Going spearfishing around the Bahamas stunning reefs is an experience you should treat yourself to at least once in your life. Tuna, Marlin, Swordfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo - all the big names are prowling these productive waters practically year-round, so whenever you come, you're in for a blast. myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all This means superb Snapper and Grouper action. Spearo enthusiasts should take special care, get informed before their first dive, and follow the regulations related to spearfishing. As the old saying goes, there are plenty of fish in the sea. But what truly sets Nassau apart is the Bahamian love for partying. Hoping for an Ernest-Hemingway-style portrait? Try reef fishing and enjoy a day on the water with friends and family. During low tide, many of the flats dry out, causing fish to group together in the entrance to the channels in deeper waters. Whether its bonefishing, spearfishing, deep-sea fishing or reef fishing, anglers cast their lines throughout the year here in the capital city. You may not only want to go fishing. 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 fishing charters in Nassau Paradise Island provide everything you need to catch a fish, and some even provide lunch. 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. the right waters low tide spots with soft, steady ripples along the surface. Remember to follow the birds! Choose from trolling for large trophy fish or getting in on the action with light tackle in more shallow waters. Hope this helps! Save. Offshore fishing in Nassau is far from the shore, typically 20-30 miles out, in waters hundreds of feet deep. 4 hours. 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. As a result, you'll be limited to catching two per day. 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. All Rights Reserved. This game fish is known for its long hard runs at speeds of up to 45 mph. You shouldnt have a problem finding a charter that suits your needs. And its easy to see why! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on February 16, 2023 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. It is for this very reason that fishing of grouper fish is banned during spawning season in efforts to minimize endangerment. 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. Heres the definitive guide to fishing in Nassau, Bahamas: what kinds of fish you might catch, the best time of year to catch your favourite fish, what to bring on board, and where to book a fishing charter. The summer sees an influx of permit and tarpon. Safe to say, the fishing heres pretty good. Go to Snorkeling Snorkeling. You can fish from any beach there. If you love the heat, you may have less competition on the water if you go for an afternoon charter. When fishing on the flats, expect to find bonefish, permit, and tarpon. 59. 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. I will be staying in Freeport, what are the odds I can find a charter to put me on dorado or wahoo?? Imagine big game battles on the high seas with a tropical paradise as your backdrop. 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. While the larger males usually weigh about 350 pounds, a female can reach up to 1,800 pounds. For more information on what to expect when fishing in the Nassau area, check out our blog. Youre not going to be short on fish, after all. View our latest travel deals and start planning your escape today. Yes, the Bahamas are definitely the perfect getaway. Bonefishing is popular in The Bahamas as a type of sport fishing. Per boat, you cannot exceed ten tails of crawfish or lobster. Inshore: Smaller varieties such as yellowtail, kingfish, redfish (drum and sheepshead), snapper, and grouper. 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. There are also Hawks Nest Wahoo and Bimini Wahoo Mayhem Fishing Tournament that offers the highest money prizes. West End, Grand Bahama. 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. Perhaps youll be out with your family or maybe with your buddies looking for a lazy day filled with water activities. Though one of the most popular fish in the Bahamas, catching one, may prove difficult due to their strength and size, but is extremely rewarding. Shallow waters, ledges, reefs, and rocky bottoms are perfect spots to look for Hogfish. Id like to go on a reef/inshore fishing trip for snapper and grouper. The Atlantis Resort designers have gone to great lengths to recreate this fantasy world. Competitive Billfishing is especially popular, but other species dont fall behind either. Tempting the Bluefin with the right bait is the key to a successful 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. Offshore: Larger fish such as amberjack, Mako sharks, blackfin, yellowfin, wahoo, marlin, cobia, dorado, king mackerel. Still not enough for you? We mentioned that Bonefishing is extraordinary all over the archipelago, and no one enjoys it more than passionate fly fishermen. Hop on a fishing charter to reel in tonights dinner. Be sure to consult the guidelines set by the government denoting which times of the year fishing for red snapper is permitted when fishing in Nassau, Bahamas. Or a reef trip? The yellowfin tuna is the most common of the tuna species found in the Bahamas. Spring and summer are the most active times on the Bahamian reefs. Here Are The Best Places To Travel In April For Couples. 