After half a year searching, looking at different sites, different locations we finally have booked our caribbean trip to Tobago.
My wife and me are going from 12 june till 26 juni and of course my flyrods will be in my case, a #7 rod and a #9 rod. The planning will be in the morning flyfishing (DIY) and in the afternoon/evening other activities with my wife. Next to that we will do a lot of photography work.
We are planning to go one week at the southern part of the island and one week at the (higher) nothern part of the island.
The reason why I take my flyrods with me are mostly bone, tarpon (perhaps even permit), jacks, snook and some other species. But I have some questions about the fish/catch-possibilities and perhaps you can help me.
For instance is there a possibility to catch GT?
And are the tides very important? (if yes, is there some information about tide tables here on this site?)
What are the possibilities to wade/flatfishing? Or perhaps are there possibilities to rent kayaks for a cheap price? (and go to the flat at pigeon point/turtle beach)
South:
I have read some info about the "airport beaches / flats". I hope it is not to busy here, is that correct? Or do i have to go in the early morning?
North:
Is it also possible tot fish at bone/on flats at this part of the Island. or is this more a coast fishery/ surf casting?
As you can see I have lots of questions. (and many more) I hope someone here can help me a little bit with locations of shallow water, etc.
Many thanks in advance.
Edwin
Flyfishing possibilities
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De Zwieper
I have just read some posts before this one.
Re: I bet you wished you hadn't asked the question now...... (from some posts before)
I can understand you Steve.
Perhaps I have to be more specific. Just some information about most interesting flats (and in relation to tides) would be nice.
Many thanks in advance.
Edwin
Re: I bet you wished you hadn't asked the question now...... (from some posts before)
I can understand you Steve.
Perhaps I have to be more specific. Just some information about most interesting flats (and in relation to tides) would be nice.
Many thanks in advance.
Edwin
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Steve Pitts
- Tobago Anorak
- Posts: 710
- Joined: Mon Apr 28, 2003 11:18 am
- Location: Bristol U.K
Hi Edwin
Have you looked in the fishing section of the site here -
http://www.mytobago.info/fishing.php
The FAQ section would be of interest to you.
There are plenty of photos of the flats areas at the southern end of the island. There are also other photos in the gallery section, under my name and lots of aerial photos in the odds and sods section at the top of this page. Just click on the drop down and select 'aerial photos', then work your way around the coast. I think that these pictures are invaluable for any angler - you should learn a lot from studying them.
The flats provide most of the 'Grand Slam' species that you are after - exept GT's (Giant Trevally). Trevally are Indo-Pacific species and in the Carribean they are represented by the Jack family, the biggest of which are the Crevalle and Horse-eyed jacks. Crevalles can grow to over 25kg, but one of 10kg is big for Tobago. On an 8 or 9wt they will give you a serious work-out if you are lucky (?) enough to hook one.
The flats around the 'Lowlands' area (Buccoo around to Lambeau) are mostly wadeable and you may have them to yourself, although sportfishing on Tobago is becoming more popular, especially with British and Dutch anglers - I can't imagine why.
You may be able to rent a kayak from the watersports hut on Mount Irvin beach, which is something that I have promised myself I would do every time I have been, but never got around to it yet.
Always go early in the morning, because it is not only a good time to catch fish, as they are very active at this time of day, but also it is a wonderful time of day to be out (no boats and less people around) to enjoy yourself.
There are no flats in the North of the island, but casting from the shore with the fly rod is possible at many beaches, for jacks (known as Cervally locally), tarpon, ladyfish, houndfish, snapper and maybe even tuna and cuda. You could also flyfish from a boat if you go with one of the local fishermen or a small charter, such as Alibaba or King David from Castara.
Just a little way offshore there are Mahi-mahi, wahoo, bonito and sometimes sails. I think your 9wt would just about cope, if you have lots of backing on your reel!
If you trawl back through this section of the forum, you will find many fishing threads from the past couple of years and these will also answer some of your questions.
I hope this information helps you and please don't forget to post a quick report when you get back.
Good luck
Steve
Have you looked in the fishing section of the site here -
http://www.mytobago.info/fishing.php
The FAQ section would be of interest to you.
There are plenty of photos of the flats areas at the southern end of the island. There are also other photos in the gallery section, under my name and lots of aerial photos in the odds and sods section at the top of this page. Just click on the drop down and select 'aerial photos', then work your way around the coast. I think that these pictures are invaluable for any angler - you should learn a lot from studying them.
