There are plenty of charter options on the island of Nassau. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Headed down the second week of February. Check how many years they have been in business. See also: Where to Stay in Nassau. Expert Tip: If you are unsure of which charter is best, why not try Sandals preferred charter company, Island Routes. Yes, the Bahamas are definitely the perfect getaway. Though teeming with marine life, the two main fish you will encounter right from the shoreline are red snapper and grouper. In the Bahamas, you will arrive to find the most beautiful blue waters perfect for swimming and fishing. When fishing in the flats, its important to pay attention to the impact of the tides. Some anglers will choose to get their fishing trip in earlier because the temperature is highest in the afternoon. 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. Are You A Foodie Heading To The Bahamas? View our maps and read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers. 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. Fishing: The Bahamas vs. Cancun Fishing in The Bahamas. For an accurate catch the spear fisherman has to know where he should be looking, which will often involve a series of dives as he gets down to look under ledges or into holes. Though not the biggest of the game fish, once on your line, mahi-mahi are incredibly fast. While not the easiest fish to catch, Bahamian experts recommend an early morning rise as success is more likely at daybreak. All fishing parties are to abide by local Bahamian fishing laws. We mentioned that Bonefishing is extraordinary all over the archipelago, and no one enjoys it more than passionate fly fishermen. 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. Unfortunately it is very easy for people to plagiarize content on the internet its as simple as a copy and paste. Lobsters season opens August 1st and runs until March 31st. Perhaps youll be out with your family or maybe with your buddies looking for a lazy day filled with water activities. Picture: The Silver Ghost, almost invisibe to the naked eye. Inshore: Smaller varieties such as yellowtail, kingfish, redfish (drum and sheepshead), snapper, and grouper. document.getElementById( "ak_js_13" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on December 14, 2020 While not the largest of the tuna family, they certainly put up a fight that rivals any fish in the ocean. Most bonefish charters offer morning and afternoon tours. At high tide, water is flooded into the mangroves. 100% of all cash donations, 20% of boat entry fees, and all proceeds from the raffle and silent auction go straight to charity. 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. By Reel Dreams Sport Fishing Charters. 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. The sun will be at it's highest point at 12:22 pm. The southern side of the island is by far the most celebrated for bonefishing. Theres no use fishing for wahoo in July when the best time is around the earlier part of the year. Then theres Bigeye Tuna, Sailfish, Triggerfish you get the picture, theres a lot hiding in these deep waters. So whatever your game, there might be a tournament in the archipelago for you! Actively hunting for sharks is currently illegal in The Bahamas. Marlins can reach weights of more than 1,000 pounds. These Are The Best Restaurants In Nassau! Shared charters can be very affordable, but your chances of a catch may be limited. Explore the beautiful crystal clear waters of Nassau, The Bahamas by boat with Te'vaughn Adventures Charter and Fishing Taking safety measures. Top Bahamas fishing charters in 2023, from $75 p/p. Most fishing charters in Nassau Paradise Island provide everything you need to catch a fish, and some even provide lunch. 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. Born on the tropical island that is Saint Lucia affords a never-ending source of inspiration. More time on the water means youll have more chance of making a catch. Though, they are not impartial to bigger prey. Look for your prey around reefs and corals, and youre sure to find something good. Their spawning season is during the summers, therefore among the best times of the year for a delicious red-fleshed steak. Dive in and explore a brand-new world at Atlantis! 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. Lobsters brought back to Florida must be in whole condition and not tailed (see picture below). While feeding in groups, these fish are also prone to travelling with other groups of fish, leaving fishermen pleasantly surprised when they reel in their nets and find that they have caught one. Are you ready to reel in the fishing adventure of your dreams? During low tide, many of the flats dry out, causing fish to group together in the entrance to the channels in deeper waters. What did you catch? document.getElementById( "ak_js_19" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on November 4, 2022 Recommended by 96% of travelers. 