Private Fishing in St Lucia Charters

The biggest draw here is the chance to fish St. Lucia’s open coastal waters with a private crew rather than sharing a boat with strangers. Depending on the day, your lines may meet wahoo, yellowfin tuna, dorado, sailfish, barracuda, or blue marlin. The crew handles the tackle and trolling while you concentrate on the strike.

I like the small four-person limit, which gives you room to fish and lets the captain tailor the outing to your group. I also like the hands-on help from crews such as Jason and Robert, Andre and Robert, and other Hackshaw teams praised for working hard even when the bite slows. The catch is never guaranteed, and one serious drawback is that boat timing can slip, especially around fuel stops or cruise-ship schedules.

Key points to know

• Private 31-foot boat: Maximum of four anglers, with the boat reserved for your group.
• Big-game possibilities: Fish for blue marlin, sailfish, wahoo, dorado, mahi mahi, and yellowfin tuna.
• Captain-led instruction: The crew supplies tackle, bait, licenses, and practical help for mixed skill levels.
• Vigie Marina departure: Cruise-ship pickup and drop-off are included, but hotel transfers are not.
• Refreshments onboard: Mineral water, soft drinks, and light snacks are provided. Beer requires an additional request and cost.
• Flexible duration: Plan on roughly four hours, with longer outings available up to about eight hours.

Why this St. Lucia charter feels different

A private fishing charter gives you something a shared excursion cannot: control over the pace and attention onboard. With only your party aboard, you can ask for extra instruction, change the focus from big-game trolling to lighter fishing if the crew recommends it, or simply enjoy the ride along the St. Lucian coast.

The boat is a 31-foot vessel with room for no more than four anglers. That limit matters. Four people can rotate through the fishing positions without the crowded feel that often comes with a large group boat. If you are bringing a serious angler and several first-timers, the captain can explain the gear without making anyone feel in the way.

The crew uses Shimano and Penn reels, a variety of lures, bait, and the required fishing licenses. You do not need to assemble a kit before leaving home. Your job is to dress for warm weather, listen to the crew, and be ready for the possibility that the fish will not cooperate.

Leaving from Vigie Marina in Castries

The meeting point is Hackshaw’s Boat Charters on Seraphine Road at Vigie Marina in Castries. Cruise-ship passengers receive pier pickup and drop-off, which makes this a useful option for a port day. When booking, you need to provide your ship name, docking time, time you expect to leave the ship, and the latest time you must be back onboard.

That information is not just paperwork. A private fishing trip can take four to eight hours, and cruise passengers have a hard deadline. Give the operator accurate ship details so the timing can be planned around your port call. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so if you are staying on St. Lucia, arrange your own way to the marina.

The boat may not leave at exactly the minute you expect. One outing was delayed by a fuel-dock problem, with the revised meeting time sent ahead of departure. That sort of delay is frustrating, especially when you have paid for a short fishing window, so build some patience into your plans. If you are on a cruise ship, do not book a trip that leaves no margin before all-aboard time.

Trolling along the St. Lucian coast

Once underway, the main activity is trolling along the coast and into the deeper water off St. Lucia. You will watch the lines, wait for a strike, and take turns handling a fish when one hits. The crew sets the gear, monitors the lures, and helps you work the reel.

The target list is appealing: dorado, wahoo, mahi mahi, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, and blue marlin. The larger species are the reason many people book this trip, but the smaller catches can still make the day worthwhile. Past outings have produced barracuda, triggerfish, squirrelfish, grouper, tuna, wahoo, sailfish, and marlin.

A blue marlin or sailfish is never something the operator can promise. Fishing is affected by weather, water conditions, time of day, and the fish themselves. You should book this as a chance to pursue big game, not as a guaranteed catch-and-photo package.

That said, the crew’s role matters when the action is slow. The strongest part of this experience is not simply the fish count. Captains and mates such as Jason, Robert, and Andre have been praised for staying engaged, offering tips, and working to change tactics when the larger fish are not biting. One outing produced a 50-pound wahoo, while another ended with a released blue marlin. Other trips came back with tuna, barracuda, grouper, or no fish at all.

What the crew adds to the day

The captain and mate are responsible for much more than steering the boat. They set the lures, watch the lines, explain what to do when a fish strikes, and help you manage the reel. If you have little offshore experience, that guidance can make the difference between panic and a clean fight.

Experienced anglers also get value from the crew. One seasoned angler praised the boat and crew after catching several fish, while another experienced offshore fisherman noted that the captain was responsive before the outing and understood that fishing does not always mean catching. That is a useful point: a serious angler will appreciate the equipment and effort, but should still arrive with realistic expectations.

The crew also seems to understand that not every person in the group is a dedicated fisherman. One outing included a partner who did not handle rough seas well, and the crew adjusted when conditions became uncomfortable. You should still consider your own tolerance for motion. The operator asks for a moderate level of physical fitness, and reeling in a strong fish can be demanding.

The boat, gear, and physical effort

The 31-foot boat is set up for sport fishing, with Shimano and Penn reels and a range of lures. Tackle, bait, and licenses are included, so the $860 group price covers the main fishing equipment rather than leaving you to rent gear piece by piece.

