myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

I have been an observer of the forum for some 3 months now and have often found that by searching I am able to find the answer to nearly all of my questions (this is somewhat frustrating as I wish to let people know of my interest in Tobago.)
My wife and I are visiting the island for 2 weeks in October this year staying for 7 nights at the Naturalist in Castara before going to Speyside for the second week (have not yet decided where to stay although the options look good).
Although I have chosen Castara for the relaxed way of life that seems to be its main selling point I do find that I need to keep myself occupied and I would like to know if the fishing from the shore or the rocks at the end of the bay are any good and also are the birdwatching opportunities in the village ok (I have arranged trips with Newton George to other areas).

Yes, the fishing from the shore is fine. Mostly Bonetti's. Try not to catch one of the Rays. Fishing from the rocks can be tricky (i.e.; access). You can get one of the local chaps to take you out fishing in a boat if you prefer.

Birds are in abundance. If you have the Sea View Porch Room at the Naturalist you will be able to sit there all day watching the birds. A trip up to Castara Waterfall should also be rewarding.

Watch out for the 'Dambusting' Bats though ... you can get pelted with tiny coconuts during the night !

Regards

Paul

Hi Paul

Some of the most experienced and knowledgable fishermen, live and work in Castara - although not all are familiar with fishing with rod and line. If you want to get out with one of the best, ask around for Owen Cox or Eldon AKA 'sunshine'.

If you prefer the shore fishing, it can good from the beach at the crack of dawn and again at dusk for jacks. A hefty carp/spinning rod and a suitable lure (plug or surface popper) should produce.
During the day, small barracuda and houndfish are quite common.
The rocks at the far end of the bay can produce Bonito, as Paul has mentioned (metal jigs and spoons work) and it has been known for quite large yellow- fin tuna and tarpon too, to herd baitfish up against the rocks. I'm not sure that I would want either of those on a carp rod though.

Englishman's bay, just along the coast is also very good.

Have you checked out the fishing pages, within the activities section of the home page? More info there.

Cheers
Steve

Hi
we have just come back from castara. the birdwatching is wonderful. we stayed at castara retreats and birds came onto our balcony all the time. I dont snorkel but my husband and boys do. They found great snorkelling from little bay. Even from the shore I saw rays. look out for a guy called Duck. He took us on two boat trips- one along the coast to buccoo reef and another up the north side of the island- there was fishing and snorkelling from englishmans bay and we saw dolphins. If you say good morning to people after a few days they get to recognise you. The waterfall is lovely- we saw agouti and wonderful butterflies. 2 other operators that will take you around are king david and ali baba. The fishermans cooperative is a good place to ask for people. watching the seine nets been brought in is magical but dont take photos the fishermen dont like this
helen

Just a quick thankyou for the replies I will try to ensure that I do not hook the rays as my fold up rod will probably collapse on me.
Regards