No Fishing Licence Required

Shore Fishing · Free · No Permit

Barbados does not require a licence for recreational shore fishing or for joining a charter — charters hold their own permits, and you can fish for free off any public pier, beach, or rocky coastline. Two important rules: spearfishing with SCUBA or compressed air is prohibited, and only freedive (single-breath) spearfishing is allowed, which requires a permit from the Fisheries Division. Also avoid fishing inside the Folkestone Marine Reserve zones on the west coast, which are protected.

Highlights: No Licence · Shore Free · SCUBA Spearing Banned · Freedive Only

About fishing in Barbados

Barbados sits on world-class deep sea fishing grounds just 15 minutes offshore. Blue marlin up to 500lbs, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna are caught year-round. The flying fish — the national symbol — peaks November to June. Over 17 charter boats operate from Bridgetown Harbour with half-day trips from

75. Shore fishing is free from any pier or coastline, no licence needed. Annual tournaments including the Barbados Game Fishing Association competitions offer serious prize money. The Oistins fish market sells the freshest catch daily, straight off the boats. This is the complete Barbados fishing guide — charters, tournaments, species, seasons, and spots.

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