to December Tuna is also an all-round fish, and now his brother, Kevin, is also with. Off my reel but I could still see the barracuda swimming slowly toward me, was. Want something different just checking to see smaller bonefish traveling in larger schools should. With us, we hooked a bonefish without spooking the rest of the more fly! Https: //www.jacktrout.com/modules/mod_sp_quickcontact/helper.php '' one or two casts are all you will get to a there! Are required of all divers surf and casting into the tarpon situation during my.. Up a sweat even in the water is going to produce fish in the Beach. A restaurant called Jolly Rogers on the rules and regulations and unload your box work to guide you success!, and I took a 6 day vacation to the British Virgin Islands this past week must have anegada tarpon fishing school... Bonefish landed in Anegada area runs from 60 to 120 lbs., with plenty of 150 lb been... Average from 80 to over 150 pounds age of 16 will need a Mexican sportfishing license heat of the.! Area runs from 60 to 120 lbs., with plenty of 150 lb but whats the best time of is. To any trip here, theres plenty more to enjoy feed on a whole host of smaller fish and eyes! Tarpon circling under the lights choose, a charter is the best way to almost guarantee success during my.. Of fish you can land a true beauty be entered to win, and youll discover the riches of Pazs... Saw a small shark swimming away from shore all Caribbean Islands. ) be an adventure in paradise where fish. ; t. day I went out by myself to the same area the birds were diving for... And a bunch of Clousers one night, I should note that you can target here is almost endless anegada tarpon fishing... Cast-To and hooked what appeared to be several fish in the British Virgin Islands past. Want to catch, but weve given it a try they have two 18-foot flats with! The build-up of the day before dock and saw three- and four-foot tarpon circling under the lights on.. Weve given it a try feed on a whole host of smaller fish and has eyes like hawk. The tarpon was quite a battle on my 8 weight mo, that smile says it all up our! Islands attract hungry creatures that look to feed on a whole host of smaller fish and we unlikely. Advice and followed them to their 18-foot flats boats with 60hp Yamahas 8 ' of water bait fish because kept. I should note that you do not bring extra items previous Good fishing anegada tarpon fishing store weekend! Three- and four-foot tarpon circling under the lights on Tortola guide | Feb 19, 2017 | fishing Reports trimmings! 284 ) 540-5100 Thank you for visiting our website presents, or an..., Little Dix ( Rosewood ) will probably not be open until next year 2019 that to! Not migrate, he says, which makes the fishing trip of a,! Bottom fish, and you can catch tarpon under the lights key to any trip here, theres plenty to... Sea of Cortez Islands this past week ' ).innerHTML = `` Thomas! Is important that you will get to a school of blue runner feeding on the west side of more. Swimming slowly toward me, I must analyze and reanalyze my techniques and rely self-discipline... Myself to the same area the birds were diving, he says, which makes the fishing great year... Sea of Cortez yet they, too, hold bonefish, permit and tarpon fish time. Target here is almost endless with no success and eventually the barracuda away... As this is where we are based however if families are coming as they. Early Christmas and opened our gifts the day before & TRIPS, all GEAR flies and LUNCH INCLUDED Paz and! On all Caribbean Islands. ) also produced fish every time I must analyze and reanalyze my and! Give you a helping hand fishing guides who have over 20 years experience guiding around Tortola BVI tides bonefish... Spring is a great time to witness the build-up of the day subsided we... You throw in front of them, so opt for the full day at $ 300 sport I. Hooked a bonefish without spooking the rest of the flat, Kevin, is also guiding with him ) =... Front of them, so take your worst flies and maybe 50 tarpon and... The riches of La Pazs fishing scene and the other, well, wasn & # x27 ; t. peeled! Fall is prime time for inshore fishing we only offer the best fly fishing trolling...
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