Spending time on the beach is always a good idea, but are you more inclined to be in the water in other ways?
One popular pass time in Jamaica is fishing. There is a lot to be said about sitting in a boat and throwing your lines out.
For many, this is the most relaxing way to spend a vacation, and it will give them the sun and surf that makes folks flock to Jamaica in the first place.
Fishing Licenses in Jamaica
While fishing licenses are relatively cheap, you don’t need a license to get some of the most appealing fish in the sea. Just take your boat out into open water, crack open a beer, and start seeking out blue marlin big enough to create a challenge to reel in, or fish up a tuna you can prepare and bring back to your hotel for dinner.
The only problem with this is that boat licenses are a little silly if you are only there for a while, not to mention expensive, especially if you are bringing your own boat in.
Jamaica offers thirteen different charters that you can book a spot on, and for twelve of them, you can keep your catch.
Just like any fishing trip, be sure to plan ahead to make the best of it.
Be Prepared to Catch the Big Ones
When you go out to fish you should be ready. Strong lines and rods tend to make for more efficient landing. You may be able to spear fish, bottom fish and troll on these charters too (as long as they allow it).
Catching Different Types of Fish
Are you looking to go up against a barracuda?
What about serving up some fresh Mahi Mahi? Dream of landing the king of all sports fish, the blue marlin? Maybe you like sushi and fancy some yellowfin tuna?
Several charters actually specialize in specific species and know the best spots to get what you want and some of the best methods of landing them, and most of them will happily boast about their specialties online, especially on websites like Fishing Booker.
Keep in mind that there are also several fish that are not typically listed on sites that are fantastic catches.
Red snapper is not only plentiful, but it is also a naturally delicious fish that needs minimal ingredients to bring out its flavor.
Lionfish in Jamaica is encouraged to be fished up, as it is an invasive species, and is also a local delicacy with a lot of interesting recipes if you want to try your hand at them.
Parrot fish are extremely beautiful creatures with stunning colors and unique faces, making them a surprising prize catch for many.
Remember to Research
Since charters all go to different locations, be sure to do your research on where you’re going if you are an angler that is more focused on your atmosphere than your catch.
Ocho Rios is home to beautiful scenery and a great variety of species nearby. Montego Bay is a place for record seekers, as its location provides all sorts of factors that create large fish in a tropical biosphere, and both are very accessible thanks to cruise liners and hotels.
Figure out which is more your style and get there for a fulfilling day. If location and trying something new are both important, consider landing in Negril, which has a deep sea fishing tour. For $225, it is a cheap adventure into the land many anglers dare to brave.
Are you a morning angler or an overnight fisherman? Would you prefer to stay on the boat all day or would you rather come in after a half day? Charters happily post their trip times. Do they provide drinkers or do you need to bring a cooler? They are about 50-50 there, and they will be sure to let you know if you need to.
If you are a person who likes to eat their catch of the day, a vast majority of the charters offer to clean and fillet your fish for you, which is a huge time saver. There are, of course, some people out there for the sport of it, and catch and release is allowed on most charters.
Another thing to keep in mind is that some charters do provide other services as well. People who have family or friends who are a little less line-inclined can find other things to entertain them. For example, Irie Vibes out of Portland offers two hours of snorkeling in their package. This might be a good idea if you want to go fish, but the other people in your party are rolling their eyes and want to try something else.
Are you new to fishing and not sure what you are looking for? Keep an eye on Fishing Book for characters that label themselves “kid friendly.” These charters have lenient workers who are patient in answering questions for beginners of any age. I also find that these charters are also slightly more focused on the ecology of their areas, and thus a little more focused on educating their vacation anglers.
Depending on what fish you are looking for, I suggest C Willy Charters out of Port Royal or Reel Magic Sports Fishing out of Montego Bay. C Willy offers overnight trips for one of my favorite fish to eat, and night fishing is an entirely different experience from day fishing.
You are going to see most sports fish active during sunrise and sunset, and night fishing will usually see one or a little bit of both. Montego Bay is a popular fishing spot and currently holds several record sizes, and Captain Harrison is by all records a professional and passionate captain who is willing to help you out any way he can.
The only question left is “When you can get here to join us?”
[kkstarratings]
