Private Fishing in St Lucia Charters

Big fish are never guaranteed. That is part of the game, and this private St. Lucia charter gives you a fair shot at them in open water. I like the small four-person limit and the patient, personal help from captains such as Jason, Andre, and Robert. I also like that tackle, bait, licenses, water, and soft drinks are handled for you. The main caution is simple: fishing can be slow, and a few passengers have also faced delays getting aboard.

For $860 per group, this is not a cheap outing for one person. Split among four anglers, though, it becomes a reasonable price for a private boat, crew, gear, and several hours at sea. You meet at Vigie Marina in Castries, then troll along the St. Lucian coast for roughly four hours, with longer trips available up to eight hours.

Key points before you book

• A 31-foot boat carries no more than four anglers, giving you space and direct help from the captain and first mate.
• Target species include wahoo, dorado, mahi mahi, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, and blue marlin.
• The trip is private, so your group does not share the boat with strangers.
• Tackle, bait, fishing licenses, and a professional guide are included.
• Cruise passengers can receive pier pickup and drop-off, but hotel transportation is not included.
• The catch is unpredictable, though past outings have produced wahoo, tuna, barracuda, grouper, sailfish, and released blue marlin.

What the $860 private charter really buys you

The headline price is $860 for up to four people. That works out to $215 per person if you fill every available place, though the total stays the same for a smaller group.

That price makes more sense for a family, a group of friends, or two couples than for a solo angler. You are paying for private use of the boat, not just a seat on a shared fishing trip. The crew can focus on your group, adjust the pace to your skill level, and spend more time helping a first-time angler without leaving an experienced fisherman waiting.

The cost also covers the practical fishing equipment: tackle, bait, and licenses. Boats use Shimano and Penn reels, along with a range of lures for trolling. You do not need to pack a rod, buy a fishing permit, or figure out which bait works in St. Lucian waters.

Water and soft drinks are included. Beer is available by request for an added cost, so do not assume it is part of the base price. Light snacks are also provided, which matters on a morning or afternoon when you may be far from shore for hours.

The four-hour trip is the basic option, while the experience can run from four to eight hours. A longer charter gives you more time with lines in the water, but it also means more exposure to sun, spray, and motion. If you are unsure how well you handle the sea, the shorter trip is the sensible starting point.

Meeting at Vigie Marina in Castries

The boat meets you at Hackshaw’s Boat Charters on Seraphine Road at Vigie Marina in Castries. This is the starting point for the fishing trip, so plan your morning around reaching the marina rather than assuming hotel transport is included.

Cruise ship passengers have a useful advantage. Pickup and drop-off at the cruise pier are included, but you must provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and required re-boarding time when you book. Those details allow the operator to match the trip to your time in port.

Build in patience. One group reported waiting roughly 30 to 45 minutes before boarding, and another had a pickup that arrived nearly an hour late. In that case, the operator said a fuel dock delay had been communicated in advance. The lesson for you is practical: confirm the meeting time, check your email, and keep a buffer before your ship must leave.

The marina setting also keeps the start straightforward. You are not spending the first part of the day driving across the island. Once aboard, the boat heads out from Castries toward the coastal fishing grounds.

Trolling the St. Lucian coast for big game

There is no long list of sightseeing stops here. The main route is from Vigie Marina to fishing areas along the St. Lucian coastline.

The crew trolls several lines behind the boat, using lures selected for the species they are seeking. That is the heart of the trip. You watch the rods, wait for a strike, and then work with the crew to bring the fish close.

Possible catches include dorado, also called mahi mahi, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, and blue marlin. Barracuda, triggerfish, squirrelfish, and grouper have also been caught on these outings. The range is wide, but the largest fish are not on demand.

Some trips produce a memorable fight. A 50-pound wahoo has been landed, and another outing produced a sailfish, a blue marlin hookup, wahoo, and a large barracuda. A separate group had two blue marlin hooked at the same time, with both fish released.

Other trips are quieter. One honeymoon outing caught nothing, while another half-day trip produced tuna, a smaller fish, and a grouper. The crew still worked hard to put lines in productive water. You should book this as a day on the sea with a chance at a great fish, not as a guaranteed fish delivery service.

The crew makes the difference

The most consistent praise goes to the captains and deckhands. Jason and first mate Robert are named repeatedly as a strong team, while Andre and Robert also receive warm praise for their work and good company.

That matters most when the fish are not biting. A good crew keeps the gear working, changes the approach when needed, and helps you handle the rod without making you feel foolish. That is useful for a seasoned angler, but even more valuable if this is your first serious fishing trip.

Experienced anglers should appreciate the equipment and the chance to pursue billfish and other strong offshore species. The crew can give you room to fish while stepping in when a powerful fish takes the lure.

Newer anglers can expect more guidance. The tour is designed for different skill levels, and the private format makes it easier to ask questions or take a turn in the fighting chair. One parent and a 13-year-old son had a productive half-day outing that brought in barracuda and yellowfin tuna.

The crew also helps keep the trip enjoyable during slow periods. Fishing is a waiting sport, and the people on board matter almost as much as the fish. Here, the strongest pattern is a hard-working, friendly crew that tries to make the day worthwhile even when conditions do not cooperate.

Boats, gear, and space for four

The standard boat described for this experience is a 31-foot vessel with space for a maximum of four anglers. That limit is worth noting. Four people can rotate through the action without creating the crowded feeling that often comes with larger shared charters.

