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Fishing

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Popular Fishing Areas Page provides information about some of the areas frequented by fishing enthusiasts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Trinidad is an island and therefore surrounded by water, so fishing is a popular pastime. It can be a relatively inexpensive hobby as no fishing license is required for either the resident or visitor. Being located at the southern end of the eastern Caribbean island chain on the continental shelf off Northeast South America, some 8 miles east of Venezuela, both Trinidad and Tobago lie downstream of the outflow of 17 South American rivers, including the Amazon and Orinoco, and at the confluence of major ocean currents such as the North Equatorial current. This outflow has led to highly diverse marine environment.

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Trinidad recreational fishermen generally fish from boats or from the shore. These recreational fishermen use predominantly hook and line fishing methods such as a-la-vive, trolling and banking.

With a-la-vive fishing, live fish is used as bait, which is attached to a single hook, which in turn is attached to a nylon line. The bait is allowed to swim freely attracting pelagic fish such as carite, kingfish and cavalli.

Trolling is similar to a-la-vive, except that dead bait or artificial lures in many different shapes are used to attract the same types of pelagic fish. In this case, several lines are towed behind the moving boat.

Banking targets demersal fish, which live on or near the sea bottom. These include red fish, salmon and croakers. The boat is stationary and the nylon lines used are usually baited with several hooks.

The preferred bait for many fishermen vary between herring, mullet, sardines, bonito, shrimp, crab, squid.

 

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Pelagic species such as marlin, sailfish, tarpon, kingfish, wahoo, and dolphin (Mahi Mahi) abound in the waters off Trinidad. These however are not the only species that can be found by sport fishermen as blackfin tuna, spanish mackerel, african pompano, grouper and snapper are also found. There are several charter boats, based in Chaguaramas on the northwestern penninsula of Trinidad, offering half day, whole day and night time fishing trips customized to each game fisherman's satisfaction.

Fishing tournaments are held periodically throughout the year. These tournaments target the large pelagic species of game fish such as kingfish, wahoo, tuna, billfishes and dolphin fish. In Tobago, there is the annual Game Fishing Tournament, which is open to international anglers.

Dolphin, Wahoo and Tuna are found throughout the year except June to September.  Tarpon is found all year but is especially plentiful from June to September.  Kingfish are also plentiful from June to September.

To learn about the various fishing tournaments visit our Events Calendar

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Estuaries (river mouth) are particularly popular with on-shore fishermen. The river mouth of the Godineau River, the Nariva River and the Ortoire River are prized locations. Many species of fish enter the rivers from the sea on the high tide and exit on the low tide. The particular species that will usually be found in estuaries are Tarpon, Mullet, Salmon, Grouper, Striped Sea Bass and Yellow Jack. Our Popular Fishing Areas Page shows many of the rivers that are used for fishing.

Surf fishing is also popular and can be seen from almost every beach in Trinidad. Indeed it is a common practice to take the family to the beach for a swim and while there try your luck with the rod. Our Popular Fishing Areas Page shows many of the beaches that are used for surf fishing.

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Spearfishing in conjunction with snorkeling or SCUBA diving has grown in popularity. Spearfishing is usually done in rocky or coralline areas and the targeted fish include angelfish, grunts, groupers, red fish and the especially prized lobsters. Macqueripe Bay is one of the areas that is often used for spear fishing. Another location that is popular for spear fishing is the beaches around Blanchisseuse. The water between Damien Bay and opposite the Police Station have numerous small islands immediately offshore and many rock outcroppings. Spear fishermen dive in these waters looking especially for lobster and Lippe.

 

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Although saltwater fishing is the most popular, freshwater fishing in ponds, rivers and irrigation canals is also popular. It is with the freshwater fishermen that one can still see the traditional bamboo pole and nylon or string line. The favored fish for freshwater fishermen is cascadoo or cascadura.

The Popular Fishing Areas Page provides information about some of the areas frequented by fishing enthusiasts

For advice on Fishing rods, Baits and other fishing topics visit our Articles section.

 

 

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freshwater fishing

saltwater fishing

banking

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Your Ad can go here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Popular Fishing Areas Page provides information about some of the areas frequented by fishing enthusiasts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Popular Fishing Areas Page provides information about some of the areas frequented by fishing enthusiasts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Send mail to webmaster@trinoutdoors.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2006 Outdoor Business Group Limited
Last modified: March 11, 2022

All photographs (unless otherwise stated) are the property of  Brian Ramsey. None of the photographs may be reproduced without the express written consent of  Outdoor Business Group Limited and Brian Ramsey.