The flats provide most of the 'Grand Slam' species that you are after - exept GT's (Giant Trevally). Trevally are Indo-Pacific species and in the Carribean they are represented by the Jack family, the biggest of which are the Crevalle and Horse-eyed jacks. Crevalles can grow to over 25kg, but one of 10kg is big for Tobago. On an 8 or 9wt they will give you a serious work-out if you are lucky (?) enough to hook one.
The flats around the 'Lowlands' area (Buccoo around to Lambeau) are mostly wadeable and you may have them to yourself, although sportfishing on Tobago is becoming more popular, especially with British and Dutch anglers - I can't imagine why.
You may be able to rent a kayak from the watersports hut on Mount Irvin beach, which is something that I have promised myself I would do every time I have been, but never got around to it yet.
Always go early in the morning, because it is not only a good time to catch fish, as they are very active at this time of day, but also it is a wonderful time of day to be out (no boats and less people around) to enjoy yourself.
There are no flats in the North of the island, but casting from the shore with the fly rod is possible at many beaches, for jacks (known as Cervally locally), tarpon, ladyfish, houndfish, snapper and maybe even tuna and cuda. You could also flyfish from a boat if you go with one of the local fishermen or a small charter, such as Alibaba or King David from Castara.
Just a little way offshore there are Mahi-mahi, wahoo, bonito and sometimes sails. I think your 9wt would just about cope, if you have lots of backing on your reel!
If you trawl back through this section of the forum, you will find many fishing threads from the past couple of years and these will also answer some of your questions.
I hope this information helps you and please don't forget to post a quick report when you get back.
Good luck
Steve
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De Zwieper
Great!
Thanks Steve it is much appriciated.
Perhaps I will come with more questions after I have studied the photos and all other information. And ....hehe...lots of backing here on the Stenzel and loop reels.
One question still remains.
Do you know where you can find tide tables from Tobago?
I will come with a report and perhaps even with something to place at my own site.
Thanks for the info about GT, I didn't know that.
Cheers, Edwin
Thanks Steve it is much appriciated.
Perhaps I will come with more questions after I have studied the photos and all other information. And ....hehe...lots of backing here on the Stenzel and loop reels.
One question still remains.
Do you know where you can find tide tables from Tobago?
I will come with a report and perhaps even with something to place at my own site.
Thanks for the info about GT, I didn't know that.
Cheers, Edwin
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Steve Wooler
- myTobago Editor & Chief Anorak
- Posts: 4856
- Joined: Sun Apr 21, 2002 11:00 pm
- Location: Suffolk, England
- Contact:
Hi Edwin
Welcome aboard!
Try http://www.freetidetables.com/tides/?tti=3324 for free tide tables. If anyone knows of a better/faster source for tide tables, please mention it in this thread. It might be a useful addition to Steve's fishing FAQ.
Welcome aboard!
Try http://www.freetidetables.com/tides/?tti=3324 for free tide tables. If anyone knows of a better/faster source for tide tables, please mention it in this thread. It might be a useful addition to Steve's fishing FAQ.
Steve Wooler
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
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Stephen Hull
Steve
I get my predictions from the UKHO site - they also provide 7 day free forecasts, or longer periods if you register. Try:
http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/Ea ... index.aspx
Steve
I get my predictions from the UKHO site - they also provide 7 day free forecasts, or longer periods if you register. Try:
http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/Ea ... index.aspx
Steve
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De Zwieper
Two weeks and we are counting, searching on mytobago.info, google and also the tying is started...
Lots of clousers, my favourite, charlies, some tarponflies, poppers, and other flies.
Our stay:
We will stay a week at castara and most probably the first week at sandy point, almost certain we will also have a car during these two weeks.
Okay, back to flyfishing. First I definitely would like to say again that this site is perfect. Thank you for that.
I will take my #10, #9 and #7 rod with me. Mostly floating lines, but also sinking lines. I have some experience with bonefishing and the arial photos are clear enough.
There are still some questions, which perhaps can be answered. (many thanks in advance)
Tarpon:
- would you recommend floating or sinking lines?
- is a shock leader a must?
- Is it also possible to find Tarpon in the shallow waters, or is it better to flyfish with a sinking line in deeper water (drop offs)?
