Yes, the Bahamas are definitely the perfect getaway. Picture: An illustration of how beautiful and silver the Bonefish is. Not too many countries have fish on their bills, and Marlin definitely deserves this honorary spot. The delightful panic that ensues following the first, STRIKE!. Recommended by 96% of travelers. Why? The Bahamas offers some of the best fishing in the world, so its no surprise that it is also host to world-class spearfishing. Yellowfin tuna of the Bahamas can range between 10 to over 400 pounds. The Bahamas boasts world-famous fishing flats with miles of shallow water along the shore and mangroves. So the flats are a fly fishers paradise and the bluewaters are a big game battlefield, but what if you just want to reel in something tasty for dinner? The Atlantis Resort designers have gone to great lengths to recreate this fantasy world. The waters surrounding Nassau Paradise Island are home to many different species of fish. What to bring on the boat They enter the scene in June and stay around through July. Standard catches are in the 200300 lb ballpark, but there are mammoths out there that weigh thrice that. 2017 All rights reserved. With Hunter Charters, youre a mere 15 minutes from catching marlin, sailfish, Mahi Mahi, and more! He can risks you to the reef for a hour or 2 and catch some fish. This charity event is limited to just 60 custom inboard teams - 32 or larger - chosen by invitation only to represent the custom boat manufactures in an all-release format. When you know just how amazing fishing in the Bahamas is, it only makes sense that the country is home to dozens of sportfishing tournaments. document.getElementById( "ak_js_21" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_22" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Bordering the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Sea of Cortez, and the Caribbean Sea, angling in Mexico speaks for itself. When you book your excursion, ask if there are any necessary items you need to pack. During low tide, many of the flats dry out, causing fish to group together in the entrance to the channels in deeper waters. A standard size charter will cater for up to six people (known as six packs), while party charters can hold up to 60 people. Below are a few considerations to help you gauge whether you have found the right captain. Picture: The Silver Ghost, almost invisibe to the naked eye. Make sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection. Action is at its best from OctoberMay when the waters are cooler and the weather is dry. You know you have a good fight ahead. You want to be sure your captain knows whats in season and what isnt, quantity restrictions, whether you can keep a certain fish or not and what the boundaries of any protected waters may be. You can do so here. Most fishing charters in Nassau Paradise Island provide everything you need to catch a fish, and some even provide lunch. 2019 Old Bahama Bay Wahoo Charity Cup Whether you're at a fancy club or a humble conch joint, you'll find locals having a good time and welcoming visitors with open arms. The only exception is Wahoo, which always seem to do their own thing. This is not true, in fact the opposite. November With a little bit of patience, cast a line off the beach, pier, dock or boat and even the least proficient fisherman is guaranteed to catch fish in the Bahamian waters. Some anglers swear by it and use it when the traditional fishing ways arent catching anything, they will switch over to this method. Theres a number of ways to entice one of the fastest fish in the ocean, and trolling is the most popular technique. Most of the year, you can find calm seas here in The Bahamas and fishing grounds less than a quarter-mile from Nassau Paradise Island. These spots add to the unique charm of Nassau's nightlife, showcasing the rich culture and traditions of the Bahamas. Deep canyons and troughs in the Bahamas bluewaters are the hallowed fishing grounds for your Marlin chase. This means they need to consume large quantities of food if they are to survive the cold ocean waters. Top Bahamas fishing charters in 2023, from $75 p/p. Id genuinely appreciate it. Dec 28, 2022. However, youll find some on Exuma, Andros, and even Long Island. Most bonefish charters offer morning and afternoon tours. Sportfishing brings in an incredible $500 million every year. Always hungry, the barracuda tears through the waters at an average pace of 27 mph which means that there are few fish in the ocean that strike your line with the ferocious force of a feeding barracuda. Theyre fierce fighters and having one fight you on an 8 wt rod is enough to get anyones blood pumping. During this time, fish swim into the mangroves for shelter and are less accessible. Lots of variety, lots of delicious fish, and all that without losing sight of land. A day out at sea on a fishing charter off the shores of Nassau is a day of frenzied fun and promises to contend as one of your best fishing trips you will ever