If you see birds diving into the water to find food, you know youve hit gold. 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. Offshore: Seasonality often dictates what type of fish you will catch. Going spearfishing around the Bahamas stunning reefs is an experience you should treat yourself to at least once in your life. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on December 28, 2022 This will determine the type of fishing charter you should choose. So where do you begin when you come to the Bahamas? The second dorsal fin has yellow coloring. You'll be fishing on a 45' Hatteras luxury sportfishing vessel capable of holding your fishing crew or the entire family. Born Free Charters. November Photo credit: ChameleonsEye/Shutterstock.com The Bahamas are home to hundreds of world records for dozens of different species. These Are The Best Restaurants In Nassau! A day out at sea on a fishing charter off the shores of Nassau is a day of frenzied fun and promises to contend as one of your best fishing trips you will ever have. That said, you can still find excellent fishing in the afternoon. Weve talked up the Bahamas enough, now lets jump into what makes them so unique. 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. Spearfishing is not allowed within one mile of New Providence and/or the south coast of Grand Bahama Island. 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. Discover a deep-sea fishing experience and fish for a record-breaking catch. Its size, strength and rarity are what give it its appeal. Competitive Billfishing is especially popular, but other species dont fall behind either. He has poles and bait. Some of the best spots include the areas between the islands, not too far from Bimini. against content from being stolen? 1. The Bluefins are celebrated for their tender and flavorful meat. 2017 All rights reserved. The waters surrounding Nassau Paradise Island are home to many different species of fish. 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. Fishing Renowned as one of the great fishing destinations in the world, The Bahamas is the ideal fishing spot for both first-time anglers and sport-fishing professionals. Like its cousin the marlin and swordfish, it has an elongated bill, and is commonly known as a billfish. 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. Blues are ferocious fighters and their aerial spectacles are matched by none, which makes them the ultimate catch of every sportfisherman worth their salt. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Bahamians take great care of their diverse marine life, so there are strict rules you need to abide by in order to spearfish here. If you are looking for a company that provides packed/boxed lunches, some charters will do it at a nominal fee. 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. National Marine Parks are strictly off limits for any kind of fishing. Some anglers will choose to get their fishing trip in earlier because the temperature is highest in the afternoon. And its easy to see why! Bahamas Billfish Championship is the best-known tournament in the country, with hundreds of anglers coming to compete every year. 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. Your private island getaway filled with unforgettable experiences and 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. This means they need to consume large quantities of food if they are to survive the cold ocean waters. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Headed down the second week of February. Check for any changes with the Bahamas Department of Marine Resources at https://www.bahamas.gov.bs. Spearfishing is not allowed within 200 yards of the coast of any of the Bahamian Out Islands. 100% of all cash donations, 20% of boat entry fees, and all proceeds from the raffle and silent auction go straight to charity. Always hungry, the barracuda tears through the waters at an average pace of 27 mph which means that there are few fish in the ocean that strike your line with the ferocious force of a feeding barracuda. The best time for fishing is in the morning. WHAT'S THE CATCH: Marlin Tuna Sailfish Dolphin What's Biting? Copyright 2023 Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board. They usually have yellow-tipped fins and narrow light-yellow bands above their side fins. Natural bait and artificial bait can all be used when catching marlins. A long pectoral fin doubled with a tail larger than its body, make for a very strong and fast fish. Unwavering in their pursuit, even the most seasoned anglers will be challenged to bring one in. The second dorsal fin is a mix of grey and yellow in color. View our maps and read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers. 2023 FishingBooker.com. 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. You may not think you need one but a long standoff with a 200 lbs. Check out this guide to fishing in The Bahamas. Its awesome that Marlin is your national fish because its so loved in the Bahamas, we mentioned it in the article as well. So if you have your heart set on catching a deep-sea tuna or marlin, this is the time to head out. The water is typically shallow in these areas, making it easier to spearfish. If you havent caught one before, youll recognize it as sushi, the Japanese delicacy. Though teeming with marine life, the two main fish you will encounter right from the shoreline are red snapper and grouper. 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. Scuba gear cannot be used while taking lobster. They took us to the best fishing spot, my kids caught a ton of fish. With such variety, it is very easy to understand the lure to world-class competitors. Heres a rundown of the top catches that steal the show here: There are many, many reasons anglers come to the islands, but the main one is the arrival of Marlin in the spring. Though not the biggest of the game fish, once on your line, mahi-mahi are incredibly fast. That said, you can still find excellent fishing in the afternoon. So when that time comes in the summer, you better be ready to rumble, because the fish will be! Bring a light sweater in case theres a chilly sea breeze, a towel, and flat, non-slip shoes. Best Spearfishing Locations. Youll find Tuna around the deepwater canyons that are scattered all around the 700 Bahamas islands. Born Free Fishing Charters offers half-day and full-day charters. Providing the perfect habitat, Bonefish are found all year round in the Bahamas, though theyre near impossible to hook. The shallow waters surrounding the reefs are full of grouper, snapper, triggerfish, and mutton snapper. The Bahamas boasts world-famous fishing flats with miles of shallow water along the shore and mangroves. Depending on the depth, you could reel in Red, Strawberry (Red Hind), Yellowfin, and Black Grouper. Thats whats waiting for you on this stunning island chain. Offshore: Heavy-duty equipment, large heavy bait. Stone Crabs must have a harvestable claw of four inches. Picture: An example of the kinds of fish you don't normally want to catch. +1 (242) 425-0436. Born Free Fishing Charters offers half-day and full-day charters. Join more than 150,000 others who receive exclusive access to the best beach deals in Nassau Paradise Island. 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. 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. Specializing in offshore deep sea fishing, the company has five boats to take you to some prime Bahamas fishing spots. The crew will have everything you need. Try reef fishing and enjoy a day on the water with friends and family. Accept a coveted Custom Shootout invitation. 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. Whether its bonefishing, spearfishing, deep-sea fishing or reef fishing, anglers cast their lines throughout the year here in the capital city. All rights reserved. Inshore fishing: What fish to expect Picture: A Caribbean Spiny lobster, one of the top exports of the Bahamas. Choose a charter that is near where you are staying. A great tip to locating tuna is to look out for the birds. If you require any special drinks or liquor, most companies will be happy to source them for you at an additional fee. While not the easiest fish to catch, Bahamian experts recommend an early morning rise as success is more likely at daybreak. The fierce predators are drawn to floating wood, fronds, or seaweed where the smaller fish congregate for a feed. Here are the best of the best. At high tide, water is flooded into the mangroves. Its a delicacy not to be missed. Will you be looking to catch enough for a meal for two or are hoping to stock up for a rainy day? The pectoral fin of a yellowfin reaches just beyond the beginning of the second dorsal fin. There are plenty of charter options on the island of Nassau. A day out on a boat should be fun. 1. When you reel one in with the help of your captain and crew, you'll enjoy its vibrant colors that soon fade once caught. Reef fishing boasts a great variety of delectable fish. When you book your excursion, ask if there are any necessary items you need to pack. There are also many places in the country where spearfishing is forbidden, so choose your spot carefully. Make sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection. The angler uses light bait, as well as matching it up in rod, reel and line size accordingly. Youll find the best snapper and grouper action when the water is warmer, during spring and summer. 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. Specializing in offshore deep sea fishing, the company has five boats to take you to some prime Bahamas fishing spots. 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. I still suggest you reach out to them, though, as they may be able to advise or put you in touch with someone else.