Lobster is exported several times a week and goes mainly to the French islands in large quantities. Other fish are sold locally or sent to Antigua. Many varieties are caught in pots, Grunt, Old Wife, Hind, Snapper to name a few.Most of the men and women who live in Barbuda go fishing at some time, either as a full-time occupation or at weekends. Traditionally fishing is done using fish pots which are made from locally gathered wattle sticks and wire.
Lobster is exported several times a week and goes mainly to the French islands in large quantities. Other fish are sold locally or sent to Antigua. Many varieties are caught in pots, Grunt, Old Wife, Hind, Snapper to name a few.
Larger fish are caught on lines or with spear guns. The large Kingfish, Dolphin or Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and Barracuda are often sold to the hotels in the season. Barrracuda can be seen in the waters around the island and are eaten widely in Barbuda. They do not carry the ciguatera poison, which prevents their consumption in other parts of the Caribbean.
Barbuda has the perfect water for bone fishing and has some of the best fish on the outskirts of Codrington Lagoon, where large Tarpon and Ten Pounder can be caught with local bait.
Fishing in Barbuda may be done only from a Barbudan boat. Contact one of the operators listed below to take you out.
Mcarthur Nedd has a boat in which he takes people rod and reel fishing. Mcarthur and Natalie Nedd also offer accommodation, day tours, and a land or sea taxi. Mcarthur and Natalie Nedd can be contacted at home on 268 460 0059 or by cell phone within Antigua and Barbuda on 724 7490. They appear on the where2stay web site.
Freeston Thomas provides help with port immigration and customs. He may be contacted at 268 460 0137, 783 8624, and 772 1983 or via email. Freeston has a bar restaurant near the Martello Tower.
Byron Askie has a wide range of water sports equipment for windsurfing and sunfish sailing; he has kayaks, lasers, and 16 ft obie cats. Byron provides snorkeling gear for those visitors who want to view Barbuda's beautiful coral reefs with their abundant marine life. Byron offers a taxi service and tours and stocks boat maintenance supplies. Additionally Byron has a bar. Contact Byron Askie anywhere on 783 7243 and at the Green Door on 268 460 0065.
George 'Prophet' Burton arranges sea tours in the Codrington Lagoon and around the coast of Barbuda. He supplies diving equipment, including snorkels and tanks, for visitors to explore and film the underwater coral reefs and caves. 'Prophet' can arrange accommodation for divers who wish to spend more than a day on the island and provides guided tours. Contact him on 268 460 0103 or by cell phone on 772 1209.
Barbuda is known to only a few intrepid sailors who like to keep the secret to themselves. The island has almost 200 wrecks around the coast, which are enough to put off casual yachting people, and is so flat that it is very difficult to see until you are dangerously close to the reefs.
However, Barbuda is worth the trouble of negotiating the reefs and Chris Doyle, in his Cruising Guide to the Leeward Island and on his website, gives comprehensive details on how to do this safely - a regular visitor to Barbuda, Chris is very familiar with the coastline. Most of those who make the effort are delighted when finally anchored off a stunning beach without a soul in sight.
The two most popular anchorages are at Low Bay and at Spanish Point. Some yachts come to River Wharf, which is the harbour used by the cargo boats and the sand barge every week.
A fabulous expanse of sand and sparkling water - Low Bay is the nearest to Codrington Village. It is possible to carry a small dinghy over the Palm Beach sand into the lagoon and make your own way to the village from there. Although you will be near the Frigate Bird sanctuary in the lagoon, all visitors are asked to use a Barbudan boat to visit the birds.
Spanish Point is also beautiful with great snorkeling, but is further away from the village than Low Bay. and a lengthy taxi ride to get essential supplies. Contact any of the
taxi operators on this web site. They are familiar with the needs of visiting yachts and can carry visitors to all the essential services. Barbuda's
shopping has improved greatly in the last few years and almost anything you need in the way of everyday items can be bought in Codrington Village.
River Wharf is approximately half-way from Spanish Point to the village, but as its name suggests is not a very picturesque spot.
A boat with a low draught can sail into the lagoon, but this is only for experts and with the help of a guide. George Jeffrey has assisted many boats and is a warm and welcoming guide to Barbudan waters. George can be contacted in advance on 460 0143, on his radio VHF 16 (call sign Garden of Eden), or by email at the Artcafe, where a message will be passed on.
Barbuda prides itself on the natural and pristine coastline, please do not anchor to reefs, use jet skis, or shoot fish as these activities are discouraged. Fishing around the reefs may be done only from a Barbudan-owned boat. Garbage is not collected from the places mentioned above, visitors who bring garbage ashore should carry it to Codrington Village for proper disposal in a refuse bin.
Fishing and diving in Barbudan waters can be hazardous as the sea can be rough with strong currents. Please be sure that you have the relevant experience and properly maintained equipment before you go.