Blue-water fishing starts fast in St. Lucia. This private charter takes you offshore for a serious shot at species like dorado, wahoo, tuna, sailfish, and even blue marlin, with a local captain steering the day. What I like most is the private charter feel (up to four anglers) and the no-nonsense Shimano and Penn reel setup that helps you fight fish with control.

You’ll also get personalized help that matters, especially if you want to learn while you fish. The main thing to consider is that timing and fishing pace can vary—one report flagged a delay of nearly an hour due to a fuel dock issue, and like all sport fishing, the bite is not guaranteed.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Private for up to four anglers on a 31 ft boat, so you’re not competing for attention
• Deep-water targets including dorado, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, and blue marlin
• Trolling with quality gear using Shimano and Penn reels plus lures and bait
• Snack and drink breaks with soft drinks, mineral water, and beer available for an extra cost
• Cruise-ship friendly meeting point at Vigie Marina in Castries (pickup and drop-off included, no hotel pickup)

What You’re Booking: A Private Fishing Charter Built for Attention

This is a true private fishing outing, not a shared boat with strangers. With a maximum of four anglers on board, the captain and crew can stay focused on your lines, your technique, and where the best action tends to be that day. That matters in St. Lucia’s deep-water fishing, where small decisions—line placement, lure choice, or boat speed—can be the difference between “almost” and “on.”

The trip runs about 4 to 8 hours depending on what you choose, but the core plan is the same: head offshore and troll for big game fish. The target list is part of what makes this feel like a real sport-fishing adventure: dorado (often called mahi-mahi on charters), wahoo, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, and the headline fish, blue marlin. Your captain can also adjust the approach if your crew includes people who are newer to offshore fishing.

Vigie Marina Meet-Up: How the Day Starts (and Why It Matters)

Your day begins at Vigie Marina in Castries, where you meet the boat through Hackshaw’s operation. If you’re arriving by cruise ship, cruise ship pier pickup and drop-off is included, which is a big plus when you’re working against a strict ship schedule. If you’re staying off-cruise, hotel pickup is not included, so you’ll want to plan your own way to the marina.

On a fishing trip, the early hours set the tone. If you’re aiming for the most active periods offshore, you’ll want to be ready when the crew is ready—meaning hats and sunscreen on, life jackets handled calmly, and everyone organized. One past guest reported being collected nearly an hour late due to a fuel dock delay, and that’s the kind of thing you should mentally allow for on island time.

The Real Itinerary: Cruise Out to the Deep Waters, Then Fish Along the Coast

Once you’re aboard, the plan is simple and focused: fish in the deep waters off St. Lucia and angle for offshore game fish. There isn’t a long stop-and-stroll schedule here. Instead, the experience is mostly about being on the water, trolling, and working through the fishable zones your captain chooses.

You’ll fish along St. Lucian coastline and offshore areas as the day unfolds. That sounds broad, but it’s exactly how many successful charters work: you spend your effort in fewer, better areas rather than wasting time. The captain’s local knowledge is the whole point—especially when the fish are moving or when the day starts slow.

What a “Slow Start” Can Look Like

Some guests reported the first part of the trip being slow, then things picking up later once the captain adjusted tactics. That’s not unusual. Offshore species like wahoo, tuna, and marlin don’t follow a daily calendar for everyone. The value is how hard the crew works to keep trying different lures and approaches rather than giving up early.

Target Species: Dorado, Wahoo, Tuna, Sailfish, and Blue Marlin

This charter is clearly built around lure-based sport fishing. You’ll be trolling, using a variety of lures, with tackle and bait included. If you enjoy the challenge—watching lines, listening to the crew, and learning as you go—this is the kind of day that feels active even when the fish are shy.

Here’s what your target list tells you about the trip’s style:

• Wahoo: Often a fast, exciting catch if the bite turns on. Guests specifically called out catching a large wahoo, including one around 50 lb.
• Dorado / Mahi-mahi: Great when the area is productive; it’s a strong option for getting action without needing to wait for the biggest fish.
• Yellowfin tuna: When conditions line up, tuna can bring a serious fight and lots of reel time.
• Sailfish: A classic trophy species for this part of the Caribbean; even hooking one can make the day memorable.
• Blue marlin: The headliner. Some guests described big-moment marlin action, including releases.

One helpful mindset: even when you don’t land every dream species, your day still has structure. You’re not just drifting and hoping. You’re actively fishing with a captain who’s trying to put you in the zone for what’s likely to bite.

Onboard Gear and Comfort: Shimano, Penn, Tackle, and Light Refuel

Quality tackle isn’t a small detail here. The boat is equipped with Shimano and Penn reels and includes tackle, bait, and licenses. That’s good value because you don’t need to bring fishing-specific gear or worry about whether it’s outdated. It also makes it easier to fish confidently right from the start—no fiddling, no guessing.

Food and drinks are included in a light, practical way. You’ll have soft drinks and mineral water, plus light snacks onboard. Beer can be requested for an additional cost. For a 4 to 8 hour outing, that’s a realistic setup: you’re fueled enough to stay sharp, without the kitchen-hours feel.

You’ll also be on a 31 ft boat for up to four anglers. Smaller boats can mean a more hands-on fishing experience, and it’s easier for the crew to manage lines and position everyone. Just note that travelers are advised to have a moderate physical fitness level—this isn’t a lazy cruise, and offshore movement can require steady balance.

