BAHAMAS.COM/FISHING
WALKERS Message From NEW SPORT FISHING CAY The Minister of Tourism & Aviation Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar, MP REGULATIONS, QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Just fifty miles southeast of Florida lies an angler’s dream — a chain of 700 islands extending What are the most recent changes to the Fisheries Regula- Little Bahama Bank over 100,000 square miles of pristine seas teeming with fish of every size and kind. tions in The Bahamas? SPANISH CAY Welcome to The Islands Of The Bahamas. Sharks are protected in The Bahamas as a result of an amend- The Bahamas is home to a population of 380,000 people whose warm hospitality has ment made in 2011. Sharks may only be taken under special helped build this nation’s reputation as a vacation paradise. Each year, six million travelers permits for specific purposes. A shark hooked during the GREEN TURTLE CAY make their way to the shores of The Islands Of The Bahamas. Tens of thousands of them course of fishing is to be released unharmed. book a Bahamas vacation for the express purpose of indulging in their passion — fishing. How much fish can I keep? In the waters of The Bahamas, under year-round sunshine, anglers can enjoy many produc- The Regulations specify the amount of fish and fishery prod- PALM BEACH TREASURE CAY 1 GUANA CAY tive days of fishing, no matter their level of angling skills or experience. ucts that can be aboard a licensed foreign sport fishing vessel WEST END at any time. The bag limits are: a. 18 pelagic fish (Any combi- The Islands Of The Whether it’s hand-lining for gray snapper in the mangroves of Bimini; fishing for grouper nation of Dolphin, Wahoo, Kingfish or Tuna), b. 10 lobsters, 2 using a spinner rod on reefs off the Exumas; fishing for tuna in blue water with heavy tackle (when in season) c. 6 conchs d. 60 pounds or up to 20 demersal HOPE TOWN in the Abacos; or fly fishing for bonefish on the many sandy flats surrounding Andros, fish such as snappers and groupers, whichever is the lesser. Long Island, Acklins or Crooked Island, we can fulfill all your vacation fishing desires. There GRAND BAHAMA MARSH HARBOUR & ELBOW CAY is something for every category of angler, at a wide range of price points. Am I allowed to eat any of the fish I catch? FREEPORT Yes. BAHAMAS For trusted information about choice fishing locations, highly endorsed lodges and quality Can I use an electric reel? guides, anglers turn to The Bahamas Fishing Map and Angler’s Guide.This publication is Yes. widely distributed around the world at major international fishing Is there a catch limit for bonefish? Northwest ProvidenceMOORES Channel shows, marinas, fishing clubs and retail tackle dealerships. There is no catch limit for bonefish. Catch and release is ISLAND The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism is pleased to be a partner with strongly encouraged. Multi Media Group, publishers of The Bahamas Fishing Map and Do I have to use a local fishing guide? Angler’s Guide to promote the advantages of recreational fishing There is no requirement that you use a Bahamian guide. The throughout our islands. Department of Marine Resources encourages use of Bahamian FT. LAUDERDALE Whether this is your first visit to The Bahamas or you’ve lost fishing guides as this provides an enhanced fishing experience. ABACO count of how many times you’ve visited us, you’ll leave convinced Am I allowed to keep any billfish (Marlins, sailfish, sword- WORLD CLASS MARLIN that fishing is one of the reasons “It’s Better In The Bahamas”. fish) caught? Tight Lines Unless you are fishing in an approved tournament, all billfish caught must be returned to the sea unharmed. Can I sell some of the fish I catch in The Bahamas? 11 BIMINI Visitors to The Bahamas are not allowed to sell or trade any GREAT HARBOUR Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar, MP fishery products. This constitutes commercial fishing and ISLANDS CAY INISTER OF OURISM VI ATION MIAMI M T & A would be a serious violation of the law. 12 I intend to fish from the shore or a dock. Do I need a sports Elbow Bank 16 fishing permit? CAT CAY HARBOUR ISLAND No, because you will not be using a foreign owned vessel. Do I need a sports fishing permit? OCEAN CAY BERRY DUNMORE TOWN You will only need a sports fishing permit if the boat you rent is not Bahamian owned. Even when fishing from such a boat, a Non- RIDING ROCKS ISLANDS Atlantic Ocean Bahamian person must observe the sports fishing catch limits. Northeast Providence Channel SOUTH RIDING ROCK Can I still gather conchs while in The Bahamas? ELEUTHERA Sportsfishers are allowed to gather conchs. The maximum ORANGE CAY number that you may have aboard the sport fishing vessel at GOVERNORS any time is six (6). Remember that there is a legal size limit for NICHOLLS conch in The Bahamas. The shell must have a well-developed
TOWN NASSAU HARBOUR flaring lip. This is a sign of maturity.