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. Expert Tip: Use squid as your bait when fishing from the shore. Youre not going to be short on fish, after all. Sportfishing brings in an incredible $500 million every year. 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. Well, Bonefish may not look like much at first, but theyre one of the hardest challenges an angler can face. Born Free Charters. While its tempting to go with the lesser expensive option, you might just get what you paid for. And targeting them on the fly is an unforgettable experience. Also Sawfish and huge Tarpon. Thanks for reading and for your good question. A single 500-pound fish can be sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Hooking the bonefish is only half the job. 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. 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. Check to see if they will give you an additional discount if you book direct, as most will. 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. Safe to say, the fishing heres pretty good. Stone Crabs must have a harvestable claw of four inches. They have been known to swim more than 40mph. Telling the captain what type of fish you are hoping to catch, and the quantity can help the charter plan accordingly. Sailfish are found around Nassau, in late fallOctober and November - and in the spring, April and May. Unless youre a citizen of the Bahamas, youre going to need a valid fishing license before you cast your line. During this time, fish swim into the mangroves for shelter and are less accessible. Of these fish, the marlin is the most well-known here. The largest of all tuna species, Bluefin tuna can weigh more than 500 pounds and stretch more than six feet in length. Inshore vs. offshore fishing in Nassau Taking safety measures. The experienced crew member hastily reaches for the rod to set the hook into the catch before handing it over to you. The Bahamas boasts world-famous fishing flats with miles of shallow water along the shore and mangroves. If you are looking for the adventure of a lifetime, fishing in Nassau might very well be it. Other than the depths of the waters, below are 6 main differentiators between inshore and offshore fishing: Inshore: Small motorboats, canoes, and kayaks. All Rights Reserved. A great tip to locating tuna is to look out for the birds. For more information on what to expect when fishing in the Nassau area, check out our blog. Today we have 11:33 hours of daylight. As a result, you'll be limited to catching two per day. Picture: A Caribbean Spiny lobster, one of the top exports of 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. West End, Grand Bahama. Spearfishing is not allowed within one mile of New Providence and/or the south coast of Grand Bahama Island. Located just 25 minutes by boat You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Reel Dreams Sport Fishing Charters. 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. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Yellowfin are the most popular catches, but you can also get Blackfin or Skipjack on the line. Glad to hear youll be exploring Nassau soon. Best price guaranteed, verified reviews, and secure online booking. If one is caught, it required to be released. document.getElementById( "ak_js_10" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on February 4, 2021 document.getElementById( "ak_js_14" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I really appreciate your tip on how you can fish interrupted a lot of places in the Bahamas since most of them are uninhabited. Accept a coveted Custom Shootout invitation. Nearly 30 cays make up The Berry Islands. 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. The captain will also be able to best advise if youre fishing in Nassau out of season. Hi Zane, Inshore: While tracking devices are important with inshore fishing, it is minimal compared to that of offshore fishing. The staff is attentive and very helpful. The Blue Marlin bite is so good that theyre on the countrys coat of arms and currency. The largest red snappers can live for up to 20 years. The delightful panic that ensues following the first, STRIKE!. If you are wanting to catch big wahoo, the best time to fish in the Bahamas would be the winter season, between December and March. Here are the best of the best. During the low tide, however, youll find miles of wadable water making it the optimal time to cast your lines. These experiences are best for fishing charters & tours in Nassau: Private Boating Adventure for Snorkeling or Fishing in Nassau - 38ft boat; Half-Day 27ft Private Fishing Charter in Nassau; Half day Deep sea/light tackle fishing charters; 3/4 day deep sea /light tackle fishing; Private Speedboat Adventure for Snorkeling or Fishing in Nassau . Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. Hand line fishing grew from the simple necessity of catching fish for sustenance - all you need is fishing line, a hook, sinker and bait. Some anglers swear by it and use it when the traditional fishing ways arent catching anything, they will switch over to this method. Born Free Charters even offer a no fish, no pay policy on their full-day charters! And thats [], Deep Sea Fishing in Mexico: The Complete Guide. 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. the right waters low tide spots with soft, steady ripples along the surface. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on December 28, 2022 Tight lines! Nassau, on the island of New . The idea is catching more, and bigger fish. Charities include; Breast Cancer Research Foundation, IGFA, Joe DiMaggios Childrens Hospital and many other organizations in need. As easy as a Sunday, Bahamas mahi mahi fishing makes for a lovely day out at sea. Spring and summer are the most active times on the Bahamian reefs. Well, its simple you can target just about any fish you can think of. Hop on a fishing charter to reel in tonights dinner. You want to enjoy your day out on the boat with all the refreshments that your need at hand. Out on the flats, your guide knows just what to look for. 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. He has poles and bait. And lets not forget about the prime fighters like Amberjack, African Pompano, Mackerel, and Hogfish. Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish - Take Your Pick! The silver underside of a bluefins body is marked with white dots and uneven lines. Fishing in the Bahamas is a rite of passage for any ambitious angler. You can fish from any beach there. Its awesome that Marlin is your national fish because its so loved in the Bahamas, we mentioned it in the article as well. With Hunter Charters, youre a mere 15 minutes from catching marlin, sailfish, Mahi Mahi, and more! info@nassausnorkeling.com 1-242-698-4847 1-242-426-0661. Jan 22, 2019. Dubbed one of the fastest fishes in the ocean, ploughing through 100 meters of water in under five seconds, Sailfish angling is some of the most rewarding big game fishing out there. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Competitive Billfishing is especially popular, but other species dont fall behind either. top of page. The second dorsal fin has yellow coloring. The last thing you want is to be living out your worst nightmare in the middle of the ocean. Also, be clear about what type of fishing you want to do. 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! 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 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. During this time, fish swim into the mangroves for shelter and are less accessible. Most of the guides we work with depart from Nassau. Id genuinely appreciate it. 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. Bahamas fishing event calendar 2019. Specializing in offshore deep sea fishing, the company has five boats to take you to some prime Bahamas fishing spots. As the name would suggest, the mahi mahi puts up a hard fight. Find a charter that is familiar with the fishing laws. Bahamians are doing their best to keep their marine life safe and we should do the same. Your captain will guide you through the best fishing spots surrounding Nassau Paradise Island. Most bonefish charters offer morning and afternoon tours. Inshore: Smaller varieties such as yellowtail, kingfish, redfish (drum and sheepshead), snapper, and grouper. Clear sunny skies, ocean breezes, and turquoise waters: the postcard-perfect destination begets outstanding conditions for game fishing. 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. Providing the perfect habitat, Bonefish are found all year round in the Bahamas, though theyre near impossible to hook. As for fishing, its great wherever you depart from . follow your guide's direction "fish at 2 o'clock, 15 yards" and the odds of a catch are in your favour. Dont worry these are just the A-listers. WHAT'S THE CATCH: Marlin Tuna Sailfish Dolphin What's Biting? We hope youll have a great and relaxing trip. Estuaries and bays are also considered attractive inshore fishing spots. document.getElementById( "ak_js_8" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Forgot to mention Baracuda lots of fun on light tackle. Discover a deep-sea fishing experience and fish for a record-breaking catch. It is also a promotional event for the resort and the Abacos. It is family oriented, catering to local fishing enthusiasts and visitors wishing to visit the Abacos and participate. However, youll find some on Exuma, Andros, and even Long Island. Size: 3 38 inches carapace length or six inches tail length. These guys peak in the winter and move off just as the rest of the gang rolls into town. Of these fish, the marlin is the most well-known here. If you see birds diving into the water to find food, you know youve hit gold. Known as hand line or bottom fishing in the Bahamas, the main requirement is to drop bait down to the seabed, where prowling fish are easily preyed upon. You can go out on the flats on a small skiff or do some wade fishing during the low tide, its up to you. New Providence, The Bahamas. Discover the beauty of the Great Inagua National Park and spot native Caribbean Flamingos, wild donkeys and more. Each sign-up is offered a package of six cocktail parties, a beach party, dinner Junkanoo parade as well as an exciting Awards Presentation. Known as the Silver Ghost, the Bonefish are almost invisible to the naked eye and flee at the slightest provocation. 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. Since many fish feed in the early morning hours, fish action will be at its peak! The pectoral fins of bluefin tuna do not reach past the beginning of the second dorsal fin. And its easy to see why! Theres no shortage of those in the Bahamas! The rounded dorsal, pectoral, and anal fins are the notable differentiating characteristics of the white marlin. There are fewer Bluefin than before, but that doesnt take away from fast and furious action. To catch the crown jewel of the Bahamas, the splashing action and bubble trail of an artificial lure is usually a more popular option. 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. Its this inexplicable thrill that keeps fishermen returning for fishing in Nassau, Bahamas. Try your hand at light-tackle fishing or take a half-day boat charter. 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. Marlins, white or blue, are bountiful across the shimmering blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Born Free Fishing Charters offers half-day and full-day charters. A private charter is your best bet. Or simply soak up the island views from the deck of a sailboat or a fun day cruise. A long pectoral fin doubled with a tail larger than its body, make for a very strong and fast fish. Dec 28, 2022. Copyright Hello Paradise - The Official Sandals Resorts Travel & Lifestyle Blog. For anglers, there's no greater challenge than battling a legendary predator that outweighs them by five times or more. You can go after a slew of species and crustaceans in these clear waters, including Snapper, Grouper, Hogfish, Lobster, and even sea snails (Conch). Join more than 150,000 others who receive exclusive access to the best beach deals in Nassau Paradise Island. against content from being stolen? Offshore fishing: What fish to expect During the months of June and July, large blackfin are in abundance making them easier to find in open water. Thats why its on the $100 note. Always do your research! Well, if youre a first-time visitor and want to wet your line and have a productive day on the water, turning to locals for guidance is a good idea. Or try fishing the traditional Bahamian way with just a line and reel in your prize catch . You can expect to find Nassau grouper, hogfish, yellowtail snapper, and many other types of fish. On top of that, they taste delicious. If youre on vacation, then you wont want to worry about packing a picnic basket or a cooler box. By far, one of the best water adventures is securing a boat rental for your first fishing experience in Nassau. The Bahamas is also the host of two qualifying tournaments for the invitation-only Offshore World Championship Series. 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. During low tide, many of the flats dry out, causing fish to group together in the entrance to the channels in deeper waters. 2019 Old Bahama Bay Wahoo Charity Cup Bring a light sweater in case theres a chilly sea breeze, a towel, and flat, non-slip shoes. Inshore fishing: What fish to expect If you love the heat, you may have less competition on the water if you go for an afternoon charter. Accommodation: Top-Rated Resorts in Nassau, Bahamas 3. 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. Thanks for the article. The Atlantis Resort designers have gone to great lengths to recreate this fantasy world. Inshore: Consistent fishing in Nassau year-round, even with significant seasonal changes. V. A. T. (10%) will be applied to all tours during Checkout. Choose a charter that is near where you are staying. Make sure the charter captains are licensed boat captains. These are household words to tropical travelers looking to escape winter's blast. To make the most of your trip, be sure to ask your guide to show you a nice secluded fishing spot. Anglers of all skill levels love the challenge of reeling in remarkable predators that outweigh them. A side of the islands most people don't explore. Is this a good time of year for that? June and July are the months to participate. Thinking about making a fishing trip part of your Nassau Paradise Island vacation? All Rights Reserved. 2017 All rights reserved. All proceeds going to Leukemia & Lymphoma NI. 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). Due to its popularity as a commercial fish, the population of the red snapper has declined. Make sure the boat has proper safety equipment. Start by going after Yellowtail Snapper near the surface. This Deep Sea and Bottom fishing tournament has been part of the landscape for more than thirty years. 