Fishing off of the sailboat in the BVI's

[Carib61]

Heading to Tortola later this month. What are the license requirements for trolling while sailing?

[seahag]

You need a BVI license. Worth it. Don't even think of fishing there without one, big penalties. Trolling diving plugs is great, and flats off Anegada have bonefish. Have fun!

[denverd0n]

Agree with Seahag. Don't even THINK about doing it without getting the license. Your charter company ought to be able to give you all the details.

[Carib61]

Thanks guys, I heard that the boat has to be registered?

[Carib61]

FYI Just got off the phone with The Moorings. The boat has to be registered now as a fishing vessel. New law in April 2016. I guess it is a lengthy process for the boat owner. So if you plan on fishing, you will need a license as well as the boat being registered, otherwise a hefty fine!!

[caradow]

Would advise checking on the cost of a fishing license in the BVI's .
May not be worth it, I have caught a lot of fish in my travels however never in the BVI's.....I suspect its probably fished out except possibly along the drop off to the west of Cooper, Norman etc.
Would like to hear from some who have caught fish (trolling) around Tortola. Maybe I have just been in the wrong spots.

[RickG]

Yep, confirmed - the boat and the fisherman needs to have a license. The owner/charter company has to register the boat. The better charter companies TMM, CYOA, etc (not Moorings/Sunsail) have registered the boat.

You can get a fishing license yourself through Conservation & Fisheries Department - BVI Fishing Licences

Last Stop Sports can set you up with a license and gear - https://www.laststopsports.com/Fishing_License.htm

As for fishing, we do ok in the BVI at the south drop and between Anegada and Jost out to Kingfish Banks. But, the fishing is better in the USVI and especially good between St. Thomas and Culebra. In November we got the most action on ballyhoo and Dorado and Bonito colored poppers trolled at 6 kts.

Cheers, RickG