BVI report 1/31-2/07

[fmw]

Thought I would post some of my experiences of my just ended trip sailing around the BVI. While not a fishing trip, I did squeeze a little in and can provide some helpful info on anyone visiting that corner of the world.

First off, I would unequivocally advise anyone taking a sailing trip or any other trip to the BVI to pack a rod. I saw a huge amount of varied marine life and there are plenty of different opportunities. While I caught but a few small reef critters, if I had focused on the fishing a tad more, I might have caught a number of nice fish.

At various points on the trip, saw pods of what I thought were albies or other small tunas, mostly on the north side of Tortola. I was always underway when I saw these fish and never got shots at them.

I was shocked by the huge numbers of baitfish virtually everywhere. I was further surprised by the tarpon that I saw while snorkeling Monkey Point off Guana Island and the tarpon that lazed like goldfish at night off the docks around the Bitter End YC and Prickly Pear Island.

The one day I concentrated on fishing was at Bitter End and to my surprise, actually found tailing bonefish on a flat around the corner from the resort. I impressed myself with some nicely placed casts, alas the fish were pretty darn picky (as I heard they would be).

Went to Anegada, but did not have the chance to fish there. A wild place and looks like an absolutely top notch and unpressured bonefish destination.

At anchor at Marina Cay, I noticed what appeared to be huge jacks hanging off the back of the boat. Alas, these fish were also finnicky (and I was told by the staff of a dive shop who confirmed they were jacks and that they are near impossible to hook). However, when casting after them, in the dark, I managed to hook up with what I believed to be a small tarpon on a clouser. I could not see the fish in the dark, but it jumped wildly for two minutes before breaking off, so I assume tarpon. That's when the wierd stuff happened. After tying on a new fly, the fly was hanging off the side of the boat when slammed by . . . a bat. Not a fun experience.

Anyway, the trip was a lot of fun and the BVI is a great place.

[ripline1010]

I was looking for info - hard to come by - and luckily stumbled on your email. Hope you don't mind some q's.

Bare-boating a power boat and arriving this week. Two days at Virgin Gorda (at Bitter End). Sounds like a similar situation - primarily family cruising but bringing fly and casting gear.

What was the most-common bait; and size?

Did you try Misquito Island or the mouth of Biras Creek? Also, any fishing info for Norman Isl, Peter, Jost Van Dyke?

Would truly appreciate anything you can tell me.

[Squidly]

I spent 10 days sailing down that way in 2000. You can catch lots of yellow tail snapper around the boats. They hit flies with a lot of flash. I would bring chart/white clousers and half and halves, Hamilton eatme's, and gurglers. We sam some tarpon off Jost in the soggy dollar harbor, but no takes. Baracuda are around so chart needle fish would be good to have. Did some awesome bone fishing in Anegada. These ae awesome flats that get very little pressure. Can be very windy. Bring bigger charlies and small white clousers that can get down in the current as you can do very well in the channels if the flats are too windy. Pink Charlies did well on the flats. We had a guide, Garfield, just ask for him and everyone knows who he is. He put us onto some nice fish. have a pain killer for me!

Jared

[fmw]

I did not try the flat next to Mosquito Island . . . would have liked to have gotten there, probably good for bones, but my ability to get around was semi-limited in that we had one dinghy and five non-fishers on the boat: I could not hog the dinghy. Instead, I walked all the way around to the back of Bitter End, near the entrance to the bay (don't know if that's the Biras Creek you are thinking of), and saw several bones tailing in ankle deep water. You should try around Mosquito Island if you can.

Did not fish around Norman or Peter. At Jost, caught a few little critters off the back of the boat. Again, I was not on a fishing trip.

Above all, I'd recommend that you try to get to Anegada and hire Garfield. I got to Anegada in the afternoon. Garfield was apparently in Tortola that day and it was a little to late to fish anyway. We left the next morning. Aside from the fishing, Anegada was a cool place and much different from the rest of the BVIs.

