Does Aruba Have Good Fishing? (A Complete Guide)
Aruba is one of the best fishing locations in the Caribbean Sea. Many anglers want to know how Aruba compares to other major fishing destinations.
Aruba is a world-class fishery offering great fishing for barracuda, bonefish, bonito, mahi-mahi, grouper, king mackerel, blue marlin, white marlin, permit, sailfish, cubera snapper, tarpon, albacore tuna, blackfin tuna, and wahoo.
It’s also important to note that Aruba is a world-class fishing destination that attracts anglers from different parts of the world. Fishing in Aruba is very good year-round.
Aruba Fishing Quality: Species Breakdown
1. Great Barracuda
Barracuda is one of the top targeted fish species in Aruba. Barracuda is more active during colder months and less active in summer. Barracuda fishing is excellent between January and March and between October and December.
The region’s worst time of the year to fish for barracuda is between the late spring and the late summer. The Spanish Lagoon and Malmok Beach are the best places to target barracuda in the area.
2. Bonefish
Bonefish are active in the waters of Aruba throughout the year. The best times of the year to catch bonefish in the area are between January and March and between October and December.
The worst time of the year to target bonefish in the area is between April and September. Malmok Beach and Spanish Lagoon are good places to target bonefish in the region.
3. King Mackerel
King mackerel fishing is good in Aruba year-round. The best time of the year to fish for king mackerel in the area is between July and December. The worst time of the year to target king mackerel in the local waters is between April and June. Angling enthusiasts often catch king mackerel when fishing on Manchebo Beach.
4. Mahi-Mahi
Mahi-mahi is one of the main targets in Aruba. Mahi-mahi bites well in the region throughout a year. Mahi-mahi fishing is best in the region between April and August.
Mahi-mahi is less active in the local waters between January and March and September and December. Mahi mahi fishing is very productive in such places as Manchebo Beach and Noord.
5. Blue Marlin
Angling enthusiasts catch blue marlin in the waters of Aruba year-round. Fall is the best time of the year to target blue marlin in the region. On the other hand, blue marlin fishing is less productive in the area between April and June. Noord is one of the best places to target blue marlin in the area.
6. White Marlin
White marlin is active in the region throughout a year. A peak season to fish for white marlin in Aruba starts in the early fall and ends in the early winter. The worst time of the year for fishing white marlin in the region is between April and June. Noord is the best time of the year to target white marlin in the area.
7. Sailfish
Sailfish can be targeted in the local waters as well. A sailfish fishing season in Aruba is high between October and December. The worst time of the year to fish for sailfish in the area is between the early spring and the early summer.
8. Tarpon
Tarpon is one of the top targeted species in Aruba. A tarpon fishing season in Aruba starts in the early spring and ends in the late summer. The best time of the year to fish for tarpon in the local waters is between April and July.
On the other hand, tarpon is less active in the waters around the island between January and February and between September and December. Spanish Lagoon is the perfect place to target tarpon in the region.
9. Yellowfin Tuna
Aruba is a good place to target yellowfin tuna. It’s possible to fish for yellowfin tuna in the area successfully year-round. A high season to fish for yellowfin tuna in Aruba is between March and July.
Fishing for yellowfin tuna is less productive in the region between January and February and between August and December. Manchebo Beach and Noord are good places to fish for yellowfin tuna in the area.
10. Wahoo
Wahoo fishing in Aruba is excellent year-round. Wahoo is the most active in the region between January and April and between September and December. Fishing for wahoo is less productive in the region between the late spring and the late summer.
Recommended Fishing Charters in Aruba
These Aruba-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Location |
| Teaser Fishing Charters | Oranjestad, Aruba |
| Fishing Charters Aruba – Carla Boat | Oranjestad, Aruba |
| Jeliray Fishing Charter & Tours | Oranjestad, Aruba |
| Adventure Divers/Karma Charters | Oranjestad, Aruba |
| Dorothy Fishing Charters | Oranjestad, Aruba |
| Sunrise Charters N.V. | Noord, Aruba |
| Lady Sarah Fishing Charter | Oranjestad, Aruba |
| Tropic Fishing Charters | Oranjestad, Aruba |
| The Hooker Charters | Noord, Aruba |
| Aruba Bound Charters | Noord, Aruba |
| Kristel Fishing Aruba – 44’ Striker | Noord, Aruba |
| Hatts Off Charters – 46ft Hatteras | Oranjestad, Aruba |
| Thaisa II – 36′ | Oranjestad, Aruba |
Best Species to Fish for in Aruba
There are various species of fish to target in Aruba. The waters around the island are home to great barracuda, bonefish, bonito, mahi mahi, goliath grouper, king mackerel, blue marlin, white marlin, permit, sailfish, cubera snapper, tarpon, albacore tuna, blackfin tuna, yellowfin tuna, wahoo and some other species. These species are the most active in the waters around the island.
Hot Fishing Spots in Aruba
Where to fish in Aruba? It’s a question that’s usually faced by so many anglers, who visit the region for the first time. Now, it’s time to get the answer.
It’s important to know that the fishing location has a lot to offer to angling enthusiasts. When it comes to fishing spots, there are many good options for anglers in Aruba. It’s possible to fish in the bays or go fishing in the deep waters of the ocean.
The island provides anglers with easy access to the best fishing spots in the area. Among the best places where anglers can go fishing in Aruba are Malmok Beach, Renaissance Marina, Manchebo Beach, Noord, the Spanish Lagoon, and others.
