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does anyone know if you can rent fishing poles on st john? Do you need a fishing liscence? any tips on good beaches to go to for the best fishing? is fishing allowed in national parks? Thanks for any help you can provide an anxious angler
rm
Hello,
I don't know if you can rent poles. You need a fishing license to fish in some areas, usually out at sea, not from the beach. National Park does not want fishing in their protected waters.
I would suggest you contact someone who does fishing tours in St. John, they might be able to answer your questions or have a good deal on a fishing group thing, that could show you the spots, then you could do them on your own the other days. The web site is http://www.hikestjohnvi.com/
--Islander
I have heard that some of the dive shops and dinghy rental places on STJ do rent fishing gear. I have not done it so can not confirm that. You can bring one of those collapsible/packable poles with you. Medium weight is best. They are about 6 feet or so long and telescope down to about 16 inches. This is what I bring with me whenever we go to STJ. Have seen them at Sport's Authority and Cabela's. I use the saltwater Cabela's one and haven't had any problems with it. Have even caught a four foot shark with it.
As for the National Park Service, they do allow fishing BUT (there always has to be a BUT) none allowed from swimming areas (beach) so you have to go off to the rocks on either side or beyond swimming areas. ALSO, catch and release only. No license needed.
A lot of beaches have good fishing. Best bet would be to go the National Parks Office near the ferry dock and ask for a map as well as recommendations on good fishing spots. They will more than likely be happy to point you in the right direction.
Feel free to email me if you have any questions.
Hi! I am the editor of a fishing magazine in New England and a pretty hardcore saltwater fly fisherman. I've been snorkeling at Cinnamon, Hawksnest, and Trunk and I can tell you that there are lots of small jacks (2 - 4 lbs., I woud guess) that cruise around the sandy areas near the reefs. I'm sure they would take a small spoon or any flashy saltwater fly. (please use single, barbless hooks to make release easier). I've been told that there are also bonefish and small tarpon near some of the inlets on the far end of the island from Cruz Bay. Wish I could say that I caught some but on our cruise vacations my wife forbids me from saying the "f" word........ fishing!
