f Paria - Ins and Outs of Trinidad & Tobago 2013
f Paria - Ins and Outs of Trinidad & Tobago 2013
f Paria - Ins and Outs of Trinidad & Tobago 2013
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Recreational<br />
Fishing in T & T<br />
The <strong>Trinidad</strong><br />
experience<br />
by Nasser Khan<br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Tobago</strong> as twin isl<strong>and</strong>s is doubly blessed since<br />
enthusiasts have their choice <strong>of</strong> isl<strong>and</strong> when it comes to the<br />
various types <strong>of</strong> fishing. Recreational fishermen, women <strong>and</strong><br />
children delight in the wide variety <strong>of</strong> species that abound.<br />
According to Marilyn Sheppard, Vice President <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Trinidad</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>Tobago</strong> Game Fishing Association, fishing is a popular<br />
growing pastime with T&T becoming an angler’s favorite for many<br />
foreigners particularly from North America <strong>and</strong> Europe.<br />
The 2009, Tarpon Thunder Tournament <strong>of</strong>f <strong>Trinidad</strong>’s northwest<br />
coast on August 14–16, attracted a total <strong>of</strong> 26 boats with 109<br />
anglers (including participants from Argentina, Canada, USA,<br />
Italy <strong>and</strong> Barbados). For the first time this tournament qualified<br />
for the International Game Fishing Association’s <strong>Ins</strong>hore World<br />
Championships Fly <strong>and</strong> Lightweight tackle tournament, hosted<br />
by the Florida Keys Outfitters. Michael De Freitas will represent<br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Tobago</strong> in the 2010 tournament.<br />
Species such as marlin, sailfish, tarpon, kingfish, cavalli, carite,<br />
wahoo, dolphin (mahi mahi), blackfin tuna, Spanish mackerel,<br />
barracuda, African pompano, grouper, bonito, dorado <strong>and</strong><br />
snapper are in abundance in the waters <strong>of</strong>f <strong>Trinidad</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Tobago</strong>.<br />
Fish that live on or near the sea bottom like red fish, salmon <strong>and</strong><br />
croakers are also in the <strong>of</strong>fering for those who prefer to cast from<br />
a stationary boat. Some <strong>of</strong> the world’s best tarpon fishing can<br />
be found in the waters <strong>of</strong> the Bocas, <strong>of</strong>f <strong>Trinidad</strong>’s northwestern<br />
peninsula with the feisty giants seemingly everywhere. There<br />
are several charter boats both in <strong>Trinidad</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Tobago</strong> that <strong>of</strong>fer<br />
deep-sea fishing trips customised to each game fisherperson’s<br />
satisfaction.<br />
Although saltwater fishing is the most popular, freshwater<br />
fishing in ponds, rivers <strong>and</strong> irrigation canals is also popular. It is<br />
with the freshwater fishermen that one can still see the traditional<br />
casting net, bamboo pole <strong>and</strong> nylon or string line. A favourite <strong>of</strong><br />
the freshwater fishermen is the cascadoo or cascadura.<br />
Located at the southern end <strong>of</strong> the eastern Caribbean isl<strong>and</strong><br />
chain on the continental shelf <strong>of</strong>f northeast South America<br />
some eight miles east <strong>of</strong> Venezuela, <strong>Trinidad</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Tobago</strong> lies<br />
downstream <strong>of</strong> the outflow <strong>of</strong> many South American rivers,<br />
including the Amazon <strong>and</strong> Orinoco, <strong>and</strong> at the confluence <strong>of</strong><br />
major ocean currents such as the North Equatorial current. This<br />
outflow has led to a highly diverse marine environment. These<br />
estuaries (river mouths) are popular with onshore fishermen.<br />
Many species <strong>of</strong> fish, tarpon, mullet, salmon, grouper, striped sea<br />
bass <strong>and</strong> yellow jack enter the rivers from the sea on the high tide<br />
<strong>and</strong> exit on the low tide.<br />
If seeking a relaxing <strong>and</strong> therapeutic time <strong>of</strong> fun casting your<br />
line, any beach can be a great place for fishing. And here in<br />
our twin-isl<strong>and</strong> Republic there are many to choose from. On<br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong>’s east coast, for example, the mouth <strong>of</strong> the Nariva<br />
River at Manzanilla Bay is a popular fishing location as well as<br />
the mouth <strong>of</strong> the Godineau River on <strong>Trinidad</strong>’s west coast. The<br />
A fisherman weighs his prized Wahoo<br />
jetty at Maracas Bay on the north coast is an ideal location for<br />
relaxing, while further along the north coast, Las Cuevas Bay is<br />
always fun for the casual angler. The coastline at the entrance to<br />
Chaguaramas Bay in the northwest peninsula is another popular<br />
hotspot with locals. <strong>Tobago</strong> boasts locations such as Pigeon<br />
Point, Speyside, Charlotteville <strong>and</strong> Store Bay.<br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Tobago</strong> is truly a fisherperson’s paradise…<strong>and</strong><br />
twice the fun!<br />
SCHEDULE OF TOURNAMENTS:<br />
Wahoo Tournament March 6 <strong>and</strong> 7, 2010, <strong>Trinidad</strong><br />
Game Fishing Tournament (International) March 2010, <strong>Tobago</strong><br />
Marlin Madness Tournament April 21–24, 2010, <strong>Tobago</strong><br />
Kingfish Tournament June 19 <strong>and</strong> 20, 2010, <strong>Trinidad</strong><br />
Junior Angler Fishing Tournament July 3, 2010, <strong>Trinidad</strong><br />
Tarpon Thunder Tournament August 13–15, 2010, <strong>Trinidad</strong><br />
Funfish Tournament November 27, 2010, <strong>Trinidad</strong><br />
Stephen Broadbridge<br />
The <strong>Ins</strong> & <strong>Outs</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Tobago</strong><br />
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