Everywhere there was tons of silversides/anchovies/glass minnows, whatever you want to call them. In mixed sizes. I only brought a fly rod, along with my floating (which I used for bones), int. and full sink (which I used off the back of the boat) lines. Brought some bonefish flies, plus a few clousers, deceivers and epoxies.

Hope that answers your questions.

[BobG]

I've been to the BVI's quite a few times, and I'd like to add one last place to check out. My wife and I spotted some bonefish there on the last day, of our last visit to the BVI's several years ago.
Check out Trellis Bay. Trellis bay is located all the way on the northern end of Beef Island. Drive past the airport, and past the Trellis Bay store, and continue past this real funky, laid back beach restaurant called De Loose Mongoose. Keep going on the sand road past it, which bears to the left, following the shoreline. The road continues all the way to the far end of Trellis Bay. Once out there, there are some small, almost never visited flats. The last time my wife and I were there, we were going for a swim, and to pick some shells. I walked right up on a pod of large bonefish tailing right along the beach. Needless to say, I was very surprised. While we were there, I took a good look around, and the place did look quite fishy.
Sadly, it was on our last day, and we never got back there. Hey, if you're in the area, maybe check it out.

[mrschapin]

What side of Mosquito is the flat on, and can you walk onto it, or can you only access it by water? Going to be in north sound next month, and would like to rent a dingy to do some exploring.

Matt

[fmw]

I believe on the southeast side. You would need to dinghy out to it.

[ripline1010]

Thanks to all for the info.

Chapin: According to a chart, flats are on the east and south sides. Quick dingy rode across N Sound. Bones. Supposedly, an occasional permit shows.

I will fill you in after I return on the 23rd. Email if I forget.

[fmw]

So much for Anegada being a little, secret out of the way spot . . . check out Jimmy Buffett's article in this week's SI (the swimsuit issue). Look's like Garfield's business is about to go through the roof.

[big dude]

Newbie here. Thanks for all of the great info in this thread.
Any sugestions for patterns/colors for bones on these flats.
I'm going down BB Chartering in early March.

[saltyric]

I just got back from Tortola last night. I managed to do a fair amount of fishing over the week that I was there. I hooked into 5 average size tarpoon off the jetty in Nanny Cay using spinning gear. I wasn't able to land a single one. I did catch a nice Horse Eyed Jack off the same jetty. I fished a lot of mornings on the flats on the left side of the bridge heading from Tortola to Beef Island. I managed a few shots a somes bones, with no hook ups. I did catch some random fish there, like ballyhoo and yellowtails. I spent a morning at Josiahs Bay throwing flies at very large (150 plus lbs) Tarpon. They had no interest in what I was offering. I did catch a bunch of Pompano at Josiahs on sand eel patterns. While there I meet a guy who told me of another flat on the right side of the bridge heading from Tortola to Beef Island. I went there in the afternoon (my last afternoon on the island) and found a fantastic smallish flat with bonefish tailing. My first shot hit a mangroo tree and spooked the fish. I highly recommend that flat. I wish I had some more time. Maybe next year.

[Mr. Pink]

Hello,
I am a FF newbie (started FF in 2003, in the Northeast, mainly for Stripers)...
i am heading to Virgin Gorda next week and would like to get a day of fishing in (would like to fish every day but my girl friend and wallet wouldn't be thrilled)...

any suggestions as far as do i bother bringing my FF Rod (9 wieght) or would it be "easier" to just rent a reel from the charter i am going with?

Any insight would be appreciated.

thanks.
Mr. Pink, Boston, MA

[fmw]

I couldn't tell whether you are bareboating or going to a resort and couldn't really tell whether your one day of fishing was with a guide. If going with a guide, I'd assume he'd be able to equip you. If not, I can't possibly imagine where you could rent a fly rod. Lets just say there are no Orvis stores or Bass Pro Shops in the BVI. If bareboating, I can tell you the Moorings had a vendor who rented spinning and conventional tackle for the week.