Places:
What about the Nylon pool? Have you ever fished there, or isn't that possible?
At the aerial part I have seen some interesting places:
- Bon accord lagoon - can you wade here?
- Bucco reef, looks like a big flat, is that correctly?
- the peers at sandy point looks also interesting. I am almost certain this will be an interesting place to flyfish, have anyone experienced this?
- Is it possible to wade at Little Rocky bay?
Castara:
This part of the holiday is our "relaxation part". But okay, I am addicted to flyfishing, so in the early mornings I will be present at the beach, so does someone have had some flyfishing adventures at this place?
And still some other questions, but those have to be found out while practising...oooo I do love DIY, I think I am falling in love with Tobago and I definitely will make an article when I am back!!
Looking forward hearing from you.
Best regards,
Edwin Kerssies
Lots of clousers, my favourite, charlies, some tarponflies, poppers, and other flies.
Our stay:
We will stay a week at castara and most probably the first week at sandy point, almost certain we will also have a car during these two weeks.
Okay, back to flyfishing. First I definitely would like to say again that this site is perfect. Thank you for that.
I will take my #10, #9 and #7 rod with me. Mostly floating lines, but also sinking lines. I have some experience with bonefishing and the arial photos are clear enough.
There are still some questions, which perhaps can be answered. (many thanks in advance)
Tarpon:
- would you recommend floating or sinking lines?
- is a shock leader a must?
- Is it also possible to find Tarpon in the shallow waters, or is it better to flyfish with a sinking line in deeper water (drop offs)?
Places:
What about the Nylon pool? Have you ever fished there, or isn't that possible?
At the aerial part I have seen some interesting places:
- Bon accord lagoon - can you wade here?
- Bucco reef, looks like a big flat, is that correctly?
- the peers at sandy point looks also interesting. I am almost certain this will be an interesting place to flyfish, have anyone experienced this?
- Is it possible to wade at Little Rocky bay?
Castara:
This part of the holiday is our "relaxation part". But okay, I am addicted to flyfishing, so in the early mornings I will be present at the beach, so does someone have had some flyfishing adventures at this place?
And still some other questions, but those have to be found out while practising...oooo I do love DIY, I think I am falling in love with Tobago and I definitely will make an article when I am back!!
Looking forward hearing from you.
Best regards,
Edwin Kerssies
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Steve Pitts
- Tobago Anorak
- Posts: 710
- Joined: Mon Apr 28, 2003 11:18 am
- Location: Bristol U.K
A very nice selection of flies there Edwin - you have been busy!
Lots of questions and my answers are not guarantees - just my experiences and suggestions.
TARPON
A floater will be OK for water down to 2m deep from the beach maybe, but a sinker will be better if you are fishing from a boat into deeper water.
A 0.5m - 1m shock tippet of 25 - 35kg is an absolute must. You will loose fish with anything less.
During my recent visit, I found tarpon of between 15 and 50kg in water less than 1m deep and less than 2m from the shore - thay can be very close in and do not worry about the shallow water, if they are feeding.
They are very difficult to land though and your 10wt will be in for some serious punishment, if you get a hook-up.
Tarpon are also found in deeper water, either by blind-casting, or sight casting to rolling fish. look for the signs of baitfish and the tarpon won't be far away.
Places:
-Nylon pool is only accessible by boat and is within the Buccoo marine reserve, so you can't fish there - not that it would be much good anyway because of the numbers of people who visit and trample all over the place.
-Bon Accord is also within the reserve, but I have fished along the beach at the back of Pigeon point and caught only small tarpon on fly gear (8wt)
Buccoo reef is a big flat (sand, turtle grass and crushed coral), but is out of bounds.
-The jetties at Sandy Point have produced many tarpon, jacks and ladyfish, so your hunch is right. I would devote a good deal of time to this area, espaecially as there were tarpon there only a few days ago.
-Little Rockly bay is wadeable at low tide and has produced bones, snapper and barracuda.
Castara
I would not hesitate to recommend a trip for tarpon with either King David Tours, or local fisherman 'Rusty'. They know some excellent places where the local tarpon hang out, but these are not accessible from the shore, so maybe keep some ''fishing credits'' from the first week and take a few trips with David or Rusty during your stay in Castara.
Hope that this helps
Lots of questions and my answers are not guarantees - just my experiences and suggestions.
