Anguilla Fishing

[drmwork]

WIfe and I are planning a trip to Anguilla. I am interested in 1 day of fishing (fly fishing). Any recommendations on what to fish for, guides and what to bring? I heard there is Tarpon in North section of the Island. Trip is plan for early March.

[BobG]

Try searching the archives on this forum first b/c I think this topic recently was discussed.

Several years ago, we spent a month on Anguilla. While this lovely, ultra laid back island has some of the nicest people, beaches, and restaurants in the Caribbean, it sadly has little in the way of fishing. Or at least I could not fisn any.
When we were last there, I could not find anyone who who guide me for some inshore fly fishing. I was told there were a couple guys who were chartering offshore for Mahi, wahoo, and such. But they were very expensive, and I'm not really into that offshore stuff.
There were a resident population of very large tarpon in and around Silly Cay. But their size (well over 100lbs) and proximity to moored boats made them impossible to fish for.
The only place that had anything resembling "flats" were a large area behind the airport called "The Forest" Park next to the Strawhat Restaurant and explore from there is the best advice I could give. But I spent days scouring thoise flats, and all I got was a good tan.

[buckyburrows]

I spent a couple of weeks on Anguilla several years ago and brought my flyrod(an 8wt with a floater and an int and a sink tip). There are small tarpon and cudas on the North shore and reports of bonefish on some of the beaches up there. The best and most active fishing was down near a place called cap d'luca on some inland salt water flats. There were a bunch of nice ladyfish very willing to take a fly and they fought like crazy in the shallow water. I am not sure the area is still accessible as there was a lot of private developement going on. I f you go for the cudas be prepared to strip very fast and have a good wire bite tippet. You can get good cuda flies at most of the online fly sites. The ladyfish liked what else but a clouser minnow but I am sure they would hit a gurggler or other topwater presentation. Hope this helps a little.

[gtopche]

I returned from a week at Cuisinart yesterday. I caught fish at Forest Bay (the sandy beach to the west of Straw Hat) including a 27" bone and a smaller one, a bunch of snook and a nice bar jack. In addition, the beach behind Cuisinart (Rendezvous Bay) had everything cruising at different times. I had tarpon up to 50 lbs chase but not eat my flies, caught a 4 lb snook and got cut off by a 36" snook, caught a bunch of baby permit, and saw 6 different bones cruise the beach (each when I did not have my fly rod). There seemed to be large snook cruising everyday in the late afternoon. I did not use a guide, because it was rough seas for much of the time I was there and the guide, Junior Fleming, wouldn't go out until I couldn't go (the north side of the island was the rougher side and that is where he has his boat). His cell is 235-1008 and home is 497-4456. He can be hard to reach because he takes snorkelers out all the time and doesn't seem to keep his phone on when he goes out. I suggest you rent a car and try Forest Bay. I saw a lot of fish there on two successive days (although I was only there for about an hour the second day). I was told the area to the east of Straw Hat was supposed to be the better area, but I started to the west and saw fish and never left. The most productive flies were Gotchas (bones and a snook), Tan Fur Shrimp (caught snook, permit and jacks), and a chatreuse/white deceiver (for snook). I used a 9wt with a floating line. I also had an 11wt for the tarpon, although I didn't hook any.

In addition to the fishing, the restaurants are excellent. we had great meals at Hibernia (crayfish was excellent), Blanchards (Carribbean Sampler with shrimp instead of chicken and both the coconut dessert and bread pudding were off the charts) and Cuisinart (try the chocolate souffle). Straw Hat was very good (excellent cerviche). Malihouna was beautiful, romantic, overpriced and not as good as the others. Last but not least, hanging out at Bankie Banx' Dune Preserve bar was excellent. We saw him perform (I think Sunday, Wednesday and Friday he performs). He is a cross between Bob Dylan and Reggae. A very laid back place in contrast to St. Martin which is the view from his bar.

Enjoy your trip. We had a great time!!!!

Gary Topche

[bunker]

I'm thinking of going there this summer. A follow up question to the above is are there any licenses needed to fish?