What did you catch? Billfishing in this part of the ocean is simply outstanding, with plenty of grander Marlin to test your skill, strength, and patience. Below are a few tips when planning for your fishing trip: Expert Tip: Your safety is very important. The best seasons for Tuna fishing are spring and summer when theres plenty of huge Tuna out there. Atlantis, a luxury hotel, aquarium, water park, and entertainment complex is one of the top places to visit in The Bahamas. That said, you can still find excellent fishing in the afternoon. 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. These guys are big, strong, and highly intelligent. Other than the depths of the waters, below are 6 main differentiators between inshore and offshore fishing: Inshore: Small motorboats, canoes, and kayaks. document.getElementById( "ak_js_15" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on January 22, 2019 Taking safety measures. Where to go for the best fly fishing in The Bahamas? 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. Going spearfishing around the Bahamas stunning reefs is an experience you should treat yourself to at least once in your life. The largest of all tuna species, Bluefin tuna can weigh more than 500 pounds and stretch more than six feet in length. Hi Zane, The fierce predators are drawn to floating wood, fronds, or seaweed where the smaller fish congregate for a feed. 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. The last thing you want is to be living out your worst nightmare in the middle of the ocean. Able to respawn very quickly when in season, mahi mahi are very tasty with a mild flavor. Experience the boating capital of The Bahamas in the one-of-a-kind island chain known as The Abacos. Most companies will also be happy to make recommendations of where you can take it to be cooked for you. For anglers, there's no greater challenge than battling a legendary predator that outweighs them by five times or more. Famous for its deep-sea fishing and record-breaking catches, anglers are drawn to Paradise in search of their next big catch. Typically, inshore fishing is carried out just a few miles from the shore. June and July are the months to participate. Margaritaville Beach Resort, Nassau, Bahamas, The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas, https://www.facebook.com/nassauparadiseisland, https://www.instagram.com/nassauparadiseisland/, https://www.tiktok.com/@nassauparadiseisland. Discover a deep-sea fishing experience and fish for a record-breaking catch. 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. You may only us a pole spear or Hawaiian sling. Most fishing charters in Nassau Paradise Island provide everything you need to catch a fish, and some even provide lunch. The bigger the fish the more rewarding the challenge. Mid-February may be a little early for Dorado, but Wahoo should show up in the Bahamas in good numbers. Join more than 150,000 others who receive exclusive access to the best beach deals in Nassau Paradise Island. 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. A standard size charter will cater for up to six people (known as six packs), while party charters can hold up to 60 people. The second dorsal fin is a mix of grey and yellow in color. Nassau Paradise Islands brilliant blue waters are perfect for exploring, and whether you choose to stay above the surface or dive below, its sure to be an unforgettable experience! Hop on a fishing charter to reel in tonights dinner. I am going to be in Nassau the last week of February/first week of March. The most important thing to remember is to follow the movement of birds when youre on a Tuna hunt, as theyll give away the fishs feeding ground. Born Free Fishing Charters offers half-day and full-day charters. That said, you can still find excellent fishing in the afternoon. These ocean warriors can grow up to eight and nine feet in length and top out at two hundred pounds. Sailfish are found around Nassau, in late fallOctober and November - and in the spring, April and May. The Bahamas are home to hundreds of world records for dozens of different species. Shared charters can be very affordable, but your chances of a catch may be limited. The only exception is Wahoo, which always seem to do their own thing. The male, or bull is characterized from its distinctive blunt head or the cow with the more rounded head, either way, mahi mahi typically weigh in between 15 and 30 pounds. Below is our easy to use guide detailing what fish are in season in the Bahamas during the year. All proceeds going to Leukemia & Lymphoma NI. Bahamas Fishing Charters YellowTail Charters has 30yrs experience specializing in Fishing Nassau Deep Sea Shelfs, Reefs, Snorkeling and Nassau Island tours. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. During the months of June and July, large blackfin are in abundance making them easier to find in open water. When fishing on the flats, expect to find bonefish, permit, and tarpon. Some anglers swear by it and use it when the traditional fishing ways arent catching anything, they will switch over to this method. Bring a light sweater in case theres a chilly sea breeze, a towel, and flat, non-slip shoes. Most of the guides we work with depart from Nassau. This means superb Snapper and Grouper action. There are a number of regulations to think of. While swimming they commonly display a technique known as tailing, in which only the dorsal lobe of the caudal fin is visible above the surface of the water. Thats why its on the $100 note. With warm breezes, sunny skies, and plenty of fishing charters available for short trips and longer excursions, Nassau Paradise Island is great for experienced fishers and beginner anglers. The fish is usually blueish-black to cobalt blue on top with a silverish-white underside. Check out this guide to fishing in The Bahamas. 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. Inshore fishing: What fish to expect Some anglers will choose to get their fishing trip in earlier because the temperature is highest in the afternoon. Fish you can expect to catch when inshore fishing in Nassau, include bonefish, red snapper and the Nassau grouper. But these fellas are just the opening act for the main star, the magnificent Blue Marlin. Charities include; Breast Cancer Research Foundation, IGFA, Joe DiMaggios Childrens Hospital and many other organizations in need. I will be staying in Freeport, what are the odds I can find a charter to put me on dorado or wahoo?? 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. Historically aggregations had tens of thousands of fish, but today these numbers have dwindled significantly. While its tempting to go with the lesser expensive option, you might just get what you paid for. The experienced crew member hastily reaches for the rod to set the hook into the catch before handing it over to you. document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there , need to talk to the local fisherman for the real story , I like what you saying , only you dont know half. The day is widely celebrated through the Bahamas as August Monday. 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. (Outdoor man style). They enter the scene in June and stay around through July. The idea is catching more, and bigger fish. Explore the beautiful crystal clear waters of Nassau, The Bahamas by boat with Te'vaughn Adventures Charter and Fishing Taking safety measures. Dec 28, 2022. Choose from trolling for large trophy fish or getting in on the action with light tackle in more shallow waters. Angling enthusiasts descend on the Bahamas throughout the year to pit themselves against some of the biggest predators of the sea. Bonefishing is popular in The Bahamas as a type of sport fishing. In the past 13 years, Kylie loved to work with various newspapers, magazines and blogs in the Caribbean. Whether youre a local forging your way through the waters on your own boat, or a vacationer seeking expert advice, youll be sure to find the type of fishing that suits your needs. A long pectoral fin doubled with a tail larger than its body, make for a very strong and fast fish. Spearing lobster is legal in The Bahamas. Like its cousin the marlin and swordfish, it has an elongated bill, and is commonly known as a billfish. Swimming for miles, and sometimes crossing the ocean multiple times increases their nutritional requirements. 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 water is typically shallow in these areas, making it easier to spearfish. Amenities can so often be overlooked. Unfortunately, the only captain in Freeport listed on FishingBooker seems to focus on inshore and nearshore fishing. 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. Fortunately, most charter companies in Nassau will provide you with most of the fishing gear you need, but its always best to check when booking your excursion. When transporting by air to any US destination you should contact the US Fish and Wildlife Service for regulations regarding transport of lobsters, fish and conch. To the reefs! Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish - Take Your Pick! The artificial lure should be between 7 and 14 inches and fished at a speed of 7.5 to 9 knots. Commonly, inshore fishing is defined as fishing in water that is less than 90 feet which would require the use of a small vessel. document.getElementById( "ak_js_6" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How about Cobia? Coordinates: 25.058 ,-77.343. To catch the crown jewel of the Bahamas, the splashing action and bubble trail of an artificial lure is usually a more popular option. So if you have your heart set on catching a deep-sea tuna or marlin, this is the time to head out. You might be a seasoned angler looking to catch a sport fish and have it mounted but are unfamiliar with the Bahamas. Buckle up, because well be covering all of Cancuns fishing seasons so you know [], Deeply rooted in history and culture, Durban is also an angling magnate. I hope you have many more amazing fishing days in the Bahamas, James! Flat, non-slip shoes. 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. Grab your snorkel and mask to peek at colorful tropical fish and haunting shipwrecks, or go a little deeper during a scuba-diving excursion. Thinking about making a fishing trip part of your Nassau Paradise Island vacation? Similarly, most companies will scale/fillet/clean/bag the fish for you so you can take it home, or if you intend on taking your days catch to a restaurant to cook it. Specializing in offshore deep sea fishing, the company has five boats to take you to some prime Bahamas fishing spots. In an archipelago of over 700 islands, picking one perfect fishing spot will always be the tough part. Estuaries and bays are also considered attractive inshore fishing spots. It's no surprise that the Bahamas boast some of the best big game action on the planet, and the Nassau nook of the archipelago is no different. Jan 22, 2019. Save. Here are the best of the best. Most bonefish charters offer morning and afternoon tours. When you book your excursion, ask if there are any necessary items you need to pack. 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. Is this a good time of year for that? $75 per person for 1 hour . Big game fishing is popular in The Bahamas where fishermen can catch huge fish lurking in the waters such as blue marlin or yellowfin tuna. Bonefishing, simply put, is the most famous of all Bahamas fishing, attracting enthusiasts from all over the world. Atlantis Paradise Island. With such variety, it is very easy to understand the lure to world-class competitors. Looking to reel in the catch of the day in luxury? If youre on vacation, then you wont want to worry about packing a picnic basket or a cooler box. Free cancellation. Although adult grouper are usually solitary animals, during the full moon of November to March (winter) they migrate over long distances, grouping together in large numbers to breed. The red snapper is a bottom-feeding fish typically found around rocks, reefs, and wrecks. There are many types of Bahamian grouper, but the Nassau grouper is easily distinguished. Bahamas Billfish Championship is the best-known tournament in the country, with hundreds of anglers coming to compete 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. Still not enough for you? Tempting the Bluefin with the right bait is the key to a successful catch. The Nassau grouper represents the most important finfish in the Caribbean and is valued as a major fishery resource. Whether youre a first-timer or a seasoned spear-o there are plenty of opportunities to get some great fish including grouper, hogfish, snapper, lobster, or conch. Though teeming with marine life, the two main fish you will encounter right from the shoreline are red snapper and grouper. Anglers of all skill levels love the challenge of reeling in remarkable predators that outweigh them. Youll find the best snapper and grouper action when the water is warmer, during spring and summer. Dont worry these are just the A-listers. Inshore fishing: What fish to expect in Nassau? The crew will have everything you need. Thats why were here to talk to you today [], Right at the top of Mexicos famous Riviera Maya resort district, youll find the city of Cancun. Offshore: Heavy-duty equipment, large heavy bait. the right waters low tide spots with soft, steady ripples along the surface. Short trips or long excursions, deep-sea fanatics eagerly attempt to beat over 50 world records set here. Both the blue and white marlin are spectacular jumpers and persevering fighters. For more information on what to expect when fishing in the Nassau area, check out our blog. Size: 3 38 inches carapace length or six inches tail length. Discover a deep-sea fishing experience and fish for a record-breaking catch. Impossible to spot. Its a delicacy not to be missed. You must possess a valid Bahamas cruising permit anytime you are on board your boat or in water when not on a dock, obtained at a designated port of entry. Once you hear that reel scream, strap yourself into the fighting chair and fish on! Location: Old Bahama Bay Resort & Marina 4 hours. document.getElementById( "ak_js_16" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); With havin so much content and articles do you ever Unlike a day out on the beach, there are a few essentials you should consider bringing on the boat with you before heading out to sea, especially if its a full day excursion. Yellowfin are the most popular catches, but you can also get Blackfin or Skipjack on the line. Your prey are most active during the times of low visibility, usually just before sunrise and at dusk, when the fish come closer to the surface to feed. They usually have yellow-tipped fins and narrow light-yellow bands above their side fins. Permit fishing at Abaco is unheralded because most fly fishers go there strictly for the bonefishing, but it may be the best place in the Bahamas for a flats grand slam. From the deep waters of the Atlantic, we move to the shallow sandy flats that are the home of Bonefish. A school of breeding fish is called a spawning aggregation. Tidestation: Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas. The most fruitful spearfishing is done on reefs or around heads of coral, where the fish tend to hide. Bahamians are doing their best to keep their marine life safe and we should do the same. The largest of all tuna species, Bluefin tuna can weigh more than 500 pounds and stretch more than six feet in length. 