Does Aruba Offer Good Fishing?
1. Inshore
It’s not necessary to go further offshore to enjoy fishing in Aruba. Those anglers, who would like to stay closer to shore, should go fishing in inshore waters. Fishing in the area’s inshore waters is very good.
It’s worth noting that Aruba’s inshore waters provide anglers with fantastic fishing opportunities. Here, it’s possible to fish for such species as grouper, snapper, queenfish, triggerfish, parrotfish, and others. Consider booking a half day trip in Aruba if you are interested in fishing in inshore waters.
2. Nearshore
Anglers stay closer to shore during their nearshore fishing trips. So, it doesn’t take anglers too much time to travel and there is no need to book a long trip to fish in nearshore waters. That means that anglers, who fish in nearshore waters, should consider booking half day trips.
There are reefs as well as flats in nearshore waters. Such places attract a lot of fish. That’s why it would be better to explore them during a fishing trip in Aruba. When fishing in nearshore waters, anglers can target such species of fish as barracuda, bonefish, snook, and tarpon.
3. Offshore
It’s important to know that different types of deep sea fishing trips are available for anglers in Aruba. Deep waters are located close to shore. Anglers should go 2 miles offshore only to reach deep waters. That means that you can book a half day trip, 3/4 day trip or a full day trip to fish in the area’s deep waters.
It all depends on how much time you want to spend on water. However, anglers have enough time to get to the fishing spots in deep waters and enjoy their hobby even with a half day trip in Aruba.
Offshore fishing trips in Aruba are very productive and increase angler’s chance to land a trophy. Deep sea fishing makes it possible for anglers to catch mahi mahi, sailfish, tuna, wahoo as well as blue marlin and white marlin.
How Does Aruba Fishing Compare to the Rest of Caribbean?
Aruba is a fishing destination like no other. It’s a unique place that makes it possible for anglers to enjoy world-class fishing on a small island. Aruba is on of the most popular fishing locations in the Caribbean waters.
A fishing trip in Aruba gives anglers an opportunity to get familiar with the island and explore its rich history. The island life itself is very interesting.
It’s important to note that Aruba is a beautiful island. So, anglers can enjoy spectacular views during fishing adventures. Anglers often see flamingos during their Aruba fishing trips. That means that fishing adventure on the island is simply unbeatable!
Aruba is not only a fishing destination for a dream angling adventure. It’s possible to enjoy many other activities on the island. Here, you can also enjoy snorkeling, kayaking or just have a rest on a beach. So, there’s something for everyone.
Best Season & Times to Fish Aruba
Aruba is a home to many species of fish. There is always something to catch in the local waters. It’s also important to note that the region is well-known for warm weather and tropical climate. That’s why anglers can fish on the island at any time of the year.
However, it would be better to go fishing in Aruba between the early spring and the early fall. So, a peak fishing season in the area is between March and October. It’s the time of the year when the vast majority of fish species get active.
Winter is a great time of the year to target barracuda, grouper, king mackerel, white marlin, permit, sailfish, snapper and wahoo. Such species of fish as barracuda, bonito, mahi mahi, tarpon, tuna, and wahoo are active in the local waters during the spring months.
Among fish species that anglers can target in the spring are: bonito, king mackerel, mahi mahi, tarpon as well as tuna. Barracuda, grouper, king mackerel, marlin, sailfish, snapper and wahoo are the main targets in Aruba in the fall.
Is Nightfishing Good in Aruba?
It’s a good idea to go fishing at night in Aruba. Night fishing has a lot of the benefits over daytime fishing.
Night fishing is fun and productive. It’s much cooler at night in summer. That’s why some fish species feed actively at night. Anglers have a higher chance to land a trophy during nighttime.
Bear in mind that it’s more comfortable to fish at night during hot summer months. Anglers can beat the heat by fishing at night.
It’s possible to target snapper, grouper and other species during a night fishing trip in Aruba.
Is Beach Fishing Good in Aruba?
Beach fishing is popular in Aruba. There are reef beaches on the island. Those anglers, who would like to fish from beach on the island, usually give a preference to such places as Manchebo Beach and Malmok Beach.
It’s worth noting that beaches provide anglers with great fishing opportunities. When fishing on the island’s beaches, fishermen can catch such species as barracuda, bonefish, kingfish, mahi mahi, snook, tuna and others.
Aruba Fishing Charter Breakdown
– Is it a good idea?
There are many reasons why so many anglers choose to go fishing in Aruba. The island has become a good place for anglers and travelers. The island offers incredible fishing and many other great activities.
– Is it a good place for charters?
Despite the fact that Aruba is a small island, there are a lot of charters available in the region. Anglers can consider Aruba fishing charters for all tastes and budgets. There are fishing trips for beginners, families and professional anglers. So, anglers find it easy to book a charter that meets their needs as well as preferences.
Local charters do everything possible to serve their customers in the best possible way. In most cases, Aruba fishing charters provide anglers with the fishing gear, baits and snacks. So, anglers have everything that’s required to enjoy fishing in the area.
Aruba’s captains are friendly and, most importantly, they have a huge passion for fishing. Captains give anglers advices and help them achieve the best possible results during their fishing trips. So, anglers get the most out of their fishing adventures in Aruba.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Aruba, check out this article. To learn how good fishing in St. Augustine is, check out this article. To learn how good fishing in Mobile is, check out this article.
