In our Bahamian waters, the species typically have a row of darker crossbars on each side. The largest red snappers can live for up to 20 years. Its awesome that Marlin is your national fish because its so loved in the Bahamas, we mentioned it in the article as well. 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. And its easy to see why! top of page. Unless youre a citizen of the Bahamas, youre going to need a valid fishing license before you cast your line. Theres a number of ways to entice one of the fastest fish in the ocean, and trolling is the most popular technique. Born Free Fishing Charters offers half-day and full-day charters. Have you ever been fishing in the Bahamas? The last thing you want is to be living out your worst nightmare in the middle of the ocean. Try your hand at light-tackle fishing or take a half-day boat charter. You dont want to get stuck on a tuna charter, when all you wanted to do was fish bonefish. #2 Best Value of 24 Fishing Resorts in Bahamas "If you were looking for a charter to go snorkeling or fishing Sandyport Resort can line that up for you." "Nicely laid out resort with excellent access to ocean beach, lagoon, and pool swimming. With Hunter Charters, youre a mere 15 minutes from catching marlin, sailfish, Mahi Mahi, and more! Here are the best of the best. Since many fish feed in the early morning hours, fish action will be at its peak! The Bahamas offers some of the best fishing in the world, so its no surprise that it is also host to world-class spearfishing. These ocean warriors can grow up to eight and nine feet in length and top out at two hundred pounds. Tough to trick. The silver underside of a bluefins body is marked with white dots and uneven lines. Check out this guide to fishing in The Bahamas. Thanks for reading our blog and reaching out. 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. Of these fish, the marlin is the most well-known here. The water is warmer and the fish are more aggressive. Until you have successfully hooked your first barracuda, you have not yet experienced deep-sea fishing. Fish you can expect to catch when inshore fishing in Nassau, include bonefish, red snapper and the Nassau grouper. Do they only do smaller time deep-sea fishing? If an adrenaline rush on the water doesnt cut it for you, then your next adventure should be underwater. Sun and Moon. These large predators are the only warm-blooded fish of its species. Camera to capture your Ernest Hemingway moment. Though not the biggest of the game fish, once on your line, mahi-mahi are incredibly fast. But these fellas are just the opening act for the main star, the magnificent Blue Marlin. Or simply soak up the island views from the deck of a sailboat or a fun day cruise. All levels of fishing abilities, including children are encouraged. Can, Cover image credit: icemanphotos/Shutterstock.com The month of April is a great time of year to travel! Flat, non-slip shoes. The right vessel for you when fishing in Nassau will ultimately come down to your budget. A favorite among families, reef or dry-ground fishing is far less wearing than the demands of bonefishing and easier on the pocket than deep-sea fishing. document.getElementById( "ak_js_13" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on December 14, 2020 Top Bahamas fishing charters in 2023, from $75 p/p. What to bring on the boat Inshore fishing: What fish to expect If youre going out with a charter, then your guide will take care of everything for you. Tidestation: Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas. Choose from trolling for large trophy fish or getting in on the action with light tackle in more shallow waters. Nassau Paradise Islands picture-perfect turquoise waters and sunny skies await. the right waters low tide spots with soft, steady ripples along the surface. 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. Also contributing to the Bluefins elusiveness. You know you have a good fight ahead. Looking to reel in the catch of the day in luxury? So if you have your heart set on catching a deep-sea tuna or marlin, this is the time to head out. While the larger males usually weigh about 350 pounds, a female can reach up to 1,800 pounds. Billfishing in this part of the ocean is simply outstanding, with plenty of grander Marlin to test your skill, strength, and patience. West End, Grand Bahama. The eggs are held beneath the tail, so keep your eyes open and be vigilant. First Strike Charters combines a grand voyage with the excitement of landing the big one. 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. I guesss Ill look into where I want to stay first and then dig in to finding a captain. We hope youll have a great and relaxing trip. You cannot harvest female stone crabs or crawfish and all species of turtle are illegal to harvest. There are a lot of fishing charters on the main islands that organize a great variety of trips, depending on what youd like to catch and how much time youve got. Offshore: Longer distances and durations (often overnight), larger boats & fish (more ice required). As there are hundreds upon hundreds of fish to target, there are many different types of fishing to help you get your prey of choice. If you love the heat, you may have less competition on the water if you go for an afternoon charter. Experiences taking safety measures. As for the Sawfish, the Bahamas are their sanctuary the species was very close to extinction but is now recovering due to the great living conditions they have in the Bahamian waters. Marlins can reach weights of more than 1,000 pounds. With Hunter Charters, you're a mere 15 minutes from catching marlin, sailfish, Mahi Mahi, and more! For example, youre not allowed to wear scuba gear when spearfishing, you can only do so by free diving. Generally weighing less than 10 pounds and are between one and two feet in length, they have been known to reach up to 40 inches long and weighing in at 50 pounds. These Are The Best Restaurants In Nassau! Not only that, but some of the best fishing tournaments on the planet take place here during the high season. While not the easiest fish to catch, Bahamian experts recommend an early morning rise as success is more likely at daybreak. Youre not going to be short on fish, after all. Famous for its deep-sea fishing and record-breaking catches, anglers are drawn to Paradise in search of their next big catch. Nov 4, 2022. 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. 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. Commonly, inshore fishing is defined as fishing in water that is less than 90 feet which would require the use of a small vessel. Copyright 2023 Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board. Picture: A local diver spearing himself a Nassau grouper. These silvery fish are close to impossible to see in the crystal-clear waters of the flats and channels, which makes the experience all the more exciting. Offshore: Heavy-duty equipment, large heavy bait. Dont worry these are just the A-listers. 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. Here Are The Best Places To Travel In April For Couples. The rounded dorsal, pectoral, and anal fins are the notable differentiating characteristics of the white marlin. Thanks for the article. Specializing in offshore deep sea fishing, the company has five boats to take you to some prime Bahamas fishing spots. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_8" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Forgot to mention Baracuda lots of fun on light tackle. Shallow waters, ledges, reefs, and rocky bottoms are perfect spots to look for Hogfish. Discover a deep-sea fishing experience and fish for a record-breaking catch. Most companies will also be happy to make recommendations of where you can take it to be cooked for you. document.getElementById( "ak_js_17" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for your comment. If you suffer from sea sickness, pack some anti-nausea medication or pick up a pair of sea-band wristbands that help alleviate your reaction to the motion of the ocean. You can choose to have your catch grilled and prepared at the Green Parrot restaurant, have it mounted and sent home, or donate to a family in need. Craving Some Adventure? Yellowfin are the most popular catches, but you can also get Blackfin or Skipjack on the line. Due to its popularity as a commercial fish, the population of the red snapper has declined. Both the blue and white marlin are spectacular jumpers and persevering fighters. Bonefish are among the most famous fish in The Bahamas, and they are prominent all day long. The tail fin has yellow and grey coloring. Offshore: Seasonality often dictates what type of fish you will catch. Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis, Paradise Island. After that, you can switch to bottom fishing for Grouper. Filters 1. The staff is attentive and very helpful. 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. Caught a bunch on the West Side of Andros. Bimini is known for its incredible scuba diving and snorkelling spots, its abundant waters teeming with tuna, and its endless white sandy beaches. Where to go for the best fly fishing in The Bahamas? Glad to hear youll be exploring Nassau soon. Born Free Charters. When you book your excursion, ask if there are any necessary items you need to pack. If you are looking for the adventure of a lifetime, fishing in Nassau might very well be it. Theres no shortage of those in the Bahamas! This tournament is not-for-profit. Unfortunately it is very easy for people to plagiarize content on the internet its as simple as a copy and paste. The largest of all tuna species, Bluefin tuna can weigh more than 500 pounds and stretch more than six feet in length. It was a perfect day all around. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Headed down the second week of February. 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. From the deep waters of the Atlantic, we move to the shallow sandy flats that are the home of Bonefish. 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. A side of the islands most people don't explore. Go to Snorkeling Snorkeling. Preferably not flip-flops or sandals. The Bahamas is also the host of two qualifying tournaments for the invitation-only Offshore World Championship Series. Hopefully someone on that island can help me out. 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. 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. As the old saying goes, there are plenty of fish in the sea. Its always advised to be gentle with them when you get one on the line and to release them unharmed. While its tempting to go with the lesser expensive option, you might just get what you paid for. A day out on a boat should be fun. The artificial lure should be between 7 and 14 inches and fished at a speed of 7.5 to 9 knots. Well, Bonefish may not look like much at first, but theyre one of the hardest challenges an angler can face. A long pectoral fin doubled with a tail larger than its body, make for a very strong and fast fish. 