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. It was a perfect day all around. First Strike Charters combines a grand voyage with the excitement of landing the big one. You might be under the impression that the Bahamians are rather relaxed about the rules of spearfishing. Copyright Hello Paradise - The Official Sandals Resorts Travel & Lifestyle Blog. Below are a few considerations to help you gauge whether you have found the right captain. All rights reserved. Bonefish are among the most famous fish in The Bahamas, and they are prominent all day long. Whether its bonefishing, spearfishing, deep-sea fishing or reef fishing, anglers cast their lines throughout the year here in the capital city. document.getElementById( "ak_js_9" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The blue marlin is literally our National fish. If youre going out with a charter, then your guide will take care of everything for you. So when that time comes in the summer, you better be ready to rumble, because the fish will be! National Marine Parks are strictly off limits for any kind of fishing. violation? The best part, its only a short boat ride away from Miami, so you just need to pick your vacation days, book a charter, and off you go. Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas Courtesy of Breezes Set on the white sands of Cable Beach, located near Nassau on New Providence Island, Breezes Bahamas boasts three pools overlooking the beach,. 2017 All rights reserved. At high tide, water is flooded into the mangroves. Per boat, you cannot exceed ten tails of crawfish or lobster. My wife and I have been thinking of going on a trip for our anniversary that is secluded and relaxing since our full-time jobs can be stressful. Inshore: Smaller varieties such as yellowtail, kingfish, redfish (drum and sheepshead), snapper, and grouper. Photo credit: ChameleonsEye/Shutterstock.com Tough to trick. Make sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection. Best Spearfishing Locations. Join more than 150,000 others who receive exclusive access to the best beach deals in Nassau Paradise Island. After that, you can switch to bottom fishing for Grouper. Being engulfed in the Indian Ocean means that fishing in fishing in Durban is nothing short of majestic. Though, they are not impartial to bigger prey. Of these fish, the marlin is the most well-known here. All Rights Reserved. The blue marlin, however, wins the prize for being stronger and more powerful. Most fishing charters in Nassau Paradise Island provide everything you need to catch a fish, and some even provide lunch. Picture: A Caribbean Spiny lobster, one of the top exports of the Bahamas. Spearfishing is not allowed within 200 yards of the coast of any of the Bahamian Out Islands. Born Free Charters even offer a no fish, no pay policy on their full-day charters! Discover the beauty of the Great Inagua National Park and spot native Caribbean Flamingos, wild donkeys and more. They took us to the best fishing spot, my kids caught a ton of fish. As the old saying goes, there are plenty of fish in the sea. Blues are ferocious fighters and their aerial spectacles are matched by none, which makes them the ultimate catch of every sportfisherman worth their salt. 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. Theres no shortage of those in the Bahamas! Margaritaville Beach Resort, Nassau, Bahamas, The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas, https://www.facebook.com/nassauparadiseisland, https://www.instagram.com/nassauparadiseisland/, https://www.tiktok.com/@nassauparadiseisland. Bimini is known for its incredible scuba diving and snorkelling spots, its abundant waters teeming with tuna, and its endless white sandy beaches. However, youll find some on Exuma, Andros, and even Long Island. Actively hunting for sharks is currently illegal in The Bahamas. Accommodation: Top-Rated Resorts in Nassau, Bahamas 3. Four to eight hours on a boat might not be so much fun if you find there isnt a bathroom on the boat or a fridge to keep your refreshments chilled. The Bahamas offers some of the best fishing in the world, so its no surprise that it is also host to world-class spearfishing. Thanks for reading and special thanks for pointing out that Sharks shouldnt be listed because of the conservation efforts in the Bahamas, we fixed it now. 