Fishing in St. John, USVI: A Practical Guide for Tourists

St. John may be small, but its waters offer big opportunities for anglers. Step off the beach and you’ll find yourself in one of the Caribbean’s most diverse fishing grounds.

For tourists, fishing here isn’t one-size-fits-all. Families can enjoy easy inshore trips, while seasoned anglers chase big-game trophies offshore. Local captains know these waters well, giving tourists the chance to combine adventure with authentic island insight.

This guide is built for tourists exploring St. John. It breaks down the types of fishing available, the best times to go, and what every tourist needs to plan a successful, responsible day on the water.

Brought to you by Villa Copa – A villa for rent in St. John USVI

 

Why St. John Is a Prime Fishing Destination?

The main reason St. John stands out for tourists is the diverse choice of fishing. You can try inshore fishing in calm bays, head out for offshore deep-sea fishing at the famous Drops, explore the reefs with reef fishing, or take on the challenge of flats fishing in shallow waters. This variety makes it easy for casual tourists to enjoy simple, family-friendly trips, while serious anglers can pursue trophy fish in some of the Caribbean’s most productive waters.

Types of Fishing Trips Available

One of the biggest advantages of booking a St. John fishing trip is the range of options available. Tourists don’t have to settle for one style—whether you want a relaxed day with family or an adrenaline-packed big-game chase, St. John offers a trip to match. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of fishing adventures you can expect.

Inshore fishing

Inshore fishing St. John USVI is often the most approachable option for tourists. These trips stay close to the island, usually in calm bays or around nearby cays, making them perfect for families, beginners, or anyone who wants a more relaxed experience.

Typical catches include snapper, tarpon, jacks, and barracuda, with light tackle setups that are easy to handle. Since the waters are calmer, this is also a good choice for tourists who may be new to fishing or want to avoid rough offshore conditions. Many charters offer half-day inshore trips, making it a flexible choice for those balancing fishing with beach or sightseeing plans.

 

Offshore fishing

For tourists seeking a sport fishing challenge, offshore fishing St. John delivers the ultimate adrenaline rush. Just a short boat ride away are the North Drop and South Drop, deep-water ledges where the ocean floor plunges thousands of feet. These are legendary grounds for blue marlin, white marlin, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and tuna.

Offshore charters are best for serious anglers or adventurous tourists ready for a full-day trip. The action can be intense, with trophy fish that test both strength and stamina. While beginners are welcome, the experience is more demanding, making it ideal for those who want to push beyond casual fishing into true big-game waters.

 

Reef fishing

Reef fishing offers the perfect middle ground. Trips focus on the vibrant coral reefs that surround the island, where species like yellowtail snapper, triggerfish, grouper, and parrotfish thrive. These trips combine the excitement of catching reef fish with the bonus of being able to enjoy the reef’s natural beauty—some charters even pair reef fishing with snorkeling.

Because reef trips often take place within sight of the island, they’re great for tourists looking for a mix of fishing and sightseeing. Families and casual anglers enjoy them for the steady action, while more experienced anglers appreciate the diversity of species.

 

Flats fishing

Flats fishing St. John is a more specialized type of trip, ideal for tourists who want a technical challenge. These shallow, calm waters are home to prized sport fish like bonefish and permit, often targeted with fly rods or light spinning gear.

Catches here are usually catch and release only, making flats fishing a popular choice for eco-minded anglers. It’s considered one of the most rewarding yet challenging types of fishing, as success depends on skillful casting and patience. This style attracts experienced anglers and fly fishers, but adventurous beginners can also give it a try with the guidance of a skilled charter captain.

 

When to Fish – Seasonal Highlights

Fishing in St. John is productive year-round, but knowing the peak seasons for certain species helps tourists plan for the best possible experience.

 

Year-round opportunities

Snapper, jacks, barracuda, tarpon, grouper, and kingfish are available all year. Snapper and grouper are most common around reefs, jacks and barracuda patrol inshore waters, and tarpon often gather in bays and harbors. These steady options make St. John fishing trips worthwhile in any season.

Peak seasons by species

• Blue Marlin – Peak May through October, especially July–August. Most abundant offshore at the North and South Drop.
• White Marlin – Best from spring through early fall, typically offshore in deep bluewater edges.
• Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin Fish) – Active year-round, strongest in October–January and May–July. Found in offshore waters, often near floating debris or weed lines.
• Wahoo – Most abundant September–May, especially along steep offshore drop-offs.
• Yellowfin Tuna – Best June–August, usually in deep offshore waters around the Drops.
• Blackfin Tuna – Present year-round, with spikes in spring and fall, often mixed in with yellowfin offshore.
• Permit and Bonefish (Flats Fishing) – Strongest late spring through early fall, found in shallow flats and seagrass beds.
• Tarpon – Active year-round, more reliable March–October, especially in bays, lagoons, and near mangroves.
  

 

Planning Your Charter or Shore Trip

For tourists, knowing what to expect before booking a St. John fishing trip makes the difference between a smooth, memorable outing and a frustrating one. From licenses and gear to costs and dining options, here’s what you need to know.

Fishing License in St. John USVI: Do I Need One?

The good news for tourists: you don’t need a personal fishing license for recreational fishing in St. John. If you’re booking a USVI fishing charter, the captain’s license covers everyone on board.

If you’re fishing from shore on your own, you can use a rod, hand line, or bait net without a license. However:

• You cannot sell your catch — it’s strictly for personal use.

• Protected zones apply: No fishing inside certain areas of the Virgin Islands National Park, and no spearfishing in park waters.

