What fish can you catch in Curaçao?

One of the best things about fishing in Curaçao? You never really know what the day will bring.

Our warm Caribbean waters are home to plenty of exciting species, and although we can fish all year round, the chances of catching certain fish change with the seasons. That means every trip can be different.

On our charters, we mainly target wahoo, tuna, mahi mahi, barracuda and marlin. Some are around for most of the year, while others have periods when they are especially active.

So, when should you go fishing and what might end up on the line? Let’s take a look.

What is the best time of year to fish in Curaçao?

The best time to fish in Curacao really depends on what you would like to catch.

At the start of the year, wahoo is a popular target and barracuda is also commonly found in our waters.

As we move into spring and summer, tuna and mahi mahi become especially interesting. Yellowfin tuna often has a strong period from around March through July, while mahi mahi is usually very active from spring into late summer.

Later in the year, wahoo picks up again and the chances of seeing marlin also improve.

So, is there one perfect Curacao fishing season? Not really. There is always something happening. The species simply change throughout the year.

What fish can you catch in Curacao?

Quite a few exciting ones! When fishing in Curacao, you can catch species such as wahoo, tuna, mahi mahi, barracuda and marlin, depending on the season and conditions offshore. These are some of the main species we target throughout the year.

Yellowfin, bigeye and skipjack tuna

And when we say tuna, we do not just mean yellowfin. We can also catch bigeye tuna, which we target by jigging in deeper water. Another tuna species we come across is skipjack tuna. These smaller tuna are not only a catch themselves; we also use them as bait when targeting large yellowfin tuna and marlin.

Wahoo and mahi mahi

Wahoo is always a favorite because of its speed and powerful runs. Tuna can give you a serious workout once it takes the bait, while mahi mahi is known not only for the fight, but also for its incredible colors when it comes alongside the boat.

Marlin and barracuda

Then there is marlin. For many anglers, hooking one is high on the wish list. We also regularly target barracuda, another strong predator found around Curaçao.

Of course, we can never promise exactly what you will catch.

That is fishing. We look at the weather, currents, season and activity offshore and use our local knowledge to decide where the best chances are that day.

Is fishing good all year round in Curaçao?

Yes, and that is one of the big advantages of fishing in Curacao.

There is no long off-season where nothing is happening. Different species have stronger months, but we can head offshore throughout the year.

So if you are already planning a Curaçao stay, you do not necessarily have to choose your travel dates around the fishing season. Tell us what you are hoping to catch and we can help you choose the trip that fits best.

How do the fishing seasons affect the way we fish?

Fishing seasons affect which species we target, where we fish and which techniques we use. Depending on the conditions, we may troll, jig or fish around Curaçao’s offshore FADs.

For tuna fishing in Curacao, the technique also depends on the type of tuna we are after. Bigeye tuna can be targeted with jigging, while skipjack tuna can be used as live bait for larger yellowfin tuna and marlin.

For wahoo fishing in Curacao, trolling or live bait can be very effective. Mahi mahi fishing in Curacao can take us further offshore, while marlin fishing in Curacao is another exciting possibility on our private and Pro trips.

We like to stay flexible rather than force one technique all day. The sea decides. We just know how to read it.

Ready to go fishing in Curaçao? Check out our Open, Half Day, Full Day, Pro and Tuna trips and choose the one that suits you best!

Frequently Asked Questions - What fish can you catch in Curaçao

What months are best for tuna fishing in Curaçao?

Yellowfin tuna can be caught during much of the year, but the period from around March through July is generally especially good. We can also target bigeye tuna and encounter skipjack tuna, so the type of tuna and fishing technique can vary depending on the conditions offshore.

What types of tuna can you catch in Curaçao?

We can catch yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna and skipjack tuna around Curaçao. Bigeye tuna can be targeted by jigging, while skipjack is also used as bait when we are after larger yellowfin tuna and marlin.

Can you go fishing in Curaçao all year round?

Yes. Offshore fishing in Curaçao is possible throughout the year. Different species have their stronger periods, so there is always something interesting to target.