How much fish can I take home when I leave The Bahamas? Guide 2020 Guide s ' Angler & When you leave The Bahamas via a foreign vessel that had a
sports fishing permit, marine resources up to the new catch limits
6 may be aboard. This does not depend on the number of person
aboard the vessel. MAP FISHING NEW Can I clear into The Bahamas and obtain a Sports fishing
PROVIDENCE Permit online? HIGHBOURNE No, unfortunately these services are not available online. The BAHAMAS 7 FRESH CREEK CAY sport fishing vessel must clear Bahamas Customs at a Port-of-En- 21 ARTHUR’S try and obtain the Sports fishing Permit at that time. You should 22 NORMAN’S CAY TOWN not engage in any fishing until this has been done. ANDROS HAWKSBILL Travelling from Florida, when do I cross into Bahamian waters? The maritime boundary between The Bahamas and the United
4 10 ISLAND CAY CAT States of America (USA) has not been formally agreed upon. The Islands Of The Of Islands The LITTLE ISLAND In the South Florida area, where the USA and The Bahamas are separated by the Gulf Stream, NOAA Chart 11469 depicts the line G 5 8 WADERICK WELLS SAN SALVADOR marking the limits of the United States Exclusive Economic Zone. r CAY This line essentially runs up the middle of Gulf Stream. e Tongue Of The Ocean a For more information please contact: t 9 EXUMA Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, Out Island B 18 13 Traders Building a KEMPS CAYS 17 STANIEL CAY East Bay St., P.O. Box N 3040. Nassau, N.P; The Bahamas h BAY E-mail: [email protected]. a COCKBURN TOWN SAN SALVADOR Telephone: (242) 397-7000 m Fax: (242) 325-3960 or (242) 322-1767. a CONCEPTION Cast your way B ISLAND a Exuma Sound n through The Bahamas k GREAT
EXUMA GEORGETOWN RUM CAY TWO FLY FREE $300 From Nassau* Boating Fuel Credit BAHAMAS DIRECTORY OF FISHING LODGES & RESORTS LONG ISLAND THE ABACOS Big Bamboo - (#21) Fresh Creek, Andros BIMINI & BERRY ISLANDS Valentines Resort – (#16) Harbour Island Abaco Lodge, Bustick Bight 242.357.2019 • www.BigBambooBahamas.com *Bimini Big Game Club – (#11) North Bimini (242) 333-2142 / 1 (866) 389-6864 • www.valentinesresort.com SAMANA (242) 367-5909 • www.abacolodge.com Big Charlies & Faith’s Fishing Lodge, Behring Point (242) 347-3391 / (800) 867-4764 • www.biggameclubbimini.com EXUMA JUMENTOS 20 CAY Black Fly Bonefish Club, Schooner Bay (242) 368-4297 • www.bigcharlieandros.net Bimini Sands Resort & Marina – (#12) South Bimini Bonefish Exuma, Great Exuma (Hermitage) CAYS CLARENCE (242) 366-2048 • www.blackflylodge.com Broad Shad Cay Lodge – (#5) Andros Island, Bahamas (242) 347-3500 • www.biminisands.com (242) 336-2299 • www.bonefishexuma.com 19 *Bluff House Resort, Green Turtle Cay (242) 368-4261 / (242) 225-0082 • www.broadshadcaylodge.com *Carriearl Boutique Resort, Great Harbour Island Embrace Resort – (#17) Staniel Cay, Exumas TOWN (800) 745-4911 / (242) 365-4247 • www.bluffhouse.com Dream Villas, Davis Creek– (#22) (242) 367-8785 • www.carriearl.com (305) 407-1058 • www.embraceresort.com Delphi Club, South of Marsh Harbour (242)-368-2108 • www.dreamvillasbahamas.com *Staniel Cay Yacht Club – (#18) Staniel Cay (242) 366-2222 • www.delphi-bahamas.com CAT ISLAND (242) 355-2024 / 1-(954) 467-6658 • www.stanielcay.com FLAMINGO CAY COLONEL HILL Kamalame Cay, Kamalame Cay *Hawk’s Nest Resort & Marina – (#13) South Cat Island 14 *Green Turtle Club – (#1) Green Turtle Cay (242) 368-6281 / (800) 790-7971 • www.kamalame.com (866) 528-0539 / (242) 