By the way, what happened to those folks who said they were going down there a few weeks ago??? If you want advice before you go, you've got to post how you did when you return.

[saltyric]

FMW- Did you see my report above? I was one of the guys who went down there a few weeks ago.

Like i said above, I brought down a 8wt flyrod and a 7ft 3 piece light action spinning rod. There was plenty of fish to be caught. I am not so sure I would bother with a guide down there. I would definately suggest you bring your own gear down there, I didn't see a single tackle shop. Although, I was only on Virgin Gorda for a day. If you hve any specific questions, PM me.

[fmw]

I did see that report, thanks. I think there were one or two others who also posted they were going down . . . maybe they are still there.

I agree, don't need a guide (and there are not really any around anyway), unless going to Anegada for bones.

[mrschapin]

Did any of you guys get a recreational fishing permit while you were there? I've tried contacting the div. of natural resources, but they haven't gotten back to me. I won't be going through Roadtown (where the office is) until the second half of my trip, and don't want to waste a couple of hours and money taking a taxi there to get a license if I don't really need one.

Was also wondering if ciguatera is something I should be concerned about, as I'd like to fry up a few snapper some evening, and the only fishing I'll be doing is in-shore.

Matt

[widdoes]

Was also wondering if ciguatera is something I should be concerned about, as I'd like to fry up a few snapper some evening, and the only fishing I'll be doing is in-shore.

Matt

Good question Matt- ciguatoxin is injested by reef species who eat a small coral-dwelling snail, and the species who in turn eat those species. That's why 'cuda's are #1 on the "do not eat" list. The general rule of thumb is you can eat the smaller fish (snapers) that live in the magroves and lagoons, but should avoid the larger ones on the reef. Local practice is often the best indication. In the Yucatan, locals eat 'cudas that come out of the Boca Paila lagoon, but will not eat those from the reef.
Here's a link that may be helpful http://www.rehablink.com/ciguatera/index.htm.
Have fun, be safe.
Wild John

[saltyric]

I was told you needed a permit to fish on Tortola. When I went through Customs, the agent saw my rod tubes and told me I needed a permit. So, on the first day there, my wife and I spend 2 hours searching for the correct building to get a permit. I would go to one place and they told to go somewheres else, and so on. Finally I found the right place, and started to fill out the permit. Halfway through the application, the lady at the desk asked for the name of the boat. I said i wasn't going to fishing from a boat. She said "Oh, then you don't need a permit"!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I didn't get one, and no one questioned me.

[Rich2Cape]

I've fished Tortola (land based) the past 2 vacations and never been asked about a permit. I'll be spin fishing off Long Bay Beach, Brewers, Smugglers and maybe the east end. I hope to get to Anegada on a day trip and will post my results. I did catch 3 bonefish at Long Bay Beach and saw many more at Smugglers Cove. I have yet to see more than 2 or 3 others fishing while I am there. Be there from the 13th - 23rd of March if anyone wants to meet up.

Saltyric: Maybe I'll drive over to Nany Cay and fish the jetty. Will anyone hassle me there?
Thanks

[saltyric]

Rich2Cape - I don't think anyone would hassle you, I'm not sure. The entrance to Nanny Cay has a gaurd shack, but no one ever asked me If I was staying there (although I was staying there). It's worth a try.

[Mr. Pink]

i will do at least one guided trip,but my questions were around going out and about on my own...
any suggestions for lures? my only exdperince has been with stripers and blues.

thanks,
Mr. Pink
I couldn't tell whether you are bareboating or going to a resort and couldn't really tell whether your one day of fishing was with a guide. If going with a guide, I'd assume he'd be able to equip you. If not, I can't possibly imagine where you could rent a fly rod. Lets just say there are no Orvis stores or Bass Pro Shops in the BVI. If bareboating, I can tell you the Moorings had a vendor who rented spinning and conventional tackle for the week.

