Mid Water Fish Scene
Art by Paul Borghi

Mid Water Fishing

Inshore game fishing in the U.S. Virgin Islands has been the mainstay of marine recreational fishing for both local residents and visitors.  This type of recreational fishing is an island tradition.  Most of the fishing is done from small family-owned boats.  Several local tournaments are held each year which target midwater game fish, and a few of the larger big game fishing tournaments include a class for inshore fish.

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GAME FISH
Click on fish to see larger images.
SEASON
LOCATION
BAIT/LURES
Bonito

Jan. - May
(peak season)
all year

most inshore areas and around schools of bait fish

blue fry, feathers

Barracuda

all year

all reef areas

spoons, small lures

Hardnose (blue runner)

April - Sept.

most inshore areas and around schools

blue fry, small feathers

Bar Jack

all year

most inshore areas and around schools of bait fish

blue fry, scuttle (squid), feathers

Cervalle Jack

all year

100 fathom drop offs, most inshore areas and around schools of bait

fry, scuttle (squid)

Rainbow Runner

April - Sept.

North and South drops of STT, STJ and STX

fry, scuttle (squid), feathers

Cero

all year

between islands

ballyhoo, fry, lures, feathers

Kingfish

Feb. - May (peak season) all year

most mid-shelf areas

ballyhoo, fry, skirts

Yellowtail Snapper

all year

shallow and deep reef areas

fry