Fishing

Fishing here is synonymous with blue marlin angling—especially from June through October. Four 1,000-pound-plus blues, including three world records, have been caught on the famous North Drop, about 20 miles (32 km) north of St. Thomas. A day charter for marlin with up to six anglers costs from $1,600 to $1,900 for the day. If you're not into marlin fishing, try hooking sailfish in winter, dolphin (the fish, not the mammal) in spring, and wahoo in fall. Inshore trips for four hours range from $650 to $800. To find the trip that will best suit you, walk down the docks at either American Yacht Harbor or Sapphire Beach Marina in the late afternoon and chat with the captains and crews.

Abigail III. Captain Red Bailey's Abigail III specializes in marlin fishing. It operates out of the Sapphire Condominium Resort's marina. Estate Smith Bay, Rte. 38, ¼ mile (½ km) northwest of Red Hook, Sapphire Bay, Charlotte Amalie, Saint Thomas, 00802. 340/775–6024; www.visportfish.com.

Double Header Sportfishing. This company offers trips out to the North Drop on its 40-foot sportfisher and half-day reef and bay trips aboard its two speedy 35-foot center consoles. Sapphire Bay Marina, Rte. 38, Sapphire Bay, Charlotte Amalie, Saint Thomas, 00802. 340/777–7317; www.doubleheadersportfishing.net.

Marlin Prince. Captain Eddie Morrison, one of the most experienced charter operators in St. Thomas, specializes in fly-fishing for blue marlin from his 45-foot Viking boat. American Yacht Harbor, 6100 Red Hook Quarters #2, slip A-16, Red Hook, Saint Thomas, 00802. 340/693–5929; www.marlinprince.com.