TARPON
A floater will be OK for water down to 2m deep from the beach maybe, but a sinker will be better if you are fishing from a boat into deeper water.
A 0.5m - 1m shock tippet of 25 - 35kg is an absolute must. You will loose fish with anything less.
During my recent visit, I found tarpon of between 15 and 50kg in water less than 1m deep and less than 2m from the shore - thay can be very close in and do not worry about the shallow water, if they are feeding.
They are very difficult to land though and your 10wt will be in for some serious punishment, if you get a hook-up.
Tarpon are also found in deeper water, either by blind-casting, or sight casting to rolling fish. look for the signs of baitfish and the tarpon won't be far away.
Places:
-Nylon pool is only accessible by boat and is within the Buccoo marine reserve, so you can't fish there - not that it would be much good anyway because of the numbers of people who visit and trample all over the place.
-Bon Accord is also within the reserve, but I have fished along the beach at the back of Pigeon point and caught only small tarpon on fly gear (8wt)
Buccoo reef is a big flat (sand, turtle grass and crushed coral), but is out of bounds.
-The jetties at Sandy Point have produced many tarpon, jacks and ladyfish, so your hunch is right. I would devote a good deal of time to this area, espaecially as there were tarpon there only a few days ago.
-Little Rockly bay is wadeable at low tide and has produced bones, snapper and barracuda.
Castara
I would not hesitate to recommend a trip for tarpon with either King David Tours, or local fisherman 'Rusty'. They know some excellent places where the local tarpon hang out, but these are not accessible from the shore, so maybe keep some ''fishing credits'' from the first week and take a few trips with David or Rusty during your stay in Castara.
Hope that this helps
Take only photos - leave only footprints. I like that concept.
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De Zwieper
Great!!
Re: Bon Accord is also within the reserve - so in fact it is not allowed to fish here? Or is this not correct?
Re: sandy point, hehe
Superb!
Re: Castara - when I am there I definitely try to speak with Rusty, I have read some articles about him.
Thanks for the information Steve, much appreciated!
One last question:
In some topics people are speaking about the lagoon, nearby the Golf course. I cannot find this lagoon, Do you have a link to a photo of this lagoon, or something?
Cheers, Edwin
Re: Bon Accord is also within the reserve - so in fact it is not allowed to fish here? Or is this not correct?
Re: sandy point, hehe
Superb!Re: Castara - when I am there I definitely try to speak with Rusty, I have read some articles about him.
Thanks for the information Steve, much appreciated!
One last question:
In some topics people are speaking about the lagoon, nearby the Golf course. I cannot find this lagoon, Do you have a link to a photo of this lagoon, or something?
Cheers, Edwin
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Steve Pitts
- Tobago Anorak
- Posts: 710
- Joined: Mon Apr 28, 2003 11:18 am
- Location: Bristol U.K
Edwin
I'm certain that Bon Accord lagoon lies within the reserve, where there is a blanket ban on fishing. I regularly fish the beach, but am unsure if my 100% catch and release fishing would be classed in the same vien as 'commercial fishing' where fish are caught and killed. I think that I'm breaking the rules and would'nt want to encourage you to do the same.
Don't overlook King David, as he has a very well equiped boat with the nearest you'll get to a casting platform, but Rusty may be cheaper.
The other lagoon in question is known as Petit Trout lagoon and the easiest access is through the Hilton Hotel grounds. The security staff may take a dim view if you tell them that you are going fishing, so if they ask (and they will) best to tell them that you are visiting the lagoon nature trail, which I think is an acceptable reason to enter the Hilton's property.
There is an aerial photo in the lowlands section - look for the Hilton and its towards Canoe bay.
Just found a link - http://www.mytobago.info/photos/aerial/IMG_4733.htm
Cheers
Steve
I'm certain that Bon Accord lagoon lies within the reserve, where there is a blanket ban on fishing. I regularly fish the beach, but am unsure if my 100% catch and release fishing would be classed in the same vien as 'commercial fishing' where fish are caught and killed. I think that I'm breaking the rules and would'nt want to encourage you to do the same.
Don't overlook King David, as he has a very well equiped boat with the nearest you'll get to a casting platform, but Rusty may be cheaper.
The other lagoon in question is known as Petit Trout lagoon and the easiest access is through the Hilton Hotel grounds. The security staff may take a dim view if you tell them that you are going fishing, so if they ask (and they will) best to tell them that you are visiting the lagoon nature trail, which I think is an acceptable reason to enter the Hilton's property.
