Best Fishing Locations in Guam & Best Guam Fishing Charters

man holding a fish
(Image courtesy of Aquaman Charters Guam (Belinda) & Fishing Booker)

Believe it or not, Guam offers some incredible fishing opportunities both in freshwater and saltwater. Many of us have heard of this U.S. territory situated in the North Pacific Ocean, but few of us know of its exotic benefits including excellent fishing.

Guam offers incredible saltwater fishing year-round and some very underappreciated freshwater fishing in various creeks and lakes on the island.

Just 30 miles long, this picturesque island is home to about 160k residents/citizens including an American military base.

The consistent good weather and relaxing lifestyle make this location inviting for any die-hard angler. Still, like any potential fishing destination, it’s always a good idea to get more information on the prospective area you have been considering. 

If you enjoy learning more about each location you visit, let’s explore the rich culture of fishing this island has to offer. Are you feeling adventurous?

There are plenty of options for experiencing the sea in a new and fresh way. Perhaps you have mustered up enough courage for spearfishing or want to take a shot at casting your first net with a local captain.

With an abundance of fishing options, the island boasts more than enough enjoyment for a memorable experience. This article will discover information about the available species in this area, including the local hot spots for fresh and saltwater fishing.

Recommended Guam Fishing Guides & Charters

There is no better way to catch big fish in Guam than booking a day on the water with a reputable fishing charter. These charters are guaranteed to take care of you and put on great fishing. You will also be supporting local businesses.

Saltwater Fishing Options in Guam

Agat Boat Channel

Location: Agat, Guam (26 km to Antonio B Won Pat International Airport)

Species commonly found in this location include:

  • Mahi Mahi (dolphin)
  • Skipjack Tuna
  • Wrasse species
  • Wahoo

Talofofo Bay

Location: Talofofo Municipality, Guam (25.8km to Antonio B Won Pat International Airport)

Species commonly found in this location include:

  • Mangrove red snapper
  • Tripletail Wrasse
  • Trumpetfish
  • Honeycomb grouper

Togcha Bay

Location: Talofofo Municipality, Guam (22.7km to Antonio B Won Pat International Airport)

Species commonly found in this location include:

  • Mangrove Red Snapper
  • Picasso Triggerfish
  • Mahi mahi (Dolphin)

Gayloup Cove

Location:  Inarajan, Guam (37.7km to Antonio B Won Pat International Airport)

Species commonly found in this location include:

  • Giant Trevally
  • Crevalle jack

Fishing Tips: Locals have reported using jigging techniques in this area with success. Artificial baits or dead baits jigged work well.

Sella Bay

Location: Umatac, Guam (29km to Antonio B Won Pat International Airport)

Species commonly found in this location include:

  • Bluefin Trevally
  • Sabre Squirrelfish

Fishing Tips: Spearfishing is common in this area so link up with a local charter or go out on a rented boat. The water is relatively clear offering good spearfishing.

Paicpouc Cove

Location: Inarajan, Guam: (25.6km to Antonio B Won Pat International Airport)

Species commonly found in this location include:

  • Skipjack Tuna
  • Sergeant Major

Ylig Bay

Location: Yona, Guam (21.3km to Antonio B Won Pat International Airport)

Species commonly found in this location include:

  • Mahi Mahi
  • Triggerfish
  • Tripletail Wrasse
  • Blackspot Sergent

Umatac Bay

Location: Umatac, Guam (32.3 km to Antonio B Won Pat International Airport)

Species commonly found in this location include:

  • Rainbow runner
  • Mahi Mahi (Dolphin)

Fishing Tips: Due to an abundance of shellfish in the bay, clams and oyster meat works great as bait. Jigs and squid are great baits too.

Taleyfac Bay

Location: Agat, Guam (26.4km to Antonio B Won Pat International Airport)

Species commonly found in this location include:

  • Bluefin Trevally
  • Skipjack Tuna

Pago Bay

Location: Chalan Pago-Ordot, Guam (11.1 km to Antonio B Won Pat International Airport)

Species commonly found in this location include:

  • Skipjack Tuna
  • Dogtooth Tuna
  • Almaco Jack
  • Parrotfish

Best season to fish in Guam

Local military anglers have reported good fishing right on the rocky banks of the military base as an excellent option for families. You can fish all year round, however, the species available will vary depending on the season. If you plan to fish near any military properties, be sure to check any restrictions in that area.