By the way, what happened to those folks who said they were going down there a few weeks ago??? If you want advice before you go, you've got to post how you did when you return.

[LunaTic]

hey all!
Well, I was down from the 13th thru the 20th Feb. Had many opportunities to see where fish were, as we spent the entire week on a powerboat (Nautic Blue 43' power catamaran- if you're interested drop me a line!), but not enough time to fish as i would have liked as I was with the family and mostly into snorkeling days and Rum Punches at night...

Can't say it was an overly fishy area all told. Seemed hit pretty hard (except for Anegada) Most of the bays held barracuda, some pretty big ones, but they seemed pretty human-aware. The only solid take was when i caught some poor reef fish and the 'cuda decided to try an easy meal. Otherwise very wary and seemingly intelligent fish. We swam with many a four footer.

Most bays held some form of toothy critter, most akin to bluefish, which i can't identify and am curious to know what they were. These fish (ALL of the fish) had VERY keen eyesight and blew through in small schools, scattering bait wherever they went. Lost alot of gear to cutoffs. I needed to be using the 8lb gear with fluoro leader to even get follows. I brought a LOT of different tackle (which the airlines lost for two days) and tried almost everything (note: I'm a spin-fisher). The single best producer was a 2" Storm Wildeye pearl shad, talk about matching the hatch this was a perfect imitation of the multitude of baits we found everywhere. You fly guys should do just fine. No shortage of bait. While we had takes and cut offs in most every bay the best action, bar none, was in White's Bay off to the west side of Guana Island (also a tremendous anchorage). Large schools of False Albacore and Bonito were active constantly and we had plenty of action there using deadly dicks (the short ones, any color). If I could choose one place to go back to this was it.

Anegada was a very remote and unpressured place. The cat might be out of the proverbial bag but it's a loooong haul to get there (feels like the edge of the earth) and will likely remain a fishing destination for only the hard core. I doubt the pressure will affect this island for many years to come. That said, there are literally miles of flats if you know how to get at them, which we didn't. I would say a guide is a good idea unless you have a decent small boat and lots of time.

I won't even talk about the offshore scene, which I really wanted to give a shot, because we never made it to the edge due to the big swells (8-10 ft the days we tried). Here in MA we run 100 miles to get to the continental shelf, from Anegada or Norman Island it's a scant 3 miles. It was my one disappointment as the talk was of big mahi and school yellowfin if you could make the short run.

lastly: take your own gear. Period. As mentioned in previous posts there are NO tackle shops in BVI's. You will be on your own completely. My 8' rods shipped nicely in my custom made PVC tube but they lost my tackle bag, as I said, for a few days. Could have been a REAL bummer if they lost it permanently, I was lucky. Make sure you declare the value of your gear when you check your baggage or it's only worth a few bucks a pound if lost. My $1400 bag was worth $200 in weight. Folks in BVI were nice enough but decidedly unconcerned about our lost bags (no problem, mon). Also, so far as a permit goes: don't bother. If you call, as i did, you'll be told you need one. Once there you'll spend a half day (if you're lucky) getting one. Once you have it (if you're the really persisitent type) you'll eventually find out that you didn't really need it. Required for commercials only. But they won't tell you that. That's because nobody really knows... so don't bother. No problem, mon! These are the islands...

All told not a bad place to fish, but a much better place to vacation! Wish I had more time to explore as there are certainly some great looking spots and the area is not overly populated or pressured. In fact mine were the only rods I saw all week... go figure. Maybe next time...

Don't miss the Painkillers at Pussers in Sopers Hole and don't go near the Moorings' hotel in Roadtown if you can help it. Also, pack food not clothes!
Drop me a line if you have any specific questions.

