Siargao is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, however this blog shows it’s also the game fishing capital of the Philippines. Home to some of the hardest fighting pelagic species in the Pacific Ocean: marlin, GTs, wahoo, sailfish and more. Whether you’re looking for a charter boat for deep sea or trolling, or looking to do some shore fishing, Siargao has amazing opportunities.
The island offers a range of boats to choose from meaning all travellers on any budget can fish. The local town of Pilar is also home to the yearly international game fishing tournament which attracts anglers from all over the word for a slice of the action & prize money. With some of the best game fishing in the Philippines up for grabs, it’s no wonder the island has become a tourist hotspot, also home to the famous Cloud 9 Boardwalk where you can watch the professionals surf and the world class island hopping tours.
Read on to find out everything you need to know before game fishing on Siargao island.
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Siargao Island Fish Chart
The chart below shows the species of game fish most commonly caught from Siargao Island, while some of the more common species such as skipjack tuna are found all year round, bigger game fish such as sailfish, marlin and mahi-mahi are less common in the early and late months of the year due to cooler waters and rougher seas. Overall, you can see Siargao Island is an all year round game fishing destination.
Types of Fishing Siargao
No matter the type of fishing you’re looking for, Siargao most likely offers it. From old school hand line fishing on a local boat for smaller snappers to big game fishing for marlin with the most expensive gear you can buy, you’ll find something on the island.
Deep Sea Fishing Siargao
Further off the shores of the island will bring you to the deep sea fishing for marlin, large tuna and more. Due to the further distance covered on the way there and back, these trips will usually cost more in fuel. Although the locals still take their small boats out off-shore, without a doubt the trip would be more comfortable from the larger western boats on offer.
Read more on the best Siargao Itineraries: 5 days, a week and more!
Read more on the best Siargao Itineraries: 5 days, a week and more!
Game Fishing in Siargao
My personal favourite and I think the most enjoyable type of fishing on Siargao is the game fishing, much of which can be done inshore simply trolling along the coastline. The island’s prime location in the Pacific Ocean means there’s no shortage of opportunity, teaming with pelagics. With a world-class list of species up for grabs, I’ll for sure be back for more game fishing on Siargao Island.
Something worth noting is that most of the game fishing can be done from a choice of boats (more on this further below), meaning you have a choice of local fishing boats or western style boats with nicer gear.
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DIY Shore Fishing Siargao
If you’ve managed to catch a flight to Siargao with your rods in hand, then you’ll most likely be looking for some Siargao shore fishing spots. A few of the locals mentioned Catangnan Bridge (Sunset Bridge) for big GTs passing through, obviously at dawn and dusk and when the tide is flowing. To find out the best shore fishing spots, I recommend asking any of the local captains, they’re more than happy to help out.
Spearfishing Siargao
If you’re one of the few people around the world skilled enough to spearfish, I salute you! The ability of freediving down and remaining calm enough to spear a target fish blows my mind. Siargao Island offers no shortage of opportunities for spearfisherman with reefs all along the coastline. The locals also fish with smaller spears along the mangroves, often finding fresh oysters.
Fishing Seasons & Target Species
Siargao is generally considered an all year round game fishing destination however it still has its Peak & Low Seasons depending on your target species.
- Sailfish: Best caught from April-October
- Yellowfin Tuna: Available all year round however peaks September-March
- Mahi-mahi: Most active March-June & October-November
- Marlin: April-October alongside Sailfish
- Wahoo: March-October
- Giant Trevally: April-October
- Skipjack Tuna: Year round
As you can see from the fish chart at the top, the peak season is in the summer months April-September when the waters are warmer and calmer, making it perfect for onshore trolling.
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Fishing Tours & Charters Siargao
Siargao Island is home to some of the best fishing charters in the Philippines, with a wide range of boats and experiences on offer. Listed below are the best Siargao charter boats and contact numbers I could find when doing my research.
Expensive Western Boat & Lodge: Sailfishbay Surf & Big Game Fishing Lodge
The team at Sailfishbay Lodge offer a discount for anglers staying with them however also offer charters to people staying elsewhere. Their boat is on the pricier side however it’s western style gear, making offshore more comfortable.
- Facebook: JMN Siargao Island Big Game Charters
- Website: Sailfishbay Lodge
- Book Your Stay Here
Medium Sized Western Boats
- Hook Pro Siargao: Instagram
- Sharpe Tackle: Instagram
- Siargao Fishing
- Adventure Tours Siargao
Local Boatman
I chose to go with the local boat option, the gear is questionable at best and it isn’t as enjoyable as you’re trolling for 8 hours listening to the loudest outboard engine you’ve ever heard right next to your ears, but that’s all part of the experience.