• Federal species permits (like for blue marlin, sailfish, and certain tuna) are handled by charters when fishing offshore beyond local waters.

For safety, tourists should always confirm current rules with their captain or check with the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) before fishing independently.

 

What’s included in most charters

Most St. John fishing charters are all-inclusive when it comes to gear and setup. A standard half-day or full-day charter will typically provide:

• The boat, captain, and crew

• Rods, reels, and tackle (including light tackle and big-game setups)

• Bait — live, dead, or artificial depending on target species

• Fuel for the trip

• A cooler with ice and bottled water

• Fish cleaning and filleting service at the dock

Some charters may also offer extras like snorkeling gear, shaded seating, or upgraded electronics for serious anglers. Gratuity for the crew is customary (usually 15–20% of the charter fee).

 

Typical costs and booking considerations

Charter prices vary depending on trip length, boat size, and type of fishing:

• Half-day inshore trips: Around $500–$700 for the boat (up to 4–6 passengers).
  
• Full-day offshore trips: Usually $1,000–$1,500, especially for larger boats heading to the North or South Drop.
  
• Reef fishing or combo trips: Typically fall in between, depending on amenities and duration.

Booking tips for tourists:

• Reserve in advance during peak seasons (May–August for marlin, winter holidays for tourism).
  

• Read reviews carefully — look for captains with strong local knowledge.
  

• Confirm what’s included (gear, drinks, cleaning).
  

• Ask about cancellation and weather policies.
  
  

 

“Hook and Cook” Dining Experiences

One of the most memorable parts of a St. John fishing excursion is the opportunity to turn your catch into dinner. Many restaurants in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay will gladly prepare your freshly caught fish—be it mahi-mahi, snapper, or grouper—with Caribbean flair.

 

Restaurants known to accommodate "hook and cook":

• The Fish Trap Restaurant & Seafood Market in Cruz Bay offers fresh seafood market fare and a comfortable open-air or air-conditioned dining atmosphere. Guests can bring in their catch to be cooked or enjoy one of the nightly specials paired with classic Caribbean sides like plantains and coleslaw.
• Morgan’s Mango is a vibrant, neo-Caribbean spot in Cruz Bay. While not explicitly listed as a "hook and cook" establishment, it’s admired for its use of locally caught seafood and creative island dishes—making it an excellent destination to ask for a custom preparation of your catch.

 

In Coral Bay:

• Lime Out, a unique floating taco bar originally moored in Hansen Bay and now situated in Coral Bay Harbor, is perfect for an adventurous, casual dining experience. If your catch includes mahi-mahi or tuna, they might even craft it into a flavorful taco with pico de gallo or ceviche.

 

Regulations and Responsible Fishing

Fishing in St. John is part of the island’s culture, but it’s also tightly connected to the health of its reefs and marine life. For tourists, understanding the rules and responsibilities helps ensure a safe trip while protecting the ecosystem for future visitors.

 

Protected species and catch limits in St. John USVI

Not every fish can be kept, and some are protected entirely. Tourists should always follow their captain’s guidance, but here are the basics:

• Catch-and-release only: Blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish when caught offshore in federal waters.
  

• Prohibited species: Nassau grouper and goliath grouper cannot be harvested at all.

• Queen Conch: Recreational limit of 6 per person per day, with a maximum of 24 per boat. They must be landed in-shell, alive, and meet size requirements (at least 9 inches long or 3/8-inch lip thickness).

• Snapper, grouper, jacks, and similar reef fish: Managed through size restrictions and seasonal closures rather than daily bag limits.

• Sea turtles, sharks, and marine mammals: Fully protected under federal law.

These rules are designed to balance recreational fishing with conservation, ensuring St. John remains one of the best places for tourists to fish in the Caribbean.

 

Restricted areas within the National Park

Roughly two-thirds of St. John is part of the Virgin Islands National Park, and fishing is restricted or prohibited in specific areas:

• No fishing in designated swimming beaches such as Trunk Bay or Hawksnest Bay.
• Spearfishing is prohibited in park waters.
• Mooring buoy zones and boat exclusion areas are off-limits for fishing.
  
  

Charters know the boundaries well, but independent anglers should always check DPNR maps for the latest restricted areas.

 

Reef and wildlife protection

St. John’s reefs are fragile ecosystems, and responsible fishing helps preserve them:

Avoid anchoring on live coral.

• Never stand on, break, or touch coral.
• Keep a respectful distance from sea turtles, dolphins, and whales.
• Only keep what you plan to eat and release undersized or non-target fish quickly.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen to avoid chemical damage.
  
  

 

Safety considerations, including ciguatera risk

Tourists should be aware of ciguatera fish poisoning, a toxin found in some larger reef predators. The risk is highest in species like barracuda, amberjack, large grouper, and snapper. Captains will advise against eating certain fish that may carry this toxin.

Other safety tips:

• Wear sun protection — the Caribbean sun is intense.
  
• Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  
• Use motion sickness prevention if you’re prone to seasickness.
  
• Exercise caution when fishing from shore (slippery rocks, strong currents).

 

Conclusion – Making the Most of St. John Fishing

St. John offers one of the most diverse fishing experiences in the Caribbean. Tourists can choose from inshore trips for snapper and tarpon, offshore charters for marlin and tuna, reef fishing for snapper and grouper, or the technical challenge of flats fishing for bonefish and permit.

With year-round opportunities and peak seasons for prized species, there’s always something biting. Add in knowledgeable local captains and the chance to enjoy your catch at island restaurants, and it’s clear why St. John is a top choice for fishing in the USVI.