Fishing: Charter Operators
A detailed listing of Tobago deep sea and offshore game fishing charters
In view of the differing budgets and preferences of visiting anglers, we have listed three separate lists of boat charters. It is not necessary to pre-book game fishing in Tobago, as there is always a surplus of supply over demand.
The following list covers the main game fishing players operating on Tobago. These operators offer the largest, specialist, sea-going fishing boats, fully equipped with all fishing gear and safety equipment and providing the highest levels of service - fishing at its safest and most comfortable. The services are listed in alphabetical order:
Alpha Lime
Although not the largest boats, Barry St.George is a real character and can be relied upon to give an entertaining trip with good fishing.
Based At: |
Mount Irvine (Region 2) |
Website: |
|
Telephone: |
(868) 639-9386 |
Email: |
Dillons Fishing Charter
Stanley Dillion is one of Tobago most established offshore game fishing charter operator and his boat, Super Cool, is arguably the best boat (Bertram 38ft) on the island, boasting a large, safe, inboard diesel. Stanley’s Dillions Seafood Restaurant will also cook your catch for you. We have heard many good reports of both Supercool and the restaurant.
Based At: |
Scarborough (Region 6) |
Website: |
|
Telephone: |
(868) 639-8765 |
Email: |
Dream Catcher Marine Charters
Dream Catcher is a brand-new 34ft Sportsfishing boat with twin outboard 140hp engines. The service has been operating since early 2001 and owner/crew Sheldon Wong Chong and Stevie Mohammed are knowledgeable, friendly and very good at their job. One knowledgeable local contact rates them as first choice of boat and crew for offshore game fishing. They also offer coastal and snorkelling tours.
Based At: |
Grafton (Region 2) |
Website: |
|
Telephone: |
(868) 680-7457 / 763-4027 |
Email: |
Fishjammer Charters
Fishjammer Charters is a new operation and will be operational from the end of June 2007. Based in Batteaux Bay alongside the Blue Waters Inn, owner Vinton Frank will be offering deep-sea fishing, snorkelling and sightseeing boat tours aboard a tournament-rigged 29-foot Topaz Sportsfish with full tower, outriggers, Fishfinder, depth sounder and Penn International Reels.
Based At: |
Speyside (Region 5) |
Website: |
|
Telephone: |
(868) 749-8980 |
Email: |
Grand Slam
Kester Herbert is widely acknowledged as Tobago’s number one choice for inshore, river, mud flats and fly-fishing. He is also a serious contender for top title for offshore game fishing, having been top captain at Hard Play for some years, regularly out-fishing his boss. He is a very quiet man with a wealth of experience and especially good for “one-to-one” fishing. He manages and captain’s two boats for English owner, Mark Simmons. The larger boat, a 32-foot Bowen, Grand Slam II, is used for deep sea game fishing. The smaller Grand Slam I for coastal and inshore work. Rates are probably the most competitively priced of all. Co-author of thesearticles, Steve Pitts, has used Kester on a number of occasions and gives full endorsement of Kester, commenting:
“I wholeheartedly recommend Kester Herbert and his mate Kevin. They are very professional and extremely knowledgeable of both inshore, flats and offshore fishing. His rates are worth every penny! Ask around at Pigeon point pier or look out for Grand Slam I, a blue 17ft skiff and Grand Slam II, a 32 foot pirogue with Bimini top. Kester has fly gear, rods and reels suitable for tarpon and some offshore gear for ‘cuda, kingfish and dolphin.”
To contact Herbert, see the contact details below. UK-based anglers wanting further information or to place a reservation, may also contact Mark Simmons on 02380-812276 (Office).
Based At: |
Black Rock (Region 2) |
Website: |
- |
Telephone: |
(868) 639-9961 |
Email: |
Hard Play Fishing Charters
Captain Gerard Frothy de Silva is undoubtedly the largest, best-known and most publicised player in the Tobago market. He operates three boats – Hard Play and Hard Play II for offshore game fishing, and Hard Play Lite for coastal light tackle and fly-fishing trips.
Email correspondence with the directors of this company has given me little confidence in the company personally.
Based At: |
Buccoo (Region 2) |
Website: |
|
Telephone: |
(868) 639-7108 |
Email: |
Blue Magic Charters
It is with great regret that we inform regular visitors who knew Sean Berkley that he was tragically killed in a motor accident on 11th May 2005 and the business has now closed.
The seas off Tobago can, at times, be rough and tide rips and currents are numerous. Those fishing with charter operators and local fishermen, do so entirely at their own risk. The information contained within this article does not constitute a recommendation or guarantee that suitable safety equipment, appropriate licences or insurance are held by the operator/owner/skipper or confirm the sea worthiness of the vessel used. The chartering of a fishing vessel is undertaken entirely at the risk of the individual. No responsibility can be bestowed upon the authors of this article, in the event of injury, death or financial loss. If in doubt - don't go out.