Check local maps for any contaminated sites. Some spearfishing locations have good fishing year-round if you want to do some inshore fishing. June is undoubtedly the highest season for bigger game fish. 

  • January: Dry season—local captains can take you into deeper waters—look for Mahi Mahi (Dolphin), Skipjack Tuna & Wahoo
  • February: Good month to fish for Grouper & Snapper. Mahi Mahi (Dolphin)
  • March: Great month for SkipJack Tuna, Mahi Mahi(Dolphin), Wahoo, Grouper, Snapper. Last month of the dry season
  • April: Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Barracuda
  • May: Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Blue Marlin, Sailfish
  • June: Blue Marlin, Yellowfin tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, sailfish
  • July: Typhoon season starting to check the forecast 
  • August: Various species of Tuna, Blue Marlin, Giant Trevally, Sailfish
  • September:  check forecast**This is the high season for Wahoo
  • October: Good month to fish the reefs in targeted areas. Skipjack Tuna and Wahoo in the fall season.
  • November: stick closer to shore check forecast as the typhoon season comes to an end. Mahi Mahi is around this time.
  • December: Skipjack Tuna, Wahoo & Mahi Mahi are all excellent bets the last month of the year
man holding a fish
(Image courtesy of Guam Fishing Expeditions & Fishing Booker)

Should you book a Charter?

Hiring a local captain is a personal preference, but let’s look at the benefits of chartering a vessel on Guam’s rivers or sea. Many anglers like to play it safe when going to a new location, so they hire a captain to bring them to the hot spots for more bang for their buck.

You may want to explore the island’s riverways and rustic shores without the assistance of an experienced guide. Before you’re ready to trek the jungle, remember there are always risks to navigating topography. Rivers like the Talofofo can stretch for miles so it’s impossible to know what you will meet without a local guide to help you.

You want to enjoy your time down the river free from stress & anxiety caused by the unknown. There are local charters available for freshwater fishing tours around the island. Maybe you want to kayak, fish, or take a river cruise—you have options.

Of course, there will always be a price tag when hiring a guide, but can you really put a price on peace of mind? I have seen river cruise & kayaking tours starting at $99 bucks.

Not bad at all. If you are going on a family outing, there are tons of educational opportunities available by learning more about local culture (Chamorro culture), local wildlife, and historical sites.

Large bodies of water like the sea, are not created equal. It’s a good idea to have a captain take you out for your first time in a specific area so you learn the lay of the land. This will leave room for the learning curve that’s necessary when heading out further from shore.

If you are excited to get that “once-in-a-lifetime” sailfish, hire a local captain. You will be supporting local businesses. You will have an opportunity to fish your heart out with the support of an experienced angler in that region.

You don’t have to break the bank either. I have seen prices starting at $500 (sometimes less); reading the reviews will help you find the best fit for your needs.

If you love to snorkel or dive, do it safely with someone who knows the area; having confidence in a local guide takes the guesswork out of the equation and leaves more room for safety and lots of fun!

The best part about exploring a new location is creating more memories with the ones you love. Or, maybe you’re on a solo trip.

You can still have fun while planning safely and responsibly. After you determine which season you will be traveling to Guam, you will have a better idea of the sort of fish action during that time.

It may be good to avoid chartering a vessel during the typhoon season if possible (it can run year-round, however most active from May to November.

After finding the best charter that fits your needs, it can’t hurt to inquire about applicable military discounts. Despite not being listed on many charter websites, there may be military family discounts available so don’t be too shy to ask within.

List of Most Targeted Saltwater Species

Blue Marlin

Can be found in deeper waters.

Size: 200-400lbs

Best location: Piti, Hagatna, Agat

Fishing tips: Trolling, Fly fishing, Heavier Tackle 

Season: (June to October—High season June-August;  Low season January-March and November –December)

Mahi Mahi

Size:  10-30+ lbs

Best location: Piti, Hagatna, Agat

Fishing tips: Trolling, Spinning techniques, lighter tackle

Season: (January to April—High season February-March,  Low Season June-October)

Wahoo

Can be found in deeper waters

Size: 15-30+ Lbs

Best location: Piti, Hagatna, Agat

Fishing tips: Lighter tackle, trolling, spearfishing

Season: (November to December—High season March-April; Low season June-August)

Skipjack Tuna

Can be found in deeper waters.

