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.

Tobago is a beautiful Caribbean island that offers excellent surfing opportunities for surfers of all skill levels. The island has a number of beaches and surf spots that are popular with both locals and visitors.

One of the best surf spots in Tobago is Mount Irvine Bay. It is a beautiful crescent-shaped beach with consistent waves and is suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. The waves at Mount Irvine Bay are usually between 3 and 6 feet, making it an ideal spot for longboarders and shortboarders.

Another popular surf spot in Tobago is Bacolet Bay. This beach offers a variety of waves, from small and gentle to fast and powerful, making it suitable for surfers of all skill levels. Bacolet Bay is also a great spot for paddleboarding, snorkeling, and swimming.

Other surf spots in Tobago include King’s Bay, Castara Bay, and Englishman’s Bay. These spots offer a variety of waves and are suitable for different skill levels.

If you are new to surfing, there are several surf schools and rental shops on the island that can provide you with lessons and equipment. With warm water, consistent waves, and beautiful scenery, Tobago is a great destination for anyone looking to catch some waves in the Caribbean

People have been surfing in Mt. Irvine Bay Tobago since the early 1970’s. Today the bay is the go to spot for surfing on the Island. There are other known surfing bays along the coast but Mount Irvine Bay, with its right-hand reef break and waves reaching up to 3 meters high is frequented by locals and visitors.

The surf season in Tobago normally runs from late September to April, with peak season and swells happening during December to March.

On the bay you can find and hire friendly surfing guides that can give you surfing lessons and tours to secret surf spots around the island. Equipement may be provided.

History of surfing in Tobago

In the late 1960’s international visitors, mainly from the USA and Europe started surfing in Mt. Irvine, Tobago. This inspired locals like Michael Baker, Trevor Paience, David Achong and a few others to become the first to try the sport on the island. Since the 1970’s, the sport has grown steadily in popularity with the local youths of both Trinidad and Tobago. During the 1980’s 90’s and 2000’s there were various surfing competition held on Mt. Irvine bay, involving both local and international surfers. In 2016 “The Tobago Pro” competition was won by Andre Stewart of Tobago, and Adrian De Silva came in Second.

Right Surf Break

Mt. Irvine has a right hand surf break that rolls over a flat reef bed with patches of dead and alive fire corals. During high tide it can get very deep with most waves breaking off the point. At lower tides the waters can drop as low as 10 feet at the surf break.

Off the Point

The very big waves will start to peak off the tip of Rocky Point, (Back Bay). These waves can get as big as 3 meters high and become very powerful in rapid sets. Surfing off the point is only recommended for experienced surfers as the sets can get very heavy and dangerous.