TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands BVI Fishing..frustrated.

For the last couple of trips (2017 and 2019) we have been chartering out of the USVI and sailing in the US and BVI.
Lots of good things to say about that option.

But, As a result I have not been able to fish in the BVI since none of the US charter companies want to deal with the new BVI fishing regulations.

Next year, to celebrate 30 years of sailing in the BVI, we decided to head back to Roadtown and charter.
We booked a 48 mono out of the Moorings, the place where it all started 30 years ago.

I happened to place an inquiry yesterday to Moorings about fishing from their boats only to find out they only register their catamarans[u][/u]
If I want to fish I will need to move to a cat. (Did I happen to mention I prefer monohulls. (No need for a big discussion))
I must have missed this in the fine print.

I just was wondering what the other fishing/sailors have run into at other charter companies regarding the BVI boat fishing registrations.

cw

If you knew what boat you were going to be on you could ask about paying the fee if they’ll file the paperwork. I believe it is $110 for the annual permit. Make sure you leave yourself a couple months for it to go through and make sure you follow up to make sure somebody is actually doing something to process the paperwork and payment.

Quiet Flight

Biggest problem I see with your suggestion is that IF Moorings agrees to getting fishing permit for a single boat (Hull F-Fishing) , and you arrive, you may end up on Hull N(No Fishing).... then you are SOL.

BVI Yacht Charters says all their boats are registered fishing vessels. http://www.bviyachtcharters.com/british-virgin-islands/fishing-on-board/

Try getting the personal fishing license. Two of us for this trip emailed with no response. One of the providers states you now must show a passport with a entry stamp before you can get it. The entire fishing license thing is beyond stupid. Simple add a line to the cruising permit.

Fishing: Yes. No
If yes please add 75.00 dollars to the permit fee

Had they done this they would be taking in far more money and would not have needed to create a new division with paid staff.
G

The past 2 weeks I've had the worst fishing results in years. Dragged 7-9 lines to/from Anegada, thru the SFD, St John to Culebra and back, St John to the south drop and back. Total catch - 4 bonito and 1 cero mackeral. The kicker is that there is virtually no sargasso on either sides of the islands.

When the intelligence quota clicks into 3 digits then the simplicity of it will make sense and it will happen. Until then its only a matter of evolution

I don’t want to hear that! I just spent big bucks rebuilding my fishing tackle lost in Irma. I need at least one wahoo or Mahi for my investment!
G

SAILWEST,

I spoke with BVIYC and Horizion. Both are good options if you want to go fishing.

Trying to get Moorings to waive their cancellation fee, since I did not see this policy mentioned anywhere on the web site. (I know,,,good luck with that!)

BaardJ, I do more fishing than catching. Fishing in the islands great. I did hook into a Mahi in between Peter and Norman in April 2015. Hopefully I'll get lucky in June.

CW

Caught this 55", 32 lb cow in May on the drop south of St John
so you never know.

Hey BaardJ,

Think I saw this fish posted in May. Still a nice catch!

Did you rig that skirt lure yourself or is it store bought?

Plan to start with some frozen Ballyhoo rigs and go from there.

cw

I rig them myself. Zuker Tuna Feather for $9~$10, Mustad 8/0 hook, and 300 lb mono leader.

Noticed the anti-chafe on the hook loop. Thought it might me custom. Nice touch.