Size: 15-25lbs 

Best location: Piti, Hagatna, Agat

Fishing tips: Trolling, lighter tackle, jigging techniques

Season: High season May-August; Low season January-April

Yellowfin Tuna

Can be found in deeper waters.

Size: 15-150lbs

Best location: Piti, Hagatna, Agat

Fishing tips: Trolling, jigging techniques, fly fishing, drift fishing techniques

Season: High season June-August; Low season January-April

Barracuda

Size: 5-15lbs

Best location: Piti, Hagatna, Agat

Fishing tips: fly fishing, trolling, jigging techniques, lighter tackle

Season: year-round

Red Snapper

Can be found in deeper sea

Size: 5-20lbs

Best location: Piti, Hagatna, Agat

Fishing tips: Jigging techniques, drift fishing, heavier/lighter tackle, bottom fishing

Season: Varies throughout the year/ February for bottom fishing

Yellowtail Amberjack

Can be found in deeper sea

Size: 15-25+ lbs

Best location: Piti, Hagatna, Agat

Fishing tips: Bottom fishing, spearfishing, fly fishing

Season: Varies throughout the year

Giant Trevally

Size: 20-50+lbs

Best location: Piti, Hagatna, Agat

Fishing tips: Spinning, jigging techniques, popping, spearfishing, lighter tackle, fly fishing

Season: Varies throughout the year High season January-December

Goliath Grouper

Size: 75-150+lbs

Best location: Piti, Hagatna, Agat

Fishing tips: heavier tackle, drift fishing techniques, bottom fishing

Season: Varies throughout the year/ February for bottom fishing

Freshwater Fishing Options in Guam

Masso Reservoir 

Location: Piti, Guam (16 minutes from Antonio B Won Pat International Airport)

Species commonly found in this location include:

  • Tilapia
  • Eel
  • flagtail 

Fishing Tips: Try using Rhino grubs (coconut Rhino beetle) for bait. (Residents have reported seeing a lot of active fish in this artificial lake).

Talofofo River 

Location: Near Mount Lamlam, southwest of the island, flows into Talofofo Bay

Species commonly found in this location includeL

  • Mangrove jack
  • Catfish 
  • Garfish
  • Giant Trevally

Fishing tips: Try using a Tiny hook with bread dough for bait if you see garfish. Residents report catching fish in the estuarine areas. Some residents report Rapalas and soft plastics did not work well for them.

Ugum River

Location: Inarajan, Guam: (38 minutes to Antonio B Won Pat International Airport)

Species commonly found in this location include:

  • Catfish

Agana Swamp

Location: Sinajana Municipality, Guam (8km from Sinajana to  Antonio B Won Pat International Airport)

Species commonly found in this location include:

  • Largemouth Bass

Consider catch and release in this area*** or check for most recent updates on government websites regarding the status of fish at this location (Reported to have possible PCB contamination check for recent updates).

List of top freshwater species include

  • Redbelly Tilapia
  • Common Carp
  • Bighead catfish
  • Philippine catfish
  • Japanese eel
  • Guppy
  • Largemouth bass
  • Walking catfish

If Guam is on your list of fishing destinations, you won’t be disappointed. With proper planning and preparation, you’ve got a good shot at catching your dream fish. Like any new region, do a good bit of research. As you research the island, you will find a good bit of history regarding places you should avoid, like contaminated rivers/watershed areas. 

There are maps available that can help guide you to the best location for you. Before you set out, be sure to check all updates related to the fishing locations you choose due to various testing sites (this may include some of the areas listed.)

The government continues to test local bodies of water to test fish for any traces of toxicity due to previous concerns over point source pollution (World War II). Don’t worry though. You will find there are plenty of safe and clean places to drop a line. With limited sites for freshwater species on the island, there have been previous recommendations on expanding the island’s freshwater capacity.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *