Private Fishing in St Lucia Charters

The big draw here is the chance to chase serious game fish from a private 31-foot boat. Lines may be set for dorado, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, or blue marlin as you work along St. Lucia’s coast, with the captain and mate handling the technical side. The boat uses Shimano and Penn reels, so you are not expected to bring a pile of gear.

I like the small four-person limit and the crew’s hands-on approach. Captains Jason and Andre, along with first mate Robert, have helped anglers land wahoo, tuna, sailfish, barracuda, and blue marlin. I also like that the trip includes bait, tackle, fishing licenses, water, soft drinks, and light snacks. The main caution is simple: fishing is fishing. You may land a marlin, or you may spend long stretches waiting for a bite. Timing can also be uneven, so cruise passengers should confirm pickup details carefully.

Key points before you book

• Up to four anglers on a private 31-foot boat: You get the whole boat, not a shared outing with strangers.
• St. Lucia’s larger game fish are the target: Wahoo, dorado, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, and blue marlin are among the possible catches.
• Experienced crew do the setup: Tackle, bait, licenses, and fishing equipment are included.
• Captain Jason and first mate Robert are a well-known team: Captain Andre may also lead the trip, depending on the boat and schedule.
• Cruise pier pickup and drop-off are included: Hotel transportation is not included.
• Plan for four to eight hours: The advertised fishing adventure is built around roughly four hours, but longer options are available.

Fishing from Vigie Marina into open water

You meet the boat at Hackshaw’s Boat Charters on Seraphine Road by Vigie Marina in Castries. This is a practical starting point for a fishing trip because you are close to the capital and can get underway without a long land transfer.

The trip follows St. Lucia’s coastline, moving from the marina toward fishing grounds in the open water. The precise route depends on conditions, the length of your charter, and what the captain is trying to find. That flexibility matters. A good captain may change the plan when fish are active in another area or when the sea becomes rough.

The first part of the outing is usually about getting the lines ready and settling into the boat. Your crew supplies the rods, reels, bait, lures, and licenses. You can ask for guidance at every stage, which helps if one person in your group fishes often and another has never handled offshore gear.

The boat is equipped with Shimano and Penn reels, plus a selection of lures for trolling. That equipment is suited to the main targets, including fast wahoo, dorado, tuna, and billfish. You do not need to turn up with your own tackle unless you have a personal preference.

What you may catch along St. Lucia’s coast

The target list is ambitious. Dorado and mahi mahi are often prized for their speed and bright colors, while wahoo can make a hard, fast run that gives even experienced anglers a proper workout. Yellowfin tuna are another strong target, and a catch can range from smaller fish to something that takes serious effort to bring near the boat.

Sailfish and blue marlin are the headline possibilities. Several outings have produced sailfish hookups and blue marlin encounters, including a double hookup on one trip and a released blue marlin on another. Those moments are never guaranteed, but the equipment and crew are set up for that level of fishing.

You may also encounter barracuda, grouper, triggerfish, or squirrelfish, especially when the crew adjusts the plan to find action closer to shore. That can be a smart move during a slow period. A day does not have to produce a marlin to be worthwhile, particularly if your group includes children or first-time anglers who would rather catch several smaller fish than wait all morning for one dramatic strike.

The most useful mindset is to treat the fish as a possibility, not a promise. Some outings have produced several fish per person. Others have ended with only a few catches or none at all, despite a hardworking crew. If your only measure of value is landing a blue marlin, this is a gamble. If you value time on the water, instruction, and a serious attempt at offshore fishing, the trip makes more sense.

The crew makes the difference

A private charter is only as good as the people running it. Here, the crew’s job is more than driving the boat and putting out lines. They set the spread, watch the rods, explain what to do when a fish hits, and help you manage the fight.

Captain Jason and first mate Robert are repeatedly associated with successful trips aboard the Blue Boy. They have helped anglers with sailfish, wahoo, barracuda, and blue marlin. Robert is also noted for giving practical tips while the lines are out, which can be valuable when an angler is handling large tackle for the first time.

Captain Andre and Robert have also worked together, including on a trip that produced two blue marlin hookups at once. Those examples show the kind of experience available, but they should not be treated as a forecast for your own day. Crew assignments can vary, and fishing conditions change.

I especially like the private format for mixed groups. An experienced offshore angler can take the lead when a big fish strikes, while a beginner can receive patient help without feeling rushed. You also have more room to adjust the pace around the people in your group.

Four hours, or a longer day on the water

The basic experience lasts about four hours, with options that can run from four to eight hours. A half-day is a sensible choice if you are fitting fishing around other St. Lucia plans, especially a cruise stop. It gives you enough time to reach fishing areas, set lines, and make a real attempt without committing your entire day.

A longer charter makes more sense for serious anglers. More hours give the crew more time to adjust locations and tactics, though extra time does not guarantee more fish. It can also make the day more tiring, particularly if the sea is rough.

This is not a sightseeing cruise with a few fishing rods added. Your attention will be on the lines, the water, and the next strike. You may get fine coastal views along the way, but the main purpose is fishing.

Bring cool, comfortable clothing as requested. You should also be ready for sun, spray, and movement underfoot. The tour calls for a moderate level of physical fitness. Reeling in a large wahoo or tuna can be demanding, and a marlin fight requires strength, balance, and patience.

