12 May 2025
Huge fishing community with friendly tournaments.
Fantastic for big game including marlin, mahi-mahi and wahoo.
Plenty of action on the water and at the resort.
IGY’s American Yacht Harbor (AYH) is the ‘go to’ destination for big game fishing in the Caribbean, thanks to its fantastic location, exciting calendar of events and strong fishing community.
Located in beautiful Vessup Bay in Red Hook, St. Thomas, the marina is a magnet for sportfishing aficionados who come from the U.S. and the Bahamas to explore the big game waters of this marine and beach paradise.
They know their fish here at Red Hook. Sports enthusiasts return year after year to fish for blue marlin, sailfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo and billfish, or test their skill in the annual fishing tournaments.
The Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club, located just across the road from American Yacht Harbor, stages contests throughout the year, including:
- · Dolphin Derby – April 13 · Billfish Tournament – Summer 2025
- · Kids Hand Line Fishing Tournament – October 4
- · Wahoo Windup – November 2
AYH isn’t just for sports lovers. Throughout the summer season, from June to October, the marina is a popular pleasure boat, charter and megayacht destination, with multiple shopping, dining and entertainment options, fantastic nearby beaches and a friendly vibe.
American Yacht Harbor features a total of 123 berths and four megayacht berths for vessels up to 120 feet (36m) and provides extensive amenities and facilities, including restaurants, dive services, high-speed fuel pump and 24-hour gated security.
The great thing about dropping anchor here, or booking a charter boat, is guests can go on a fishing adventure and take their catch to a local restaurant to savour the moment.
Beth DiDomenico, General Manager of AYH, says the IGY marina is popular with crew: “We have a huge fishing community and the marina is in a really busy area, with 12 restaurants, three of which are just across the street, so there’s always something for crew to do. We have everything they need, from boat cleaners and mechanics to provisioning and fishing supplies.”
Beth, who grew up in a fishing community and whose son is a chef in one of the local restaurants, adds that AYH is the perfect destination for sportfishing enthusiasts and tourists alike. “It is in close proximity to the British Virgin Islands, which are more low key, and the Dominican Republic, which has great fishing,” she explains.
“Many owners, captains and crew prefer to be based on the U.S. side of the Virgin Islands because there is more to do. “Yacht owners often fly in, go to the British Virgin Islands for a few days, then come back here. We love having them. They are very down to earth.”
A place to have fun and experience the thrill of big game fishing, AYH is above all a friendly community. “The majority of crew have been here before, and they look forward to the Pizza Party at the Island Time Pub. We have crew who come back year after year,” Beth adds.
If you don’t know anyone when you first arrive, you will do by the end of your stay.
For more information, please visit American Yacht Harbor.
