It wasn’t just fishing—it was a glimpse into the rhythm of life in Buccament, shared generously with us by the people who live it every day.
AMAZING FAMILY FISHING DAY
What we experienced wasn’t something you could ever plan—it felt more like stumbling into a hidden tour that only happens when nature allows. We were simply lucky. No schedule could guarantee seeing it, because no one ever knows exactly when the Chi Chi fish will arrive.
In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the villagers of Buccament told us these tiny fish can appear at any time during the rainy season, from June through December. We happened to be there in November, right when conditions aligned. Buccament lies along the road to Layou on the leeward side of the island, and nearby Buccament Bay—the only white sand beach on the island—is where it all happens. Fresh water flowing under a small bridge meets the sea, drawing in the baby Chi Chi fish.
Getting there was part of the charm. For just a dollar, we rode a local bus filled with some of the friendliest people you could meet, all eager to chat and share their stories.
In the shallows, the fish gather beneath submerged palm leaves, seeking shelter—but this is where the fishermen’s skill comes in. Families wade into the water together, weighing down large sheets with rocks and covering them with palm fronds. They wait patiently as the fish swarm in. When the moment is right, everyone joins in to lift the sheet, revealing a shimmering catch. Each haul can fill five buckets, worth around $300 at market.
But what makes it unforgettable is what happens next. As the work ends, the atmosphere shifts—rum begins to flow, music rises, and by midday the shoreline transforms into a celebration. There’s dancing, singing, and laughter, a spontaneous festival born from the sea.
There is film of the fishing, but what makes it even more remarkable is that this wasn’t meant to be part of the plan. It was simply a stop on a ship’s tour—one that happened to cross the bridge into Buccament. For those on the excursion, it became an unexpected window into everyday life on Saint Vincent and the Grenadines—something far more meaningful than any scheduled attraction.
On the way to the leeward bus station, Jean met Ruth, who was selling the fresh catch at the market. The fish are similar to whitebait—small, lightly fried, and eaten whole. Yet in some places, we later learned, the larger versions are even consumed live, taken like a shot. Seeing buckets filled with these tiny fish, and then looking out across the vast ocean beyond, brings a quiet sense of perspective. It’s a reminder of the sheer scale of life beneath the surface—and our small place within it.
Buccament is the only white beach ball on the St Vincent map, meaning white sand. There are two yellow beach balls and the rest are black meaning volcanic rock sand. The best beaches are on the small islands off this main island. See our film on the island of Bequia..