One past outing became difficult when the sea turned rough for a passenger who did not sail well. The crew adjusted the plan, but this is still an offshore trip, not a calm harbor ride. If anyone in your group is prone to seasickness, think carefully before booking, and ask the operator about conditions and suitable timing.

What is included, and what is not

The price is $860 per group, for up to four people. That works out to $215 per person if you fill all four places. For a private boat with a captain, mate, equipment, bait, licenses, and cruise pier transfers, that can be a fair price for a small group that intends to fish seriously.

The value is weaker for one or two people unless you place a high value on privacy and personal attention. A larger shared boat could cost less per person, but this option gives you control over the group and the day. You do not have to match your pace to other anglers, and you can ask the crew to adapt the outing to different skill levels.

Included:

• Cruise ship pier pickup and drop-off
• Fishing tackle and bait
• Fishing licenses
• Professional guide
• Water and soft drinks
• Light snacks
• Private use of the boat

Beer is not part of the standard included drinks. It can be requested at an additional cost. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also not included, so resort-based visitors need to arrange their own way to Vigie Marina.

The boat takes a maximum of four anglers. That limit is important. Four adults can fit the charter well, but if all four are actively fishing at once, the space may feel busy when rods are moving and someone is fighting a fish. The small capacity is best seen as a benefit for attention and flexibility, not as a guarantee of a spacious, lounge-like ride.

Cruise passengers need to plan the timing

Cruise passengers receive pickup and drop-off at the pier, but you must provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and required re-boarding time when booking. This allows the operator to build the outing around your port call.

I would leave a generous margin before the ship’s departure. The fishing trip itself may run about four hours, and boat schedules can shift. There has been at least one reported delay connected to fueling, with a pickup nearly an hour later than expected, though the operator had sent an update beforehand. Another outing involved a wait of roughly 30 to 45 minutes before boarding.

That does not mean every pickup will be late. It does mean you should confirm the meeting time and avoid booking a charter that ends right against your ship’s all-aboard deadline. Give yourself time to return to the pier, collect anything you brought, and re-board without a sprint.

Confirmation is provided within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The booking information also says confirmation can be given when the reservation is made, so check the final confirmation carefully for the exact meeting instructions and timing.

Service, safety, and boat condition

The charter company says its offices, boats, and equipment are regularly sanitized, with hand sanitizer and washing products available on board. That is useful information for anyone who wants to know how shared surfaces and equipment are handled.

The boats used for fishing have received strong comments for their upkeep and equipment. Different outings have used boats with names such as Blue Boy and Limited Edition, while other charters have used larger vessels. Your booking is for a 31-foot boat with a maximum of four anglers, so do not assume that every photo or boat name connected with the company applies to your trip.

The crew’s safety role matters just as much as its fishing role. They monitor the boat, the lines, and the conditions, and they can change the approach if the sea becomes uncomfortable. Still, you remain responsible for knowing your own limits. Wear clothing that will not restrict movement, follow crew instructions, and tell them early if you feel unwell.

Best for serious anglers and small mixed groups

This charter suits you best if you want private use of a fishing boat and do not mind that the catch is uncertain. It is especially appealing for a group of two to four people with at least one person who is keen to pursue large game fish.

It can also work well for a parent and teenager. A 13-year-old has successfully joined a half-day outing that produced barracuda and yellowfin tuna, and the crew can adjust its help to the people on board. The physical demands still matter, so younger anglers should be comfortable with boat movement and handling a rod.

Honeymooners and couples can enjoy the privacy, but you should be honest about your expectations. This is not a polished luxury cruise. It is an active fishing trip, with spray, waiting, changing conditions, and a chance of coming home with nothing more than good pictures.

The charter is less suitable for anyone who dislikes open water, gets severe motion sickness, or needs a guaranteed catch. It is also not the easiest choice for a large family or group, since the boat holds only four anglers.

Should you book this St. Lucia fishing charter?

I would book it if you have a small group, want serious time with a fishing crew, and understand that the ocean decides the result. The strongest reasons are the private format, the four-person limit, the included gear and licenses, and the crew’s record of helping anglers handle difficult fish such as wahoo, sailfish, tuna, and blue marlin.

I would be more cautious if you are booking around a tight cruise schedule or if anyone in your party struggles on rough water. Confirm the pickup details, allow a wide return window, and ask about beer charges and the exact boat assigned to your trip.

For a full group of four, $860 is easier to justify because you are sharing a private boat and professional crew. For one or two anglers, the cost is high, but the personal attention may be worth it if landing a major St. Lucia game fish is a central part of your holiday.

FAQ

Where does the fishing trip start?

You meet the boat at Hackshaw’s Boat Charters on Seraphine Road at Vigie Marina in Castries, St. Lucia.

How many people can join the private charter?

The 31-foot boat can take a maximum of four anglers. The activity is private, so only your group participates.

How long does the fishing trip last?

The experience lasts approximately four to eight hours. The standard fishing adventure is described as a four-hour trip, with longer options available.

What fish might I catch?

Possible targets include dorado, mahi mahi, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, and blue marlin. Barracuda, grouper, triggerfish, and squirrelfish have also been caught on outings.

Is equipment provided?

Yes. Tackle, bait, fishing licenses, and a professional guide are included. The boats use Shimano and Penn reels and a range of lures.

Are refreshments and transportation included?

Water, soft drinks, and light snacks are included. Beer can be requested at an additional cost. Cruise ship pier pickup and drop-off are included, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not.