Fishing in Jamaica: The Ultimate Guide 2024

Jamaica, the gem of the Caribbean, offers more than just beautiful beaches and breathtaking landscapes. It’s an angler’s paradise, teeming with a variety of fish species, making it a perfect destination for fishing enthusiasts. From deep-sea fishing to reef and bottom fishing, Jamaica’s rich marine life promises an exciting fishing experience that is second to none. This guide provides all the information you need to plan your fishing adventure on this beautiful island.

Jamaica: A Fisher’s Paradise

Jamaica’s rich marine life, coupled with its warm tropical climate, makes it an ideal destination for fishing. The deep blue waters surrounding the island are home to a variety of fish species, both saltwater and freshwater. You can expect to reel in kingfish, whiting, tuna, mackerel, bonito, and jack from the saltwater, while freshwater catches can include snook, mangrove snapper, jewfish, and mullets. Jamaica’s fishing season peaks from June to November, but good catches are guaranteed all year round.

For a truly unforgettable experience, many private yachts from the U.S. travel to Jamaica for fishing, particularly during September and October when major fishing tournaments take place.

Essentials Before You Set Sail

Before you embark on your fishing expedition in Jamaica, there are a few essentials you need to tick off your checklist. If you’ll be using a charter, ensure that all necessary licenses are covered. If you plan on booking your fishing trip through a travel operator or resort, make sure to ask questions to confirm that your charter is fully licensed.

There are certain areas, like the Montego Bay Marine Park, where spearfishing is prohibited, and you’ll need a permission letter to fish. Generally, in non-protected parts of Jamaica, you won’t need a license if you’ll be fishing from shore (hook & line). For commercial fishing, you will need a special fishing license.

Where to Stay in Jamaica

Once your fishing plans are set, the next step is to decide where to stay. Jamaica offers a range of accommodations, from all-inclusive resorts in Montego Bay and Negril to homely lodges in Ocho Rios.

Types of Fishing in Jamaica

Deep-Sea Fishing

Deep-sea fishing is a popular activity in Jamaica due to the vast number of fish species that inhabit the deep waters around the island. You can easily book a chartered boat for a deep-sea fishing adventure and you don’t even have to venture out too far. Big game species can be found just a few miles offshore. If you’ll be deep-sea fishing for the first time, you might want to start off by reeling in mahi-mahi or tuna, while more experienced anglers might aim for white and blue marlin.

Reef Fishing

Reef fishing, although it has suffered from overfishing in recent years, is still quite popular in Jamaica. Some great places to go reef fishing include the coast of Port Royal and Kingston, the capital. From shallow reefs, you’re likely to catch snapper, barracuda, yellowtail, and rainbow runners, while farther out, you can reel in grouper and amberjack.

Shallow Water Fishing

Shallow water fishing, which can be done from the sand or a small boat, is an excellent option for travelers on a budget. This method of fishing can yield catches including bonefish, wahoo, tarpon, and barracuda.

Freshwater Fishing

Despite being known primarily for its saltwater fish, Jamaica also offers a variety of freshwater species. The rivers near the Negril River Bridge and the Black River are ideal spots for freshwater fishing in Jamaica. You can expect to catch perch, killifish, gobies, livebearers, and even snook and mangrove snapper in some locations.

Bottom Fishing in Jamaica

For those new to fishing, bottom fishing is an excellent place to start. Also known as legering, this form of fishing involves using bait and a hook to attract fish. It’s a simple and affordable activity to enjoy with family and friends. The Pedro Bank off the southern coast of Jamaica, with its well-preserved reefs, seagrass, and rocks, is an ideal location for bottom fishing.

Fish Species to Catch in Jamaica

Jamaica’s waters are teeming with a variety of fish species. Here are a few you could aim for on your fishing trip:

• Amberjack: These dwell in the northern waters of Jamaica in more remote areas. They don’t tire easily, presenting a challenge to the angler.
• Barracuda: Often found near reefs in Jamaica, barracuda are best fished for in the early morning or late evening.
• Bonito: Also known as skipjack, the best time to fish for bonito is between December and January, specifically during the early morning hours.
• Bonefish: Bonefish are elusive and their silvery color blends easily with the sand, presenting a challenge to even the most skilled fisherman.
• Grouper: Grouper is plentiful in Jamaica’s waters and can be caught all year round.
• Kingfish: Also known as king mackerel, kingfish is another common catch in Jamaica.
• Mahi-mahi: Catching mahi-mahi in Jamaica can be a challenge. A deep-sea fishing trip is your best option to catch this kind of fish.
• Marlin: A popular catch, marlin are fast and powerful fish that are sought after by more experienced anglers.
• Flounder: Flounders are fun to catch and by the account of some anglers, they’re relatively easy to lure on a fishing hook as well.
• Tuna: Tuna fishing is popular in the Caribbean and Jamaica is not excluded. There are various types of tuna that can be found in the waters off the coast of Jamaica.
• Wahoo: Setting your sights on catching wahoo while in Jamaica can be a fruitful endeavor.

Fishing Seasons in Jamaica

While you can fish year-round in Jamaica, the best time to fish is between June and November. This is because the summer and fall seasons are quite conducive for fishing in this part of the world. Winter is also a peak travel time for Jamaica, with high demand for fishing.

Top Jamaica Fishing Locations

Jamaica boasts a number of excellent fishing locations, including:

• Ocho Rios: Ocho Rios is an excellent spot for sport fishing.
• Port Antonio: Ideal for deep-sea fishing, Port Antonio is less commercialized and has not faced the issue of overfishing.
• Montego Bay: Montego Bay is a top choice for deep-sea fishing in Jamaica.
• Negril: Negril is a worthwhile option for a fun and exciting fishing adventure.
• Cayman Trench: A submarine trench that extends from Jamaica to the southeastern end of Cuba, the Cayman Trench is a dream for anglers.

Booking a Charter or Tour

When booking a fishing charter or tour in Jamaica, be sure to decide the sort of excursion you’re looking for. Do you want a half-day trip, full-day trip, or even a multi-day charter? Consider who you’ll be going with. Are you going solo, or will you be going fishing with friends or family? These details are important and can help you pick the ideal fishing experience.

What to Bring on Your Tour

Don’t forget to bring essential items like sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses on your fishing trip. These items will protect you from the sun and ensure a comfortable fishing experience.

Other Exciting Activities in Jamaica

While fishing is a primary attraction, Jamaica offers much more. Explore the majestic Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, snorkel at Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay, or discover the tranquility of Booby Cay Island in Negril.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that Jamaica is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, the island’s rich marine life and beautiful waters promise a truly unforgettable fishing experience. So, pack your gear, cast your line, and get ready to reel in a big one on your next Jamaican adventure!

For recommendations on some of the best times to visit Jamaica, you can check out our guide here.

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If you’re traveling to Jamaica alone, ensure you take all the necessary measures to keep safe. Read about how you can stay safe while visiting Jamaica. If you decide to visit any resort, be sure to tag us in your photos and videos @resortcaribbean, and follow our socials: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube.