Deep-sea fishing charter

The edge of the Caicos plateau is why the fishing here is quick to reach. The sea floor drops from about 12 metres to thousands within 10 or 15 minutes of the dock, so boats from Turtle Cove and Blue Haven, the two marinas on Provo's north shore, are trolling in open Atlantic water almost as soon as they clear the reef.

Charters are private, and they run as half days of four hours, six-hour trips or full days of eight, with longer runs reaching as far as Middle Caicos. Most boats are 12 to 18 metre sport-fishing yachts with a fighting deck and an air-conditioned cabin. No experience is needed: the crew rigs the lines, helps with heavy fish and gaffs them. Rods, bait, licences, drinks and snacks are normally included, and lunch comes on the longer trips.

Winter is the season for sailfish, wahoo and mahi-mahi, and summer, roughly May to August, for blackfin and yellowfin tuna and blue and white marlin. Barracuda, skipjack and sharks bite all year. Billfish go back; wahoo, mahi and tuna are usually given to you, and some restaurants will cook your catch. Families with small children do better on a reef and bottom fishing trip.