have. That said, you can still find excellent fishing in the afternoon. Id like to go on a reef/inshore fishing trip for snapper and grouper. Safety is also important. Inshore fishing: What fish to expect in Nassau? Youll learn the best times to cast your line, what kind of fish you might catch, what to bring on board, and which fishing charters are offered in Nassau Paradise Island. Be carefulthe US carapace minimum is 3 inches, so pay attention to how you measure your lobster. First Strike Charters combines a grand voyage with the excitement of landing the big one. Its rarity is due to the Bluefin being over-fished commercially for decades making a catch that much more difficult, but that much sweeter. So where do you begin when you come to the Bahamas? document.getElementById( "ak_js_11" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_12" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Good work but Sharks should not be listed. The most fruitful spearfishing is done on reefs or around heads of coral, where the fish tend to hide. Looking to reel in the catch of the day in luxury? Depending on the depth, you could reel in Red, Strawberry (Red Hind), Yellowfin, and Black Grouper. Still not enough for you? All Rights Reserved. Weve talked up the Bahamas enough, now lets jump into what makes them so unique. White Marlin are the first ones to show up in mid-spring, usually in April, and you can land specimens that weigh over 100 pounds. The locals eat them, but I always fear Ciguatera. When it comes to food, the charters will generally charge extra for anything they have on hand, should you choose to eat or drink it. Let us know how it went. Its this inexplicable thrill that keeps fishermen returning for fishing in Nassau, Bahamas. At high tide, water is flooded into the mangroves. Are You A Foodie Heading To The Bahamas? White marlin and blue marlin fishing have many similarities, particularly in the dramatic show that the fish puts on when caught. Be sure about the type of fishing you want to do in Nassau. Most companies will at minimum provide the bait, tackle/equipment, and ice some will also include bottled water. document.getElementById( "ak_js_14" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I really appreciate your tip on how you can fish interrupted a lot of places in the Bahamas since most of them are uninhabited. Offshore: Larger fish such as amberjack, Mako sharks, blackfin, yellowfin, wahoo, marlin, cobia, dorado, king mackerel. Jan 22, 2019. On top of that, they taste delicious. The picture-perfect turquoise waters of The Bahamas are abundant with marine life, providing the perfect environment to test your angling skills. In fact, its the national fish of The Bahamas and is even featured on our Coat of Arms! We hope youll have a great and relaxing trip. I am going to be in Nassau the last week of February/first week of March. Which technique or type youll pick depends on your personal preferences and what youd like to target. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. Fishing spots and baits to use at Lake Cunningham? Both the blue and white marlin are spectacular jumpers and persevering fighters. View our latest travel deals and start planning your escape today. View our maps and read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers. Test your luck and see if you can catch your dinner without losing sight of the shore! Those seeking a true sense of . Stone Crabs must have a harvestable claw of four inches. The exalted feeling you get as you shout WAHOO, doesnt even touch the feeling you get when you catch this fish. Deep Sea Fishing has a home in White Sound, Elbow Cay. Long revered for unspoiled beauty and sport fishing, the islands were under British rule until 1973, when they became independent as the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Thats why its on the $100 note. . Well, if youre a first-time visitor and want to wet your line and have a productive day on the water, turning to locals for guidance is a good idea. This includes: Acklins & Crooked Island, Andros, The Abacos, Bimini, Eleuthera, The Exumas, Inagua, Long Island, Mayaguana, Ragged island, Rum cay, San Salvador or The Berry islands. Or try fishing the traditional Bahamian way with just a line and reel in your prize catch . As you now know there are a variety of fishing options. Hi Zane, National Marine Parks are strictly off limits for any kind of fishing. . When you book your excursion, ask if there are any necessary items you need to pack. Always do your research! document.getElementById( "ak_js_13" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on December 14, 2020 Also, be clear about what type of fishing you want to do. Picture: A Caribbean Spiny lobster, one of the top exports of the Bahamas. The countrys clear, sandy flats are the perfect breeding ground for super-sized fish. Offshore: Includes 74-mile open radar (allows for travel and fishing at night), XM Satellite Radio & Weather, Chirp Sonar (technology