Those birds are most often present along the dropoffs over baitfish, and the Sea Mound south of Virgin Gorda attracts more than its share. Local charter captains have noticed, however, that the bird activity is not as prevalent as it used to be. Trolling through a school of birds doesn't always guarantee a fish, as it once did a few years back. Common schools of baitfish include flying fish, squid and allison skip jacks. The flying fish are as numerous and as large off the South Drop area as anyplace around the Caribbean.
Huge schools roam the surface and scatter to the air as boats approach.
Spanish mackerel are abundant and range up to five pounds. You can usually buy your ballyhoo bait at a local marina. Biras Creek has a full-service marina for those wishing to bring their own boats or charter the local captain. They'll accommodate boats as long as 100 feet and having drafts of up to 12 feet. They offer water, electricity, fuel and dockage for up to 12 large boats.