Guadeloupe is a fisherman's paradise. The possibilities are numerous in terms of catches and species. On a family vacation, the ideal thing to do is to focus on short sessions with light tackle, so as to seize every opportunity to fish simply. There are plenty of spots to fish, and here's how to tackle them with light tackle.
The ports
As everywhere else, harbours are strategic points, and very good for fishing. They bring together juveniles of many species seeking refuge, and larger predators often hunting in the morning or evening in these infrastructures.
Ideally, you should fish on sight. In Guadeloupe, you can catch a wide range of species. Lizardfish are omnipresent and will cut through any soft lure with their sharp teeth. Tropical garfish do the same and even have the annoying tendency to cut line and even pierce swimming fish! The same applies to barracudas, which are very common... In other words, you'll need a spare set of lures and a small titanium leader to limit breakage.
Snook and tarpon often hunt in the morning and evening. Snook also have raking and cutting teeth. Beware of cuts! The tarpon is best shod on light tackle. Its very hard mouth makes hook penetration almost impossible with a light rod.
Estuaries and brackish waters
These positions are difficult to access from the shore. Occasionally, there is access for a few casts. Once again, a wide range of species can be caught. Oversized gobies, tilapia, baby tarpon, snook and a plethora of other species. I even caught a globe fish!
Surface lures and small, soft Texan lures are ideal to avoid getting too hung up and to get a good look at these crowded spots.
Mangroves
Mangroves are truly atypical positions. These are mangrove forests whose roots form a maze of hiding places and inaccessible spots. It's impossible to list all the species that can be caught, such is the abundance of life in these biotopes.
However, they are often inaccessible from the shore. You'll need to rent a kayak or hire the services of a guide to get to the heart of these amazing spots.
Rocky coasts
Here again, rock fish and large predators swim side by side, and the possibilities for catching them are numerous. On light tackle, surprises are common...
Casting jigs allow you to go after many species of predator. Small soft lures can be used to catch colourful fish along the edges.
Beaches and flats
The beaches are also teeming with fish. Bonefish and tarpon will give you a hard time, provided you have the right rod. But that's not light shore fishing or light game...
The rivers
Finally, the fresh waters also offer the possibility of catching a few fish. Mostly river mullet, a small black mullet very receptive to the presentation of small lures.
Unusual fishing, like trout fishing in a stream, but in a dense jungle...