used specifically for recreational fishing). The Blackfin can be characterized by its distinctive dark back and white body. Shallow waters, ledges, reefs, and rocky bottoms are perfect spots to look for Hogfish. Going spearfishing around the Bahamas stunning reefs is an experience you should treat yourself to at least once in your life. Born Free Fishing Charters offers half-day and full-day charters. Make sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection. Feb 4, 2021. The water is typically shallow in these areas, making it easier to spearfish. Preferably not flip-flops or sandals. While its tempting to go with the lesser expensive option, you might just get what you paid for. A side of the islands most people don't explore. Do they only do smaller time deep-sea fishing? Specializing in offshore deep sea fishing, the company has five boats to take you to some prime Bahamas fishing spots. At high tide, water is flooded into the mangroves. Bahamas Fishing Charters YellowTail Charters has 30yrs experience specializing in Fishing Nassau Deep Sea Shelfs, Reefs, Snorkeling and Nassau Island tours. You cannot harvest female stone crabs or crawfish and all species of turtle are illegal to harvest. Can, Cover image credit: icemanphotos/Shutterstock.com The month of April is a great time of year to travel! Check if the company has a no-fish-no-fee policy, where the company guarantees you will catch fish on your charter, else you are charged $0 for the trip. $75 per person for 1 hour . Until you have successfully hooked your first barracuda, you have not yet experienced deep-sea fishing. Easily tempted with live bait, the grouper makes an excellent choice for local and vacationing fishermen. If you are looking for the adventure of a lifetime, fishing in Nassau might very well be it. There are fewer Bluefin than before, but that doesnt take away from fast and furious action. If youre going out with a charter, then your guide will take care of everything for you. More time on the water means youll have more chance of making a catch. For anglers, there's no greater challenge than battling a legendary predator that outweighs them by five times or more. The yellowfin tuna is the most common of the tuna species found in the Bahamas. Deep Sea Fishing in Mexico: The Complete Guid Cancun Fishing Seasons: The Complete Guide. Join more than 150,000 others who receive exclusive access to the best beach deals in Nassau Paradise Island. Home to many species, the warm waters of Nassau house predators such as marlin, tuna, sailfish, barracuda, mahi mahi, wahoo and sharks to name a few. So when that time comes in the summer, you better be ready to rumble, because the fish will be! Telling the captain what type of fish you are hoping to catch, and the quantity can help the charter plan accordingly. Commonly known as dorado or dolphinfish, mahi mahi catches the eye as it shimmers in colors of gold, green, blue, and even red coloring on a sleek body of pure fighting muscle. The boat may troll up to 10 knots for this catch. Impossible to spot. Keep in mind that in The Bahamas, only six tuna species per boat can be caught and kept any extra fish must be caught and released for conservation purposes. You may not only want to go fishing. Youll find Tuna around the deepwater canyons that are scattered all around the 700 Bahamas islands. Specializing in offshore deep sea fishing, the company has five boats to take you to some prime Bahamas fishing spots. Atlantis Paradise Island. You will see an incredible range of colors, from browns and grays to shimmering purples, blues, and silver, as this amazing fish dances through the sea and across the waves. Nassau, Freeport, Abaco, Bimini. Providing the perfect habitat, Bonefish are found all year round in the Bahamas, though theyre near impossible to hook. Check what is included with your charter fee. Scuba gear cannot be used while taking lobster. Dubbed one of the fastest fishes in the ocean, ploughing through 100 meters of water in under five seconds, Sailfish angling is some of the most rewarding big game fishing out there. 37.6K ratings. Check out this guide to fishing in The Bahamas. Expert Tip: Be aware that these rules & regulations are subject to change at any time. document.getElementById( "ak_js_6" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How about Cobia? The maximum capacity is 10 anglers plus the Captain and First Mate. It can be fished from an outrigger or rod tip. document.getElementById( "ak_js_9" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The blue marlin is literally our National fish. If an adrenaline rush on the water doesnt cut it for you, then your next adventure should be underwater. Most companies will also be happy to make recommendations of where you can take it to be cooked for you. Anglers of all skill levels love the challenge of reeling in remarkable predators that outweigh them. What will the conditions be like? Since many fish feed in the early morning hours, fish action will be at its peak! Looking to reel in the catch of the day in luxury? 