Mark White
LunaSea

[Capt. Jaco]

Hi,
I have a week long sailing trip to the BVI's in early April. If anyone could help me with a few question that would be most ppreciated. I am from South Florida and have experience on fishing the flats and reefs which is what I typically do. Now I live in South-Eastern Pennsylvania and have never been to the BVI's. I flyfish but only in the streams of PA and only have a 4wt. rod. I am going to be spin casting when I go to the BVI's. I have a few little fly-like jigs, spoons, some plastic diving minnow things, and just some plain hooks. What do you suggest I do? What kind of baits would you recommend? What kind of tactics, like flats, off the tender dinghy, or wading? I will be mostly near Tortola, Peter Island, In the pass between St. John and Tortola, and Jost Van ####. What are some recommend fishing spots in those areas? I would really like to go after edible fish like, yellow tail, snapper, and grunt or snook. I would love to get some bonefish or cuda's though. I am definatley not set up for tarpon. I don't really want to go after them.

Please get back to me as soon as possible,
Thanks

[mwgdc]

I'm also heading down the first week of April. I've been fishing there more and more the last couple of years. Focused mainly on tarpon. Finally had great success last year on Tortola. Any of the bays on the north shore will have tarpon if the bait is there. Look for schools of bait and the tarpon will be nearby. There is a flat near the Beef Island bridge that I saw some bonefish on but no luck as I have never even hooked one. I'm from Jersey, we don't get many of them up here!!! Anyway, email me at mwgdc@netzero.com and I'll tell anything that I know. I did use 12lb test spinning gear and had no problem landing several very large tarpon from the beach. From what I understand, some of the small out islands have bays that are full of tarpon at times. I have also seen snook in Cane Garden Bay virtually everyday but they do not bite anything. Biggest piece of advice is: if you don't bring it with you, you won't find it on Tortola. I appreciate reading everyone's experiences on this site. I don't want to make this too long but just email me if you need more info. Of course, I am also open to anybodies experiences down there, especially how to catch the snook and bonefish.

[saltyric]

I found a great place for Bones on Beef Island a few weeks back. When driving over the bridge from Tortola to Beef Island, take your first right onto a cement paved road (after the bridge). Follow it down a little ways and take another right. A little further you will see a great little cove / beach. There is a "parking lot" on the other side of the road. Park there. When standing on the beach,walk back towards the bridge (to the left). There is a great little flat with tons of Bones right there. Good luck.

[Rich2Cape]

I'm heading down there on Sat and will post my results when I return on 3/26. Thanks for all the info and locations.

[CaptJaco]

Yeah, I'll plan on going after snook, yellow tail, snapper, permit, and bonefish near Salt and Peter Isand for 2 days, Norman Island for a day, the Thach Islands (South of Tortola, North of St. John.),and 3 days on jost van dyke. You see, I'm doing the week long sailing flotilla and we visit different places each day. Like i said in the forum, I am also going to be spin-casting. Thanks for you help and regards. E-mail:Jindekeu@comcast.net

[Rich2Cape]

I just got back the other night from 12 days on Tortola and 1 day on Anegada. "Saltyric" - right on about the flat out on Beef Island. Caught 2 bonefish there on a 1/4 oz white bucktail type jig. Saw but missed 1 permit and 1 shark cruising by. Caught 1 other bonefish off Lamberts Beach and 1 needlefish and 1 very small tarpon at Cane Garden Bay. Largest bonefish was 25 inches - great fight on light tackle. Have pictures but not sure if you can post them here.

[CaptJaco]

Hi,
Good to hear your trip was good. Could you give me anytips about Jost Van #### or Norman and Salt Islands?

Thanks

[Rich2Cape]

Sorry I can't help with Jost or Salt Islands. Been to Jost but just to hang on the beach and at the Soggy Dollar Bar.
Your best bet if going by boat to other islands is to watch for the diving birds/pelicans. They will show you where to fish. If I had a boat there were numerous opportunities but all I could do was stand on the beach and watch the fish jump and the pelicans dive.