Deep-Sea Fishing Seasons in Jamaica

Fishing rod
Photo by Mathieu Le Roux on Unsplash

Connecticut-based venture capital and private equity professional Kevin Graetz leverages more than 15 years of experience to provide consulting services to clients. An avid fisherman, he enjoys catching big game fish around the world. Kevin Graetz has previously caught marlins, tuna, and sailfish in such countries as the Bahamas and Jamaica.

Jamaica is one of the top destinations for deep-sea sport fishing thanks to its plentiful coral reefs and deep waters. The country hosts some of the world’s top sport fishing tournaments, including the Annual Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament and the Montego Bay Yacht Club Fishing Tournament. It is also a great spot for anglers seeking such species as wahoo, sailfish, barracuda, and white marlin.

Although fishing in Jamaica is great year-round, there are certain times of the year that are best for specific fish species. At the beginning of the year, anglers have the best chances of catching dolphin fish, also known as dorado. Dorado fishing in Jamaica is at its peak through April. Montego Bay is a particularly popular spot for dorado fishing in April and May.

From April to August, Jamaica experiences a rise in blackfin and yellowfin tuna fishing. These species do start becoming more common at different times of the year, depending on the area, but, as a whole, April to August is the best season for them.

Starting in August, the marlin population around Jamaica starts increasing. By this point, white marlin will already have experienced some of its peak population in February in areas such as Montego Bay, but blue marlin aren’t seen as much around the country until August, since that is when their breeding cycle usually begins. Peak blue marlin season doesn’t usually occur until September and October.

What to Do and Not Do While Landing a Big Fish

A professional involved in the private equity and venture capital sector, Kevin Graetz has been working in the field for more than 15 years. Aside from his professional pursuits, Kevin Graetz is an avid big game fisherman. Over the years, he has caught many yellowfin tuna, big eye tuna, and marlin in such locations as the Hudson Canyon, Bahamas, and Jamaica. Listed below are a few suggestions on what to do and what not to do while trying to land a big fish.

1. Set the hook properly. To do this, firmly lift up your rod rip using your elbow and wrist. If you do this too early or too lightly, the hook will not penetrate the fish’s mouth and you will lose your catch. Meanwhile, if you do it too hard, you may tear the hook out of the fish’s mouth.

2. Don’t forget about the slack. Assuming you set the hook properly, you can pump the fish by lifting the rod tip to bring the fish closer, then lowering it to create a bit of slack. As soon as you lower the rod, reel the line in to eliminate this slack and repeat the process. However, slack in the line is detrimental if you haven’t set the hook right. If you’re uncertain, focus on applying steady pressure instead.

3. Be conscious of when you reel in your catch. Reeling in a fish at the wrong time increases strain on the line and increases the risk of losing the catch. Let the fish tire itself out by allowing it to run without reeling in the line. Once the fish has stopped pulling line out, reel it in slowly.

4. Don’t fight every fish the same. You must fight fish differently depending on both the species and the environment you are fishing in. For instance, in lakes where fish can snag the line around underwater obstacles, apply heavy pressure to the fish until it’s out in more open water. Conversely, when fishing in open water, let it tire itself out by swimming away.