There is an aerial photo in the lowlands section - look for the Hilton and its towards Canoe bay.
Just found a link - http://www.mytobago.info/photos/aerial/IMG_4733.htm
Cheers
Steve
Take only photos - leave only footprints. I like that concept.
-
Stephen Hull
Edwin
Steve P has pretty much said it all.
At Sandy Point the tarpon could be in close anywhere between the oil terminal round to Fort Milford. I have most frequently seen them close in along the small bay between Fort Milford and the Tropikist Hotel but you will just have t explore when you are there. To get to the jetties from Sandy Point, walk through the gate that leads into the small viewpoint area and just work your way along the beach.
To contact Rusty at Castara visit the fisheremn's co-op. Otherwise you can get him on his mobile 721 5678.
There have been some tarpon close to the beach at Little Bay/Heavenly Bay, Castara. One visitor I spoke to a month or so ago said he had consistently seen 3 tarpon (up to 100lb!) in Little Bay early in the morning (between 0530 and 0700) during his stay. They started spashing around near the rocks to the right and then moved inshore and spent some time around the rock that juts out towards the left side of the bay. If you climbed onto that rock early in the morning you might just be able to tempt one of them with a fly?
If you are fishing Sandy Point the first week, you may well see me - maybe with a few livebait in my bucket!
Good luck
Steve
Steve P has pretty much said it all.
At Sandy Point the tarpon could be in close anywhere between the oil terminal round to Fort Milford. I have most frequently seen them close in along the small bay between Fort Milford and the Tropikist Hotel but you will just have t explore when you are there. To get to the jetties from Sandy Point, walk through the gate that leads into the small viewpoint area and just work your way along the beach.
To contact Rusty at Castara visit the fisheremn's co-op. Otherwise you can get him on his mobile 721 5678.
There have been some tarpon close to the beach at Little Bay/Heavenly Bay, Castara. One visitor I spoke to a month or so ago said he had consistently seen 3 tarpon (up to 100lb!) in Little Bay early in the morning (between 0530 and 0700) during his stay. They started spashing around near the rocks to the right and then moved inshore and spent some time around the rock that juts out towards the left side of the bay. If you climbed onto that rock early in the morning you might just be able to tempt one of them with a fly?
If you are fishing Sandy Point the first week, you may well see me - maybe with a few livebait in my bucket!
Good luck
Steve
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Steve Pitts
- Tobago Anorak
- Posts: 710
- Joined: Mon Apr 28, 2003 11:18 am
- Location: Bristol U.K
You haven't still got those livebaits have you Steve?Stephen Hull wrote:
If you are fishing Sandy Point the first week, you may well see me - maybe with a few livebait in my bucket!
Have you given them names yet?
Thanks for your company and hospitality during our visit and regards to the family.
Back home after a slight delay - bills, bills and more bills.
Cheers
Steve
Take only photos - leave only footprints. I like that concept.
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Stephen Hull
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De Zwieper
Many thanks Steve and Steve!!
Most probably we will be the first days and the last 2 days nearby sandy point and between those days at castara.
The stories you are writing down are very interesting and as you probably understand I am more a DIY ff, so I am not sure if I will contact a guide or something, although a trip with a local guy must be interesting to do.
I have seen some short Tarpon ff video's from a German guy (you have to know him form UKSWFF Steve..) and those look also very intersting...
Other Steve, when you are the first week at sandy point, we will meet eachother definitely. I will recognise you from the picture, but if you would like to know who I am, perhaps you can surf to my site...
Perhaps you can already feed those tarpons, so they stay nearby sandy point
These flies are waiting to be...
Cheers, Edwin
Most probably we will be the first days and the last 2 days nearby sandy point and between those days at castara.
The stories you are writing down are very interesting and as you probably understand I am more a DIY ff, so I am not sure if I will contact a guide or something, although a trip with a local guy must be interesting to do.
I have seen some short Tarpon ff video's from a German guy (you have to know him form UKSWFF Steve..) and those look also very intersting...
Other Steve, when you are the first week at sandy point, we will meet eachother definitely. I will recognise you from the picture, but if you would like to know who I am, perhaps you can surf to my site...
Perhaps you can already feed those tarpons, so they stay nearby sandy point
These flies are waiting to be...
Cheers, Edwin