St. John and St. Thomas are great places for you to find all kinds of marine life. You might already be dreaming about your big catch and all the stories you'll tell your buddies. But, wait; first, you need to know about all the fishing regulations in the Virgin Islands.

There are quite a few guidelines and protocols established regarding species and their size, catch limits, and protected areas to maintain the health of these fisheries. You need to be aware of these regulations before making your way down there, so keep reading to know more. 

Everything You Need To Know About Fishing Regulations In The Virgin Islands 

Ready to get your fish on in the U.S. Virgin Islands? Here are some of the things you should know about the fishing regulations before you book your trip.

Licenses

Visitors and recreational fishers do not, according to current fishing regulations in the Virgin Islands, need a fishing permit to go on a fishing trip. This exemption is inclusive of individuals who are fishing only for the purpose of eating the fish themselves or feeding their families. People that catch and release fish back into the waters also do not need any licenses.

One big condition here is that individuals on a recreational fishing trip cannot sell their catch to another party. They are also not allowed to use bulk-fishing tools like set-nets, traps, haul seines, and pots.

Commercial fishing requires special commercial fishing licenses. 

Special Conditions When Recreational Fishers Need Permits

There are three locations where a recreational angler will need a permit.

1. If you’re using a cast net to collect baitfish within 50 feet of the shoreline of Cas Cay near the Mangrove Lagoon Marine reserves, a permit is needed. All other activities are banned in the area.

2. Also, for fishing with a hook and line in the St. James reserve, you need a permit as all other fishing is banned in the area.

3. Harvesting shrimp in Great Pond and Altona Lagoon at St. Croix also requires a permit. 

Regulations Regarding Some Species

Regarding species, here are a few fishing regulations in the Virgin Islands. This is not a comprehensive list. 

• All sea turtles are endangered. It is illegal to harvest or harass sea turtles or their eggs. 

• The Jewfish (Goliath Grouper) is considered as an endangered species. No possession and no harvest is allowed. 

• You can only catch lobsters by hand, through a trap, or snare. Spearfishing is not allowed.

• Conch with a length less than 9 inches from the spire to the distal end is protected. You cannot possess, remove, or injure any undersized conch.

Since this list is by no means comprehensive, you can check out this PDF Booklet for the full regulations regarding various species. 

Take Your Catch Home With You (and other goods!)

When you book a fishing trip with Just Fish St. John today, you’ll be able to take some up to 25 pounds of fish with you to enjoy yourself. We clean and filet your fish right there on the boat so you’ll be ready to go. If you’re staying on the island a while, there are some restaurants who will even prepare and cook your fish for you, so you can enjoy your catch to it’s fullest!

Plus, in the Virgin Islands, U.S. visitors enjoy a special exemption here and are allowed to bring home up to $1,600 worth of goods duty-free. Typically Caribbean travelers can find duty-free shops at virtually an airport, but some of the shops in the Virgin Islands are famous for their duty-free shopping centers, where you can buy lots of good for a discount. Travelers from U.S., Canada, and more can bring a limited quantity of items home tax-free when visiting the islands. 

We should note that duty-free shops will most likely require you to show them your passport or plane ticket before you buy.

Book Your Charter With Just Fish Today 

Anyone from a novice to a seasoned old-timer can enjoy fishing in the rich waters around St. Johns and St. Thomas. Even if you don’t understand all the fishing regulations in the Virgin Islands, our expert guides at Just Fish will help make your experience easy and stress-free.  

You don’t have to be an experienced angler to enjoy a full day out on the water, and we have all the tools and equipment you’ll need for the whole family. With comfortable boats, top-of-the-line fishing gear, and years of experience, we guarantee a safe and enjoyable fishing day out for everyone. 

When you’re ready for a fantastic day on the water, let us help you plan the trip of a lifetime. Captain Josh and his crew have the knowledge and experience to help you find (and catch!) the fish you’ve been dreaming about. We have one of the largest and most comfortable boats in the charter fleet. With room for up to 6 passengers, bring your family or friends and create memories you’ll never forget. Book your charter with Just Fish today and make your next big catch!