Grenada · Grenada Coast
LIONFISH FISHING
IN CARRIACOU
Carriacou 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 Carriacou
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 — Carriacou
Month-by-month availability for lionfish in Carriacou, GD.
How to Catch Lionfish in Carriacou
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 Carriacou
Top spots where local captains target lionfish and other bottom fishing species.
Hillsborough Bay
Hillsborough Bay is Carriacou's main harbor where barracuda, jacks, and yellowtail snapper patrol the waterfront docks and sandy shallows. The bay's calm, clear water provides sight-fishing opportunities for bonefish and permit on the sandy flats extending from the beach.
Tyrell Bay
Tyrell Bay on Carriacou's south coast is a deep, sheltered anchorage where tarpon, barracuda, and mangrove snapper hold around yacht moorings and the bay's mangrove-lined southern shore. The bay's protected waters provide excellent inshore fishing when trade winds make the open coast rough.
Sabazan Reef Flats
The shallow reef flats along Carriacou's windward coast hold bonefish, permit, and barracuda over sand and coral rubble in crystal-clear water. These less-visited flats offer solitude and quality sight-fishing that rivals any destination in the Grenadines.
Sandy Island Shallows
Sandy Island off Carriacou's northwest coast is a tiny sand cay surrounded by shallow reef and seagrass that holds bonefish, small jacks, and barracuda. The island's pristine, uninhabited setting provides a true Robinson Crusoe fishing experience.
Other Species in Carriacou
More fish you can target while visiting Carriacou.
Lionfish Fishing in Carriacou — FAQ
Lionfish fishing in Carriacou is productive during January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Lionfish fishing charters in Carriacou 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 Carriacou, your captain provides all required Grenada fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Lionfish regulations in Grenada 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 Carriacou, you may also catch Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna, Mangrove Snapper, King Mackerel, Blue Marlin. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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