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Fishing
In the deep waters just off Bonaire's shores lurk the
big game fish - Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna and more.
You can try your skill and luck on one of the  several sport fishing
boats available for charter trips on Bonaire.
Several boats also offer reef fishing, where you can fish
for snappers, jacks, and groupers. Reef fishing can easily
be done in an afternoon outing. This is a fun trip for
the entire family.
Another Bonaire fishing specialty is Bonefish. One of
the biggest thrills a person who enjoys fishing can experience
is to match wits with this elusive and feisty fish. There
are a number of "secret" spots the local guides
have staked out on the island and are willing to share
with visiting fishermen.
Most fishing by visitors is sport fishing, with a Catch
and Release policy. However if you have kitchen facilities
you may  want
to keep one fish and enjoy your own catch of the day.
Please note that Marlin fishing is catch and release only
due to the shrinking fish stocks. And a fish that you
release today will continue to reproduce for the future.
Although you may keep your catch on most boats, confirm
this with the boat captain prior to making your reservation.
Also fresh fish, as most meats, cannot be imported into
many countries including Holland and the USA. It is also
against Bonaire law for any non-resident to profit from
fishing so you are not allowed to "sell" your
catch either. Fishing licenses are not required for non-commercial
fishing.
It is necessary for all who use the waters of the Bonaire
National Marine Park to pay a Nature Fee of $10.00 per
year ($25.00 for scuba divers). At the time of payment,
you will receive a specially designed tag indicating your
support for nature preservation and a receipt. Keep both,
as they will also provide you with complimentary admission
to Washington-Slagbaai National park throughout the year
your tag is valid. Tags are available at all dive operations,
hotels, resorts, windsurfing operations, sport fishing
charter boats, sail/snorkel/water taxi operations, marinas,
and other water sports operations on Bonaire.
Upcoming Fishing Tournaments
Mar 1, 2006 - International Fishing Tournament
Sep 3, 2006 - Local Fishing Tournament
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Bonaire
At A Glance
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Language:
Dutch (official), Papiamento (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English
dialect) predominates, English widely spoken, Spanish
Government: Parliamentary
Capital: Kralendijk
Size: 24 miles (39 km) long by 3-7 miles wide,
112 square miles (290 km2). Highest elevation is Brandaris
Hill, 784 feet (240 meters).
Location: 30 miles (48 km) from Curacao; 50 miles
(80 km) north of Venezuela and 86 miles (129 km) east
of Aruba, outside of the Caribbean hurricane belt.
Climate: Tropical; ameliorated by northeast trade
winds. Yearly average temperature is 82°F (27.8°C);
water temperature of 80°F (26.7°C); rainfall of
22 inches (56 cm); humidity of 76%. Sunny, all year round.
Electricity: 127 volts (with surges up to 140 volts),
50 cycles.
Currency: Netherlands Antillean guilder
Driving: Drivers license required. Drive on right.
Rentals: Since there is no public transportation,
rental agencies are numerous. (see
Car Rental Section)
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