Private Fishing in St Lucia Charters

St Lucia’s best fishing action lies beyond the beaches, where a private boat can troll for wahoo, dorado, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, and blue marlin. You get the whole 31-foot boat for your party, with room for no more than four anglers and a captain focused on your group.

I like the personal coaching, especially for mixed-skill groups, and I like that tackle, bait, fishing licenses, water, and soft drinks are handled for you. Captains and mates including Jason, Robert, and Andre have earned strong praise for working hard, even on slow days.

The catch is never guaranteed, and the sea can turn rough. One party dealt with a late pickup and another waited before boarding, so build in some time and confirm your cruise schedule carefully if you are visiting by ship.

Key details before you book

• Up to four anglers: You get a private 31-foot boat, not a shared outing with strangers.
• Several serious target fish: Trolling may bring wahoo, dorado, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, barracuda, or blue marlin.
• Strong crew support: Captains and mates such as Jason, Robert, and Andre help with technique, tackle, and the fight at the rod.
• Useful inclusions: Tackle, bait, licenses, a professional guide, water, and soft drinks are included.
• Cruise-friendly pickup: Pier pickup and drop-off are included, while hotel transportation is not.
• Plan for a long booking lead: This trip is often reserved about 92 days ahead, so popular dates can disappear.

Why this private charter is different

The main appeal is control. You are not joining a large fishing boat and hoping the crew can give everyone enough attention. With a maximum of four anglers, the captain can adjust the pace and advice to suit your group.

That matters if one person fishes regularly and another has never handled offshore tackle. A seasoned angler can take the lead when a big fish strikes, while a first-timer can get direct help with the rod, reel, and line. The crew does the technical work, but you remain part of the action.

The boat trolls along the St. Lucian coast and into deeper water. The target list is broad, from smaller reef species to powerful game fish. You could be working toward a yellowfin tuna or wahoo, or waiting for the larger prize of a sailfish or blue marlin.

I would book this for the fishing itself, not as a sightseeing cruise with a fishing rod added on. The scenery is a bonus. The day is built around finding fish.

Meeting at Vigie Marina in Castries

The regular meeting point is Hackshaw’s Boat Charters on Seraphine Road, at Vigie Marina in Castries. This is also where you meet the boat if you are making your own way to the harbor.

Cruise passengers receive pier pickup and drop-off, which removes a major bit of island planning. At booking, give the operator your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and required re-boarding time. Those details let the crew match the trip to your ship’s schedule.

I would not treat the ship pickup as a reason to cut the timing close. One outing had a delay connected with fueling, and another group waited roughly 30 to 45 minutes before boarding. Delays are not the norm stated for every trip, but boats need fuel, gear, and safe departure conditions. Leave a sensible cushion before your ship’s departure.

Hotel pickup is not included. If you are staying at a hotel or villa, you will need to arrange your own way to the marina unless the operator confirms another option directly.

Four to eight hours on St Lucia’s coast

The standard description centers on a four-hour fishing trip, but the available duration runs from about four to eight hours. That gives you useful flexibility, especially if your group has a full-day fishing plan or a tight cruise schedule.

A half-day outing is a practical choice for a first offshore trip, families, and people who are unsure how they will handle the motion of the sea. It gives you time to troll, change areas, and work with the crew without committing your whole day.

The longer option suits serious anglers who want more time to search for game fish. More time does not guarantee a marlin or a full cooler, but it gives the crew more room to respond when the bite is slow.

The route follows the St. Lucian coastline, with fishing areas chosen by the captain. You can expect the crew to set up the gear, put lines out, and help you respond when something takes the lure. The trip is private, so your party can focus on fishing instead of keeping pace with a larger group.

Tackle, bait, and the work behind the scenes

You do not need to bring a full fishing setup. Tackle, bait, licenses, and the professional guide are included. The boats use Shimano and Penn reels and carry a range of lures for trolling.

That equipment is important when the target is a wahoo, tuna, sailfish, or marlin. These fish can put serious pressure on a reel and line. The crew’s job is not simply to point the boat toward open water. They set the spread, watch the lines, and help you manage the fish once it strikes.

The crew names that appear repeatedly in the company’s own trip responses include Captain Jason, first mate Robert, and Captain Andre. Jason and Robert are described as a strong team, while Andre and Robert worked together on several successful outings. Their role is especially valuable if you have never fought a large fish from a moving boat.

You will still do the reeling. That is the point. The crew supplies the equipment and instruction, but the fish remains your battle.

What you might catch, and what you might not

The target species make this a serious sport fishing trip. Dorado, also called mahi mahi, can provide fast action. Wahoo are known for speed and power. Yellowfin tuna offer a strong fight, while sailfish and blue marlin bring the chance of a memorable billfish encounter.

The documented catches include a 50-pound wahoo, yellowfin tuna, barracuda, grouper, triggerfish, squirrelfish, and sailfish. One outing produced a blue marlin that was released, and another had two blue marlin hooked at the same time. Those are exciting possibilities, not promises.

Fishing has quiet stretches. One party caught nothing despite a hard-working crew. Another trip began slowly before the captain changed tactics and found smaller fish. That is normal offshore fishing, and you should book with the right expectation: the crew can improve your odds, but it cannot control the fish.

I appreciate that the crew continues trying when the big fish are not biting. On a slow day, they may shift the approach and look for other species. That can turn a disappointing marlin hunt into a worthwhile day with tuna, barracuda, or reef fish.

