ST THOMAS CHARTER HELP

[dandaman]

Im going to be down there June 11- 16 and would like to Marlin fish at least 1 day Anyone been or have any recommendations for a boat or captain
What can I expect to catch and pay thanks in advance

[Fishwagon]

Blue marlin season starts in Early July, but there will be some early ones in june. You have a 60-70% chance of catching one in the middle of june(more of a chance around the full moon).-the good news is that they are mostly huge-likely 375-700 pounds. The early ones are the biggest, and as the season goes on into october, they are smaller, but as many as a 6-10 a day will hookup. Like I said, the chances arent exactly the best, but if you get one, it'll put you on the couch the next day.

There will be pods of blackfin and skippie tuna from 8-18 pounds. I would troll for big blues, but keep a few cedar plugs out for tuna/dolphin. You will probably see a few dozen pods of bait jumping, birds diving, Etc. The pods are usually surrounded by sharks, and an occasional Blue.

The captain will know whether the blues have shown up or not, and how well it looks. The flying fish start to appear, the blue marlin show up soon after, and by late June the tuna pods start to scatter, because they become the bait pods for the big blues. I would tell the captain you want to catch fish-and want to run some smaller plugs to keep the day interesting.

Charters that I would recommend :Black pearl, Abigail II, and Marlin Prince . I have only dealt with Marlin Prince. He (Eddie Morrison)is a regular top captain at the July boy scout tournament, and has a worldwide reputation. His mate is one of the very best. The marlin prince is two hundred bucks more expensive than all the rest, and the the other two have great reputations, have been there 20 years, Etc, So it likely does'nt matter.
Marlin prince 1500
everyone else 1250-1300

If you are good with boats, and want to save money, then you can rent a very nice center console on St. John, find a pod of tuna (not hard), and literally reel in tuna till yer arms drop off.-400+80 or so for tackle

If you want to catch tarpon, check out southof20.com for 'south of twenty' guide service. A half day runs $400., and he will either do five hours at sunrise or sunset, so you dont waste money in the middle of the noon heat when they are all just sleeping.

Be careful, St. Thomas has some seedy areas, and some of the locals have some serious attitude problems. St.
john is a true paradise.-you can take the ferry in 30 minutes, to right next to the harbours where these three boats are.

Cheap trick: Just jump on one of the open buses that cruise around the island for 3 bucks, and ride it completely around the island loop. They all go the same route, same direction. The fare is the same if you ride completely around-3 bucks.

[Capt_John]

Red Bailey on the Abigail II......definately one of the best ones down there.

[Reeltitanium]

Anything Tracy Chance may be running out of Red Hook Marina.He has several business things going but,still charters some.

[FESS]

Without a doubt go with Eddie on the Marlin Prince....tell him Reel Tight, Allen sent you and the pressure will be on.
Book early and before the full moon.... as previously a-fore-mentioned....if possible. Season keeps going longer and longer, but June...maybe even late June should be good too.
Also look for Black Shadow...another buddy that'll rock.

[FESS]

Ray Walters...black shadow...another good choice for sure!