Porgies and Snappers

Guadeloupe’s coastal waters hold a varied range of fish known locally as “pagres”. These are the species we most often encounter, though there are others.

The most frequent catch is the pink “pagre rose”, found from the coast to drop-offs around 130 metres deep. It has pink colouring and a dark patch towards the rear of the flank.

The “pagre dents de chien” has prominent canine teeth and a lighter tear-shaped mark beneath the eye. The “pagre vivaneau” has yellow eyes and pink colouring and generally lives deeper, from around 180 metres.

The “pagre jaune” has yellow fins and paler vertical stripes. The less common “pagre vivaneau noir” is dark grey with a thin white lateral stripe and is highly prized at the table.

The “pagre dispo” is the largest of these fish and can weigh several tens of kilos. It is the local equivalent of the African cubera-type red snapper. Encounters have unfortunately become very rare.

These fish stay near the bottom around drop-offs, rocks and uneven ground, often close to a hole where they will try to hide when hooked. Firm pressure from the start is needed to keep them clear of cover.

They are powerful opponents, difficult to lift off the bottom, with strong head shakes and a determination to dive back down.

Some species, including those known locally as “dents de chien” and “jaune”, can carry a ciguatera risk and require caution before consumption.

Boat records include a 12 kg “pagre rose” on a jig and a “pagre dispo” of around 40 kg on live bait.

We often catch them on jigs, inchiku, soft plastics and madai worked near the bottom. Larger specimens also take live bait, and they can be caught on other baits too.

Catches from guided trips

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