f Paria - Ins and Outs of Trinidad & Tobago 2013

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