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. Angling enthusiasts descend on the Bahamas throughout the year to pit themselves against some of the biggest predators of the sea. Join more than 150,000 others who receive exclusive access to the best beach deals in Nassau Paradise Island. Do they offer inshore/light tackle fighting (good for beginners and kids)? Noted for its incredible fight, the Sailfish is widely known as the world-class fighter. Offshore: Larger fish such as amberjack, Mako sharks, blackfin, yellowfin, wahoo, marlin, cobia, dorado, king mackerel. 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. 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. The marlin effortlessly launches itself out of the water displaying its strength as you stand your ground in your vessel. You might be a seasoned angler looking to catch a sport fish and have it mounted but are unfamiliar with the Bahamas. And targeting them on the fly is an unforgettable experience. 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. Replete with sea life, the surrounding ocean makes for the perfect destination to test and perfect your angling skills. Unwavering in their pursuit, even the most seasoned anglers will be challenged to bring one in. 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. There are also Hawks Nest Wahoo and Bimini Wahoo Mayhem Fishing Tournament that offers the highest money prizes. Journey to the remote island of Inagua for some of the best birding and ecotourism The Bahamas has to offer. Whether a first-timer or a seasoned angler, youll find theres more to the crystal-clear Bahamian waters than just swimming and diving. Are you ready to reel in the fishing adventure of your dreams? Check how many years they have been in business. The Blue Marlin bite is so good that theyre on the countrys coat of arms and currency. 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. over the web without my agreement. Theres no reason why a charter wouldnt be able to take you out. With a preference for warmer waters and warmer temperatures, the marlins generally stay in the tropical areas of the Atlantic Ocean, particularly in the waters of the Caribbean and Central and South America, as well as the coast of Africa near the equator. Marlins are known for their size with the females growing up to four times as large as the males. Though teeming with marine life, the two main fish you will encounter right from the shoreline are red snapper and grouper. If youre heading out on your own you could join a shared a charter, or if youre part of a larger group, you might want to consider a private charter. Theyre fierce fighters and having one fight you on an 8 wt rod is enough to get anyones blood pumping. Check out this guide to fishing in The Bahamas. An offshore trip? This event caters to fishing enthusiasts wishing to visit the Abacos and enjoy the hunt of the blue marlin and Tuna. Yellowfin tuna of the Bahamas can range between 10 to over 400 pounds. Are you ready to reel in the fishing adventure of your dreams? A standard size charter will cater for up to six people (known as six packs), while party charters can hold up to 60 people. Estuaries and bays are also considered attractive inshore fishing spots. There are many types of Bahamian grouper, but the Nassau grouper is easily distinguished. Mid-February may be a little early for Dorado, but Wahoo should show up in the Bahamas in good numbers. If you see birds diving into the water to find food, you know youve hit gold. Their spawning season is during the summers, therefore among the best times of the year for a delicious red-fleshed steak. Holiday-makers from the US uncovered the riches of these coastlines long ago, but not everyone has fully explored what we think makes coming here so special. 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. Those are some mighty fine words, and theyre easy to back up. When fishing in the flats, its important to pay attention to the impact of the tides. While not the largest of the tuna family, they certainly put up a fight that rivals any fish in the ocean. Also Sawfish and huge Tarpon. Nassau, Bahamas. This time of year is also good for long fishing trips because the ocean is calm and the weather predictable. $75 per person for 1 hour . The fish is usually blueish-black to cobalt blue on top with a silverish-white underside. The best spearfishing locations in the Bahamas are typically around coral reefs and wrecks. In fact, its the national fish of The Bahamas and is even featured on our Coat of Arms! Its this inexplicable thrill that keeps fishermen returning for fishing in Nassau, Bahamas. While yellowfin tuna can be caught worldwide, youll be hard-pressed to find a better place than the Bahamas. Expert Tip: Be aware that these rules & regulations are subject to change at any time. Below are a few guidelines to help you quickly identify the difference: The Bahamas is one of the few countries which still has an many of sharks in its waters. 2017 All rights reserved. 4 hours. Lobsters brought back to Florida must be in whole condition and not tailed (see picture below). Id like to go on a reef/inshore fishing trip for snapper and grouper. You can fish from any beach there. The southern side of the island is by far the most celebrated for bonefishing. View our maps and read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers. Differentiating itself from the white marlin, blue marlin is larger in size but the most recognizable characteristics are its high dorsal fin and its long pointed bill. Below are a few Bahamian spearfishing laws you will need to take into consideration: Scuba gear is not allowed under Bahamian law to catch fish. 