Fishing in Trinidad And Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago is an island nation in the Caribbean. They are the southernmost of the chain of islands that separate the Caribbean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean, with Trinidad lying only 11 km. (6.8 miles) off the coast of Venezuela. Unlike many other nations of the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago’s main source of income is not tourism or agriculture, but industry, focused on petroleum and petrochemicals. However, its unique geographic location ensures outstanding fishing opportunities. Trinidad and Tobago has a maritime tropical climate, with the dry season occurring from January to May, and the wet season from June to December. The islands lie well south of the usual hurricane paths. The most numerous ethnic group is Indian, descendants of indentured workers brought over from India to work the sugar cane plantations under the British colonial rule. The fusion of African, Creole, and Caribbean customs is the basis for Trinidad and Tobago’s unique culture. Fishing in Trinidad and Tobago is regulated by the Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, which ensures sustainable fishing practices and the conservation of fish populations. Anglers are encouraged to follow local guidelines to help preserve the rich aquatic ecosystems of Trinidad and Tobago. One must also mention the Trinidad and Tobago Game Fishing Association. Affiliated with the International Game Fishing Association, TTGFA makes a valuable input to game fish conservation and organizes several game fishing tournaments, including TTGFA Marlin Madness, the Wahoo Tournament, the Kingfish Tournament, and the Tarpon Tournament. Whether you’re drawn to the deep waters of the Caribbean, the vibrant coral reefs, the mysterious mangroves, or the serene coastal bays, Trinidad and Tobago offers an exceptional fishing experience that caters to all preferences and skill levels. Plan your fishing adventure in Trinidad and Tobago today and explore the angler’s paradise that awaits in this beautiful Caribbean nation.

Trinidad and Tobago’s waters are home to a diverse array of fish species. Pelagic species, including blue and white marlin, swordfish, wahoo, tuna, kingfish, and dolphinfish (mahi-mahi) pass through the nation’s waters from October to June, with wahoo especially numerous in November and marlin season peaking around April. But fishing is good at any time of year for permanent resident species of the Caribbean Sea. From barracuda to goliath grouper, snappers and permit in the mangroves, tarpon and snook in the estuaries and bonefish on the flats, there’s no shortage of fish an angler can target. A special target, especially for spearfishers, is the invasive lionfish. This striking looking and delicious fish is deemed dangerous for the coral ecosystem and can be taken by any means.

The varied aquatic environments in Trinidad and Tobago support a wide range of fishing techniques, each suited to different species and conditions. Various traditional techniques, both for fishing from the shore and from small dugout boats, are still in use, while fishing charters offer the most modern and sophisticated methods for their clients. Trolling is widely used offshore, while spinning is popular for inshore and reef fishing. Bottom fishing is another effective technique, especially for catching species like snapper and grouper. Spearfishing is also popular in Trinidad and Tobago, particularly around the coral reefs, and saltwater fly fishing is gaining in popularity, Trinidad being listed as one of the best tarpon destinations in the world.