Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Dominica (A Complete Guide)

Many anglers traveling to Dominica want to know the best time and season to fish. There are several factors that play into your decision on when to fish in Dominica.

The best time to fish in Dominica for white marlin, barracuda, mahi mahi, and yellowfin tuna is January through May. For big wahoo, the best fishing window is October through January in Dominica coastal waters.

Fish Species	Best Fishing Times in Dominica
White Marlin	December through April is the best season for local white marlin fishing.
Mahi Mahi	Year-round availability; December through April is the best fishing season.
Yellowfin Tuna	March through April is the best tuna fishing time. May can be good as well.
Wahoo	October through January is the best season for local wahoo fishing.
Barracuda	Year-round availability; January through May is the best fishing season.

These waters are fisherman’s paradise. Marlin, sailfish, yellowfin skipjack, tarpon, wahoo, dorado, mackerel, and more species can be found in these waters. These big-fish locations provide some of the most spectacular deep-sea fishing days in the world. Furthermore, the higher water temperatures allow for hours of fishing to satisfy your deepest cravings.

Various methods of fishing for several species of marine life in different types of marine fisheries exist off the shore of Dominica. Most attributes of the Dominican fishing industry coincide with that of other eastern Caribbean islands, however, the geological features of Dominica’s shoreline make fishing Dominica unique in a few ways.

This article is designed to point out current fishing practices both unique to Dominica and consistent throughout the Caribbean and explore every aspect to yield a successful fishing experience.

Best Time to Fish Dominica

Blue Marlin

Best Times: August – September

Fishing for blue marlin has increased dramatically in Dominica over the last five years, and the country is now one of the world’s largest blue marlin fisheries. While the peak season for blue marlin in the area is from July to September, the species may be found in the water all year.

The blue marlin arrives in the warm Caribbean waters in June and remains until October. These gigantic monsters are the pinnacle of every big game fisherman’s career. Blues may reach lengths of 15 feet and weighs over 1,000 pounds. Beating such a beast is the ultimate test of strength, skill, and wit. 

White Marlin

Best Times: March – July

The species is also one of the least gregarious, swimming alone most of the time, seldom in couples (for spawning purposes), and much less frequently in tiny schools (for feeding). Because of its exceptional speed and agility, the white marlin can swiftly catch up with the quickest prey, frequently eliminating the need to harm or kill it with the bill.

The white marlin is often located above the thermocline, in seas with a surface temperature of more than 71°F. They are usually more than 100 feet deep, although they have been seen to eat near the surface and even venture close to shore. They migrate, although not over entire seas like their larger and stronger relatives. 

Sailfish

Best Times: October – February

The first indicator of a Sailfish is the sighting of its magnificent dorsal fin, which they display like genuine ocean lords. Despite being on the lesser end of the billfish range, these gorgeous, but ferocious, species provide furious light tackle action and a fantastic warm-up for going after Marlin.

These pelagic, migratory fish are among the fastest marine organisms on the planet, reaching speeds of up to 70mph. They are usually found swimming near the surface, either alone or in small groups. If they’re schooling, they’re probably hearing prey in a beautiful show of color shifting, sail flashing, and bill stunning. 

Dorado (Mahi Mahi)

Best Times: October – April

Dorado is also known as mahi mahi prefers the open sea’s surface waters and rarely ventures deep. Trolling is the most common method of catching. All year long, Dorado is abundant off the Dominica coast. October through April is the greatest time to visit if you are after this beautiful game-fish. these fish are likely to put up a fight.

Commonly making a strong break after being hooked, some other mahi mahi tactics include heading under the boat to break lines on the prop or very deep dives while thrashing to break off the hook. 

Yellowfin Tuna

Best Times: March – June

The season for catching yellowfin tuna is now in Dominica. Yellowfin tuna may be discovered and fished all year in the Dominican Republic’s oceans. The ideal time to catch tuna, though, is in the summer. This is because the water in the ocean (up to five nautical miles off the shore) warms up, luring tuna closer to land.

This fish is fifth on the list, yet for many anglers, yellowfin tuna ranks first. They’re enormous, tasty, and fierce fighters. Stop by between March and June to get your fill of yellowfin catches.

Skipjack Tuna

Best Times: March – April

Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) has a powerful body with black stripes on the side. The biggest skipjack tuna may grow to be 100 cm (40 inches) in length and weigh up to 10 kg (22 lb). Small fish, squid, and crustaceans are their main sources of nutrition. Skipjack is mostly caught with trolling lures. This pelagic fish may be found in the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean. 

Tarpon

Best Times: November – December & January – March

Tarpon, sometimes known as the “silver king of sportfishing,” is mostly sought for its fighting abilities rather than its culinary characteristics. Tarpon, one of the state’s most popular game fish, can endure a broad range of salinities and may be found in all of the state’s rivers.

Tarpon fishing Dominica can begin as early as mid-March but is normally best between January and early March. The month of December, as well as the majority of November, is ideal for Dominica’s waters.

Wahoo

Best Times: October – April

The famed Wahoo may be found in these waters alongside the Dorado, and their numbers peak mid-October through April. Wahoos are well-known for their strength and speed. Wahoo has been seen to chase bait at speeds of up to 25 knots. The highest success is seen while trolling at high speeds of 15 to 20 knots with brightly colored lures. 

I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic if you want to create your combo.

Barracuda

Best Times: Every Month; year-round availability

This fish is called a sea pike, although the resemblance between the two is merely superficial. A powerful lower jaw that spans across the top mouth distinguishes the barracuda. A series of small, sharp teeth covers the jaw on the outside, while a row of bigger teeth covers the jaw on the inside.

The longest barracuda ever reported is 6.7 feet long and weighs 110 pounds. This fish consumes a wide range of meals such as fish, calamari, and even its own relatives. All year long, trolling is employed to catch these fish off the Dominica shore. 

Overview of Dominica Fishing (Best Times)

The entire island of Dominica is surrounded by some of the most abundant fish populations in all the Caribbean waters. The mountains meet the ocean for much of this steep terrain. The majority of the shore is accessible and the deep Atlantic is just yards away.

The big-game fish can be hooked from shore, sailfish and wahoo barracuda, and tuna within reach on all sides of this, relaxing  Island paradise. marlin and yellowfin are mere miles away making for one of the best big fish anglers-dream locations in the world. This island is still relatively unknown for many and that makes it even more attractive to the visiting fishermen.

Same great Caribbean fishing opportunities without the throngs of tourists that you find on some other islands in the vicinity. If you have a chance to visit and get to experience the fishing here you are sure to get caught by its charm and beauty.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Barbados, please check out this complete guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Puerto Rico, please check out this complete guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Saint Lucia, please check out this complete guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish the Dominican Republic, please check out this complete guide.