Most companies will also be happy to make recommendations of where you can take it to be cooked for you. These guys peak in the winter and move off just as the rest of the gang rolls into town. Egg-bearing lobsters are protected and are off-limits. Bring a light sweater in case theres a chilly sea breeze, a towel, and flat, non-slip shoes. Location: Old Bahama Bay Resort & Marina Tuna fishing in Nassau, Bahamas will be a workout, not to mention a thrilling experience you'll want to repeat. Your captain will guide you through the best fishing spots surrounding Nassau Paradise Island. Double check the boat has a fighting chair. Born Free Fishing Charters offers half-day and full-day charters. If an adrenaline rush on the water doesnt cut it for you, then your next adventure should be underwater. And if you are EXTREMELY lucky, a Conch Pearl. Grab your rod and bait and cast off into the deep blue sea as you anxiously await a bite! By far, one of the best water adventures is securing a boat rental for your first fishing experience in Nassau. Nassau, Freeport, Abaco, Bimini. During the months of June and July, large blackfin are in abundance making them easier to find in open water. If you are looking for a company that provides packed/boxed lunches, some charters will do it at a nominal fee. Here are the main ones: Bag limit: 6 per person. Photo credit: ChameleonsEye/Shutterstock.com Do they only do smaller time deep-sea fishing? The bigger the fish the more rewarding the challenge. Please ask your crew for full safety directions for the charter. 1. 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. Born on the tropical island that is Saint Lucia affords a never-ending source of inspiration. West End, Grand Bahama. Bonefish are among the most famous fish in The Bahamas, and they are prominent all day long. You can go out on the flats on a small skiff or do some wade fishing during the low tide, its up to you. Swimming for miles, and sometimes crossing the ocean multiple times increases their nutritional requirements. As easy as a Sunday, Bahamas mahi mahi fishing makes for a lovely day out at sea. Picture: A Caribbean Spiny lobster, one of the top exports of the Bahamas. 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. Most of the guides we work with depart from Nassau. Taking safety measures. The waters surrounding Nassau Paradise Island are home to many different species of fish. 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. Save. #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. White marlin and blue marlin fishing have many similarities, particularly in the dramatic show that the fish puts on when caught. There is a short trip from the airport. While yellowfin tuna can be caught worldwide, youll be hard-pressed to find a better place than the Bahamas. As for fishing, its great wherever you depart from . 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. If you love the heat, you may have less competition on the water if you go for an afternoon charter. When you book your excursion, ask if there are any necessary items you need to pack. Picture: A local diver spearing himself a Nassau grouper. You want to enjoy your day out on the boat with all the refreshments that your need at hand. Youll find the best snapper and grouper action when the water is warmer, during spring and summer. Which technique or type youll pick depends on your personal preferences and what youd like to target. Traveler favorites. With such variety, it is very easy to understand the lure to world-class competitors. Both of these are Caribbean destinations. You will compete among the most elite fleet of sport boats assembled in one location. Born Free Fishing Charters offers half-day and full-day charters. The artificial lure should be between 7 and 14 inches and fished at a speed of 7.5 to 9 knots. The best season to fish Bahamas is during the months of May to September when you can expect to catch marlin, snapper, dolphin, amberjack, and yellowfin tuna. Reef Fishing Fly Fishing Deep Sea Fishing The Bahamas is well known for its deep sea fishing and record-breaking catches. Will you be looking to catch enough for a meal for two or are hoping to stock up for a rainy day? The Bluefins are celebrated for their tender and flavorful meat. Bonefish are among the most famous fish in The Bahamas, and they are prominent all day long. In the Bahamas, you will arrive to find the most beautiful blue waters perfect for swimming and fishing. 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. 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. Here are the best of the best. Call. 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. The summer sees an influx of permit and tarpon. 4 hours. National Marine Parks are strictly off limits for any kind of fishing. Feb 16, 2023. Most of them are uninhabited, but Great Harbour Cay and Chub Cay prove irresistible to avid anglers and island life enthusiasts. The Bahamas offers some of the best fishing in the world, so its no surprise that it is also host to world-class spearfishing. Cover image credit: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock.com The Bahamas, an archipelago of over 700 islands and cays, is known and loved for a host of things including its unique cuisine. One of the oldest fishing tournaments in existence, this is a major visitor attraction during the month of August. These ocean warriors can grow up to eight and nine feet in length and top out at two hundred pounds. 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. This means they need to consume large quantities of food if they are to survive the cold ocean waters. Just like Grouper, Snapper, and Lobster, Hogfish are abundant in the Bahamas. Inshore fishing: What fish to expect You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Well, its simple you can target just about any fish you can think of. The boat may troll up to 10 knots for this catch. We can't talk about the Nassau fishing scene without giving a prominent spot to the Billfish. It is family oriented, catering to local fishing enthusiasts and visitors wishing to visit the Abacos and participate. Want to enjoy world-class sport fishing in the blue Bahamian sea? 