Big game fishing on Saint Martin : Water sports

Water sports on Saint Martin: Big-game fishing

The migration period of large fish is awaited every year with glee in the islands, and fishing boats and their competent skippers are particularly prepared for the season. Hooks are sharpened, lures and fishing lines tared to assure the best chances of grabbing one of those famous blue or white marlins. Fishing tournaments take place between April and September, with an ever-increasing number of participants, which is due to the fact that Saint Martin is situated close to Saint Thomas, “the capital of marlins”. Industrial fishing here is forbidden, so the area is abundant with fish all year round.

Saint Martin’s most important fishing competition is the International Big Game Fishing Tournament, held in the month of June. 35 boats with full crew –one of which was entirely composed of ladies- participated in the 2000 Billfish Tournament, competing for a first prize of 110,000 FF (16,800 eur), offered to the catcher of a marlin of over 669 pounds (the current record). The famous “Marlin Boulevard”, favourite spot for fanatics of the above-mentioned fish, is a renowned meeting place of fish and fishermen alike.

For sportsmanship, and in order to give the fish a chance, nets are measures and the method of “tag release” is becoming more and more frequent. Tagging and releasing the fish allow a more profound knowledge of the nature and migration of this species, otherwise rather difficult to survey.

Naturally, certain specimen are brought to port and measured to ensure animation for the public waiting to see the result of the tournaments. In other periods, fishermen seek out different species of fish, such as dolphin fish, yellowfin tuna, or wahoo. But whatever the period, a day out fishing means above all a journey out to the splendid and warm sea, an outing you will remember for the rest of your life.