Antigua & Barbuda · Antigua Coast
LIONFISH FISHING
IN ST. JOHN'S
St. John's is a solid destination for lionfish fishing, with good fishing in January, February, March, April. Book a charter and target lionfish with local experts.
About Lionfish Fishing in St. John's
The invasive lionfish has become both an ecological concern and a unique fishing target throughout the Caribbean. These venomous but delicious fish are found on reefs and wrecks from 1 to 1,000 feet deep. Many Caribbean destinations now encourage lionfish harvesting through spearfishing and specialized traps. The white, flaky meat is considered a delicacy, and removing them helps protect native reef fish populations.
Lionfish (Pterois volitans and Pterois miles) are venomous invasive species from the Indo-Pacific that have colonized the entire Caribbean and Western Atlantic since the early 2000s. With no natural predators in Caribbean waters, lionfish populations have exploded, devastating native reef fish populations by consuming enormous quantities of juvenile fish and crustaceans. Lionfish are now the subject of aggressive removal efforts across the Caribbean, and many islands encourage anglers and divers to harvest as many as possible. Despite their venomous spines, lionfish have firm, white, delicately flavored flesh that is considered excellent eating — often compared to hogfish or grouper. Removing and eating lionfish is one of the few cases where harvesting a species is a conservation act.
Scientific name: Pterois volitans
Lionfish Seasonal Calendar — St. John's
Month-by-month availability for lionfish in St. John's, AG.
How to Catch Lionfish in St. John's
Techniques & Bait
Spearfishing while scuba diving or freediving is the primary harvest method — lionfish are slow-moving and relatively easy to approach on the reef. Purpose-built lionfish spears (pole spears with paralyzer tips or Hawaiian slings) are standard equipment. Containment devices (ZooKeeper or similar puncture-proof tubes) keep harvested lionfish and their venomous spines safely contained underwater. Lionfish are also caught with small hook-and-line rigs baited with shrimp or cut bait dropped directly in front of them on the reef. Some Caribbean islands host lionfish derbies — competitive removal events that can harvest thousands of fish in a single day. Specialized lionfish traps designed to attract them with structure are being developed and deployed in some areas.
Recommended Tackle
Spearfishing: pole spear (3-6 ft fiberglass or carbon fiber) with a paralyzer or trident tip, puncture-proof containment tube (ZooKeeper), puncture-resistant gloves, and dive gear. Hook-and-line: ultralight or light spinning rod, 1000-2500 reel, 6-10 lb line, small hooks (size 2-1/0) baited with cut shrimp. The key safety equipment is puncture-resistant gloves — lionfish spines deliver an extremely painful venom that causes intense pain, swelling, and potential allergic reactions. The venom is heat-labile and is neutralized by hot water immersion (110-115 degrees Fahrenheit) if stung.
Best Bottom Fishing Fishing Spots in St. John's
Top spots where local captains target lionfish and other bottom fishing species.
St. John's Harbour
St. John's Harbour is Antigua's main port where tarpon, barracuda, and jacks patrol the cruise ship docks, commercial wharves, and channel edges. The harbor's deep-water access close to shore means larger fish venture into the harbor structure, especially during early morning hours before commercial traffic increases.
Five Islands Harbour
Five Islands Harbour west of St. John's is a sheltered bay with mangrove edges and coral rubble shoreline that hold bonefish, barracuda, and mangrove snapper. The harbor's calm waters and scattered reef patches provide diverse inshore habitat accessible from the capital city.
Deep Bay
Deep Bay northwest of St. John's features a sandy beach sloping to reef structure where barracuda, jacks, and yellowtail snapper cruise the shallow reef edge. The wreck of the Andes, a historic ship in the bay, attracts fish to its deteriorating structure in waist-deep water.
Dickenson Bay Reef Edge
The reef edge fronting Dickenson Bay north of St. John's holds yellowtail snapper, bar jacks, and barracuda along the coral-to-sand transition in 5-15 feet of water. The bay's calm conditions and accessible reef make it popular for shore-based light-tackle fishing.
Other Species in St. John's
More fish you can target while visiting St. John's.
Lionfish Fishing in St. John's — FAQ
Lionfish fishing in St. John's is productive during January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Lionfish fishing charters in St. John's are typically bottom fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Spearfishing while scuba diving or freediving is the primary harvest method — lionfish are slow-moving and relatively easy to approach on the reef. Purpose-built lionfish spears (pole spears with paralyzer tips or Hawaiian slings) are standard equipment. Containment devices (ZooKeeper or similar puncture-proof tubes) keep harvested lionfish and their venomous spines safely contained underwater. Lionfish are also caught with small hook-and-line rigs baited with shrimp or cut bait dropped directly in front of them on the reef. Some Caribbean islands host lionfish derbies — competitive removal events that can harvest thousands of fish in a single day. Specialized lionfish traps designed to attract them with structure are being developed and deployed in some areas.
No — when you book a charter in St. John's, your captain provides all required Antigua & Barbuda fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Lionfish regulations in Antigua & Barbuda include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Lionfish in St. John's, you may also catch Bonefish, Permit, Yellowfin Tuna, King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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