Fishing in Tobago
Fishing is an important activity in Tobago, both for commercial and recreational purposes. Tobago’s waters are home to a diverse array of fish species, including marlin, sailfish, tuna, and barracuda, making it a popular destination for sport fishing enthusiasts.
There are several fishing villages along the coast of Tobago where visitors can experience the local fishing culture and sample fresh seafood. Some of the most popular fishing villages include Charlotteville, Castara, and Speyside.
There are also numerous fishing charters and tours available for visitors who want to try their hand at catching their own fish. These tours typically provide all necessary equipment and offer expert guidance on fishing techniques and safety.
It is important to note that sustainable fishing practices are encouraged in Tobago to ensure the long-term viability of the island’s fish populations. Some local organizations, such as the Tobago Game Fishing Association, promote catch-and-release practices and advocate for responsible fishing practices.
Overall, fishing in Tobago is a popular and rewarding activity for visitors, but it is important to respect local regulations and engage in sustainable practices to preserve the island’s marine ecosystem.
Spear fishing (shooting fish) is another great way to get some decent size ones. Tobago normally has clean, clear, warm waters and if you’re an experience diver there’s an abundance of hunting grounds to choose from. As with every other technique, the catch would vary depending on tide and seasonal changes along with the diver’s skills and experiences.
- Snappers, barracuda, parrot-chub, groupers, sharks, grunts, horse-eye jack, tarpons and catfish are some of the species hunted.
Pulling Seine (shooting seine) is a more traditional way of fishing, with mostly the older generations and some rural villages still doing it. The concept is simple and can be very rewarding but it is a tedious and slow process. The catch is simular to those caught by sand and rock fishing with a combination of;
- round-robin, balaho, sprat, herine, sardine, flaunders, squids, bonito, jacks, and needlefish.
The seine may also catch some unwanted/uneaten species such as:
- sea-porcupine, bat-fish, jellyfish, starfish and sprats.
“Shooting seine” is normally done early in the morning from around 6am but there are some instances where it is done at various times during the day.
- Grafton, Turtle beach, Castara and Charlotteville
are some of the places where you can see seine-fishing and participate.