Crew Quality: The Captain and First Mate Dynamic

The crew is where this charter earns its strong ratings. Names that show up in feedback include Captains Jason and Andre, with First Mate Robert working as the key deck support on multiple trips. The pattern is consistent: the captain focuses on locating fishable water and coordinating the trolling, while the first mate supports line-handling and helps anglers stay in control.

That “team” approach matters because big fish fishing is partly physical and partly mental. When the line takes, you want clear instructions, quick coordination, and someone watching your gear while you focus on your part. Guests also noted that the crew made it easy for people to fish—especially on trips where someone in the group wasn’t an experienced sailor or angler.

Some guests described a fun rhythm onboard, like taking turns at the chair during big hits. Even when catches were limited, the crew’s effort stayed visible—working hard early, adjusting tactics, and keeping the mood steady.

Timing, Sea Conditions, and the One Thing You Can’t Fully Control

If you’re booking a fishing charter hoping for guaranteed marlin every time, you’ll be disappointed. The bite is weather- and current-driven, and you’re fishing live, moving targets. That’s why the best charters get judged not just on fish landed, but on how they respond when the bite is off.

A balanced way to frame this trip: you’re paying for the attempt, the coaching, and the gear—plus the access to the deep-water trolling zone. Several reports described slower periods, but they also described the crew continuing to work hard. One report also flagged a delay tied to fuel dock operations, which is the sort of operational hiccup that can happen even with an otherwise professional setup.

If you’re seasensitive, plan smart. This is a deep-water outing, and offshore conditions can shift. Bring what you’d use to stay comfortable in moving water, and don’t overestimate how calm it will be for the whole day.

Value Check: How $860 Works for Up to Four Anglers

At $860 per group (up to four), the price is best understood as a private-fishing package rather than a per-person “deal.” In other words, the value comes from the whole setup: private attention, the boat and reels, tackle and bait, and licenses included. If you fish with two or four people, you spread the charter cost across a small crew—so you’re buying time, instruction, and equipment, not just transportation.

Here’s what supports the value claim:

• Serious reel brands and included gear (Shimano and Penn are not “cheap replacements”)
• Licenses and bait handled for you, so you don’t add overhead or waste time
• A local captain who can adjust tactics, which can change your odds during a slow stretch
• Private boat for a small group, keeping attention on your lines

Also, this is a St. Lucia charter where the target fish are trophy-level for many anglers. You’re not just chasing dinner; you’re chasing the kind of species where the day becomes a story. If that’s your goal, this price often lands in the “worth it” category when you compare it to the cost and hassle of trying to assemble something similar on your own.

Safety and Cleanliness: Electrostatic Sanitizing and Onboard Supplies

If hygiene matters to you, this operator highlights sanitation procedures. They describe regular sanitizing of offices, boats, and equipment using electrostatic cleaning machines, plus sanitizer and hand-washing products onboard. It’s a straightforward comfort layer, especially if you’re traveling with family or you’re just picky about how shared surfaces are handled.

This doesn’t replace your own common-sense precautions, but it does signal they’re paying attention to cleanliness during boat operations.

Who Should Book This Charter (and Who Might Rethink It)

This private fishing experience is a strong fit for you if you:

• Want private instruction rather than a shared, loud boat scenario
• Enjoy offshore trolling and want a legit shot at species like wahoo and tuna
• Fish with a small group (up to four) and want your day to stay flexible and focused
• Want a charter that can work for mixed skill levels, since your captain can tailor assistance

It may be less ideal if you:

• Need a guaranteed catch. No charter can promise that, and the best ones still have days with fewer bites.
• Have mobility limits. Moderate fitness is recommended, and offshore movement can be demanding.
• Expect hotel pickup from a resort. Cruise ship pier pickup is included, but hotel pickup is not.

Should You Book Hackshaw’s Private Fishing in St. Lucia?

My take: if your goal is a real, guided, small-group private fishing charter with quality tackle and a captain who’ll work the water until the day offers something, you should seriously consider booking. The best part isn’t only the dream species list. It’s the way this setup supports your odds and your enjoyment at the same time: private attention, included gear, and a crew that stays engaged when the bite is slow.

The only reason not to book is if you’re booking with catch certainty in mind or if your schedule can’t absorb small timing hiccups. If you can stay flexible, and you’re happy focusing on the experience of offshore fishing and the chance at big game, this is the kind of St. Lucia day that tends to stick in your memory for the right reasons.

FAQ

FAQ

How many anglers can fit on the boat?

The trip is limited to a maximum of four anglers on the 31 ft boat.

How long is the private fishing trip?

It runs from about 4 to 8 hours.

Where do we meet the boat?

You meet at Hackshaw’s Boat Charters St. Lucia at Seraphine Rd, Castries, and the plan references meeting at Vigie Marina in Castries.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Cruise ship pier pickup and drop-off are included, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not.

What types of fish can you target?

You can angle for Dorado, Wahoo, Yellow Fin Tuna, Sail Fish, and Blue Marlin (with Mahi Mahi also listed).

What’s included in the tour price?

Included items are tackle, bait, licenses, soft drinks, mineral water, the professional guide/captain, and the private tour experience (plus light snacks onboard).

What should we wear for the trip?

Wear cool, comfortable clothing suitable for time on the water.

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