365-4271 (242) 342-7050 • www.hawks-nest.com LONG ISLAND Mangrove Cay Club, Mangrove Cay Cape Santa Maria Resort & Fishing Club, Cape Santa Maria 3 *Treasure Cay Resort - (#2) North Abaco (242) 369-0731 / (242) 379-0732 • www.mangrovecayclub.com CROOKED ISLAND (242) 338-5273 / 1-(800) 663-7090 • www.capesantamaria.com (800) 327-1584/ (242) 365-8801 • www.treasurecay.com PLANA Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge, Mars Bay Crooked Island Bonefishing, Crooked Island Deadman’s Cay Lodge, Deadman’s Cay Rickmon Bonefishing Lodge, Sandy Point (242) 369-5091 • www.androsbonefish.com (242) 344-2409 • www.cribonefishing.com CAY (800) 628-1447 • www.angleradventures.com (242) 337-1056 /(242) 337-0246 • www.deadmansbones.com CROOKED Mount Pleasant Lodge, Mangrove Cay Crooked Island Lodge – (#14) Pittstown Point *Gems at Paradise, Clarence Town (242) 344-2507/2430 • www.pittstownpoint.com ACKLINS (242) 368-5171/5183 • www.mtpleasantfish.com (242) 337-3016-9 / 1-(800) 668-4752 • www.gemsatparadise.com Crooked IslandISLAND Passage 15 *Crooked & Acklins Trophy Lodge – (#15) Crooked Island *Greenwich Creek Lodge – (#19) Cartwright, Long Island Acklins Island Lodge, Mason Bay *Nathan’s Lodge, Kemp’s Bay (242) 344-2136 • www.crookedandacklinstrophylodge.com (242) 344-3678 / FX: (242) 344-3180 (242) 369-1707 • www.nathanslodge.com (242) 337-6278 • www.greenwichcreeklodge.com SEAL CAY www.acklinsislandlodge.com North Andros Fly Fishing – (#6) San Andros GRAND BAHAMA Long Island Bonefishing Lodge –(#20) Deadman’s Cay *Chester’s Highway Inn Bonefish Lodge–(#3) Northern Acklins (242) 329-2661 • www.northandrosflyfishing.com East End Lodge, McLean’s Town (242) 472-2609/337-0166 • Longislandbonefishinglodge.com NURSE CAY (242) 344-3114 / (305) 921-0238 • www.chesterhighwayinn.com Pleasant Bay Bonefish Lodge, South Andros (561) 354-8005 • www.eastendlodge.com Long Island Breeze, Salt Pond Grey’s Point Bonefish Inn, Grey’s Point (242) 369-5551 • www.pleasantbaybonefishlodge.com Grand Bahama Bonefishing, Freeport (242) 338-0103 / 1-(954) 605-1826 RAGGED (242) 344-3210 / (242) 375-2632 • www.greyspointbonefishinn.com (336) 817-7395 / (242) 373-1896 • www.grandbahamabonefishing.com www.longislandbreezeresort.com 23 ABRAHAM’S *Small Hope Bay Lodge - (#7) Fresh Creek, Andros *Stella Maris Resort Club Salinas Point Bonefish Lodge, Salina Point - (#23) (242) 368-2014 / FX: (242) 368-20115 • www.smallhope.com H20 Bonefishing* Pelican Bay Hotel & Suites, Freeport ISLANDS ACKLINS MAYAGUANA (242)-323-5570 • Find us, www.facebook.com/acklinsisland/ (242) 359-4958 / (954) 364-7590 • www.h20bonefishing.com (2420 338-2051 / 1 (800) 426-0466 • www.stellamarisresort.com BAY Stafford Creek Lodge, Fresh Creek ISLAND ISLAND (242) 368-6259/6050 / 1-(954) 676-4158 • www.staffordcreeklodge.com North Riding Point Club, North Riding Point MAYAGUANA ANDROS (242) 353-4250 • www.northridingpointclub.net *Swain’s Cay Lodge – (#8) Mangrove Cay Baycaner Beach Resort, Pirate’s Well *Andros Bay Cottage Fishing Lodge, Cargil Creek Old Bahama Bay Resort, West End (242) 339-3726 • www.baycanerbeach.com (242) 368-5266 • www.androsbaycottagebahamas.com (242) 422-5018 • www.swainscaylodge.com (242) 350-6500 / 1-(877) 784-6835 • www.oldbahamabay.com CAY VERDE Mayaguana Passage Andros Island Bonefish Club –(#4) Cargil Creek *Tiamo Resorts – (#9) South Andros Deep Water Cay Club, Deep Water Cay NASSAU (242) 368-5167 • www.androsbonefishing.com (242) 225-6871 / 