Jamaica Fishing

[reefrunner]

Going to Ocho Rios, Jamaica the first week of January (save me some FMZ 17 crappie boys). Has anyone been there before? Experiences?

More importantly, has anyone gone fishing in Jamaica? I'm all for going out on a charter of sorts for a couple hours, was wondering what to expect in prices, catches and the like.

Was considering, but, I will not be bringing my own rod as I have heard they tend to get "lost" boarding the plane.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Reefrunner

 

[frozenfire]

No experience fishing in Jamaica, but definitely something I would love to try one day.
I wonder how their freshwater fishing is. I'm not even sure if they large landlocked lakes.

My GF has family in Jamaica, so I can see myself visiting there at least once in my life.
Let us know how it goes!

 

[diggyj]

If you are going to charter a boat somewhere wether its deep sea fishing or inland lake I wouldn't recommend taking your gear. They always have the required equipment and you can use it no problem. You risk your stuff getting broken or stolen or misplaced on a flight and depending what you are fishing for it might be too light.

Never fished in Jamaica but my brother went marlin fishing on a charter and caught a few beauties....

I recommend you check http://www.tripadvisor.com and search Ocho Rios fishing or just do a google search.

Dirk.

 

[toronto_angler]

I went to Negril and if you walk along the beach there are guys that will take you out in their boats. I didn't get a chance to go but some people we talked to did and had a great time. They supply the gear and anything else you may need :mrgreen:

 

[reefrunner]

Thanks a bunch guys! Should i find a charter that's reasonably priced, no doubt there will be a report. Would love to hook into a Marlin!

 

[ec1]

No experience there, but I would love to see what you ended up catching!

 

[disspatcher]

Go to a dock and pay a local...if you go thru the resort you will be looking at 125-200 for 4 hrs. All they do is wet lures and bring you in.....might have been off season when I tried it,,May,,,not sure what January brings...

 

[reefrunner]

I've been reading on Tripadvisor (thanks Dirk) that going out with a local (just as dispatcher indicated, sorry to hear about your lure wash) is the best bet. Particularily, one gentleman noted they were catching tuna...that should be interesting to say the least! Definately going to approach a local to take me out there, can't wait :mrgreen:

 

[diggyj]

I recommend Tripadvisor for any trips that you may take. With a little digging you can always find info you want on a resort or hotel or city, etc....GOOD LUCK

Keep in mind the reviews of people are just that. I went to Cuba a couple of years back and the reviews of my resort(SANDALS-Varadero) were mixed when it came to the food. It was a 5+ Star resort and when we were there, the food was amazing. So you have to take them with a grain of salt.....

Dirk

 

[iJay]

Never been to Jamica, but close

Went Fishing In Trinidad. Its a completely different ball game. We went fishing in an ocean channel. DAMN. We had to take a boat to the island which was rough as hell. We go there and set some land lines out. Pretty much an o-ring with god knows how much line 30lbs line with a 50-80 lbs leader. Fished with live bait, used shrimp, bait fish and some other random sails and such.

We caught what the locals called "dog fish" Red snapper. When we went out on the boat, it weas pretty fun ( we had a larger boat by now) Caught something that looked like baracudas but it was called something else there. Smallish sharks (15-20lbs) My uncle hooked a marlin or at least something that looked like it, unfortunatly when it got to the surface jumped and the line snapped.

There fishing if its at all like Trinidad, is rather primative. Yes they have surf rods, and all the equipment but their philosphy is to catch the fish and eat, not to play with it. Think lines and big ass rod. HHOOK AND REEL!!

Have fun hope it will prove to be as adventurous as Trinidad.

 

[reefrunner]

Wow, your experience sounds freakin' pretty awsome ijay!

When in Rome, do as the locals do.

 

[durham-fisher]

bring a medium heavy bait caster. your sickest crankbaits known to man. 30lb braid. flouro line


PEACOCK BASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Grey Ghost]

I have not fished Jamaica but I have fished St. Lucia, Martinque, Barbadoes, Becway and Granada - both deep sea fishing and coastal. You can use your fresh water gear for coastal fishing although the salt water is extremely rough on your reel. Coastal fishing includes tarpon, snook, cavally (sp?), baracudas, small sharks and snappers. I usually fish with jigs and rubber baits ,drift fish live baits or bottom bounce chunks of cut bait. Concentrate on tidal changes and river mouths and any area with mangroves. Night fishing is a real hoot and the fishing can be explosive when you don't know what you've caught.
Deep sea fishing is unlike any of our fresh water fishing. You troll at high speeds and your baits are bouncing across the water. This time of the year you can catch marlin, sailfish, kingfish, mackerel, dolphin and wahoo. The gear is large as fish can often spin 400-500 yards off on their first run. Take sea sickness medicine with you as the seas can change daily and this is a sure way to lose out on great fishing. I really like fishing dolphin (the fish not Flipper) and we have caught some on lighter tackle after luring them in with the trolling baits. It is conceivable that you could take one on a pinreel but I only take a light packtackle with me.