Damn Good Cinque Island Fishing Charters

Fishing at Cinque Island feels like stepping into a dream shaped by salt and spray. About 35–40 km from Port Blair, this uninhabited pair of islands sits quietly within a marine sanctuary, its shores framed by coral gardens and a sandbar that cuts between North and South Cinque. When your charter cuts through glassy morning waters, you sense it immediately—this place is less destination, more initiation.

The species roster here reads like salty poetry: giant trevally stalking the reef edges, yellowfin and dogtooth tuna streaking through current seams, sailfish dancing on the surface, and wahoo, barracuda, grouper, and snapper all waiting their turn. Whether you're popping lures, jigging heavy tackle, or drifting live bait, every cast holds the promise of a battle worth stealing time for.

But the magic isn’t just in what you land; it’s in what you live. Imagine hauling in fresh tuna, filleting it at anchor under a fading sky, and grilling it right off the boat while stars ignite overhead. These are the moments beyond the line—salt-etched memories that linger longer than any fish story. Fishing Cinque isn’t a trip. It’s a rite.

Fishing seasons around Cinque Island fall in sync with nature’s rhythm, and the best time to wet a line is from October through May. That’s when the Andaman Sea settles down after the monsoon madness, and the waters clear up enough to reveal the vibrant underwater world beneath. During these months, the seas are calm, the visibility is top-notch, and charter boats are back in action, ready to take you where the big fish roam.

As the dry season stretches from late fall to spring, the real excitement builds from November to April. This is when the waters around Cinque Island light up with activity—giant trevally, yellowfin tuna, dogtooth tuna, and sailfish start to show up in force. Whether you're casting poppers over the reefs or jigging in deeper channels, every tug on the line feels like a story waiting to happen. The weather is consistent, and so is the bite—perfect for long days on deck and salty memories that’ll stick with you.

If you’ve got offshore ambitions—heading out toward remote drop-offs like Barren Island or Invisible Bank—late February through early April is the sweet spot. The ocean is at its calmest, the sun’s not too harsh, and the fish are feeding aggressively. It's the kind of window seasoned anglers plan whole seasons around. Bottom line? If you’re chasing Cinque Island’s wildest moments, aim for late winter and spring, when everything from the tides to the trophy fish lines up just right.

Fishing around Cinque Island feels like something out of a forgotten chapter in an old travel journal — remote, wild, and humming with possibility. Just off the coast of the Andaman Islands, this spot is a haven for anglers chasing both solitude and serious action. The waters are rich, and so are your options: from casting poppers into bluewater explosions to slow-jigging deep channels for lurking predators. GTs — giant trevally — are the headliners here, and they’ll test every inch of your tackle and patience. A heavy-duty spinning setup, braided line, and a big popper are your best bet when the surface comes alive with chaos.

For those drawn to deeper mysteries, vertical jigging is the name of the game. Cinque’s underwater drop-offs and reef edges are prime territory for dogtooth tuna, amberjack, and groupers — all of which hit like a freight train. Drop a metal jig down into the depths, work it back up with some rhythm, and be ready for that split-second jolt of energy when a fish locks on. It’s physical, fast, and not for the faint of heart — the kind of fishing that leaves your arms sore and your memory full.

If you’re after something slower and more meditative, trolling along the island’s outer reefs can produce sailfish, barracuda, and the occasional wahoo. These pelagics cruise the bluewater drop-offs, and a spread of skirted lures or rigged baits can be the ticket. Between hookups, you’ve got time to soak in the surroundings — turquoise water, jungle-covered cliffs, and skies that stretch forever. Fishing in Cinque isn’t just about the catch — it’s about being part of a raw, untamed stretch of ocean where every cast feels like an adventure waiting to happen.

Fishing around Cinque Island is like opening a treasure chest of saltwater species, each one more thrilling than the last. At the top of the list is the infamous giant trevally — a fish that doesn’t nibble, it detonates. These apex predators hunt the reefs and drop-offs with reckless energy, and when one smashes your popper, you’d better be holding on tight. GTs are the kind of fish that make anglers come back year after year, chasing that perfect heart-racing hookup under the tropical sun.

But the party doesn’t stop there. Dogtooth tuna lurk in the deeper waters around Cinque, and they’re no joke. Pound for pound, these torpedoes are some of the hardest-hitting fish in the sea. Hook one on a vertical jig, and you’ll feel the kind of pull that makes your reel scream and your knees shake. Alongside them, you’ve got amberjack, grouper, and snapper — all of them ready to give you a proper fight if you’re dropping baits near the reefs or rocky ledges. It’s a playground for serious anglers who like their fish big, mean, and deep.

And if you’re scanning the horizon, don’t overlook the speedsters — wahoo, barracuda, and the occasional sailfish make their rounds in the offshore bluewater. These are the high-fliers and line-burners, often hooked while trolling just beyond the reef breaks. Cinque Island’s waters are a wild mix of reef dwellers and pelagic cruisers, each one promising a story you’ll be telling long after the salt’s been washed off your gear. Out here, every cast is a roll of the dice — and the odds are stacked in your favor.

If you're measuring a fishing spot by crystal-clear waters, thriving reefs, and the chance to hook into something that’ll test your knots, then Cinque Island is more than good—it’s a dream. Tucked away in the Andaman archipelago, this remote slice of paradise isn’t just postcard-worthy, it’s packed with marine life that makes every cast an adventure. With limited access and protected status, the waters here are wild in all the right ways—untouched, teeming, and quietly waiting for anglers who don’t mind earning their bragging rights.

The real magic of fishing Cinque Island lies in the variety. Offshore, you’re looking at giant trevally, dogtooth tuna, and the occasional marlin patrolling the deep blue. Near the reefs, coral trout and groupers lurk in the shadows, waiting to slam your bait with zero warning. Whether you're jigging, popping, or trolling, this place demands strong gear and a stronger spirit. It’s not for the casual tourist with a convenience-store rod—it’s for folks who live for the fight.

So, is Cinque Island good for fishing? That’s like asking if Everest is good for hiking. It’s raw, it’s remote, and it rewards those willing to put in the effort. This is the kind of spot that reminds you why you fell in love with fishing in the first place—no distractions, no crowds, just you, your line, and whatever wild thing decides to hit on the other end.