Top 10 Saltwater Fish to Catch in Caribbean
Top 10 Species
These are the fish that get noticed by FishyAF anglers. Click any species to deep dive and learn more.
1
Bonefish
Verified
World Record
16 lb 0 oz
B. Allen DeMoss / 1971
Walker’s Cay, Bahamas
B. Allen DeMoss / 1971
Walker’s Cay, Bahamas
Signature Fact
Their larvae are transparent, leaf-shaped drifters that actually shrink before transforming into juvenile bonefish.
2
Tarpon
Verified
World Record
286 lb 9 oz
Max Domecq / 2003
Guinea-Bissau
Max Domecq / 2003
Guinea-Bissau
Signature Fact
They breathe air using a lung-like swim bladder, so those surface "rolls" are actual gulps of oxygen.
3
Atlantic Permit
Verified
World Record
60 lb 0 oz
Steve Lassley / 2001
Islamorada, Florida
Steve Lassley / 2001
Islamorada, Florida
Signature Fact
Those twin black sickles often poke the air as it headstands, crushing crabs with hidden throat molars.
4
Wahoo
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
184 lb 2 oz
Sara Hayward / 2005
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Sara Hayward / 2005
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Signature Fact
Its electric-blue racing stripes switch on in seconds when fired up, then fade like disappearing ink after capture.
5
Mahi Mahi
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
87 lb 0 oz
Joseph Hoffman / 1976
Costa Rica
Joseph Hoffman / 1976
Costa Rica
Signature Fact
Boat-side, they flash neon blues and greens, then fade to plain gray in minutes, like someone hit mute.
6
Snook
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
53 lb 10 oz
Gilbert Ponzi / 1978
Parismina Ranch, Costa Rica
Gilbert Ponzi / 1978
Parismina Ranch, Costa Rica
Signature Fact
Born male, many later switch sex-so that 40-incher tugging back is almost certainly a she.
7
Gafftopsail Cat
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
16 lb 8 oz
Joseph W. Bailey / 1996
Texas, USA
Joseph W. Bailey / 1996
Texas, USA
Signature Fact
Dad does daycare the hard way: he mouthbroods marble-sized eggs and hungry babies, fasting for weeks.
8
Goliath Grouper
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
680 lb 0 oz
Lynn Joyner / 1961
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Lynn Joyner / 1961
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Signature Fact
It "booms" like a subwoofer-swim-bladder muscles thump so hard divers feel it in their ribs.
9
Queen Snapper
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
28 lb 6 oz
John L. Wilson / 1992
Bahamas
John L. Wilson / 1992
Bahamas
Signature Fact
Haul one up and its eyes glow neon blue, throwing your headlamp back like deep-sea headlights.
10
Snowy Grouper
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
70 lb 0 oz
James R. West / 1983
North Carolina, USA
James R. West / 1983
North Carolina, USA
Signature Fact
The biggest bulls were once egg-laying females-snowy grouper literally switch sex midlife to rule the reef.
FAQs
What fish can you catch in Caribbean?
You’ll find bonefish, tarpon, permit, wahoo, mahi-mahi, snook, goliath grouper, queen snapper, snowy grouper, and gafftopsail catfish in Caribbean saltwater.
What is the best time of year to fish in Caribbean?
Fishing in the Caribbean is solid year-round, but action can peak in warmer months depending on the species you want.
Where are the best places to fish in Caribbean?
The Caribbean is loaded with productive saltwater spots—reefs, flats, and offshore zones all hold fish from bonefish to mahi-mahi.
What gear do you need for fishing in Caribbean?
Bring light tackle for bonefish and snook, heavier setups for grouper, permit, and open-water species like wahoo and mahi-mahi.
What are the easiest fish to catch in Caribbean?
Gafftopsail catfish, snook, and queen snapper are usually more approachable for beginners in Caribbean waters.
