Fish
Drive, jog or walk down to Playa Piskado where you can meet the local fishermen. Artisanal fishing is a traditional form of fishing in Curacao that has been practiced for many generations. It’s an important source of food and livelihood for many families in the island.
You will meet the wonderful fishermen. They use small boats, hand-thrown nets, and hooks and lines to catch fish. For Tuna they tow a line on the water. They fish mainly fish in shallow waters near the shore and in bays and lagoons. Some also go out to deeper waters to catch pelagic species such as tuna, wahoo and Queen Snapper.
The catch of the day is usually tunas, snappers, groupers, jacks, barracudas, and snooks.
(The fishermen generally are considered to be sustainable because the gear used does not have a significant impact on the marine environment. However, some measures are being taken to ensure the sustainable management of the fishery, such as setting limits on the size and number of fish that can be caught.)
Go to speak to Luigi who is in the above photo …
HERE ARE SOME FISH TO LOOK FOR:
Blackfin Tuna (See above) is a predatory fish and it is fast capable of swimming at speeds of up to 60 km/h, making it one of the fastest species of fish in the ocean. Blackfin tuna are known to undertake long migrations, covering thousands of kilometers in their lifetime. In Curacao, they can be found in the waters all year round. They can grow up to 1.5 meters in length and weigh up to 90 kg.
Groupers: Groupers are a type of predatory fish that are found in the waters around Curacao. They are known for their large size and ambush hunting tactics.
Barracuda: Barracuda are a predatory fish that are known for their sleek, torpedo-like shape and powerful jaws. They are a common sight in the waters around Curacao.
Reef Squid: Reef squid are a type of squid that are found in the shallow waters around Curacao's coral reefs. They are known for their ability to rapidly change color and are a favorite food of many larger fish species.
Angelfish: Curacao is home to several species of angelfish, including the French Angelfish, the Queen Angelfish, and the Blue Angelfish. These fish are known for their vibrant colors and distinctive patterns.
Parrotfish: Parrotfish are named for their brightly colored beaks that resemble those of parrots. They play a crucial role in the coral reef ecosystem by feeding on algae and helping to keep the reef healthy.
Tarpon: Tarpon are large, predatory fish that are commonly found in Curacao's waters. They are known for their acrobatic jumps and are sought after by sport fishermen.
Jack fish is a common name that refers to several species of fish, including the yellow jack (Carangoides bartholomaei). Yellow jack are typically found in shallow waters near the coast.
Snappers: Snappers are a type of fish that are commonly found in the waters of Curacao. They are known for their tasty flesh. You will most likely find Cubera Snapper, the Red Snapper, and the Mutton Snapper in the fishermen’s catch. The ones with the goggly large eyes are Queen Snapper that swim at a great depth. (See below picture.)
