ABSTRACT This study was carried out to estimate total catches extracted from the offshore areas of northeastern Brazil by recreational fishers from offshore operations, daily activities, and fishing competitions. It also aimed at providing a first estimate of expenditure by anglers in the region. The basis for this analysis was the data supplied by the only offshore fishing operator established in Paraíba State. The available logbooks allowed for the first estimate of total catches by anglers in Paraíba State, which was extrapolated to the entire region using information provided in a database of recreational fishers’ licenses. By combining these data with catch data from fishing competitions, we were able to estimate that a peak of about 90 t was extracted in 2011. This catch is low when compared with commercial catches, but the associated economic impacts, assessed via the expenditure by recreational fishers at US$1.5 million in 2014, is high. Moreover, catches are concentrated mainly on a small number of species, mostly Thunnus spp. and Seriola spp. in waters off Paraíba State. No information is available on the current status of these amberjacks (Seriola spp.). However, some of the snappers (Fam. Lutjanidae) included in the top species caught by recreational fishers are considered overexploited in the region.