Shallow Water Fishing

Shallow water gamefishing became popular in the Virgin Islands in the 1950's.  The primary target species then was the bonefish, locally known as ``ten-pounders".    Permit and tarpon are now at the top of the list for shallow water gamefish enthusiasts in the U.S. Virgin Islands.  Barracuda and jacks are the most common shallow water gamefish and provide great sport.  Snook are caught occasionally.

all year, best late March through September

near shore, shallow seagrass and sand flats, mangroves

live shrimp, small jigs often baited with shrimp or crab

various small flies tied to imitate shrimp, crabs, and worms

all year, best April through October

shallow seagrass and sand flats and back reefs

small live crabs, pieces of crab, small sea urchins

crab patterns

all year, best March through October

mangrove lagoons, bays, harbors, deeper water adjacent to shallow flats, around offshore cays

silver spoons, white jigs, live bait fish

large streamers, Seaducers, various ``tarpon" flies

all year

mangrove lagoons, bays, harbors, along beaches with sharp drop-offs and submerged structure

live shrimp, small fish, bait fish imitation lures

bait fish imitations

all year

around reefs, channels adjacent to shallow water, mangrove lagoons and bays

live fish, bait fish imitations, silver spoons, feathers

bait fish imitations, needlefish imitations

all year

around reefs, channels adjacent to shallow water, mangrove lagoons and bays, back reef flats

squid, shrimp, cut bait, small spoons, spinners, jigs

small streamers, clousers, shrimp imitations