1-(786) 374-2442 • www.tiamoresorts.com (242) 353-3073 • www.deepwatercay.com Secret Soul Fly Fishing, Nassau, New Providence Andros South Bonefishing Lodge, Congo Town Tranquility Hill Bonefish Lodge –(#10) Behring Point (242) 327-4320 / (242) 376-0321 • www.secret-soul.com (242) 369-1406 / (800) 344-3628 • www.androssouth.com (242) 368-4132 / 1-(860) 331-8467 • www.tranquilityhilllodge.com ELEUTHERA Fly Fishing Adventure, Nassau, New Providence Bair’s Lodge, South Andros Two Boys Inn, Behring Point The Duck Inn Cottages, Governor’s Harbour (242) 456-2105 • [email protected] Columbus Bank (866) 333-6437 • www.bairslodge.com (242) 368-4067 • www.twoboysinn.com (242) 332-2608 • www.duckinncottages.com NOTE: (*) denotes member of Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board HOGSTY REEF Map Illustration © 2013 Clif Art Map Key LITTLE INAGUA $"3(*--$3&&,t"/%304*4-"/% #")"."4 Cay Yach Scheduled flights el t C ISLAND ni l from Ft. Lauderdale Andros Island Bone sh Club o ers incredible a u Location of Advertisers t b A NOTE: This map is not to Go Big or ats and o shore shing, great hospitality, S ne Bahamian cuisine and full amenities ( See Listings ) scale and is intended for EXUMAS, BAHAMAS use as a reference only, Go Home Cover Images courtesy of Tiamo Resorts We make the serious anglers $POUBDUVTBCPVUPVS not for navigation For special offers, visit FishMyOutIslands.com shing dreams a reality MFHFOEBSZöTIJOHQBDLBHFT The publisher wishes to thank the following for their GREAT INAGUA photo contributions... Bimini Big Game Clug,Broad Shad Cay, Green Turtle Club, ISLAND Produced annually for the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism by ABACOS ACKLINS ANDROS BERRY ISLANDS BIMINI CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND stanielcay.com Long Island Bonefishing Lodge, North Andros Flyfishing, Tiamo ELEUTHERA EXUMAS HARBOUR ISLAND LONG ISLAND SAN SALVADOR Resort, Tranquility Hill Bonefish Lodge, And all the owners and MultiMedia Group Limited [email protected] mangers that helped make this map possible, with a special Nassau, The Bahamas *Book a 4-6 night stay and receive one free round-trip airfare or a 7-night or longer stay and receive up to two round-trip airfares. Free thanks to the Minister and his team at The Bahamas Ministry Copyright © 2018/2019 round-trip airfare only for fl ights originating/ending in Nassau. Offer for new-air inclusive bookings and passengers on same itinerary. Bah 242.355.2024 of Tourism, and The Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board. MATTHEW TOWN One instant $300 fuel credit per stay at a certifi ed and participating marina combined with a 4-night minimum consecutive stay. All of- Ph: tt fers available for stays at participating BOIPB member hotels. Not combinable with any other credit promotions. These offers are subject &BOESPTCPOFöTI!CBUFMOFUCTt8XXXBOESPTCPOFöTIJOHDPN Email us at [email protected] to availability and may be changed or cancelled at any time. Please visit OutIslandsAnglers.com for full terms and conditions. U.S. 954.467.6658 stanielcay.com • [email protected] • Bahamas 242.355.2024 • U.S. 954.467.6658 • VHF 16 Contact us at [email protected] • 242-422-5018 We offer Guided... • Fly Fishing Offering Free Two Fly-Free Tickets & $100 PUE2:2PGNR • Reef & Big Game Fishing PUE2:2PGNR fishing credit on 4 or more night packages. • Snorkelling reefs & blue holes • Complimentary kayaks & Bikes to explore the island & beaches.
