The travel season here in the US Virgin Islands may be slowing down, but the summer bite is just starting to heat up! So far the inshore fishing has been best in the early morning and late afternoon hours, the key being to escape the high sun and midday heat. Offshore is becoming more consistent as we get later into the summer, due large in part to a strong Yellowfin and Blackfin tuna bite up along the North Drop. We had a great time participating in this year’s Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament on St. Thomas despite the slow day of fishing aboard Emanuel. We look forward to reclaiming the top spot in next year’s tournament. However, the real highlight of the summer came in July, with the catch of a 160lb Yellowfin Tuna, breaking the record for the largest Yellowfin Tuna ever caught in St. Thomas/St. John history.
The Mahi-Mahi migration started to wind down in June but we were able to capitalize on some late schools passing through along the South Drop. Most were in the 20-30lb class and even mixed in with a few out of season Wahoo. Smaller 10-15lb Mahi’s hung around through July, but the afternoon tuna bite along the North Drop was our focus, with quality Yellowfins and Blackfins feeding consistently between 2-5pm. The Marlin bite has been a bit spotty, but the Blues we’ve released this summer have all been quality fish, in the 300-500lb range. The first quarter to full moon phases in June and July featured the most consistent Blue Marlin bite.
We had a stellar inshore bite in June and early July with Yellowtail Snappers, Barracudas, Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel and Tarpon all biting. By mid July we noticed bait starting to thin out in the lagoons and cays to the south of the island and were forced to shift our focus east to catching bait on the east end and even St. John. The bait supply on St. Thomas worsened and we were forced to troll artificial baits on a few trips. Trolling produced consistent bites, particularly with Bonitos, Snappers and Mackerels, however pitching live-bait is definitely our preferred method. In the summer months bait supply can sometimes fluctuate due to changing water temperatures inshore, forcing the bait to cooler waters offshore.
We’re very excited for the rest of the summer season and hope you’ll get out on the water with us if you’re planning a visit to St. Thomas or St. John!
Make sure to check out our Facebook page where we post the latest pictures and reports from our inshore and offshore charters:
Capt. Alvin Fishing Charters – Facebook
Tight Lines!
Capt. Alvin Turbe
340-626-4220