Description. It is best to hire a guide as finding the Bonefish is not easy and the Exuma fishing guides are incredibly skilled. We can be reached by phone at 1 (242) 393-1777, by fax at 1 (242) 393-0238, or by e-mail. that you can legally catch while pursuing fishing of any kind in The Bahamas. For the fit and adventurous, try free-diving and spear-fishing for lobster and grouper. . Step Three: When you land in Staniel Cay our professional fishing guide will greet you and whisk you away to start making fishing memories that will last a life time. Website Maintenance by Skyway Overseas. , Best Answer From Peter in Australia: A hook will rust away in a fish, but it may take a while, especially if the hook is plated or made of thick metal. These are subsistence, recreational, and commercial fishing. If youre lost or broken down someone needs to know where to start looking. The rapid depth drop of these islands makes for perfect bottom fishing, with a variety of deepwater dwellers such as queen snapper, blackfin snapper, yellow eye snapper, mystic grouper, yellow edge grouper, wreckfish, and many more to be found. It takes a little work to get used to it but there is something very satisfying about catching your own lobster for dinner. follow your guide's direction "fish at 2 o'clock, 15 yards" and the odds of a catch are in your favour. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Not only are they great at camouflage, but theyre also highly suspicious. Our very experienced captains along with our expert bone fishing guide will take you to the secret fishing spot and give you tips on how to reel in the big one. amazing waters of the Exumas. The catch limits are set out below: If the tournament or event is to include foreign vessels, you must complete the appropriate application form and provide the necessary supporting documents, such as a copy of the proposed rules for the tournament or event. 1. The result? 6 Persons). Insider advice on avoiding the crowds as you hit all the best beaches, resorts, outdoor activities, restaurants, and nightlife. How much do you tip a deep sea fishing guide? Giu 11, 2022 | narcissistic withdrawal. 6 Persons), Half Day Lobster Spearfishing Tours(Seasonal) (Max. The number of bones might be intimidating for many, especially when it keeps coming into your mouth. The names of the lobster fishing areas are as follows: Area 23, Area 24, Area 25, Area 26A, Area 26B, and Area 27. You can also try some bottom dropping on these with live/dead bait. Like Bubba in the Forest Gump movie, we could list a number of preparationsfrom cracked lobster (fried with an egg-based coating) to pressure-steamed with a Maryland-crab inspired seasoning mix. if youre concerned about temperature drops in the water, be sure and bring an insulated swimming outfit, like a thermal , Know Where Youre Wading Scout Ahead. You can see in the screenshot a section of the drop and exactly where we hooked up. Peace & Plenty fishes up to as many as 10 boats and guides a day. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Yes, we plan on seeing Pig Beach, Thunderball Grotto and at least one of the iguana Cays. All other migratory fish shall be returned to the sea alive unless it is to be used immediately. We have not yet found a month that is bad, but the snapper are particularly good in April through May and also also great on the BBQ. Is it illegal to catch blue marlin in Bahamas? Here are some of the highlights to be aware of: The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a no take zone make sure you know where it is. Each vessel shall use not more than six (6) rods or reels unless the operator is in possession of a permit authorizing the use of more rods or reels; Vessels with a valid fishing permit are allowed 20 pounds of scale fish, 10 conch, and ten crawfish (in season) per person, at any time. Proceed through Highborne Cay Cut onto the Great Bahamas Bank. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. You can substitute the Maine version, but your best bet is a Great Exuma vacation! Reach Mary Catherine by phone at 804-815-8238 or by e-mail: Show Email Address. Access to them is another issue! Bonefishing is good all year long in Exuma. Another important thing to keep in the mind is sizes and restrictions. For the deep sea fishing, heres when they are most active. Fishing is allowed in the Exuma Bahamas and for sailing charters, and a permit is usually not required. Site by Krista's Design Studio, LLC, Bahamas Lobster Season August 1 March 31, Fishing Regulation Details for The Bahamas. I put together asailboat fishing guidethat covers in more details the best methods for fishing in the Exumas trolling, bottom dropping, jigging, etc. Check with your air carrier and Fish and Wildlife enforcement agency for the state you arrive with for Customs and Immigration for any restrictions or special rules that may apply. These fish are well-known for their reel-stressing runs, their impressive strength, and the considerable challenge that they pose to even the most seasoned fishers. 4. Deeper reef fishing can be found between the cays and the drop. If the crew has gone considerably far out of their way for you, you may tip more, just like in a restaurant. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 1. Ask Dee, the manager of this small bar / restaurant, photo albums you will discover that this place lost in the depths of Exuma is visited regularly by a world . Here is a blog and a great video with more info on the challenging Bonefish. I like the Rapala X-Rap Magnum and the Yozuri Bonita in 5-6 inch sizes. If you like free diving and snorkeling Id highly recommend bringing one or asking your charter company if they can provide it. Whether its lobster or grouper our crew will prepare a delectable lunch from your catch of the day on one the many private beaches through out the Exuma Cays. They are easy to spot even if not marked on charts and support a lot of life. Cash for Cruising Permitwe cannot confirm if any locations accept credit or debit cards for government transactions. I know, I know The Islands of The Bahamas are so laid back that it often seems like there are no rules. These areas have swift currents that upwell nutrients from deep in the ocean. Special documentation may also be required. The Regulations specify the amount of fish and fishery products that can be aboard a licensed foreign sport fishing vessel at any time. 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. In the Out Islands, the vibe is especially chill. Further information on marine resources export limits may be obtained from the Department of Marine Resources, telephone no. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Lobsters brought back to Florida must be in whole condition (not tailed). The rivers temperature can vary from temperate in the shallows to near-freezing in open water. Also important wind direction. Catch a brand NEW episode of " Livin' the Dream with Capt. As I mentioned earlier, you probably want to stick to surface lures, or anything that will swim in less than 10 feet. You get to know their trailer so you know the days that they are out fishing and people show up to buy fresh from the returning boat. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. California's coastal waters are home to a multitude of invertebrates (species lacking a bony skeleton). These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. We use Squid as bait (you can get this frozen at Exuma markets or Brown's Marine). There are six lobster fishing areas and each area is assigned a name. If youre fishing in the Exuma Banks, it might be too shallow to use diving lures, so exercise caution. . It is also the oldest national park in The Bahamas . Includes a chart of best type and time fish in Exuma by month. Fishing Charter Tips and Gratuity Guide The customary gratuity is 15-20% of the price of a charter. No spearfishing within 200 yards of any island in the Bahamas. Box N-3028 Most fisheries take place in shallow waters less than 40 metres deep and within 15 km of shore, although some fisheries (areas 34-38) will fish much . Join us in this tropical destination while we do a catch, clean and cook with lobster, conch and fish on a private island! Lobsters brought back to Florida must be in whole condition (not tailed). And the best part about all of these excursions is that no experience is necessary in order to try. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. August 1st is the start of Bahamas Lobster Season and marina and hotel reservations have reached full capacity throughout The Bahamas, including at Bimini Big Game Club. No fishing license is needed for visitors (excluding commercial fishing operations) You may fish from shore. The length of fishing depend on the type of fishing that you book so email or call us and we can give you further details. Boats. Anything goes, right? lobster fishing exuma. Visitors to The Bahamas are not allowed to sell or trade any fishery products. Lobsters are caught in baited traps placed on the bottom of the sea. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Other flats species available include barracudas, sharks and the occasional permit. All foreign owned vessels in the tournament are required to obtain a sportsfishing decal from the tournament organizers before engaging in fishing as a part of the tournament. (Be carefulthe U.S. carapace minimum is 3 inches, so pay attention on how you measure your lobster.). Grouper in season must be at least 36" from head to tail, while crawfish must be 3 1/2" from the carapice to the tail. The general public is advised that the Queen Conch (conch) is considered to be an endangered species throughout much of its range within the wider Caribbean area, including The Bahamas. The Fisheries Regulations prohibit sports-fishers from the use of a spear, trap or net (other than a landing net), unless such use is specifically authorized. Where are the biggest bonefish in the world? For complete details on all of the rules and regulations governing Bahamas spearfishing, as well as other types of fishing in The Bahamas, check in with our friends at The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Action is at its best from OctoberMay when the waters are cooler, and the weather is dry. On our last trip we speared several lion fish and made some excellent ceviche out of it. Lobster Boat (4) Long Range Cruiser (1) Cutter (39) Trimaran (6) Jon Boats (1) . more. While the shallow turquoise water is breathtaking to sail through, that color means it has a sandy bottom. You can see our blog on how to BBQ and Exuma lobster. If one type is getting more action, we might switch it out. Although there are many species that populate warm temperature flats, bonefish are undoubtedly the most popular. Happy fishing. The other location is off the Southside of Exuma. Just dropping you a line to thank you for the wonderful sightseeing. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! Dropping that bait DEEP. The tradewinds blow here, but frontal passages are more frequent. In the Exumas, you are generally sailing for longer distances between anchorages (as compared to the British Virgin Islands). Going spearfishing in the Exuma Cays, Bahamas stunning reefs is an experience you should treat yourself to at least once in your life. Hideaways Exuma, George Town, Exuma, Bahamas, The Exuma Villa Rental Question: Resort or Private. Fill up the form below to tell us what you're looking for. Thanks for reading my post about Exuma fishing tips! per vessel at any time and excluding not more than six crawfish per vessel. 10 per person (You may never have more than this limit on your boat, regardless of how many days youre in The Bahamas. There is no such thing as a private beach in the Bahamas, as all beaches are public up to the high water mark. Sound on the North-side boast an abundance of marine, tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi, red snapper, and grouper as well as spiny Lobster and conch. The tax man has gotten us before. The spiny lobster season (also called bugs locally) runs from August to March in Exuma, Bahamas subject to certain restrictions. Best Fishing Exuma - Chart of Best Fish by Month Around Exuma. The four-legged friends that draw most people to Staniel Cay are pink and porky. For example, Lobster spearfishing is "off" season from April 1 to July 31, and you'll only be allowed to keep 10 tails of 3-3.8-inch carapace length (or 6 inches tail length) at any given time. You can buy fishing rods, lures and other accessories at Browns marine (Southeast of Georgetown and also at either hardware stores in town). Another method zig zag from around 200 feet until the depth sounder no longer registers. Staniel Cay Exuma is home to Famous Guides. Brokers. You need a license To fish from a boat in Exuma; better yet go with a Bahamian who has a licensed boat. The drops are where the shelf falls from a couple hundred feet, to over thousands. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Milbridge, Maine: Robertson Sea Tours: This two hour trip takes place on an real lobster boat and offers participants a chance to catch lobster alongside Captain Jamie. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 1:44. We have all this equipment should you choose this type of fishing. The bag limits are: Sports-fishers visiting The Bahamas are limited to angling with a hook and line held in the hand or attached to a rod and reel. Please see the chart below. Any week can be Shark Week when you're visiting the Exuma Islands where controlled encounters with docile nurse sharks are a top attraction. . What is the best time to go fishing in the Bahamas? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Many say it is the bestbone fishingin the world. Off the coast, the clear waters are good hunting grounds for snapper, grouper, yellowtail, wahoo, barracuda, and kingfish. Trips Alerts Sign in. The Exuma islands are a popular spot for yachting, sailing, snorkeling, diving, fishing and coral reef and cave exploring. The waters around the Exuma islands are known for their abundance of game fish such as marlin, tuna, wahoo, and dolphin fish, which can make for an exciting and unforgettable fishing experience. Open Waters Enterprise. In John Pennekamp State Park lobster harvesting is prohibited during the 8 month regular and commercial season. All prices exclude 10% VAT and a credit card processing fee of 5%. The flat waters on the South-side of the island are world-renowned for bone fishing; while the deep waters of the Exuma Sound on the North-side boast an abundance of marlin, tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi, red snapper, and grouper as well as Spiny Lobster and conch. The fishing in the Exumas is outstanding thanks to its proximity to the drop where the Exuma Banks fall off sharply to the Exuma Sound several feet to thousands, very quickly. Per boat, you cannot exceed ten tails of crawfish or lobster. The food options range from traditional Bahamian fare in casual digs to upscale restaurants with beautiful beach views. But, please check with your charter company to confirm. life," says Bonnie McDonald. Conch - limit of 6, and they must be mature (well-formed lip) No more than 18 migratory species at a time (wahoo, mahi, tuna, etc) - I applaud you if you can catch that many! The Great Exuma Excape - 2022 Get your Playlist, Passports and Sunscreen ready. You cannot harvest female stone crabs or crawfish and all species of turtle are illegal to harvest. This story was originally titled "Tale of 2 Cities: The best bonefishing getaways in the Bahamas" It appeared in the Jan-Feb 2014 issue of Fly Fisherman. The best spot for fishing is the Little Bridge to Little Exuma on a rising tide. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. We've assembled some useful information on the best fishing around Great and Little Exuma. 2022 Exuma Fantasea Tour. Lobster fishing is most active in the Gulf of Maine, Bay of Fundy, Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence and coastal Nova Scotia. Its the beginning of lobster season, and that means some tasty bugs, as these crustaceans are lovingly known, will soon be available.