If landing a particular species is the only reason you are booking, ask about current conditions and likely targets before you pay. If you can enjoy the boat, the coast, and the process, you will be better prepared for the natural uncertainty.

Snacks, drinks, and a few practical comforts

Light snacks, mineral water, and soft drinks are included. That is enough to keep you comfortable during a half-day on the water, but it is not presented as a full meal.

Beer can be requested for an additional cost. The trip information uses mixed wording about beer, so confirm the current charge when you book rather than assuming it is included.

Wear cool, comfortable clothing. Fishing can be wet and sunny, and the physical effort of handling a fish can be greater than it looks from shore. The stated requirement is a moderate level of physical fitness, so you should be comfortable standing, bracing, and handling a rod for a period of time.

The operator says boats and equipment are regularly sanitized and that hand sanitizer and other hand-washing products are supplied onboard. That is a useful comfort for anyone paying attention to shared equipment and boat surfaces.

The price makes sense for the right group

The cost is $860 per group of up to four people. At four anglers, that works out to $215 per person before any extra beer charges. With only two anglers, the per-person price becomes much higher, but you still receive a private boat and undivided crew attention.

That price is easier to justify if your group would otherwise book separate seats on a shared charter. You are paying for privacy, a small maximum group, professional equipment, permits, and the ability to shape the day around your party.

For a family with one or two committed anglers, the value is less obvious. Non-fishing passengers can come along, but the core activity remains offshore fishing. If they mainly want a relaxed cruise, snorkeling, or a beach stop, a different boat trip may suit them better.

The most important value is the crew’s attention. A private charter gives the captain a clear picture of your group’s skill level and goals. You can ask for more instruction, focus on larger species, or change tactics if the first part of the outing is quiet.

Because the trip is often booked about 92 days ahead, I would reserve early for a cruise date, holiday period, or preferred full-day slot. Confirmation is subject to availability, and the operator says confirmation is generally received within 48 hours of booking.

The boat size and group limit matter

The 31-foot boat allows a maximum of four anglers. That is a useful limit, not a minor footnote. Four people can rotate through the active fishing positions without turning the deck into a crowd.

A smaller group also means less waiting for instruction. If one person hooks a fish, the mate can concentrate on that fight. You can also hear the captain clearly and ask questions without competing with a full boatload of passengers.

The size has a trade-off. A 31-foot boat may feel more exposed to sea conditions than a much larger vessel, and the trip can be uncomfortable if the water turns rough. One passenger who did not handle the sea well had difficulty when conditions worsened, so motion-sensitive anglers should think carefully before booking.

Bring only what you need and keep clothing practical. The operator gives a cool, comfortable dress recommendation, and you should expect fishing gear to take up much of the available space.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this charter for a small group with a clear interest in fishing. It is particularly well suited to:

• Experienced anglers who want time offshore and serious target species.
• Couples or families who prefer a private boat.
• First-time anglers who want close help rather than a crowded shared trip.
• Cruise passengers looking for an organized half-day activity from Castries.
• Mixed groups where one person wants instruction and another wants a stronger fishing challenge.

It is less suitable if you need guaranteed catches, dislike boat motion, or want a broad sightseeing program. It is also not the simplest choice for a hotel guest who expects transportation to be included, since hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the package.

Booking, timing, and cancellation

You receive a mobile ticket, and confirmation is provided after booking, subject to availability. Cruise passengers need to supply detailed ship timing so the operator can plan pickup and return.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted for a refund, and the cutoff uses local St. Lucian time.

I would confirm three things before finalizing: the exact trip length, the boat and crew assigned to your date, and the cost of any beer requested onboard. Those details matter more than they might on a simple city tour.

Should you book Hackshaw’s private fishing charter?

Book it if you want a focused fishing day with no strangers, strong equipment, and a crew that can work with beginners and experienced anglers. The chance of a wahoo, sailfish, tuna, or blue marlin is the draw, while the private format and small boat make the day personal.

I would be cautious if your schedule cannot absorb a delay, if rough water is a serious concern, or if catching a specific fish is essential. The crew can put in the effort, but offshore fishing remains unpredictable.

For four people who genuinely want to fish, $860 is a reasonable private charter price. For two casual participants, the value is harder to defend. Reserve well ahead, allow extra time around cruise boarding, and treat the catch as a possibility rather than a promise.

FAQ

Where does the fishing charter meet?

The meeting point is Hackshaw’s Boat Charters on Seraphine Road at Vigie Marina in Castries, St Lucia.

Is cruise ship pickup included?

Yes. Cruise ship pier pickup and drop-off are included. Cruise passengers must provide their ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How many people can join the charter?

The 31-foot boat can take a maximum of four anglers. The activity is private, so only your group participates.

How long does the trip last?

The listed duration is approximately four to eight hours. The fishing description focuses on a four-hour trip, so confirm the exact length for your booking.

What fish can I target?

Possible target species include dorado, wahoo, mahi mahi, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, and blue marlin. Other catches mentioned include barracuda, grouper, triggerfish, and squirrelfish.

Are fishing gear and licenses included?

Yes. Tackle, bait, fishing licenses, and a professional guide are included.

Are drinks and food included?

Mineral water, soft drinks, and light snacks are included. Beer may be requested at an additional cost.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund.