Due to its popularity as a commercial fish, the population of the red snapper has declined. However, youll find some on Exuma, Andros, and even Long Island. Have you ever been fishing in the Bahamas? Some of the best spots include the areas between the islands, not too far from Bimini. During the warmest months, youll witness and enjoy the full onslaught of Tuna, Marlin, and Sailfish. myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all Garth. All Rights Reserved. All fishing parties are to abide by local Bahamian fishing laws. Try a bit of everything, you wont be disappointed. The great thing about big game fishing in the Bahamas is that most of the top game fish are around at the same time. Make sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection. Fishing: The Bahamas vs. Cancun Fishing in The Bahamas. A school of breeding fish is called a spawning aggregation. 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. Thankfully, there are a good number of places that have already earned a stellar reputation among fellow anglers, making things a bit easier for everyone. The largest of all tuna species, Bluefin tuna can weigh more than 500 pounds and stretch more than six feet in length. Whether its laid-back reef fishing for Snappers and Groupers, premier flats action for Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon, or a big game bite, such as that of Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, or Billfish, the Bahamas is sure to take your breath away. Leg Two, Abaco Diamond Series. Get some squid from the grocery store and you are on your way. That said, you can still find excellent fishing in the afternoon. Google works hard to stop what it considers plagiarized content ranking on search results, although sometimes it does get through and ranks higher than your posts. With Hunter Charters, youre 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. Some charter boats have restrictions as to how far they can be from shore. violation? 100% of all cash donations, 20% of boat entry fees, and all proceeds from the raffle and silent auction go straight to charity. Yes, the Bahamas are definitely the perfect getaway. Their spawning season is during the summers, therefore among the best times of the year for a delicious red-fleshed steak. Welcoming first-timers and seasoned anglers, the Bahamas makes for the perfect setting for a day out at sea with family and friends. The minimum permitted size is 3 3/8 inches or 6 inches of tail of carapace length. Learn more. You already know that the Bahamas is an amazing vacation destination, but now you know that its unmatched when it comes to fishing too. There are fewer Bluefin than before, but that doesnt take away from fast and furious action. Is this a good time of year for that? Any lobsters harvested in The Bahamas during their open season cannot be transported by private vessel into state waters during Floridas closed season. Hand line fishing grew from the simple necessity of catching fish for sustenance - all you need is fishing line, a hook, sinker and bait. For more information on what to expect when fishing in the Nassau area, check out our blog. Half-Day 27ft Private Fishing Charter in Nassau. During low tide, many of the flats dry out, causing fish to group together in the entrance to the channels in deeper waters. Those trophy fish wont catch themselves! 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. I will be sure to tell my wife that we should try and look into fishing at the Bahamas since it would be relaxing! This beautiful sailfish gets its name from its large dorsal fin which resembles a sail, and which often stretches the entire length of its back. Nassau Paradise Islands picture-perfect turquoise waters and sunny skies await. Though, they are not impartial to bigger prey. Be carefulthe US carapace minimum is 3 inches, so pay attention to how you measure your lobster. Grab your rod and bait and cast off into the deep blue sea as you anxiously await a bite! In an archipelago of over 700 islands, picking one perfect fishing spot will always be the tough part. White marlin and blue marlin fishing have many similarities, particularly in the dramatic show that the fish puts on when caught. S. Tight lines! You might be a seasoned angler looking to catch a sport fish and have it mounted but are unfamiliar with the Bahamas. Not too many countries have fish on their bills, and Marlin definitely deserves this honorary spot. 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. Tidestation: Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas. Inshore: Shorter distances and durations, smaller boats and fish. It was a perfect day all around. 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. This is also a great time to target other inshore game fish like Permit and Tarpon. Its always advised to be gentle with them when you get one on the line and to release them unharmed. Charities include; Breast Cancer Research Foundation, IGFA, Joe DiMaggios Childrens Hospital and many other organizations in need. With Hunter Charters, youre a mere 15 minutes from catching marlin, sailfish, Mahi Mahi, and more! Rose Island. If that sounds like your idea of fun, you may want to save yourself the cost of flights and just straight-up move to the Bahamas. This will determine the type of fishing charter you should choose. Or try fishing the traditional Bahamian way with just a line and reel in your prize catch . A telling sign that you may be in the presence of a school mahi mahi are the frigate birds swooping into the water diving for food. Expert Tip: Be aware that these rules & regulations are subject to change at any time. We can't talk about the Nassau fishing scene without giving a prominent spot to the Billfish. A fact that makes it so hard to spot in the water. The Lay of The Land. Copyright Hello Paradise - The Official Sandals Resorts Travel & Lifestyle Blog. Though teeming with marine life, the two main fish you will encounter right from the shoreline are red snapper and grouper. document.getElementById( "ak_js_8" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Forgot to mention Baracuda lots of fun on light tackle. 