Aruba in late October fishing??
 

Looks like I'm goin to the occidental in Aruba ,late October , anyone ever go... Fish- at that time, I know it's rough.... Lookin for any possible input...my freedive gear is also always with me too...

Re: Aruba in late October fishing??
 

Tarpon and snook in town at night and early morning around the docks. Beaches are pretty barren unless you walk waaaaaay past the marriott properties past the sunken ship reef that's sticking outta the water. You can wade out to it and throw tins, yo zuris, and bait fish with uncooked shrimp and squid which the restaurants might have. Wear decent wading shoes to avoid being impaled by sea urchins or rough coral. I've caught cudas, jacks, and small reef fish out that way. Also, at night, the holiday inn pier (I think) has lights that attract bait. On occasion you'll see fish feeding shooting in and out of the lights and from under the pier. Try there too. Once it hits like 830-9 am, grab yourself a bucket of balashi and enjoy bc ain't no fish chewing with all the beach activity.

As for charters, be wary of who you might hire. Many boats down there feast on tourists and just take you for a ride. Also, the better waters that often yield wahoo and tuna, are incredibly rough... It's not for the faint of heart or for those lacking experience (not saying you are--just stating a general fact). I'm talking 6-8s at 2-3 second intervals lol. Roller coaster shit...

The casino at the marriott (stellaris I think) is awesome. If the fishing sucks or the beers are that good, hit the casino. Free balashi and Amstel bright make for a good, long night!

Let us know how u do if you fish down there!

Re: Aruba in late October fishing??
 

The Melina fishes out of the Hadacurai Marina at the end of the Island (not the marina in the center of town) Very good equipment, boat is a little tired, typical of island boats. Caught lots of wahoo/tuna/mahi with them. The crew sells the fish to local restaurants, if they don't catch, they don't get paid, so you are going to catch! They will give you what fish you want, and will make restaurant recommendations to get it cooked for dinner. Yes the seas can get big, but not a big deal, these guys want to come home at the end of the day too. I would fish with them again, any time.

Re: Aruba in late October fishing??
 

I was there in Sept. I spent all week throwing lures from the jetty near the low-rise hotels without success. I finally gave up being a purist and went to the supermarket. All of those supermarkets have a better bait selection than most NJ bait shops. Dozens of different kinds of frozen fish. I bought some smelt and started having fun with little cuda, jack and big needlefish (hound fish). On the last day I hooked a 40-50 pound tarpon all the way up on the NW side of the island within sight of the lighthouse. I fought it like a champ on a medium action rod for 10 minutes and had it to my feet three times before it took one last run and spit the hook. You need to rent a car to get to this spot, but if you're gonna have one and are bringing a rod, PM me and I'll give you the details. A local told me about the spot and every time I went there it was filled with bait, needlefish and apparently at least one tarpon. I'd stay away from the charters in town. They're very pricey and although they occasionally do hook a wahoo, mahi or sail, chances are you're gonna pay $600+ to catch bonita and tiny albacore.

Re: Aruba in late October fishing??
 

Thanks for the info gentlemen.

Re: Aruba in late October fishing??
 

Almost time to pack... Get ready for the windows you all were looking for to fish for whatever, cause I'll be gone and it'll be perfect up here I'm willing to bet... Any last words of advice will be appreciated as well... Good luck while I'm gone fellas!

Re: Aruba in late October fishing??
 

I thought you were going there to catch jelly fish?