Anyone fished Barbados?

[seavee32]

I am headed there in May and would like to charter an offshore boat. I have found a few online but wanted to see if anyone has any experience fishing there and could offer any info regarding seasons, reccommended charters, etc. Thanks!

[C-Duck]

Seavee -

I am headed there myself in early February, and have the same question. I probably looked up the same four boats on-line as you. I have only been communicating with the first one on the list so far. Waiting for a come back on some questions I asked them, but it sounds reasonable and they said they would take me billfishing...plus it is in paradise...how bad can it be?

If I can get it together and fish there, I'd be happy to report to you about my experience. We'll see what they come back with and if I can get my crew organized to make a trip out. Hope I can.

Curtis Campbell
Reel Estate Sportfishing
Ocean City, MD

42' Ritchie Howell Express

[BiteMeJeremy]

I just returned from a 2 week Hiatus in Barbados, and I think I might be able to help with some info.
Bridgetown is where the main vein of charter boats are. Probably 6-8, 4 of which you are seeing online, just like I did.
We waited untill we arrived and made the pilgrimage into Bridgetown to see, talk, etc.... Being a mate on a charter boat in Hatteras, NC, we were primarily interested in billfishing only, and I knew the deal. We were told that the billfishing season starts in February and ends in April. They were catching a very occasional wahoo and mostly Barracudas. It was hard to gather information, talk about fishing, etc... to the crews. They were more interested in making sure we booked the trip rather than tell us about the fishing. And honestly, the boats were medocre at best.
On the plus side of things, they provide drinks. And some provide transportation to and from the Carneege (area where the boats are). On 6 and 8 hour trips, they provide snacks and lunch. And of course, Beer and Rum...
We saw the boats fishing every morning, heading north in the early part, and back south later on. After speaking to some locals who give tours, etc...( I can hook you up with thiese guys, they are first class!) They advised to go fishing with local commercial fishermen. They are cheaper, and according to the locals, know where the fish are.
We elected not to go with the charter guys. Got weathered out with the commercial boat.
On the plus side, at Oistens' Fish Market, there were on the tables tuna, dolphin, wahoo and marlin.
PM If I can help anymore......

[seavee32]

Thanks for the info. I fish out of Oregon Inlet so we are on the same page. My concern in these type of touristy Carribean places is that you get some b.s. tourist operation instead of a legitimate boat and crew. I am sure the fish are out there but finding someone that knows what is going on might be a different story. You are right about one thing though...you have a bunch of beer and you are fishing in Barbados...things could be worse.

C-Duck, that would be great if you could let me know how your trip goes...thanks!