The flat waters off Anegada’s north shore hold a steady population of bonefish from November through February, drawing anglers who prefer their fishing with a side of solitude rather than a crowd. It’s one of the BVI’s reliable inshore spots, but it’s far from the only one — the territory’s fishing spans everything from mangrove harbors to deep offshore drops.
This article covers the best fishing locations in the BVI, the regulations you need to know before you drop a line, and how to plan a trip that fits your crew’s style. Whether you’re after bonefish on the flats or yellowfin tuna off the North Drop, the key is matching the season and the spot to what you want to catch.
November to February is the prime window for inshore bonefish, while June to September delivers offshore marlin and tuna in BVI waters.
Fishing in the BVI is accessible year-round, but you’ll need a 30-day license that takes about 10 business days to process — so plan ahead. The real decision is whether you want inshore action (bonefish, tarpon) or offshore trophy fish (marlin, tuna), because the seasons and locations are quite different.
Anglers
Families
Adventure travelers
| Location | Best For | Best Time | Key Species |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anegada flats, Tortola mangroves | Inshore fishing | Nov–Feb | Bonefish, Tarpon |
| North Drop, South Drop, Jost Van Dyke | Offshore / trolling | Jun–Sep | Blue marlin, Yellowfin tuna, Mahi-mahi |
| Virgin Gorda reefs & wrecks | Bottom fishing | Year-round | Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack |
Anegada Flats and Tortola Harbors: Inshore Fishing
The inshore scene in the BVI is built around two very different environments — the sandy flats of Anegada and the mangrove-lined harbors near Tortola. Both are best from November through February, when bonefish and tarpon are most active in these shallow waters.
Anegada’s flats are the go-to for bonefish. The island’s position at the northern edge of the BVI platform means the water stays shallow and clear over a large area, giving sight-casters a real advantage. On the Tortola side, the mangroves and harbors hold tarpon that move in and out with the tides. These are not big-wave spots — you’re reading the water, watching for movement, and working the structure.
On Anegada, the flats hold bonefish — this is one of the most reliable inshore spots in the BVI for sight-casting.
North Drop and South Drop: Offshore Trophy Fishing
If you’re after the big stuff — blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, sailfish — the North Drop and South Drop are where you need to be. These offshore locations sit at the edge of the BVI platform where the ocean floor drops away, creating the kind of structure that trophy fish patrol. The peak season runs from June to September.
Trolling around Jost Van Dyke is another effective offshore strategy, particularly for mahi-mahi, wahoo, and barracuda. The currents around the island push baitfish through the channels, and the game fish follow. Charters run half-day to multi-day trips, and most provide equipment — so you don’t need to bring your own rods and reels unless you want to.
Barracuda in BVI waters may carry ciguatera toxin and should always be released. Catch-and-release is also encouraged for marlin to support long-term preservation of the species.
Virgin Gorda Reefs and Wrecks: Bottom Fishing
For a different kind of fishing, the reefs and wrecks around Virgin Gorda deliver consistent bottom action. Snapper, grouper, and amberjack hold near the structure, and because these fish are less migratory than offshore pelagics, the fishing holds up year-round.
Bottom fishing is also the most accessible option if you’re on a shorter trip or have less experience — you’re anchored over a known spot, dropping straight down, and the wait between bites is usually short. Local charters know the productive wrecks and reef ledges, and many offer half-day trips that work well for families.
Heading into Virgin Gorda’s waters reframed the day — it’s less about the hunt and more about steady action that keeps everyone engaged.
Licensing, Regulations, and What to Pack
The single most important logistical step for fishing in the BVI is getting your license. A 30-day fishing license is required for all non-commercial fishing and is obtained from the Department of Conservation & Fisheries. You’ll need to provide ID and payment, and the processing takes about 10 business days — so this isn’t something you can do last minute.
The 30-day license covers most visitors’ trips, but you need to apply at least two weeks before you arrive to account for the 10-business-day processing window. Bring your ID and payment to the Department of Conservation & Fisheries office.
Protected Species and Catch Rules
Several species are protected under BVI law and must not be caught: turtles, lobsters, and certain conch are off-limits. Triggerfish have specific rules depending on the type — Black triggerfish are poisonous, Dark triggerfish are for commercial use only, and Yellow triggerfish are a rare breed that must be released immediately. Barracuda may be poisonous and should always be released. Lionfish, on the other hand, are not native to BVI waters, and catching them is encouraged to help protect the local ecosystem.
Black triggerfish are poisonous — never keep one. If you’re unsure about a species, release it. The general rule: if you can’t identify it with certainty, let it go.
What to Pack for a BVI Fishing Trip
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The research-backed packing list for a BVI fishing trip is straightforward: lightweight UV-protective clothing, polarized sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, waterproof footwear, and high-SPF water-resistant sunscreen and lip balm. Most fishing charters provide rods, reels, and tackle, so you don’t need to bring your own gear unless you prefer your own setup. If you’re booking through a yacht charter, they can pre-order fishing equipment as part of your package — worth asking about when you book. A GPS smartwatch like the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar can help you navigate to the best fishing spots and keep an eye on changing weather conditions while you’re on the water.
- Apply for your 30-day fishing license at least two weeks before your trip — processing takes 10 business days.
- Match your season to your target: November–February for inshore, June–September for offshore.
- Know which species to release: barracuda, black triggerfish, yellow triggerfish, and all protected species (turtles, lobsters, certain conch).
Before You Go Fishing in the BVI
How do I get a fishing license?
You apply in person at the Department of Conservation & Fisheries with ID and payment. The 30-day license takes about 10 business days to process, so apply at least two weeks before your trip.
What’s the best time of year for fishing?
November to February is best for inshore species like bonefish and tarpon. June to September is ideal for offshore trophy fish like marlin and tuna. Fishing is good year-round either way.
Can I fish from shore or do I need a charter?
You can fish from shore in some areas, but most productive spots — especially offshore and around wrecks — require a boat. Numerous charters across the islands offer half-day to multi-day trips with equipment included.
What species should I avoid catching?
Barracuda may be poisonous. Black triggerfish are poisonous. Dark triggerfish are for commercial use only. Yellow triggerfish must be released immediately. Turtles, lobsters, and certain conch are protected by law.
One Cast at a Time
Whether you’re working the flats for bonefish or dropping a line over a Virgin Gorda wreck, the BVI’s fishing is defined by variety — inshore, offshore, reef, and wreck all within a short boat ride of each other. The license takes planning, the seasons matter, and knowing what to release is as important as knowing what to keep. But that’s the kind of fishing that makes you want to plan another trip before the first one ends.
References
The Moorings. “BVI Fishing Vacation: Top 10 Things to Know.” The Moorings Blog. ↗
For more on exploring the BVI beyond the fishing spots, check out our guide to hidden gems of Virgin Gorda, the BVI watersports guide for more on-water fun, and family-friendly activities across the islands. If you’re still weighing where to base yourself, this interactive map of BVI hotels and rentals makes it easier to compare spots near the best fishing grounds.
Explore Places to Stay in BVI
Feel free to zoom in and out of the map to explore the area and find the best place to stay for your trip.