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. 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. Do you want to do an inshore trip? So if you have your heart set on catching a deep-sea tuna or marlin, this is the time to head out. Your captain will also let you know what the fishing regulations are and how much of your catch you can keep. 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. Discover a deep-sea fishing experience and fish for a record-breaking catch. Keep in mind that 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. You'll be fishing on a 45' Hatteras luxury sportfishing vessel capable of holding your fishing crew or the entire family. Specializing in offshore deep sea fishing, the company has five boats to take you to some prime Bahamas fishing spots. You will compete among the most elite fleet of sport boats assembled in one location. Queen triggerfish (or turbot), though beautiful, are not the cream of the crop when fishing in Nassau. Choose from trolling for large trophy fish or getting in on the action with light tackle in more shallow waters. Scuba gear cannot be used while taking lobster. The largest of all tuna species, Bluefin tuna can weigh more than 500 pounds and stretch more than six feet in length. Bahamians take great care of their diverse marine life, so there are strict rules you need to abide by in order to spearfish here. When you book your excursion, ask if there are any necessary items you need to pack. This tournament is not-for-profit. Its a delicacy not to be missed. Fish you can expect to catch when inshore fishing in Nassau, include bonefish, red snapper and the Nassau grouper. There are also many places in the country where spearfishing is forbidden, so choose your spot carefully. Here are the best of the best. If you love the heat, you may have less competition on the water if you go for an afternoon charter. You already know that the Bahamas is an amazing vacation destination, but now you know that its unmatched when it comes to fishing too. Known as the tiger of the sea, the barracuda prowls the ocean preying on smaller fish including jacks, grunts, groupers, snappers, small tunas, mullets, killifishes, herrings, and anchovies. Bonefish are among the most famous fish in The Bahamas, and they are prominent all day long. 2023 FishingBooker.com. This time of year is also good for long fishing trips because the ocean is calm and the weather predictable. Experience the boating capital of The Bahamas in the one-of-a-kind island chain known as The Abacos. Just 20 miles off the shores of the Nassau you will find Lemon, Hammerhead, Bull, Blacktip, Tiger and Reef sharks. Any lobsters harvested in The Bahamas during their open season cannot be transported by private vessel into state waters during Floridas closed season. Will you be looking to catch enough for a meal for two or are hoping to stock up for a rainy day? You can only use the Hawaiian sling or a pole spear, not spearguns. Safety is also important. The Bahamas offers some of the best fishing in the world, so its no surprise that it is also host to world-class spearfishing. They usually have yellow-tipped fins and narrow light-yellow bands above their side fins. This includes: Acklins & Crooked Island, Andros, The Abacos, Bimini, Eleuthera, The Exumas, Inagua, Long Island, Mayaguana, Ragged island, Rum cay, San Salvador or The Berry islands. 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. This means they need to consume large quantities of food if they are to survive the cold ocean waters. The best time for fishing is in the morning. When fishing in the flats, its important to pay attention to the impact of the tides. Most companies will at minimum provide the bait, tackle/equipment, and ice some will also include bottled water. Thank you for reading the blog, Im glad you liked the post. Here Are The Best Places To Travel In April For Couples. 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. Luminous water in shades of electric blue merges with bone-white sand, creating a dazzling backdrop for a range of water sports. 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. If you require any special drinks or liquor, most companies will be happy to source them for you at an additional fee. With Hunter Charters, you're a mere 15 minutes from catching marlin, sailfish, Mahi Mahi, and more! S. 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. Posted by: Nassau Paradise Island on August 29, 2022. 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. 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. First Strike Charters combines a grand voyage with the excitement of landing the big one. Famous for its deep-sea fishing and record-breaking catches, anglers are drawn to Paradise in search of their next big catch.