The pelagic fish of the East End
Your next trophy is swimming off the beach at the Villa
FOR DECADES, Roatan has been known as a diving and snorkeling destination. The opportunity to ply the waters along the Mesoamerican Reef — the second-largest barrier reef in the world — is one many divers and snorkelers can’t resist.
But one of Roatan’s best-kept secrets is getting out. In addition to being a world-class diving destination, Roatan is an angler’s paradise, too. From fly fishing along the island’s many turtle grass flats to tackling the blue water in search of big, pelagic fish that migrate to and from the island over the course of a year, Roatan offers anglers unmatched fishing all year long.
Pelagic fish
When Roatanians reference “pelagic” fish, they are usually talking about fish that inhabit waters below the continental shelf, sometimes to waters more than 600 feet deep. And, every year, depending on the season, these big pelagic fish make their way inshore to the reef of Roatan. These fish include everything from sailfish and swordfish to tuna, mackerel, mahi mahi, wahoo and even some sharks.
And, on Roatan’s quiet East End, where Ocean Breeze is located right on the beach overlooking the Caribbean, these big, highly migratory fish come incredibly close to shore. In fact, snorkelers can sometimes catch a glimpse of these fish right off the dock of the Villa.
Fishing from the Villa
From the Villa, inspired
anglers can book a blue-water fishing trip that can help them connect with these incredible fish. In the spring, it’s very common for anglers to actually catch black-fin tuna within just a couple hundred yards of the Villa — right off the drop-off within a swimmable distance of the beach.
Other fish, like sailfish, swordfish and wahoo, are a bit farther out, but it’s not uncommon for anglers to hook up to these hard-fighting fish within sight of the island. That’s the beauty of the reef. Its structure provides excellent habitat for baitfish upon which big, pelagic fish feed. And, right up against the reef, where the depths change dramatically, is ideal hunting grounds for hungry pelagics.
Stay and play
We’ve already introduced our guests to the
growing inshore fishery that’s becoming more and more popular among fly fishers. But for many, our island’s pelagic fishery is still untapped. Despite the presence of some
well-known fishing tournaments hosted in Roatan, most who come here come for the diving and the chance to enjoy some great tropical weather and the usual “fun in the sun.”
Well, guests at the Villa have the chance to combine that tried-and-true vacation model with some seriously exciting big-game fishing for offshore denizens, and, with the right catch, the Villa’s crack kitchen crew can turn your trophy into a delectable meal using the island’s patented
Creole cooking techniques.
So, next time you come to visit, plan to book a day or two (or more!) with one of our fishing guides, and give the blue water a shot. On a calm day, it’s a scenic adventure that most won’t ever get the chance to take. On fish days, the action can be non-stop.
We offer a host of packages for all anglers, and we can also craft a package that works for you if you just want to give it a try. Just let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll make it happen.
Until then know this: your next big trophy fish might be swimming just off the dock at
Ocean Breeze Villa.
