Whether you're 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. If you are lucky you can also often buy fresh fish from the fisherman at the bridge to Little Exuma at the end of the day about 5pm. A couple minutes later, he asked Eric to hand him his Hawaiian Sling (spear), and he did. In addition to these easy to follow rules, the Bahamian Government setslimits on the amount of fish, lobster, conch, etc. Spearing legal lobster is legal in The Bahamas. Yes, we offer private charter trips. 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. You are limited to the use of six or less at any given time. I celebrate my "50th birthday" each year with a boys fishing trip to Exuma; we have tried different times in the year but our favourite is January when the Wahoo are running or April/May and into early June with the Mahi-Mahi are plentiful and the inshore Snapper are also great. Here is a, and a great video with more info on the challenging Bonefish, The spiny lobster season (also called bugs locally) runs from August to March in Exuma, Bahamas subject to certain restrictions. It helps cover the costs of hosting the website. Turn the tails belly-up. The undersea environs of The Bahamas havent remained a pristine home to sea creatures over the years by accident. I like the Rapala X-Rap Magnum and the Yozuri Bonita in 5-6 inch sizes. There is really not a bad time of year to fish although what is at peak season varies month to month. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The guide will provide either fly or spin reels. Please see the chart below. You will dive the crystal clear shallow waters around Great Exuma searching the reefs and shelves for spinney Lobster, all while taking in all of the other beautiful sights of other sea life in their natural habitat. BLU on the Water - restaurant located in Rolletown, 5 mins from the bridge (17 mins from the . When found, the challenging fish can put up a fight which makes it on every anglers bucket list. On part of the northern section of the Exumas, the drop is only a stones throw from some of the cays!! Here is a listing of rules and regulations for harvesting in The Bahamas and for returning to U.S. with your catch. . 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. follow your guide's direction "fish at 2 o'clock, 15 yards" and the odds of a catch are in your favour. Bahamian rules allow you to possess whole and wrung (tailed) lobster; however, when returning to Florida, lobster must be in whole condition (head and tail intact). For deep-sea fishing, the expansive water of the Exuma Sound is full of grouper, snapper, dolphin, tuna and more. Organizers of local sport-fishing tournaments, which are not coordinated to attract foreign sport fishers, do not require the written approval of the Minister. The other location is off the Southside of Exuma. 6 Persons), Half Day Lobster Spearfishing Tours(Seasonal) (Max. Required fields are marked *. I celebrate my "50th birthday" each year with a boys fishing trip to Exuma; we have tried different times in the year but our favourite is January when the Wahoo are running or April/May and into early June with the Mahi-Mahi are plentiful and the inshore Snapper are also great. In turn, this provides a habitat for huge schools of bait fishand their predators. The Exuma islands are a popular spot for yachting, sailing, snorkeling, diving, fishing and coral reef and cave exploring. But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. The following Florida Keys fishing restrictions are relevant to lobster harvesting: 1. The names of the lobster fishing areas are as follows: Area 23, Area 24, Area 25, Area 26A, Area 26B, and Area 27. Thanks, Chass . Even if you aren't an experienced angler, with a little planning you can have a lot of success. Deep dropping can be distinguished from bottom fishing when you are dropping baits deeper than 300 feet. No licenses or permits are required; all necessary equipment is included led by an experienced local guide. Your email address will not be published. Join Cliff and experience the best bonefishing experience in the Exuma Cays. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. 21. BIMINI, MORE THAN JUST A FISHING HOTSPOT! 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. . Specifically, spearfishing. Access to them is another issue! Tag us in your photos at #discoverexuma and @exuma_info. Caves, holes, ledges, and other structure-oriented habitats line the continental shelf here, making it a veritable paradise for deep-sea anglers. File a float plan at home before leaving and let them know if plans change. They know the best spots to fish around Exuma. There is a range of fish from Jack, Blue Runner, Snapper, Grouper to Barracuda and Grouper that can be caught here. What is the best time of year to bonefish in The Bahamas? And the best part about all of these excursions is that no experience is necessary in order to try. 2 lobster tails And for good reason. Fishing in The Bahamas can be split into three major categories. Bonefish is strictly catch and release. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the latest fishing regulations. Bonefishing is good all year long in Exuma. Catfish . For everyone in Exumawhether in to fishing or notAugust 1 marks a key date. Exuma Cays, spanning over 100,000 acres of ocean, islands, blue holes, coral reefs and estuaries, was the first land and sea park established in the world. 6 Persons). You can even catch marlin or other billfish there just keep in mind they are catch and release. 4. We can be reached by phone at 1 (242) 393-1777, by fax at 1 (242) 393-0238, or by e-mail. 2022 Exuma Fantasea Tour. Harris was under water for about 30 seconds, and then he popped out of the water with a beautiful Grouper hanging from his spear. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Bonefish Made Fly Fishing in the Bahamas Famous. The area code for Exuma (as well as for the rest of the Bahamas) is 242. Its Da Ting To Do!, Tour Guide $500 to accompany guests in a vessel of their own This includes scuba gear as well as air compressors. Reserving an Exuma fishing charter is the perfect way to experience some of the best sport fishing in the Bahamas. The 2019 Robalo R272 is primed to tackle any fishing adventure. Each fishing area is delimited by specific geographical coordinates. Dont get turned away by full marinas and even if they can squeeze you in a spot somewhere you will most likely not be able to get a room. Exuma Bucket List: Best Things to Do on the Bahamas Island from Georgetown & Beyond. This information is NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION. Per boat, you cannot exceed ten tails of crawfish or lobster. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The Government, in an effort to ensure the continued sustainability of local conch stocks, has decided to prohibit the harvesting of the species by foreign boaters. For colors, go with blue/white, purple, and pink. Bahamas water tours, excursions and adventures across all of Exuma Cays, Great Exuma, and Little Exuma including scuba diving, deep sea fishing, reef fishing, snorkel a sunken drug plane, feed the iguanas, swim with the nurse sharks, admire starfish bay, and feed the swimming pigs, maybe even spot a sea turtle! Seleziona una pagina. There are seasons on both grouper and crawfish (lobster) -- make sure you know when they are legal. If the crew has gone considerably far out of their way for you, you may tip more, just like in a restaurant. A person shall fish by the traditional method of angling with a hook or lure attached to a line held in the hand or attached to a pole, rod or reel; A person, unless otherwise authorized by the respective permit, shall not use a spear, a fish trap, or a net other than a landing net; Any migratory fishery resource that is caught shall not in total consist of more than six (6) Kingfish, Dolphin, Tuna or Wahoo per vessel and any resource not intended to be used shall not be injured unnecessarily but be returned to the sea alive; No vessel shall have on board any conch or turtle or more than twenty pounds of any demersal fishery resources (groupers, snappers, etc.) All other species must be brought back in the condition specified in U.S. federal rules (example: cobia, tuna, swordfish must be brought back in whole condition). This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Deepwater pelagic species on the drop in the Exuma Sound, Youll mostly just catch barracuda trolling in the Exuma Banks, Be aware of where the park boundaries are, Good chances to spearfish lionfish, grouper, hogfish, and snapper on the numerous reefs. 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. The tax man has gotten us before. All . These are subsistence, recreational, and commercial fishing. Anything goes, right? Bonefishing is popular around Staniel Cay as a type of sport fishing. Box N-3028 Box N-3028 Best fishing tips for Exuma. 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! Lobster or Crawfish Annual closed season is April 1 to July 31. The Exuma Islands are known for their seafood, so if you're a lover of fish, shrimp, lobster, and crab, it's likely that you'll find something to tantalize your taste buds here. The cost for a fishing license is USD $5 per day, USD $20 per month or USD $60 for an annual license. 12. Instructions: Another method zig zag from around 200 feet until the depth sounder no longer registers. The use of more than six rods moves you to another category of sports-fishing vessel. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Use a spinning reel setup to cast your lure over the reefs. Before you can get on with turning sea life into seafood, though, its best to know the rules. 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. Insider advice on avoiding the crowds as you hit all the best beaches, resorts, outdoor activities, restaurants, and nightlife. Unless you are fishing in an approved tournament, all billfish (Marlin, Sailfish, or Swordfish) caught must be returned to the sea unharmed. Laws (see Part 9) and Regulations (see Chapter 25) Maine Lobster Advisory Council and Zone councils. Action is at its best from OctoberMay when the waters are cooler, and the weather is dry. . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Be sure to check for any changes with the Bahamas Department of Marine Resources at https://www.bahamas.gov.bs. These are great to go spearfishing since you dont need a long breath hold to explore. Please note: by Bahamian law, nothing may be taken from the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park waters and this includes fishing of any kind. Ministry of Agriculture & Marine Resources 2. Theres no bad time to go Bonefishing in Staniel Cay Exuma, Bahamas. Lobsters are caught in baited traps placed on the bottom of the sea. Our half day lobster spearfishing tour is offered at the best rate guaranteed. We will ensure that your experience abroad our comfortable boat will be etched in you memory for years to come. Reviews (1) Our half day lobster spearfishing tour is offered at the best rate guaranteed. Fishing guides and fishing boats are limited so book early. If you want to check one out, drop the anchor in ~15 feet of water. Although we aren't in the know on every niche, we can assure you you'll find plenty of top-notch opportunities to experience your watersport of choice. Although there are many species that populate warm temperature flats, bonefish are undoubtedly the most popular. Website Maintenance by Skyway Overseas. Lobster - no more than 10 at a time; the season is closed from April 1 - July 31. 1:44. With a large, sharp knife, split each tail in half lengthwise so it opens butterfly-style. Some are more narrow and treacherous than others, so its a good idea to know which ones to use when you head out for the day. This little restaurant along the road is the meeting place for fishermen and women to Little Exuma homes. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Brent grew up spending his summers out on the water, exploring the many rivers, streams, and lakes of the region. Spearfishing is restricted to free divers only and only with the use of a Hawaiian sling. (It is illegal to use scuba gear or a spear gun.only free diving is allowed.) Department of Marine Resources Happy fishing. Text or Call (242) 524-8062 and Whats App, Staniel Cay Adventures Staniel Cay Exuma Bahamas 2023, Normans Cay and The Exuma Land and Sea Park, Little Farmers Cay Turtley Awesome Adventure. 2023 YACHT WARRIORS. You will not be admitted if it is expired or close to expiring. To ensure you have the most current Sportsfishing Regulations (PART X of the Subsidiary Legislation ), please contact the DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES DIRECTLY. Join us in this tropical destination while we do a catch, clean and cook with lobster, conch and fish on a private island! Grill meat-side down for approximately 3 minutes at 375 degrees (F) to sear, then flip shell-side down and continue grilling 8 minutes until done. If some of your group isnt interested in fishing, consider arranging for a charter from one of the marinas Highbourne Cay, Compass Cay, or Staniel Cay. This has been my most successful diving lure recently, and I caught my first wahoo with it. Limited Entry and Apprentice Program, Waiting Lists and Waiting List Verification. Proceed through Highborne Cay Cut onto the Great Bahamas Bank. In John Pennekamp State Park lobster harvesting is prohibited during the 8 month regular and commercial season. In Your Vessel. Peace & Plenty fishes up to as many as 10 boats and guides a day. The Exuma Islands have been the location for James Bond films, not once, but twice! Cash for Cruising Permitwe cannot confirm if any locations accept credit or debit cards for government transactions. Sailing Songs The Best Yacht Rock Playlist, Yacht Charter Bucket List: Heres Where Im Sailing. All rights reserved. The Government takes safeguarding its seas seriously. Your email address will not be published. Do I need a permit to fish in The Bahamas? Required fields are marked *. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. . Yacht Warriors is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Half Day Lobster Spearfishing Tours(Seasonal) (Max. the right waters low tide spots with soft, steady ripples along the surface. If one type is getting more action, we might switch it out. The use of a spear gun for fishing is not allowed in The Bahamas. You can fish off the beach without a license in the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It is also illegal to catch any kind of shark. ), to reef fishing and shore for Grouper and Snapper, to trying your hand at legendary Bone Fishing. Yes, we plan on seeing Pig Beach, Thunderball Grotto and at least one of the iguana Cays. The population of the Exuma islands is only about 3,600! Silver airways- are they really that bad? Plus, its the quiet season, so we have some *excellent deals on accommodations* [link to $59 deal]. It is illegal for a non-Bahamian to use fish traps or to sell marine products of any type. Jimmy Nelson" on the Sportsman channel ( Monday) at 6am & 3:30pm!_____SUBSCRIBE for m. Any longtime Exumian (and most restaurants) freeze a few to get through the off season. Strict rules and steep fines are in place to ensure sustainable fishing and environmental protection. If you are transporting by air to any US destination contact the US Fish and Wildlife Service for regulations regarding transport of lobsters, fish and conch. Scuba & Snorkelling Boat Tours. National Marine Parks are strictly off limits for any kind of fishing. 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. Last updated by Steve Bennett on 10/11/2021. Up to 3 people. Scuba gear cannot be used while taking lobster. We've assembled some useful information on the best fishing around Great and Little Exuma. 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. They spook at the first sign of danger and hit 40 miles per hour as they escaped across the flats. Rub open side of each tail with olive oil and sprinkle on your seasonings (olive oil, garlic, salt, pepperor mix up something different). However, if you take out the meat and be careful with the bones, you will enjoy it and love the taste. Come taste the best lobster of Exuma! ATMs are not available at all locations and serviceability can be limited depending on the location. With some planning, you too can have some success on your next Exumas yacht charter sailing trip. You can see in the screenshot a section of the drop and exactly where we hooked up. On our first time to the Exumas we rented one set of fishing gear and bought 3 lures at the small marina store. Required fields are marked *. And the tell-tale movement of a fish a silver glimmer or a bit of kicked up sand. No fishing license is needed for visitors (excluding commercial fishing operations) You may fish from shore. Another important thing to keep in the mind is sizes and restrictions. Lunch is not included but we can order a boxed meal for you. Bahamas Lobster Season: August 1 - March 31 During kick off of The Bahamas Lobster Season opening marina and hotel reservation are always near full capacity throughout The Bahamas, so make your reservations early. . P.O. Other fish must not exceed 60 pounds or 20 fish (such as grouper or snapper). You can always tell a fresh tail if its still wriggling on the grill! (Be carefulthe U.S. carapace minimum is 3 inches, so pay attention on how you measure your lobster.). In the Out Islands, the vibe is especially chill. Catch and release is strongly encouraged. Any lobsters harvested in The Bahamas during their open season cannot be transported by private vessel into state waters during Floridas closed season. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Private Fishing $1600. Keep checking that forecast! It is best to hire a guide as finding the Bonefish is not easy and the Exuma fishing guides are incredibly skilled. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Why should you book a yacht charter with us? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You need a license To fish from a boat in Exuma; better yet go with a Bahamian who has a licensed boat.