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. Located just 25 minutes by boat You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Do they offer inshore/light tackle fighting (good for beginners and kids)? A day out on a boat should be fun. 4-12 hour fishing trips for family and friends. Photo - Pat Ford Great Abaco also has some of the most underrated permit fishing in the Bahamas. Do your due diligence and ask the charter what fishing opportunities they offer. WHAT'S THE CATCH: Marlin Tuna Sailfish Dolphin What's Biting? If you love the heat, you may have less competition on the water if you go for an afternoon charter. document.getElementById( "ak_js_7" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Youre right, theres some decent Cobia around Andros, both on the flats (excellent for Tarpon as well) and offshore. Are You A Foodie Heading To The Bahamas? Copyright 2023 Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board. The reason for this is because the tuna push baitfish up to the surface of the water thus inviting the birds to swoop down to feed. Offshore fishing: What fish to expect Picture yourself poling across gin-clear flats just one cast away from a potential world record. 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. A day of fishing in Nassau promises to be one of the best experiences you are yet to experience out at sea. The staff is attentive and very helpful. These rules and regulations have been put in place for a reason and it is these reasons you are still able to enjoy beautiful days at sea creating memories to last you a lifetime. This will determine the type of fishing charter you should choose. Whether a first-timer or a seasoned angler, youll find theres more to the crystal-clear Bahamian waters than just swimming and diving. Picture: Father and son posing with their catch of the mahi mahi and one barracuda. Born Free Charters. Are you ready to reel in the fishing adventure of your dreams? If you see birds diving into the water to find food, you know youve hit gold. 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. Your fishing options are plentiful off the shores of Nassau. White marlin and blue marlin fishing have many similarities, particularly in the dramatic show that the fish puts on when caught. During this time, fish swim into the mangroves for shelter and are less accessible. You can do so here. While not the easiest fish to catch, Bahamian experts recommend an early morning rise as success is more likely at daybreak. This means they need to consume large quantities of food if they are to survive the cold ocean waters. There are so many reasons to visit this beautiful part of the Yucatan Peninsula, but here were only interested in one thing fishing. beast might have severe consequences on your back. Thanks for the article. A single 500-pound fish can be sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars. 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. While the larger males usually weigh about 350 pounds, a female can reach up to 1,800 pounds. Tuna fishing in Nassau, Bahamas will be a workout, not to mention a thrilling experience you'll want to repeat. If you havent caught one before, youll recognize it as sushi, the Japanese delicacy. A great tip to locating tuna is to look out for the birds. Queen triggerfish (or turbot), though beautiful, are not the cream of the crop when fishing in Nassau. Picture: The Silver Ghost, almost invisibe to the naked eye. Theyre fierce fighters and having one fight you on an 8 wt rod is enough to get anyones blood pumping. Found offshore and inshore, the barracuda can grow up to six feet in length and a foot wide, with a row of razor-sharp teeth that can intimidate even the most seasoned fisherman. 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. These Are The Best Restaurants In Nassau! There is a short trip from the airport. When you book your excursion, ask if there are any necessary items you need to pack. Luminous water in shades of electric blue merges with bone-white sand, creating a dazzling backdrop for a range of water sports. There are also Hawks Nest Wahoo and Bimini Wahoo Mayhem Fishing Tournament that offers the highest money prizes. Hopefully someone on that island can help me out. Stone Crabs must have a harvestable claw of four inches. During low tide, many of the flats dry out, causing fish to group together in the entrance to the channels in deeper waters. Leg Two, Abaco Diamond Series. document.getElementById( "ak_js_13" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on December 14, 2020 Shallow waters, ledges, reefs, and rocky bottoms are perfect spots to look for Hogfish. Expert Tip: Use squid as your bait when fishing from the shore. Experiences taking safety measures. A private charter is your best bet. With warm breezes, sunny skies, and plenty of fishing charters available for short trips and longer excursions, Nassau Paradise Island is great for experienced fishers and beginner anglers.