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. The pectoral fin of a yellowfin reaches just beyond the beginning of the second dorsal fin. 4.7. The staff is attentive and very helpful. Flat, non-slip shoes. Choose a charter that is near where you are staying. For example, youre not allowed to wear scuba gear when spearfishing, you can only do so by free diving. Fishing in the Bahamas is a rite of passage for any ambitious angler. Basically, if youre an avid flats fisher, youll be in heaven in the Bahamas. Hooking the bonefish is only half the job. Youll also be battling Mahi Mahi by the dozen and some of the biggest Wahoo youre ever likely to find. Imagine big game battles on the high seas with a tropical paradise as your backdrop. Estuaries and bays are also considered attractive inshore fishing spots. After that, you can switch to bottom fishing for Grouper. Let us know how it went. Get the best fishing experience without any hassles. Spearing lobster is legal in The Bahamas. Picture: The Silver Ghost, almost invisibe to the naked eye. Sports fishing enthusiasts head to the Bahamas throughout the year in the hope to catch what is recognized as one of the most prized of trophies, the Bluefin tuna. You may never have more than this limit on your boat, regardless of how many days youre in The Bahamas. But these fellas are just the opening act for the main star, the magnificent Blue Marlin. . While the larger males usually weigh about 350 pounds, a female can reach up to 1,800 pounds. The maximum capacity is 10 anglers plus the Captain and First Mate. You know you have a good fight ahead. Short trips or long excursions, deep-sea fanatics eagerly attempt to beat over 50 world records set here. Spearfishing is not allowed within 200 yards of the coast of any of the Bahamian Out Islands. Lobsters brought back to Florida must be in whole condition and not tailed (see picture below). Your first day beyond the beach begins by heading out to sea to deep sea fish at some of the best fishing spots off Nassau Paradise Island with First Strike Charters. Thinking about making a fishing trip part of your Nassau Paradise Island vacation? Journey to the remote island of Inagua for some of the best birding and ecotourism The Bahamas has to offer. Our advice? You may only us a pole spear or Hawaiian sling. As you now know there are a variety of fishing options. Interesting fact: All groupers are born female, and some will change to male when they reach breeding age. View our latest travel deals and start planning your escape today. Join more than 150,000 others who receive exclusive access to the best beach deals in Nassau Paradise Island. Its this inexplicable thrill that keeps fishermen returning for fishing in Nassau, Bahamas. And lets not forget about the prime fighters like Amberjack, African Pompano, Mackerel, and Hogfish. Born Free Fishing Charters offers half-day and full-day charters. Unless youre a citizen of the Bahamas, youre going to need a valid fishing license before you cast your line. National Marine Parks are strictly off limits for any kind of fishing. 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. Beyond our sparkling seas, youll find a whole world of adventurous activities and restful relaxation. 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. The largest of all tuna species, Bluefin tuna can weigh more than 500 pounds and stretch more than six feet in length. Youll find the best snapper and grouper action when the water is warmer, during spring and summer. Whether youre here to hook into a colossal Marlin or chase Ghosts across the flats, theres an expert who can make it happen. Most bonefish charters offer morning and afternoon tours. We specialize in snorkeling, fishing, and turtle swim tours in Nassau! Posted by: Nassau Paradise Island on August 29, 2022. Camera to capture your Ernest Hemingway moment. WHAT'S THE CATCH: Marlin Tuna Sailfish Dolphin What's Biting? Sailing, fishing, award-winning golf, and quaint colonial island towns are all waiting to be discovered in this sun-drenched destination in the northern Bahamas. Dont worry these are just the A-listers. Caught a bunch on the West Side of Andros. You can go after a slew of species and crustaceans in these clear waters, including Snapper, Grouper, Hogfish, Lobster, and even sea snails (Conch). Born Free Charters even offer a no fish, no pay policy on their full-day charters! What did you catch? The most fruitful spearfishing is done on reefs or around heads of coral, where the fish tend to hide. or cruising the best Nassau fishing spots and sights. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park Swimming pigs at Staniel Cay in the Exumas Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park has some of the most striking seascapes in the Bahamas. There is a short trip from the airport. During low tide, many of the flats dry out, causing fish to group together in the entrance to the channels in deeper waters. Do they only do smaller time deep-sea fishing? A perfect destination for a tropical vacation and the favoured escape of Ernest Hemingway, the Bahamian haven of Bimini is actually two islands in one: North & South Bimini. Out on the flats, your guide knows just what to look for. Clear sunny skies, ocean breezes, and turquoise waters: the postcard-perfect destination begets outstanding conditions for game fishing. Thanks for the article. Spearfishing equipment consists of flippers, a mask, a snorkel and a "Hawaiian sling" which is the only legally allowed type of spear - spear guns are not permitted. Youll have the choice between half day charters which will get you four hours, a full day which is eight hours and an overnight charter which means