Bonaire: Deep Sea Fishing Charter with Local Crew & Lunch

Summary

Sportfishing in Bonaire’s blue waters with local father-son crew

You’ll head out on Bonaire’s blue water with a local father-son crew who know every fishing spot by heart. Try trolling or jigging near deep drop-offs, snack on sandwiches between catches, and feel what it’s like to reel in your own fish—with all gear included. There’s laughter, salty air, maybe even a little sunburn—and that rare sense of being part of something real.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the salt air felt different here—kind of heavier, with this faint tang that stuck to my skin before we’d even left the dock. Captain Hagen and his son Florian were already joking around as we climbed onto their boat, a 28’ Mako that looked both sturdy and like it had stories to tell. I’m not exactly a fishing expert (my last catch was a goldfish at a fair), but they didn’t make me feel out of place for asking what “jigging” meant. Someone handed me coffee, strong and just a bit sweet, and we pushed off into the open water.

I kept watching the shoreline shrink behind us, sunlight bouncing off the water so bright I had to squint. The engine’s hum faded into background noise after a while—then it was just us, the rods lined up, and this endless stretch of blue. Florian showed me how to set up the bait (I tried not to flinch) and told me about all the years they’d been running Bonaire fishing charters together. He pointed out where the underwater drop-offs started, apparently where the big fish hang out. At one point, he laughed when I tried to pronounce “wahoo”—I still don’t think I got it right.

When something finally tugged on my line (harder than I expected), everyone cheered like it was their own catch. My hands smelled like bait for hours after but honestly, I didn’t mind—it kind of mixed with the scent of sunscreen and those sandwiches they packed for us. We trolled past one of those FADs—fish attraction devices—and Florian explained how yellow-fin tuna liked to circle there. Didn’t catch one myself, but someone else did and you could hear them whooping over the wind.

I liked that they talked about respecting the sea—every billfish went back in, no debate. Felt good knowing that wasn’t just talk for tourists. When we headed back toward Bonaire’s coast, there was this quiet stretch where nobody said much; just waves slapping against the hull and sunburned arms resting on coolers full of iced fish. I still think about that silence sometimes—felt like something you only get far from shore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bonaire deep-sea fishing charter

• Board 28′ Mako Center Console boat
• Fish using trolling, jigging, deep drops
• Visit fish attraction devices (FADs)
• Enjoy cold drinks and sandwiches onboard
• Release all billfish caught
• Clean, fillet, and package catch if desired

Top questions

How long are Bonaire fishing charters?

You can book 4, 5, 6 or 8-hour morning charters or a 4-hour afternoon charter.

Is food or drink provided during the fishing trip?

Yes, cold drinks and tasty sandwiches are included on every charter.

Are beginners welcome on these Bonaire fishing charters?

Yes, both beginners and experienced anglers are welcome—the crew helps everyone.

What kind of boat is used for the fishing trip?

A 28-foot Mako Center Console boat is used for these charters.

What types of fishing can you try?

Trolling, jigging, deep drops and fishing near FADs are all possible during your trip.

Is there an age limit for guests?

The minimum age for guests is 10 years old.

Can you keep your catch?

You can keep a portion of your catch except billfish—which are always released.

Are all fishing gear and bait included?

Yes, all gear, bait and tackle are provided by the crew.

What’s included

Your day includes all fishing gear and bait plus guidance from Captain Hagen and Florian throughout your Bonaire fishing charter. Cold drinks—like soda or bottled water—and fresh sandwiches are provided onboard so you won’t go hungry between catches. Coffee or tea is offered too if you want it in the morning breeze before heading out onto open water.