Catch of the Day! Image courtesy of Piscatur Fishing Charters

 

One of the biggest thrills a person who enjoys fishing can experience is to match wits with an elusive, feisty, bonefish. There are a number of “secret” spots the local guides have staked out on the island and are willing to share with visiting fishermen.

In addition to bonefishing, there are a number of charter boats that will take anglers sport fishing in the waters off the coast of Bonaire. Sailfish, marlin, tuna and tarpon are the most likely to be caught, however it is not uncommon to catch wahoo, dorado and other edible species.

Bonaire also hosts a number of local and International fishing tournaments during the year. See our calendar for dates. The organizers are proposing a plan to record, tag and release them back into the sea for future tournaments. The edible species are generally donated to various charitable organizations.

And finally, it must be mentioned that the island is trying to control the invasive Pacific Lionfish, a predatory fish expanding territories within the Caribbean. Check with your dive operator to see if they offer a lionfish hunting course. Once you have caught your lionfish, try out some of the recipes provided by InfoBonaire readers on ideas for how to best prepare them!

Bonaire National Marine Park

It is necessary for all who use the waters of the Bonaire National Marine Park to pay a Nature Fee of $10.00 per year ($25.00 for scuba divers). At the time of payment, you will receive a specially designed tag indicating your support for nature preservation and a receipt. If purchasing the $25.00 dive tag, be sure to keep both the tag and receipt, as they will also provide you with complimentary admission to Washington-Slagbaai National Park throughout the year your tag is valid. Tags are available at all dive operations, hotels, resorts, windsurfing operations, sport fishing charter boats, sail/snorkel/water taxi operations, marinas, and other water sports operations on Bonaire.

 

Recommended Fishing Charters: *	Phone
Piscatur	717-8774 780-8774 780-0833

 

Other Fishing or Boat Charters:	Phone
Blue Bay Rentals	701-5500
Bonaire Boat Rental	786-6858
Fish Tales Bonaire	700-3994 782-1966
Le Grand Bleu Fishing Charters & Boat Rentals	795-1139

 

For information on dialing a Bonaire phone number from off-island, see the Telephone page.