The boat accommodates up to four anglers. That is ideal for a family, two couples, or a small group of friends who want privacy. It is less suitable if your party is larger than four, since the maximum is firm for this boat.

You should wear cool, comfortable clothing. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and any personal medication you need for motion sickness, though the supplied information does not list those items as included. The boat has refreshments and snacks, but not a full meal.

Fishing also requires some physical effort. You may need to stand, brace yourself, hold a rod, and turn a reel against a strong fish. If you have limited mobility or a medical concern, ask the operator before booking. The experience is not described as accessible, and the moderate fitness guidance should be taken seriously.

What is included, and what costs extra

The price is $860 per group of up to four people. At full capacity, that works out to $215 per angler. That is a reasonable way to view the cost if all four spaces are filled, since you are paying for a private boat, captain, mate, tackle, bait, fishing licenses, and cruise-pier transfers.

For two people, the per-person cost is much higher. You still receive the privacy and personal attention, but the price may feel steep if neither person is a keen angler or if you are hoping mainly for a scenic boat ride.

Mineral water and soft drinks are included. Light snacks are provided onboard. Beer is not part of the standard included list, but it can be requested at an additional cost. Ask about that before departure rather than assuming it will be waiting in the cooler.

The value is strongest for a small group that wants genuine fishing time and understands the uncertainty of the sport. It is weaker for someone who wants a guaranteed catch, a luxury cruise, or a full meal on the water.

Four hours or a longer outing

The standard experience is about four hours, with options lasting up to roughly eight hours. A four-hour trip works well for cruise passengers and for first-time anglers who want to test their sea legs. It also gives the crew a focused window to troll without consuming the entire day.

A longer trip makes more sense for dedicated anglers chasing blue marlin, sailfish, or other large species. More time gives you more chances to change areas and tactics, but it also means more time exposed to sun, wind, and boat movement. The extra hours do not guarantee more fish.

If you are traveling with someone who is not a confident boater, the shorter option may be the safer choice. One person’s poor experience with the sea can affect the whole group, especially on a private boat where there is no easy way to leave early.

How the catch can vary

This is a sport fishing trip, so the day may range from a steady run of smaller fish to a single dramatic hookup. Documented catches include a 50-pound wahoo, yellowfin tuna, barracuda, grouper, and sailfish. Blue marlin have also been hooked and released, including a memorable double hookup on one trip.

Other outings had slow starts or no fish. The crew still worked to find action, but no captain can control the bite. If you are measuring value only by pounds of fish, you may be disappointed.

I would frame the day around the full experience: learning the gear, watching the coast from the water, feeling a fish hit the lure, and having a crew that knows how to help. A large fish is a bonus, not the only measure of success.

Booking, timing, and cancellation

Confirmation is provided after booking, subject to availability, and the stated confirmation window is within 48 hours. The experience is commonly booked well ahead, with an average lead time of about 92 days. That suggests you should reserve early if your dates are fixed, especially during a cruise visit or a popular holiday period.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The cutoff follows local St. Lucia time.

Hackshaw’s offices, boats, and equipment are regularly sanitized, and sanitizer and hand-washing products are supplied onboard. Those measures may matter to you, but the more practical concerns remain timing, sea conditions, and whether your group is comfortable with the physical demands of fishing.

Who should book this private charter

I would choose this trip if you are a small group of up to four people and at least one or two of you genuinely want to fish. It is especially well suited to experienced anglers chasing marlin or wahoo, families with older children who can handle the boat, and couples who want a private outing rather than a crowded group excursion.

It can also work for mixed-skill groups. The crew can provide personalized help, and first-timers do not need to bring their own tackle. Just be clear with yourself that a private boat does not turn fishing into a guaranteed activity. The fish may be active, or you may spend long stretches waiting.

I would think twice if you dislike boat motion, need a fully accessible setup, want a guaranteed catch, or have only a very narrow cruise schedule with no room for delay. I would also compare the price carefully if your group has fewer than four people.

Should you book it?

Book this charter if your priority is private offshore fishing, personal help, and a real chance at St. Lucia’s larger species. The small boat limit, included tackle, and attentive crews make it a strong choice for anglers who value time on the water over a packaged sightseeing route.

Go in with patience. You may catch a blue marlin, sailfish, or 50-pound wahoo, or you may return with smaller fish and a good day spent trolling the coast. If you can accept that uncertainty and plan your timing carefully, the $860 group price can be worthwhile, especially with four anglers sharing the boat.

FAQ

Where does the fishing trip start?

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

How many people can join the charter?

The 31-foot boat can take a maximum of four anglers, and the trip is private for your group.

How long does the fishing experience last?

The outing lasts approximately four to eight hours, depending on the option selected.

What fish might I catch?

Possible targets include dorado, wahoo, mahi mahi, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, and blue marlin. Past catches have also included barracuda, grouper, triggerfish, and squirrelfish.

Are fishing equipment and licenses included?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Cruise-ship pier pickup and drop-off are included, and cruise passengers must provide their ship and port schedule when booking.