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. Read reviews on Yelp and TripAdvisor to get other peoples thoughts and opinions on how the captain operates, what the boat is like, what the crew is like, and whether it was a good experience. Perhaps youll be out with your family or maybe with your buddies looking for a lazy day filled with water activities. 4.7. Born Free Charters even offer a no fish, no pay policy on their full-day charters! Specializing in offshore deep sea fishing, the company has five boats to take you to some prime Bahamas fishing spots. Once you hear that reel scream, strap yourself into the fighting chair and fish on! Anglers of all skill levels love the challenge of reeling in remarkable predators that outweigh them. You might be under the impression that the Bahamians are rather relaxed about the rules of spearfishing. 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. Expert Tip: Use squid as your bait when fishing from the shore. For shallow water fishing the twilight periods are often the most productive fishing times, especially on days when a major or . Your captain will guide you through the best fishing spots surrounding Nassau Paradise Island. Its size, strength and rarity are what give it its appeal. This will help the captain select the right boat for the trip youre planning. Learn more. Outdoor Activities. Thank you for reading the blog, Im glad you liked the post. It is for this very reason that fishing of grouper fish is banned during spawning season in efforts to minimize endangerment. If luck is on your side and you nab yourself some jewels of the ocean, ask a local to prepare your fresh catch for you and see what sea to table dining is all about. Also, be clear about what type of fishing you want to do. Now think how itll feel to do all that and more in a single day. Historically aggregations had tens of thousands of fish, but today these numbers have dwindled significantly. Fishing in the Bahamas is a rite of passage for any ambitious angler. Are You A Foodie Heading To The Bahamas? Then onto snorkeling and lunch at Rose island. 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. Both of these are Caribbean destinations. You can expect to find Nassau grouper, hogfish, yellowtail snapper, and many other types of fish. The best time for fishing is in the morning. 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. To catch the crown jewel of the Bahamas, the splashing action and bubble trail of an artificial lure is usually a more popular option. With Hunter Charters, you're a mere 15 minutes from catching marlin, sailfish, Mahi Mahi, and more! Interesting fact: All groupers are born female, and some will change to male when they reach breeding age. beast might have severe consequences on your back. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Inshore fishing: What fish to expect in Nassau? You want to enjoy your day out on the boat with all the refreshments that your need at hand. He can risks you to the reef for a hour or 2 and catch some fish. This Deep Sea and Bottom fishing tournament has been part of the landscape for more than thirty years. Many Snapper and Grouper varieties are available year-round, so the chances are you wont end up empty-handed. 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. Picture: A Caribbean Spiny lobster, one of the top exports of the Bahamas. Your dream of deep-sea fishing may come to a screeching halt if all the charter only has canoes. At high tide, water is flooded into the mangroves. Bonefish are among the most famous fish in The Bahamas, and they are prominent all day long. Sportfishing brings in an incredible $500 million every year. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_16" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); With havin so much content and articles do you ever The yellowfin tuna is the most common of the tuna species found in the Bahamas. Join more than 150,000 others who receive exclusive access to the best beach deals in Nassau Paradise Island. The maximum capacity is 10 anglers plus the Captain and First Mate. The captain will also be able to best advise if youre fishing in Nassau out of season. 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 second dorsal fin is a mix of grey and yellow in color. 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. Accommodation: Top-Rated Resorts in Nassau, Bahamas 3. However, theyre critically endangered, so we would recommend releasing them whenever possible. Which technique or type youll pick depends on your personal preferences and what youd like to target. If you love the heat, you may have less competition on the water if you go for an afternoon charter. I hope the info helps, enjoy your vacation! Accept a coveted Custom Shootout invitation. During the months of June and July, large blackfin are in abundance making them easier to find in open water. 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. Choose a charter that is near where you are staying. If you are new to the fishing scene, youre about to discover that when fishing in Nassau, you will experience some of the fiercest fishing in the archipelago, with Bonefish as the focus inshore.