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. Expert Tip: Use squid as your bait when fishing from the shore. Choosing the right charter 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. Most bonefish charters offer morning and afternoon tours. By Reel Dreams Sport Fishing Charters. In our Bahamian waters, the species typically have a row of darker crossbars on each side. If youre going out with a charter, then your guide will take care of everything for you. Yellowfin are the most popular catches, but you can also get Blackfin or Skipjack on the line. Just 50 teams represent the U.S. custom boat manufacturers in this all charity event. 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. Depending on the depth, you could reel in Red, Strawberry (Red Hind), Yellowfin, and Black Grouper. Craving Some Adventure? You might be a seasoned angler looking to catch a sport fish and have it mounted but are unfamiliar with the Bahamas. The Bahamas Rotary Tuna Classic, Annual Tournament features prizes and a grand trophy for the largest tuna. Distinguished mostly by its silvery sides and chalky-white belly, this game fish varies in color from dark blue to dark green or even gray on its upper body. Noted for its incredible fight, the Sailfish is widely known as the world-class fighter. 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? Are you ready to reel in the fishing adventure of your dreams? 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. Test your luck and see if you can catch your dinner without losing sight of the shore! The only exception is Wahoo, which always seem to do their own thing. This is not true, in fact the opposite. In the Bahamas, Blackfins hunt and feed mainly in the mornings as well as early afternoons. Inshore: Smaller varieties such as yellowtail, kingfish, redfish (drum and sheepshead), snapper, and grouper. Do you want to do an inshore trip? Sun and Moon. violation? Id genuinely appreciate it. You already know that the Bahamas is an amazing vacation destination, but now you know that its unmatched when it comes to fishing too. Accommodation: Top-Rated Resorts in Nassau, Bahamas 3. With Hunter Charters, youre a mere 15 minutes from catching marlin, sailfish, Mahi Mahi, and more! Born Free Fishing Charters offers half-day and full-day charters. Year-round fishing, paired with some of the most favorable conditions, makes The Bahamas an ultimate fishing destination. Nassau, Bahamas. The Bahamas boasts world-famous fishing flats with miles of shallow water along the shore and mangroves. Sportfishing brings in an incredible $500 million every year. Here are the best of the best. During low tide, many of the flats dry out, causing fish to group together in the entrance to the channels in deeper waters. If you love the heat, you may have less competition on the water if you go for an afternoon charter. November The right vessel for you when fishing in Nassau will ultimately come down to your budget. Thinking about making a fishing trip part of your Nassau Paradise Island vacation? Rose Island. Bahamas Fishing Charters YellowTail Charters has 30yrs experience specializing in Fishing Nassau Deep Sea Shelfs, Reefs, Snorkeling and Nassau Island tours. 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. The countrys clear, sandy flats are the perfect breeding ground for super-sized fish. If you want to do some reef fishing which you will catch a ton of fish in a hour. Picture yourself poling across gin-clear flats just one cast away from a potential world record. More time on the water means youll have more chance of making a catch. Share your thoughts and fish tales in the comments below! 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. Tough to trick. Lobsters season opens August 1st and runs until March 31st. A visit to The Bahamas during spring or early summer can get you a catch of either of these fish and sometimes even the popular sailfish. As the old saying goes, there are plenty of fish in the sea. 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. Interesting fact: All groupers are born female, and some will change to male when they reach breeding age. If youre on vacation, then you wont want to worry about packing a picnic basket or a cooler box. While its tempting to go with the lesser expensive option, you might just get what you paid for. Posted by: Nassau Paradise Island on August 29, 2022. 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. This is the only native form of recreational fishing. Coordinates: 25.058 ,-77.343. What will the conditions be like? Go to the slightly deeper waters, and youve got plenty of choices, including Yelloweye, Queen, Mutton, and Mangrove Snapper. First Strike Charters combines a grand voyage with the excitement of landing the big one. Why? A Bahamian summertime favorite! Born Free Charters even offer a no fish, no pay policy on their full-day charters! Inshore: While tracking devices are important with inshore fishing, it is minimal compared to that of offshore fishing. In an archipelago of over 700 islands, picking one perfect fishing spot will always be the tough part. Deep Sea Fishing has a home in White Sound, Elbow Cay. WHAT'S THE CATCH: Marlin Tuna Sailfish Dolphin What's Biting? Many Snapper and Grouper varieties are available year-round, so the chances are you wont end up empty-handed. Clear sunny skies, ocean breezes, and turquoise waters: the postcard-perfect destination begets outstanding conditions for game fishing. