Fishing in St. Lucia

Among the deep-sea creatures you can find in St. Lucia's waters are dolphin (the fish, not the mammal—also called dorado or mahimahi), barracuda, mackerel, wahoo, kingfish, sailfish, and white and blue marlin. Sportfishing is generally done on a catch-and-release basis, but the captain may permit you to take a fish back to your hotel to be prepared for your dinner. Neither spearfishing nor collecting live fish in coastal waters is permitted. Half- and full-day deep-sea fishing excursions can be arranged at either Vigie Marina or Rodney Bay Marina. A half day of fishing on a scheduled trip runs about $450 for one-to-six people; a full day, $780. Beginners are welcome. Captain Mike's (Vigie Marina, Castries. 758/452-1216 or 758/452-7044. www.captmikes.com) has a fleet of Bertram powerboats (31 to 38 feet) that accommodate as many as eight passengers; tackle and cold drinks are supplied. Hackshaw's Boat Charters (Vigie Marina, Castries. 758/453-0553 or 758/452-3909. www.hackshaws.com), in business since 1953, runs charters on boats ranging from the 31-foot Blue Boy or Miss T. to the 50-foot, custom-built Lady Hack. Mako Watersports (Rodney Bay Marina, Rodney Bay. 758/452-0412) takes fishing enthusiasts out on the well-equipped six-passenger Annie Baby.