4.7. Five-pound Ghosts are the norm here, and more than a few fish have made it into the record books over the years. Grab your rod and bait and cast off into the deep blue sea as you anxiously await a bite! Please ask your crew for full safety directions for the charter. Free cancellation. These large predators are the only warm-blooded fish of its species. Make sure the charter captains are licensed boat captains. The largest of all tuna species, Bluefin tuna can weigh more than 500 pounds and stretch more than six feet in length. Picture: A beautiful White marlin taking the bait. So if you have your heart set on catching a deep-sea tuna or marlin, this is the time to head out. Its awesome that Marlin is your national fish because its so loved in the Bahamas, we mentioned it in the article as well. document.getElementById( "ak_js_5" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for your input, if youd like, youre welcome to share your stories with us. If you are travelling with your family, ask if their charters are family or kid friendly, if you are traveling with kids, as it could be a great opportunity for bonding. While bluefin tuna tend to be bigger than yellowfin tuna, it can be difficult to distinguish between smaller bluefin and yellowfin tuna, especially since their coloring changes slightly after a long fight. These guys are big, strong, and highly intelligent. Able to respawn very quickly when in season, mahi mahi are very tasty with a mild flavor. follow your guide's direction "fish at 2 o'clock, 15 yards" and the odds of a catch are in your favour. One of the oldest fishing tournaments in existence, this is a major visitor attraction during the month of August. You may not think you need one but a long standoff with a 200 lbs. Born Free Charters. With Hunter Charters, youre a mere 15 minutes from catching marlin, sailfish, Mahi Mahi, and more! And if you are EXTREMELY lucky, a Conch Pearl. A Bahamian summertime favorite! Below are a few guidelines to help you make your decision: The size of your group plays a pretty big role in your decision-making process of what charter to choose. Imagine big game battles on the high seas with a tropical paradise as your backdrop. In The Bahamas, only six tuna species per boat can be caught and kept any extra fish must be caught and released for conservation purposes. Save. Go to the slightly deeper waters, and youve got plenty of choices, including Yelloweye, Queen, Mutton, and Mangrove Snapper. Explore the beautiful crystal clear waters of Nassau, The Bahamas by boat with Te'vaughn Adventures Charter and Fishing Taking safety measures. Bonefishing, simply put, is the most famous of all Bahamas fishing, attracting enthusiasts from all over the world. This means superb Snapper and Grouper action. Dive in and explore a brand-new world at Atlantis! Below is a detailed breakdown of the different types of game fishing you can do which should set you on your way. The Bahamas are home to hundreds of world records for dozens of different species. Journey to the remote island of Inagua for some of the best birding and ecotourism The Bahamas has to offer. With this definitive guide, you have all the information you need to get out there and catch your first wahoo, mahi mahi, tuna, or even join a tournament to catch your own trophy marlin! With Hunter Charters, you're a mere 15 minutes from catching marlin, sailfish, Mahi Mahi, and more! Join more than 150,000 others who receive exclusive access to the best beach deals in Nassau Paradise Island. Also contributing to the Bluefins elusiveness. Location: Old Bahama Bay Resort & Marina New Providence, The Bahamas. In fact, its the national fish of The Bahamas and is even featured on our Coat of Arms! Do they offer inshore/light tackle fighting (good for beginners and kids)? Youll need to be bright eyed and bushy tailed for a day out at sea, so you dont want to get up even earlier to travel halfway across the island to board your vessel. Do you want to do an inshore trip? The name mahi mahi is Hawaiin for strong. The Abacos. In contrast to hand line fishing, spearfishing is one of the introduced forms of recreational fishing. Close proximity to the U.S. makes this a fast and easy destination for anglers, with regular and direct access to islands like Grand Bahama, Abaco, Andros, and Nassau. Both of these are Caribbean destinations. When fishing in the flats, its important to pay attention to the impact of the tides. Of these fish, the marlin is the most well-known here. Competitive Billfishing is especially popular, but other species dont fall behind either. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on February 16, 2023 Have you ever been fishing in the Bahamas? The bigger the fish the more rewarding the challenge. Many of the smaller fish swimming in the reef around the shoreline love squid, and it is both plentiful and affordable from local grocery stores in Nassau.