youll be spending the night on the boat. Theres no shortage of those in the Bahamas! In fact, its the national fish of The Bahamas and is even featured on our Coat of Arms! More time on the water means youll have more chance of making a catch. Discover a deep-sea fishing experience and fish for a record-breaking catch. If the deal seems too good to be true, do a bit of research and make sure youre going with a tried and tested charter company and not just any Joe Blogs with a boat. All Rights Reserved. Marlins are known for their size with the females growing up to four times as large as the males. During the low tide, however, youll find miles of wadable water making it the optimal time to cast your lines. Specializing in offshore deep sea fishing, the company has five boats to take you to some prime Bahamas fishing spots. The picture-perfect turquoise waters of The Bahamas are abundant with marine life, providing the perfect environment to test your angling skills. The right vessel for you when fishing in Nassau will ultimately come down to your budget. The Atlantis Resort designers have gone to great lengths to recreate this fantasy world. When fishing on the flats, expect to find bonefish, permit, and tarpon. Just 20 miles off the shores of the Nassau you will find Lemon, Hammerhead, Bull, Blacktip, Tiger and Reef sharks. This game fish is known for its long hard runs at speeds of up to 45 mph. Replete with sea life, the surrounding ocean makes for the perfect destination to test and perfect your angling skills. Fish you can expect to catch when inshore fishing in Nassau, include bonefish, red snapper and the Nassau grouper. Id like to go on a reef/inshore fishing trip for snapper and grouper. Thats whats waiting for you on this stunning island chain. Theres no reason why a charter wouldnt be able to take you out. If one is caught, it required to be released. Fishing Renowned as one of the great fishing destinations in the world, The Bahamas is the ideal fishing spot for both first-time anglers and sport-fishing professionals. Looking to reel in the catch of the day in luxury? Year-round fishing, paired with some of the most favorable conditions, makes The Bahamas an ultimate fishing destination. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. Do you know any techniques to help protect Glad to hear youll be exploring Nassau soon. 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. 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. The silver underside of a bluefins body is marked with white dots and uneven lines. Picture: An example of the kinds of fish you don't normally want to catch. As for fishing, its great wherever you depart from . Yellowfin tuna of the Bahamas can range between 10 to over 400 pounds. Add to that the possibility of landing Tarpon and Permit, and youve got a party. Always check their cancellation policies, as most will have a 72-hour policy where you will be obligated to pay some or all the booking fee, should you choose to cancel late, or do not show up. Most fishing charters in Nassau Paradise Island provide everything you need to catch a fish, and some even provide lunch. (Outdoor man style). A long pectoral fin doubled with a tail larger than its body, make for a very strong and fast fish. Tip: Stay at Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, and you will be able to book your own fishing adventure from the comfort and luxury of this all-inclusive resort. I hope the info helps, enjoy your vacation! First Strike Charters combines a grand voyage with the excitement of landing the big one. If an adrenaline rush on the water doesnt cut it for you, then your next adventure should be underwater. 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. At high tide, water is flooded into the mangroves. 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). Your captain will also let you know what the fishing regulations are and how much of your catch you can keep. Check how many years they have been in business. You'll be fishing on a 45' Hatteras luxury sportfishing vessel capable of holding your fishing crew or the entire family. Youll find Tuna around the deepwater canyons that are scattered all around the 700 Bahamas islands. As the old saying goes, there are plenty of fish in the sea. 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. You may not only want to go fishing. These guys peak in the winter and move off just as the rest of the gang rolls into town. Download on the App Store Get . The marlin effortlessly launches itself out of the water displaying its strength as you stand your ground in your vessel. This will help the captain select the right boat for the trip youre planning. It is recognized by its diagonal markings through the eyes, five olive brown vertical markings (bars) on a light body, Y-shaped marking on the front of the face between the eyes, and the dark saddle-shaped marking on the base of the tail. Also Sawfish and huge Tarpon. Here are the best of the best. And thats [], Deep Sea Fishing in Mexico: The Complete Guide. Also, be clear about what type of fishing you want to do. document.getElementById( "ak_js_6" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How about Cobia? You can expect to find Nassau grouper, hogfish, yellowtail snapper, and many other types of fish. Experience the fantastic feeling of sailing with Barefoot Sailing Cruises. Located on the southwest side of New Providence Island, Stuart Coves Dive Bahamas is Nassaus Uninhabited by humans, Big Major Cay (also known as Pig Island) in The Bahamas is home to a variety From half-day and full-day fishing charters to beach picnicking and more, Born Free Fishing Charters Have you ever dreamed about escaping to a secluded island for a day? The Bahamas boasts world-famous fishing flats with miles of shallow water along the shore and mangroves. So if you have your heart set on catching a deep-sea tuna or marlin, this is the time to head out.