Your Way To The Out Islands
WEBSITE SPECIAL: Book Online Receive 15% Off P.O. Box AN 23802 • Mangrove Cay Andros Island, The Bahamas Ft. Lauderdale to: Andros, Berry Isl, Cat Isl, Eleuthera, Exumas Phone 242-369-0296 / Fax 242-369-0297 watermakersair.com • 954.771.0330 • [email protected]
An Out-Island Adventure FLATS & FLY FISHING BLUE WATER FISHING When you hear talk about flats fishing in The Bahamas, more anglers find light spinning tackle a better choice Fishing for blue marlin once was a highly-specialized water anglers to routinely have lines in the water min- water fishing is usually in the spring through summer most likely it’s about the elusive bonefish. After all, sav- because it’s more versatile. Bonefish flies are good game involving large boats trolling lures so big they utes after leaving the dock. In some marinas, such as months. Big yellowfin tuna (called Allison tuna here) vy anglers know this is the place to come if you’re look- mimics for small shrimp, crabs, and other creatures that could be the winner at a freshwater bass tournament. Treasure Cay Marina in Abaco, you don’t need to run are most abundant in March and April, and often well ing for a world record catch. Let it be known these is- bonefish like -- Simply getting a marlin alongside and releasing it your boat across because they have a into May. This is also the best time lands own seven IGFA World Records for bonefish, and but little jigs and safely required bigger boats and skilled crews. To- stable of well-maintained center con- for sailfish. An exception is big wa- another was set this year in Andros. The largest bone plastics are usu- day, anglers with boats under 30 feet have developed sole boats available to rent by day or hoo, the fastest fish in these waters, Your own private vacation villa... was brought to the boat weighing 16 pounds and it was ally just as good their own techniques, mostly using stand-up tackle. week. This growing concept is grow- which usually run from November to perfect for an exotic caught on traditional gear. Right behind that monster, if not better in While the majority of anglers find success catching ing fast because it is cost-effective March. group or family get away is a 15-pounder caught on fly. some cases. The and allows more time to fishing. same holds true Catching the elusive blue marlin is a • SECLUDED & PRIVATE Most people agree these are the best flats fishing in for other target- Every year tens-of-thousands of fish- highly-specialized game. It involves • TRANQUIL & PEACEFUL the world, both in numbers and sizes of fish. Although ed species. ermen come from all parts of the high-speed trolling, knowing what • FUN & RELAXING the primary draw is bonefish, bigger waving fins and globe to cast lines into these pristine lures to run, or finding a seasoned • ALL INCLUSIVE ACTIVITIES trails might mark a Permit the size of a tabletop. They Anglers new photo courtesy of Tiamo Resort & Spa waters. Some troll the offshore waters skipper that knows what baits to Something for everyone often exceed 20 pounds here, to the waters tinations. Winter cold fronts that chill much of the for sailfish, white and blue marlin, tuna, troll. If you’re not sure which artificial Do everything or nothing and they’re tough to fool into might consider a southern United States, seldom cross the warm wa- wahoo, and mahi-mahi. Others fish the to troll, try natural baits like ballyhoo taking a fly or crab. However, 7-foot spinning ters of the Gulf Stream. fertile reefs, dropping a jig or fresh bait which can often save the day. Some when one does, it’s like hook- rod with a 3000 series reel loaded with that usually brings a quick and power- days you may see marlins swim up ing a bonefish on steroids. 6-10 pound test. Use this to cast every- Another plus for summer travelers is the reduced ful strike from big grouper, snapper, and look at your lures, and then dis- Bones, permit and tarpon (the thing from live and imitation shrimp to price of lodging at lodges -- especially those fea- appear. When that happens, some Grand Slam) are glamour spe- jigs or to baitfish imitators lures such as tured on this publication. Most lodges have very at- anglers switch to natural baits. They ANDROS ISLAND, BAHAMAS cies drawing lots of attention, Rapalas and Mir-O-Lures. Spinning tackle tractive packages for anglers traveling with friends may end up catching a trophy-size white marlin or a Don't Be Lost Without A Guide but they’re just the icing on a is also easier for children to use, and the or family, and their close proximity to the U.S. main- couple of nice wahoo, maybe several big king