trip to Anguilla in march and need advice for charters or shore fishing

[IN$UFI$HENT FUND$]

heading to anguilla for a wedding and i was wondering if anyone has been there or knows any good charters to take. i have seen some of the boats and im not to impressed yet.(not saying i need a jarret Bay but a boat with at least the same to motors on the back) also if its worth it to bring a rod and just surf cast.........

[Roddy Hays]

Not sure what the offshore scene is like in Anguilla since I left, but I'm sure the bonefish will still be in at the beaches at dawn and dusk. In fact, at some beaches such as Shoal Bay West, you'll find them in amongst the swimmers. The water is fairly deep so look for dark patches on the sand rather than tails and just check they're moving - if they are, it's a cert that they're bones. Small pieces of squid or conch with a 1/4oz bullet or a Gotcha jig all work well. So does a no.8 or 10 fly rod with a traditonal shrimp pattern. Bonefish here can go over 10 lbs so be aware !

You might also be lucky and see a permit, but tarpon are a more regular catch. Casting plugs such as Yozuri minnows of the northern beaches at night is fun, but the best way to catch them is with a livebait at dusk in Sandy Ground (west side) under a balloon. Sabikis will catch you google-eyes and blue runners. You might be able to hire a small boat or yak ? 16lb gear is good here. Tarpon regularly reach 60lbs, though 100lbers can be a possibility. Anywhere you see bait spraying in the shallows it's probably tarpon. Never saw a snook there though they do exist in the lagoon on St Marteen. Some big ones there too !

Fishing at night off the beaches may produce mangroves and muttons, and yellowtails can be caught off the rocks down the west end of the island. Other catches include African pompano, barracudas and kingfish.

Off shore it will be tuna time and wahoo time. Sombrero island to the north will be hot if they're there, while the tuna will be way to the west normally. You're almost better going across to St. Maarten and getting aboard one of Capt Lee's boats out of the lagoon. He'll put you on fish. He might also come and pick you up in Anguilla if you're cool with the price thing.
tel: 011.599.544.4233 Fax: 011.599.544.4234. leesfish@caribserve.net

No offence to any of the Anguillans I fished with or alongside, but offshore fishing isn't really their style. They catch fish, but not as you'd want to. But they are some of the best seamen in the Caribbean, and they're great people. I have wonderful memories of the two years I fished there. Make sure you see if they're racing on Sundays when you're there. The yachts they build and race are not for the fainthearted and whities are welcome as ballast that gets ejected at the winward point !!!

[Nauti Natured]

A friend of mine just got back from there. The locals told him to not even bother with an offshore trip becasue of the funky weather they have been having. He didnt even make an attempt.

I cant imagine being on a carribbean island and not at least trying but Anguila is not sounding too promising for the passionate fisherman.

[IN$UFI$HENT FUND$]

thanks guys any info is a great help........

[whitemarlin16]

I am going to Anguilla in March as well. i was looking at a lot of different web sites for fishing charter not much offered their St. martin is probely the best bet. Ill be at a wedding as well wonder if its the same one.

[IN$UFI$HENT FUND$]

whitemarlin email me on my site it probably is the same wedding i think im going to bring a bunch of rods down.... i will be there in the end of march

[whitemarlin16]

Hey I email your site just did it again to see if you got it or not? and to see if your going to be at the same wedding or not write me back or give me a buzz 609 412 1322..the bite gotta be good this time of year over their.