For a local boat fishing charter, call Roy: +63 917 499 8406 or send him a message on Instagram and let him know KateandMikesTravels sent you!
Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament
Each year the local fishing town of Pilar holds the International Game Fishing Tournament, typically held in April and lasts 3-4 days. The tournament sees participating teams catching as many game fishing species as they can, including: Sailfish, Marlin, Wahoo, Mahi-mahi & more, prizes are then awarded for the heaviest catches in each category.
The event attracts anglers from all over the world to the small town of Pilar which really comes alive, unfortunately we missed the event by a week, however it will definitely be on the list to go back to for next time we visit.
Where Is Pilar?
From General Luna, the drive takes around 45-50 minutes along the scenic roads lined with coconut trees. During our week stay in Siargao, Mike drove to Pilar every single day! From Pacifico Beach, the drive takes around 20 minutes. We found the roads in Siargao to generally be in pretty good condition however we did get a flat tyre on our rental scooter when arriving to Magpopongko Beach so be careful.
As you drive to the town of Pilar you will undoubtedly pass some of the Siargao’s best things to do, we recommend stopping off at Bugak Cold Springs, Siargao Wakepark, Tayangban Cave Pool and there’s so many more.
Siargao’s day trip to Sohoton Cove with Stingless Jellyfish is one to remember!
Exploring Siargao
If you’ve been out on the boat all day and manage to catch yourself a nice fish, you’ll usually keep half of the catch and the captain will keep the other half. I decided to sell my half in exchange for a surf lesson and keep a fillet to cook up.
Many of the restaurants in Pacifico Beach, Pilar or General Luna would be more than happy to cook your catch for you.
Siargao Tourist Spots Map
Final Thoughts on Siargao Fishing
Siargao Island’s Game Fishing scene is bloody amazing, by visiting the island in the spring/summer months you’ll have access to some of the best surfing and fishing Siargao has to offer. If you’re on a budget you can bring your own rod and find the best fishing spots in Siargao, similarly to the best surf spots on the island, all you need to do is rent a board and scooter.
If your budget expands further, then why not try a local game fishing boat to get the authentic experience like I did, or maybe even try a freediving course to learn how to spearfish from a local.
Finally, if you’re a serious fisherman and have the budget, make sure to hire one of the western style centre consoles, as you can see from their Instagram’s, Siargao really has some of the best fishing in the Philippines. Marlin, GTs and Sailfish are some of the best pelagic species you can catch so make sure not to miss out on your next adventure.
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Best Places To Stay Siargao
Siargao has lots of accommodation whether you’re looking for a surf school, a luxury resort or a budget hostel you’ll be able to find somewhere.
We recommend staying in the main hub of General Luna as this is where most of the restaurants are located, as well as easy access to most of Siargao’s best tourist attractions. If you want to get away from the crowds you could head up north and stay in Pacifico, which is the northern hub of the island best known for being home to some of Siargao’s best surf spots.
Best Places To Stay In Siargao
$ Budget
Dream Catcher Nipas
A great place in the hustle and bustle of General Luna that is affordable if you’re on a budget. Equipped with a kitchen that you can use and friendly hosts. We stayed here for 5 nights.
$$ Mid-Range
La Boheme Boutique
This boutique glamping experience is one of the most beautiful on the island. With shared dorms available as well as private rooms, it has something for everyone.
$$$ High-End
Siargao Bleu Resort
Luxury meets island life here at this sea front resort in the heart of the surfing capital in the Philippines. With a huge pool and sea views this is a great luxury choice.
Spacing
Tips For Travelling Siargao
If you’re visiting Siargao here’s our top travel tips:
- Stay in the General Luna and Cloud 9 area to be amongst the beautiful chaos and be in walkable distance from the best bars & restaurants.
- There’s lots to do for non-surfers on the island, don’t forget to try out the Siargao Wake Park!
- When getting around the Philippines in a tuk-tuk, tricycle or taxi, agree on a price upfront and try to have the right change handy.
- Use an E-sim like Airalo to stay connected and remove the hassle of a physical SIM, don’t rely on Wi-Fi as the island has frequent blackouts.
- Go on the 3 island tour to see the true beauty Siargao has to offer, it’s not all about surfing after all…
- For the surfers, hire a scooter with a surf rack and visit Siargao’s best surf spots