mack- &YQFSJFODFEt1SPGFTTJPOBMt'JSTU3BUF&RVJQNFOU rich Bahamian piscatorial cake. variety of fish a kid can catch along on land makes it even more appealing. English is the erel. That’s a great day in any angler’s log. Tight lines! or near the flats often brings them back national language of The Bahamas, making commu- Abaco's Independent Guides If you’re unfamiliar with “salt- as adults. Fishing with flies in the deeper nication with the skilled guides easy -- and Baha- Capt. Buddy Pinder [email protected] 242-366-2163 Andros: 242.357.2019 • www.BigBambooBahamas.com water flats” fishing, the accept- waters off the edge of the flats is anoth- mian guides are among the best anywhere. Guides Capt. Justin Sands just [email protected] 242-367-3526 ed definition would include the er rewarding experience. On any given are on the water constantly, it’s their way of life. So Capt. Danny Sawyer [email protected] 242-367-3577 expanded shallow areas found day anglers will find these waters teeming with several remember, while do-it-yourself fishing is available in photo courtesy of Paterson Bowleg Capt. Jody Albury [email protected] 242.367-6231 Watermakers, Inc. along shorelines that usually species of snappers and jacks, barracuda, grunts, trig- some areas, a guide dramatically increases the odds Capt. Richard Albury [email protected] 242-367-0367 have sandy bottoms. The bottom could also be dotted gerfish and small Goliath groupers – all catchable with of catching the larger fish. Capt. Maitland Lowe [email protected] 242-366-0234 Marine desalinators with beds of seagrass, and depths consider six-feet or flies. Capt. Ricky Sawyer bone sh@abaco y sh.com 242-365-4261 Commercial • Industrial • Recreational • Land-based less – which is the guideline for needing a Flats Fishing And, if you’re not an experienced angler, don’t wor- the smaller white marlin, plenty of 400-pound-blues license here. Flats are created and maintained by the Most of the top fishing sites in this archipelago of pris- ry! This is really a nice place to learn. Between the have been caught by anglers who trailer boats. Capt. JR Albury info@jrsbone shabaco.com 242-475-1892 rising and falling tides. As the tides flood, they bring tine islands are also wonderful places for family vaca- flats and shallow reefs, it’s easy for beginning an- Capt. Dee Albury 242-366-2018 or 242-475-3430 Fresh Water, Any Time, Any Ocean large numbers of small prey such as shrimp, crabs and tions. Activities such as snorkeling, kayaking and shell- glers to hook-up with a tarpon, snapper, grouper, These picturesque islands of The Bahamas sit on shal- Capt. Robin Albury [email protected] 242-458-2937 Simply put, ours work better, longer. small fish. At the same time, numerous predators such ing are found within walking distance from many lodges or maybe your first bonefish. And because most of low, sandy banks separated by Atlantic Ocean chan- Capt. Dana Lowe [email protected] 242-577-0590 as bonefish, permit, barracuda, jacks, ladyfish and sev- and resorts. Anglers can leave families on a beach in the lodges are within minutes of deep blue water, nels and tongues as deep as 10,000 feet. The regions amberjack, or dozens of other critters lurking below. Capt. Donnie Lowe bone [email protected] 242-366-2275 Over 30 Years Of Excellence eral species of sharks cruise the flats looking to feed. the morning, catch their fill of fish on a nearby flat and anglers of all abilities can take a day from the flats geology creates currents that bring huge numbers of Flats fishermen prefer winter for bonefish, permit and Capt. Patrick Roberts [email protected] 242-577-0669 954.467.8920 • (888) 34-FRESH During these feeding times, fishing is at its best. re-join everyone for lunch. Warm, stable weather is an- to fish for deep-water species such as tuna, wahoo, baitfish near shore. This phenomenon brings bigger tarpon – even though the same trophy-sized fish are [email protected] Fishing magazines may concentrate on fly fishing, yet far other advantage The Bahamas have over most des- mahi-mahi, blue marlin and sailfish. fish closer to shore, allowing smaller boats with blue found from Abaco to the Acklins year-round. Blue [email protected]tLike us on Facebook watermakers.com photo courtesy of Tiamo Resort & Spa Ft. Lauderdale, FLORIDA t."34))"3#063 "#"$0 WORLD-CLASS FISHING DESTINATIONS OfficialBAHAMAS Gamefish GAMEFISH ChartCHART FISHING REGULATIONS FISH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC BAG LIMITS Premium Quality Meats What brings so many anglers to The Bahamas every year? ing bonefish flats. On the big island of Great Abaco, about land Bonefish Club. Recognized as