The operator has also used larger boats, including a 47-foot Buddy Davis, on some private trips. The exact boat for your booking may vary, so confirm the vessel if boat size is important to you.

Shimano and Penn reels are provided, along with tackle, bait, and lures. That setup saves you from bringing specialist gear through an airport or buying equipment on the island. The crew handles the fishing licenses as well.

There is a fishing chair for fighting larger fish. One angler described landing and releasing a blue marlin while taking a turn in the chair. If several people want the chance to handle a big fish, talk with the crew early about rotating turns.

The boat is not a calm-water sightseeing platform. You will be offshore, and conditions can change. One passenger had a companion who did not handle the motion well and chose to slow down when the seas became rough. Wear cool, comfortable clothing, and remember that comfort at the marina is not the same as comfort on a moving boat.

What happens when the fishing is slow

The honest way to judge this outing is by effort and experience, not only by the number of fish in the cooler.

Several trips produced multiple fish, including four fish per person on one full-day outing. Others brought in tuna, barracuda, grouper, or wahoo. A few had limited action or no catch at all. That spread is normal for offshore fishing, but it should shape your expectations before you pay the private-charter price.

A slow day does not mean the crew has failed. Fish move, weather shifts, and the species you want may not be feeding. The crew can adjust lures and locations, but no captain can promise a marlin.

If catching dinner is your only goal, a fishing charter carries too much uncertainty. If you enjoy the process, the sea air, the equipment, and the chance of a hard run from a sailfish or wahoo, the outing has more appeal.

Ask yourself how you will feel if the lines stay quiet for part of the trip. If the answer is we will still enjoy being on the water, you are a good fit. If not, spend the money on an activity with a guaranteed result.

Snacks, drinks, and comfort on board

The onboard provisions are modest but useful. Mineral water and soft drinks are included, along with light snacks. Beer can be requested at an additional cost.

You should still dress for heat and spray. The stated dress code is cool, comfortable clothing. A day at sea calls for practical clothes rather than anything formal, and you should expect sun exposure during the fishing period.

The operator says boats and equipment are regularly sanitized and that sanitizer and hand-washing products are supplied onboard. These measures may be reassuring, especially for families or anyone who prefers extra attention to shared surfaces.

The physical demand is moderate. You should have a moderate fitness level, particularly if you hope to fight a strong fish from the chair. Even when the crew helps, reeling in a large wahoo, tuna, or billfish takes effort.

If anyone in your group is prone to seasickness, consider the shorter charter and mention the concern to the operator before departure. The available information does not promise medication, special seating, or calm conditions, so do not assume those services are provided.

Who will get the most from this trip?

This charter makes the most sense for a small group that wants privacy and personal attention. Four experienced anglers can share the cost and spend the day pursuing serious offshore species without being paired with strangers.

It also suits mixed groups. A skilled fisherman can get challenging tackle and species, while a beginner can receive one-on-one help. A parent and older child can fish together, and couples can take turns rather than committing every minute to the rod.

Cruise passengers are another good match, provided the ship schedule leaves enough time. Pier pickup and drop-off remove one transport problem, but you still need to provide exact ship details and allow for possible delays.

It is less suitable for someone who dislikes boat motion, wants a guaranteed catch, or has only a very narrow window before returning to a ship. It may also be poor value for one person, since the $860 group price does not shrink when fewer than four people book.

Booking details and cancellation terms

Confirmation is provided when you book, with the stated policy also allowing confirmation within 48 hours subject to availability. Because the experience is private and often booked well in advance, it is sensible to reserve early. The average booking lead time is about 92 days.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund, and the cutoff follows local St. Lucia time.

The ticket is mobile, so you can keep the booking on your phone. For a cruise visit, double-check the pickup arrangement and ship timing before the day of departure.

Should you book Hackshaw’s private fishing charter?

Book it if you want a small, private boat, solid fishing gear, and a crew that will work hard to give you a chance at serious fish. The strongest reason to choose it is the personal service from the captain and first mate, especially when you have a mix of experienced and first-time anglers.

Think twice if you need guaranteed results or perfect timing. The price is fair when four people share it, but a slow day can feel expensive, and past outings have included delays before boarding.

My practical choice would be the four-hour trip for a first attempt, especially if anyone in your group is unsure about sea conditions. Choose the longer option only if everyone is keen on the fishing itself and comfortable spending most of the day offshore. With realistic expectations, this is a well-equipped, crew-focused way to chase St. Lucia’s big game fish.

FAQ

Where does the fishing charter start?

The charter starts at Hackshaw’s Boat Charters on Seraphine Road at Vigie Marina in Castries, St. Lucia.

How long does the fishing trip last?

The experience lasts approximately four to eight hours. The standard description focuses on a private four-hour sport fishing trip.

How many people can join the private charter?

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

Which fish can I try to catch?

You can fish for dorado, mahi mahi, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, and blue marlin. Barracuda, triggerfish, squirrelfish, and grouper have also been caught.

Is fishing equipment included?

Yes. Tackle, bait, fishing licenses, and the professional guide are included.

Are drinks and food provided?

Mineral water, soft drinks, and light snacks are provided. Beer can be requested at an additional cost.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Cruise ship pier pickup and drop-off are included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.