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Stone Crabs must have a harvestable claw of four inches. Five-pound Ghosts are the norm here, and more than a few fish have made it into the record books over the years. Shallow waters, ledges, reefs, and rocky bottoms are perfect spots to look for Hogfish. 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. The great thing about big game fishing in the Bahamas is that most of the top game fish are around at the same time. Looking to reel in the catch of the day in luxury? Thanks for reading our blog and reaching out. Whether its bonefishing, spearfishing, deep-sea fishing or reef fishing, anglers cast their lines throughout the year here in the capital city. Most fishing charters in Nassau Paradise Island provide everything you need to catch a fish, and some even provide lunch. Are you ready to reel in the fishing adventure of your dreams? We specialize in snorkeling, fishing, and turtle swim tours in Nassau! run into any issues of plagorism or copyright Id like to go on a reef/inshore fishing trip for snapper and grouper. Caught a bunch on the West Side of Andros. document.getElementById( "ak_js_20" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reading the article! 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. The Nassau grouper represents the most important finfish in the Caribbean and is valued as a major fishery resource. Journey to the remote island of Inagua for some of the best birding and ecotourism The Bahamas has to offer. Try reef fishing and enjoy a day on the water with friends and family. Feb 4, 2021. And thats [], Deep Sea Fishing in Mexico: The Complete Guide. Preferably not flip-flops or sandals. Inshore: Shorter distances and durations, smaller boats and fish. While not the easiest fish to catch, Bahamian experts recommend an early morning rise as success is more likely at daybreak. Stealth, surprise and short bursts of speed is what separates this predator from its prey. 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! Experience the boating capital of The Bahamas in the one-of-a-kind island chain known as The Abacos. 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. Marlins are known for their size with the females growing up to four times as large as the males. Recognized for its beautiful blue vertical stripes, this species can grow up to eight feet long and weigh over 100 pounds. The richness and intensity of flavors distingui, Photo credit: icemanphotos/Shutterstock.com Cancun and The Bahamas are incredible destinations, both with vibrant cultures, friendly people, unique landscapes, and so much to discover. Bluefinn242. This will help the captain select the right boat for the trip youre planning. When fishing in the flats, its important to pay attention to the impact of the tides. Both the blue and white marlin are spectacular jumpers and persevering fighters. These guys are big, strong, and highly intelligent. First Strike Charters combines a grand voyage with the excitement of landing the big one. Your captain will guide you through the best fishing spots surrounding Nassau Paradise Island. Are You A Foodie Heading To The Bahamas? Check to see if they will give you an additional discount if you book direct, as most will. Learn more. They have been known to swim more than 40mph. Just 20 miles off the shores of the Nassau you will find Lemon, Hammerhead, Bull, Blacktip, Tiger and Reef sharks. This is also a great time to target other inshore game fish like Permit and Tarpon. Going spearfishing around the Bahamas stunning reefs is an experience you should treat yourself to at least once in your life. As the name would suggest, the mahi mahi puts up a hard fight. During low tide, many of the flats dry out, causing fish to group together in the entrance to the channels in deeper waters. Experiences taking safety measures. This event caters to fishing enthusiasts wishing to visit the Abacos and enjoy the hunt of the blue marlin and Tuna. Its size, strength and rarity are what give it its appeal. BIMINI - Arguably the most famous Bahamas fishing destination due to its proximity to South Florida (50 miles from Miami), the Biminis offer a variety of angling opportunities ranging from bonefish to blue marlin (one of the only two "grander" blue marlin was taken here in 1979). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on February 16, 2023 During the low tide, however, youll find miles of wadable water making it the optimal time to cast your lines. You may never have more than this limit on your boat, regardless of how many days youre in The Bahamas. Red snappers are recognized by their distinctive pinkish color, white underbelly, red eyes, and their prominent snout which tends to be pointed. The largest red snappers can live for up to 20 years. 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. 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. 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. What to bring on the boat Basically, if youre an avid flats fisher, youll be in heaven in the Bahamas. Youre not going to be short on fish, after all. document.getElementById( "ak_js_10" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on February 4, 2021 The Hawaiian word for this fish is Ono which means tasty. If you do catch the fish dont miss the opportunity to get your buddies together to give them a taste of your catch of the day. Each sign-up is offered a package of six cocktail parties, a beach party, dinner Junkanoo parade as well as an exciting Awards Presentation. There is a reason why the Bahamian waters are one of the few seas still teeming with marine life. Tidestation: Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas. Its a delicacy not to be missed. Picture: An example of the kinds of fish you don't normally want to catch. Not only that, but some of the best fishing tournaments on the planet take place here during the high season. S. Learn More Nassau Beyond One Island Make Nassau home base, and sail to Eleuthera & Harbour Island for a day. All Rights Reserved. Test your luck and see if you can catch your dinner without losing sight of the shore! 