the country’s original fly- are also seen at this time. If you didn’t come by boat, don’t Allison Tuna The boat you fish from, must have a fish- The answer might be as clear as the 100,000 square-miles of halfway between Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay, you’ll fishing club, the lodge has cozy and clean accommodations, worry. The charter captains and guides at Valentines know ing permit aboard. Individual permits are at Bargain Prices! water where they fish. Maybe it’s the year-round sub-trop- find Abaco Lodge with great bonefishing out the back door, great food, and easy access to the reef and West Side National these waters, and know where to fish. Amberjack not required. ical climate. Those are good answers but most likely it’s all and easy access to the famed Marls on the west side of the Park. South a few miles through the flats, Mangrove Cay is an- Exuma… Heading southeast out of Nassau you’ll come upon Permits are obtained from Customs the big fish and the fact this island nation owns almost 90 mainland. To maximize your catch in Abaco, it’s always best other hotspot for big bones. Sitting at the water’s edge on a hundreds of small pristine cays, including Staniel Cay. Here is Baracuda officials at ports of entry. Fishing gear is world records. And another was set this year in Andros. Mix to fish with a professional guide. Contact the Abaco Fly Fish- pretty little stretch of beach is Swain’s Cay Lodge, perhaps the home to the celebrated Staniel Cay Yacht Club. Anglers travel- Blackfin restricted to hook and line and you may in the dozens of celebrated fishing lodges and now, like we ing Guides Association (561-202-8575) for more information. best-known lodge in the area. Shaded by swaying palms, the ing with families will enjoy array marine activities, first-class not fish with more than six rods at a time. said, the answer becomes pretty clear. Better yet, it’s so easy Abaco owns bragging rights to 13 IGFA world record catches lodge accommodates about 20 anglers with clean comfort- accommodations, a sparkling white sand beach, and a savory Tuna Bag limits are as follows: to get there and very safe. – is the next one yours? able rooms and a mouthwatering menu menu of international cuisine at the gourmet restaurant. The Bluefin Tuna THE NORTHERN BAHAMAS… fantastic destinations for THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS … includes of meals at its Reef Side Restaurant. Yacht Club has been part of the Staniel Cay community since Wahoo/Dolphin/Kingfish/ All Inclusive Do It Yourself lodge bonefish, tarpon and permit running the massive stretches New Providence, Andros, The Berry Is- Non-anglers will enjoy the beach with 1956. Today visitors enjoy Blue Marlin Tuna: overlooking picturesque Deadman's Cay of flats all year. The cobalt-blue waters offshore produce lands, Eleuthera, Exuma and Cat Island – all free use of kayaks, bicycles and snorkel 14 charming bungalows, Migratory species such as Kingfish, Dol- world-record billfish. Excellent air service and full-service with good air service, resorts and numer- gear. Skilled guides provide exciting an 18-slip marina, and a Bonefish phin, Tuna or Wahoo shall not exceed 18 marinas are found throughout the region. Fishing is just ous fishing lodges. Much of the travel to days of fishing, no matter whether you clubhouse with a really fish per vessel at any time. Long Island Bonefishing Lodge minutes from your dock or doorstep. these destinations passes through Nassau. prefer bones on the flats or marlin in the good restaurant. The flats If you’re looking for quality meats and seafood at Broadbill Stone Crabs: Experience DIY bonefishing like no other. Bimini… Hemingway made this place legendary for sport New Providence consists of Nassau, Cable offshore waters. South Andros is home offer excellent bonefishing Swordfish the best prices, we have everything you need. fishing years ago. But today’s anglers love the mix of history, Beach (now Baha Mar) and Paradise Island to the 1.5-milion acre West and blue water fishing is Closed season is June 1 to October 15. Call or email for rates & availability Dolphin From Porterhouse to Filet Mignon, we have it all! Telephone: 1 (242) 472-2609 contemporary resorts and the opportunity of a world-record -- known mostly for the nightlife, casinos, Side National Park – the awesome to the east, out- Minimum harvestable claw is 4”. Harvest- catch. Bonefish to blue marlin, shopping and fine dining. Few are aware of largest natural park in The side the reefs. ing of female is prohibited. • Custom cut fresh beef, veal, pork, lamb Email: info@longislandbonefishinglodge.com