Why fishing in Bonaire is much more diverse than you think

Many visitors immediately think of diving and coral reefs when they think of Bonaire. However, the island is also surprisingly versatile for anglers. Here, you can opt for a quiet session from the shore, wading fishing on the flats, or an organized charter trip on the open sea.

This variation is exactly what makes fishing in Bonaire interesting. You are not dependent on one approach or one type of fishing day. Depending on your experience, equipment, and preferences, you can set out on your own or choose the convenience of an organized fishing trip.

A charter trip on the open sea from Plaza Resort Bonaire

For many guests of Plaza Resort Bonaire, a charter trip is the most comfortable way to fish in Bonaire. From the marina at the resort, near Kralendijk, fishing charters are organized in cooperation with Bonaire Yacht Charters. You simply board and head out on the water with a local captain.

While shore fishing often revolves around finding, walking, and responding to conditions yourself, charter fishing offers peace and convenience. You fish with good equipment and go out with someone who knows the waters around Bonaire well. This not only makes it more comfortable but often more focused as well.

During these trips, fishing is done for wahoo, mahi mahi, tuna, barracuda, and marlin, among others. This gives a completely different dimension to your fishing day. Not because it is necessarily better than shore fishing, but because it offers a unique experience. This combination of comfort, local knowledge, and variety makes Bonaire particularly interesting for anglers who want to explore multiple sides of the island.

Fishing from the shore is definitely worth it on Bonaire

Anyone who thinks that you can only fish well from a boat on Bonaire underestimates the island. Along the coast, there are several zones where you can fish well from the shore or while wading. With shads, plugs, streamers, flies, or a bobber, there is much possible, and it is precisely this variety that makes it fun for sport fishers who like to actively search.

Due to the clear water, fish here are more alert than in many other destinations. Sometimes that requires a bit more patience and a smart approach. Especially at the end of the day or in the evening, this can work to your advantage. For those who like to go out on their own, that is part of the charm.

Lac Bay shows a very different side of fishing on Bonaire

In the southeast of Bonaire lies Lac Bay, an area that immediately captures the imagination of many fishers. Here you find shallow flats with clear water, where you can wade fish in an environment that feels completely different than the coast around Kralendijk. The water is relatively shallow, and in many places, the bottom is easily accessible, making this location interesting for fishers who want to search actively and purposefully.

Lac Bay is especially known for bonefish, but you also have a chance of encountering permit, snook, and smaller tarpon here, depending on the part of the area where you fish. Towards the sea, the water's character changes, while around the mangroves it feels different again. As a result, this is not just a beautiful spot on the map, but an area where you can really fish for different species and techniques.

Along the south coast, there are also surprisingly many opportunities

Anyone driving south with a rental car will quickly notice how vast Bonaire actually is. Along the salinas and the area around the flamingo reserve there are several stretches of coast where sport fishers can wade fish for kilometers.

Also along the southwest coast, from Kralendijk heading south, there are reefs and coastal strips where you can have a lot of fun with light lures. Here, fishing is done for, among others, barracuda, grouper, and other predators. Tarpon is also regularly caught close to the shore. This clearly shows that you don't necessarily need a boat for a good fishing day on Bonaire.

At Lagun, you fish again in a completely different setting

A place like Lagun shows well how varied fishing on Bonaire can be. At the bay, you can enter the water via the concrete pier and from there fish towards the buoy. The water is sometimes more turbid here than in other places on the island, but that can be beneficial.

In addition to well-known target species, you also have a chance of catching, for example, horse mackerel and ladyfish here. For fishers who want to try multiple spots during their stay, this is exactly the type of place that keeps the island interesting. No day needs to be the same here.

Practical points to note for those who want to fish on Bonaire

Those who want to fish on Bonaire would do well to consider the conditions on the island in advance. The water is clear, meaning fish often react more cautiously than you might be used to. Timing, technique, and presentation therefore play an important role.

Furthermore, it is good to know that fishing is not allowed everywhere. For example, you may not fish in the ports of Plaza Resort Bonaire and Harbour Village Beach Club. Also, the Gotomeer, is a protected area where fishing is not allowed.

For some activities on the water, a nature fee via a STINAPA tag may also be required. Inquire about this in advance when you plan a day out.

Practical information

Would you like to fish on Bonaire during your stay and are you curious which option suits you best? Then you can contact Plaza Resort Bonaire for more information about charter trips and the possibilities from the resort. For personal advice, you can visit the marina or the booking desk in the lobby.

For organized fishing trips, Plaza Resort Bonaire cooperates with Bonaire Yacht Charters. The charters depart from the marina at the resort, near Kralendijk. This makes it easy to organize your fishing day directly from your accommodation.