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on December 28, 2022 Its awesome that Marlin is your national fish because its so loved in the Bahamas, we mentioned it in the article as well. Some anglers swear by it and use it when the traditional fishing ways arent catching anything, they will switch over to this method. Want to enjoy world-class sport fishing in the blue Bahamian sea? Then theres Bigeye Tuna, Sailfish, Triggerfish you get the picture, theres a lot hiding in these deep waters. document.getElementById( "ak_js_9" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The blue marlin is literally our National fish. It marks the start of the peak season for travel in many parts of the world and also signifies the end of the winter season. Those trophy fish wont catch themselves! While the larger males usually weigh about 350 pounds, a female can reach up to 1,800 pounds. Bonefish are by far the most sought-after catch when fly fishing in the Bahamas, but you can also find a solid Tarpon bite in the summer months, and Permit follow closely behind. 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. 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. 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. 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. Hop on a fishing charter to reel in tonights dinner. Whether a first-timer or a seasoned angler, youll find theres more to the crystal-clear Bahamian waters than just swimming and diving. Here Are The Best Places To Travel In April For Couples. or cruising the best Nassau fishing spots and sights. Commonly, inshore fishing is defined as fishing in water that is less than 90 feet which would require the use of a small vessel. You can do so here. Natural bait and artificial bait can all be used when catching marlins. Thats why its on the $100 note. June and July are the months to participate. You know you have a good fight ahead. 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. Before putting any money on the table here are a few questions you could ask to make sure you are getting your bang for your buck: Ask if they give discounts for paying in cash, as some will give you an additional 5% or greater discount if you do. top of page. The pectoral fins of bluefin tuna do not reach past the beginning of the second dorsal fin. Filters 1. Have you ever been fishing in the Bahamas? 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 fishing in Nassau is far from the shore, typically 20-30 miles out, in waters hundreds of feet deep. For more information on what to expect when fishing in the Nassau area, check out our blog. Offshore: Longer distances and durations (often overnight), larger boats & fish (more ice required). Half-Day 27ft Private Fishing Charter 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. Their spawning season is during the summers, therefore among the best times of the year for a delicious red-fleshed steak. 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). 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. In fact, its the national fish of The Bahamas and is even featured on our Coat of Arms! Hi Zane, Impossible to spot. Hand line fishing grew from the simple necessity of catching fish for sustenance - all you need is fishing line, a hook, sinker and bait. Dec 14, 2020. Check how many years they have been in business. Whether youre here to hook into a colossal Marlin or chase Ghosts across the flats, theres an expert who can make it happen. Theres no shortage of those in the Bahamas! Light tackle fishing is a carefully thought-out approach that centers around your own ability as an angler, the species you seek, and the conditions under which you must fish. Welcoming first-timers and seasoned anglers, the Bahamas makes for the perfect setting for a day out at sea with family and friends. This time of year is also good for long fishing trips because the ocean is calm and the weather predictable. A standard size charter will cater for up to six people (known as six packs), while party charters can hold up to 60 people. Imagine big game battles on the high seas with a tropical paradise as your backdrop. 100% of all cash donations, 20% of boat entry fees, and all proceeds from the raffle and silent auction go straight to charity. 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. With legendary deep sea creatures calling these waters home, its hard not to get hyped about the angling opportunities that await you here. All Rights Reserved. If you are looking for the adventure of a lifetime, fishing in Nassau might very well be it. So where do you begin when you come to the Bahamas? Can, Cover image credit: icemanphotos/Shutterstock.com The month of April is a great time of year to travel! If you see birds diving into the water to find food, you know youve hit gold. Youll find Tuna around the deepwater canyons that are scattered all around the 700 Bahamas islands. You may not think you need one but a long standoff with a 200 lbs. 242 - 436 - 7817 . Recommended by 96% of travelers. When fishing on the flats, expect to find bonefish, permit, and tarpon. Famous for its deep-sea fishing and record-breaking catches, anglers are drawn to Paradise in search of their next big catch. Theres no bad time to go Bonefishing in the Bahamas, its just even better than usual during some parts of the year. Picture: An illustration of how beautiful and silver the Bonefish is. With hundreds of thousands of crustaceans being harvested each season, The Bahamian Ministry of Fishing has strict laws to ensure sustainability for generations to come. Inshore vs. offshore fishing in Nassau Bimini is known for its incredible scuba diving and snorkelling spots, its abundant waters teeming with tuna, and its endless white sandy beaches.