Grenada · Grenada Coast
LIONFISH FISHING
IN ST. GEORGE'S
St. George'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. George'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. George's
Month-by-month availability for lionfish in St. George's, GD.
How to Catch Lionfish in St. George'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. George's
Top spots where local captains target lionfish and other bottom fishing species.
St. George's Harbour
St. George's Harbour is one of the most picturesque harbors in the Caribbean, where tarpon, barracuda, and jacks patrol the inner Carenage waterfront and the outer lagoon. The harbor's deep natural anchorage brings larger predators close to the historic waterfront, with productive fishing around yacht moorings and dock pilings.
Grand Anse Bay
Grand Anse Bay south of St. George's features a long sandy beach with a shallow reef edge where barracuda, jacks, and yellowtail snapper cruise the sand-to-reef transition. The bay's calm conditions and gentle slope provide excellent wade fishing and shore casting opportunities.
Lagoon Harbour
The Lagoon is St. George's inner harbor behind Fort George, where the enclosed waters hold tarpon, mangrove snapper, and barracuda around yacht moorings and dock structures. The lagoon's deep, calm waters attract baitfish that draw predators from the outer harbor.
Moliniere Bay
Moliniere Bay north of St. George's is home to the famous Underwater Sculpture Park and features coral reef structure that holds barracuda, yellowtail snapper, and jacks in shallow water. The bay's reef edge provides structure that concentrates fish within casting distance of shore.
Other Species in St. George's
More fish you can target while visiting St. George's.
Yellowfin Tuna
Mangrove Snapper
Mahi Mahi
King Mackerel
Blue Marlin
Wahoo
Blackfin Tuna
Sailfish
Lionfish Fishing in St. George's — FAQ
Lionfish fishing in St. George's is productive during January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Lionfish fishing charters in St. George'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. George's, 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 St. George's, you may also catch Yellowfin Tuna, Mangrove Snapper, Mahi Mahi, King Mackerel, Blue Marlin. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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