FISHING IN THE BVI
Fancy trying your luck with a fishing line while sailing through the British Virgin Islands? Fishing can be a fun addition to your crewed yacht charter, whether you’re an enthusiastic angler or simply hoping for a little excitement between island stops!
Before you cast a line, you’ll need to arrange your personal fishing licence and confirm that your yacht is registered and equipped for fishing.
BVI-Based Crewed Yachts
BVI-based crewed yachts can offer fishing in BVI waters only if the boat holds the required fishing registration and licence. Not every yacht does, so please double-check with us that your chosen yacht is licensed for fishing.
We can also confirm what equipment is available, whether it is included in your charter rate, and how fishing can fit into your itinerary.
The yacht’s fishing licence and your personal fishing licence are separate requirements.
USVI-Based Crewed Yachts
If your charter starts and ends in the US Virgin Islands, fishing may be available during the USVI portion of your trip, subject to local requirements and your yacht’s arrangements.
Once you enter BVI waters, fishing must stop unless the yacht also has the required BVI fishing authorisation. Please check with us beforehand rather than assuming that fishing equipment onboard means the yacht can fish in both territories.
Your Personal BVI Fishing Licence
Each visiting guest aged 18 or older who wishes to fish needs an individual BVI Pleasure Fishing Licence, including for catch-and-release fishing. Guests under 18 do not normally need a personal licence, but the yacht must still be authorised for fishing.
The standard temporary licence costs US$45 per person and is normally valid for up to 30 days. Additional service fees may apply if someone arranges the licence on your behalf.
We recommend applying at least 21 days before your charter to allow time for processing.
The yacht’s registration number and port of registration can be found at the top of your charter contract. Contact us if you need help with the vessel details.
Email your completed, signed application, together with a copy of your passport photo page or other valid photo ID, to fisheries@gov.vg. Request payment instructions when submitting your application.
Enjoying Fishing in the Virgin Islands
Trolling While Sailing
Trolling involves trailing a baited line or lure behind the yacht while underway. It’s a relaxed way to enjoy fishing as you sail between islands, with the possibility of catching mahi-mahi, tuna, wahoo and other species, depending on your location and conditions.
Your captain will choose suitable areas and sailing speeds and explain how to use the equipment. Fishing arrangements vary by yacht, so let us know beforehand if this is something you would like to enjoy.
Deep-Sea Fishing
For enthusiastic anglers, a dedicated deep-sea fishing trip offers a different experience from casually trolling during your yacht charter.
The waters around the North and South Drops are known for offshore fishing, with opportunities to target species such as tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi and marlin. These trips require suitable equipment and depend on weather and sea conditions.
A specialist fishing boat is often the best option. Let us know if you would like to arrange an excursion during your charter.
Bonefishing
Anegada’s extensive shallow flats offer a wonderful setting for bonefishing. There is a small but accessible spot west of the Beef Island bridge where you can bone fish. This is a more specialized style of fishing, usually involving fly fishing or light tackle and plenty of patience!
A local guide can help you explore suitable areas and spot these remarkably well-camouflaged fish. Bonefishing is generally enjoyed on a catch-and-release basis and is best arranged as a separate guided outing unless your crew is specialized in bone fishing.
Fishing is not permitted in anchorages. Lines should be brought in before entering an anchorage, and fishing must also avoid protected areas and other restricted locations.
Spear fishing is not permitted anywhere in the BVI!
Your Catch and Ciguatera
Before keeping any fish, check with your captain. Your crew will advise on species identification, fishing restrictions and whether a catch is suitable for preparation onboard.
Some Caribbean reef fish can carry ciguatera, a naturally occurring toxin that can cause food poisoning. Barracuda and other large predatory reef fish are particular concerns. The toxin cannot be detected by taste or smell, and cooking or freezing does not make an affected fish safe to eat.
Catch-and-release is encouraged, especially when there is any uncertainty about the species or its suitability for eating.
Whether you’re hoping for your first catch or planning a serious fishing adventure, let us know before your charter so we can help you choose the right yacht and arrangements.