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. top of page. 2023 FishingBooker.com. Depending on the depth, you could reel in Red, Strawberry (Red Hind), Yellowfin, and Black Grouper. follow your guide's direction "fish at 2 o'clock, 15 yards" and the odds of a catch are in your favour. Learn more. As easy as a Sunday, Bahamas mahi mahi fishing makes for a lovely day out at sea. Can, Cover image credit: icemanphotos/Shutterstock.com The month of April is a great time of year to travel! All Rights Reserved. So where do you begin when you come to the Bahamas? Billfishing in this part of the ocean is simply outstanding, with plenty of grander Marlin to test your skill, strength, and patience. Rose Island. Bahamians are doing their best to keep their marine life safe and we should do the same. Sailfish are found around Nassau, in late fallOctober and November - and in the spring, April and May. In the Bahamas, Blackfins hunt and feed mainly in the mornings as well as early afternoons. Scuba gear cannot be used while taking lobster. 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. 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. When you book your excursion, ask if there are any necessary items you need to pack. 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. Check out this guide to fishing in The Bahamas. For anglers, there's no greater challenge than battling a legendary predator that outweighs them by five times or more. Choose from trolling for large trophy fish or getting in on the action with light tackle in more shallow waters. These large predators are the only warm-blooded fish of its species. Theres no bad time to go Bonefishing in the Bahamas, its just even better than usual during some parts of the year. Theyre fierce fighters and having one fight you on an 8 wt rod is enough to get anyones blood pumping. If youre lucky, youll connect with a wonderful group of boaters wholl soon become new friends. 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. These spots add to the unique charm of Nassau's nightlife, showcasing the rich culture and traditions of the Bahamas. Offshore fishing: What fish to expect Out on the flats, your guide knows just what to look for. Thanks for the article. A private charter is your best bet. 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. I still suggest you reach out to them, though, as they may be able to advise or put you in touch with someone else. Both the blue and white marlin are spectacular jumpers and persevering fighters. Please ask your crew for full safety directions for the charter. For shallow water fishing the twilight periods are often the most productive fishing times, especially on days when a major or . As large as they are, this has no bearing on the fishs natural speed. 100% of all cash donations, 20% of boat entry fees, and all proceeds from the raffle and silent auction go straight to charity. The minimum permitted size is 3 3/8 inches or 6 inches of tail of carapace length. You will compete among the most elite fleet of sport boats assembled in one location. Try reef fishing and enjoy a day on the water with friends and family. Stone Crabs must have a harvestable claw of four inches. Many Snapper and Grouper varieties are available year-round, so the chances are you wont end up empty-handed. November On top of that, they taste delicious. But these fellas are just the opening act for the main star, the magnificent Blue Marlin. Thanks for reading our blog and reaching out. During the months of June and July, large blackfin are in abundance making them easier to find in open water. Atlantis Paradise Island. 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. #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. The largest red snappers can live for up to 20 years. Learn More Nassau Beyond One Island Make Nassau home base, and sail to Eleuthera & Harbour Island for a day. Start by going after Yellowtail Snapper near the surface. Some anglers will choose to get their fishing trip in earlier because the temperature is highest in the afternoon. As for fishing, its great wherever you depart from . 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. When fishing on the flats, expect to find bonefish, permit, and tarpon. That said, you can still find excellent fishing in the afternoon. 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. 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. The Blue Marlin bite is so good that theyre on the countrys coat of arms and currency. Also contributing to the Bluefins elusiveness. 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. Inshore: While tracking devices are important with inshore fishing, it is minimal compared to that of offshore fishing. In contrast to hand line fishing, spearfishing is one of the introduced forms of recreational fishing. 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? There is a reason why the Bahamian waters are one of the few seas still teeming with marine life. So if you have your heart set on catching a deep-sea tuna or marlin, this is the time to head out. Discover a deep-sea fishing experience and fish for a record-breaking catch. The fierce predators are drawn to floating wood, fronds, or seaweed where the smaller fish congregate for a feed. Try your hand at light-tackle fishing or take a half-day boat charter. The waters surrounding Nassau Paradise Island are home to many different species of fish. The delightful panic that ensues following the first, STRIKE!. What to bring on the boat The second dorsal fin has yellow coloring. 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. Feb 16, 2023. Replete with sea life, the surrounding ocean makes for the perfect destination to test and perfect your angling skills. With such variety, it is very easy to understand the lure to world-class competitors. As the largest and most powerful fish of the Bahamas, the silvery blue marlin represents the national fish and can be found on the Bahamas coat of arms. I hope the info helps, enjoy your vacation! Below are a few guidelines to help you make your decision: The size of your group plays a pretty big role in your decision-making process of what charter to choose. Will you be looking to catch enough for a meal for two or are hoping to stock up for a rainy day? 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. The spear fisher needs to be both physically fit and an accomplished swimmer - AKA free diving (breath hold). 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. It can be fished from an outrigger or rod tip. Just 20 miles off the shores of the Nassau you will find Lemon, Hammerhead, Bull, Blacktip, Tiger and Reef sharks. 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. Check for any changes with the Bahamas Department of Marine Resources at https://www.bahamas.gov.bs. Coordinates: 25.058 ,-77.343. 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. 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. Reef Fishing Fly Fishing Deep Sea Fishing The Bahamas is well known for its deep sea fishing and record-breaking catches. Is this a good time of year for that? Dive in and explore a brand-new world at Atlantis! Queen triggerfish (or turbot), though beautiful, are not the cream of the crop when fishing in Nassau. . Go to the slightly deeper waters, and youve got plenty of choices, including Yelloweye, Queen, Mutton, and Mangrove Snapper. Noted for its incredible fight, the Sailfish is widely known as the world-class fighter. document.getElementById( "ak_js_6" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How about Cobia? beast might have severe consequences on your back. Theres no use fishing for wahoo in July when the best time is around the earlier part of the year. The best seasons for Tuna fishing are spring and summer when theres plenty of huge Tuna out there. $75 per person for 1 hour . Test your luck and see if you can catch your dinner without losing sight of the shore! The most fruitful spearfishing is done on reefs or around heads of coral, where the fish tend to hide. Local Time: Sat, 25 Feb 02:47. Another species you may come across is the Nassau Grouper. Weve talked up the Bahamas enough, now lets jump into what makes them so unique. And lets not forget about the prime fighters like Amberjack, African Pompano, Mackerel, and Hogfish. Thinking about making a fishing trip part of your Nassau Paradise Island vacation? The silver underside of a bluefins body is marked with white dots and uneven lines. You can do so here. Those trophy fish wont catch themselves! Unwavering in their pursuit, even the most seasoned anglers will be challenged to bring one in. 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. 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. Grab your rod and bait and cast off into the deep blue sea as you anxiously await a bite! Impossible to spot. Deep Sea Fishing has a home in White Sound, Elbow Cay. Reel Dreams Sport Fishing Charters. Good for avoiding crowds. The picture-perfect turquoise waters of The Bahamas are abundant with marine life, providing the perfect environment to test your angling skills. They spook at the first sign of danger and hit 40 miles per hour as they escape across the flats. Most companies will at minimum provide the bait, tackle/equipment, and ice some will also include bottled water. Nassau Paradise Islands picture-perfect turquoise waters and sunny skies await. You dont want to get stuck on a tuna charter, when all you wanted to do was fish bonefish. While not the easiest fish to catch, Bahamian experts recommend an early morning rise as success is more likely at daybreak. Those are some mighty fine words, and theyre easy to back up. Outdoor Activities. While yellowfin tuna can be caught worldwide, youll be hard-pressed to find a better place than the Bahamas. Are You A Foodie Heading To The Bahamas? We specialize in snorkeling, fishing, and turtle swim tours in Nassau! Grab your snorkel and mask to peek at colorful tropical fish and haunting shipwrecks, or go a little deeper during a scuba-diving excursion. By Reel Dreams Sport Fishing Charters. Posted by: Nassau Paradise Island on August 29, 2022.